Functional module for a wrist-worn device

Abstract

Functional module (1) for a device worn on the wrist, in particular a wristwatch (8), with a housing (2) and a fastening unit (3) for detachable attachment to the wrist-worn device, characterized by that the functional module (1) includes a functional unit (4) for providing an additional function, wherein the additional function is different from a time measurement function.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional module for a wrist-worn device, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a housing and a fastening unit for detachable attachment to the wrist-worn device. The present invention further relates to a wristwatch and the use of a functional module.

[0002] Wristwatches have evolved from mere timekeepers to multifunctional companions. Besides classic mechanical models, smartwatches are particularly widespread, offering additional functions through sensors, wireless communication, and software. Regardless of the type of watch, there is a strong interest in many applications for making everyday functions readily available on the wrist.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0004] The problem is solved by a functional module, a wristwatch, and the use of a functional module with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.

[0005] A functional module for a wrist-worn device is proposed, comprising a housing and a mounting unit for detachable attachment to the wrist-worn device. The functional module includes a functional unit for providing an additional function, which is different from a timekeeping function. In particular, the wrist-worn device can be a wristwatch, especially a smartwatch.

[0006] For the purposes of this application, a wearable device on the wrist is understood to mean, in particular, an end device worn on a user's wrist and designed to be held on the wrist, for example by means of a wristband, a cuff, or other carrying device. The wearable device on the wrist may, in particular, be designed as a wristwatch, preferably as an electronic wristwatch, especially a smartwatch.

[0007] The functional module with its functional unit for providing additional functions beyond simple timekeeping makes it advantageous to offer the wrist-worn device additional functions beyond mere time measurement. This allows for a functional expansion of the wrist-worn device with minimal effort and high flexibility.

[0008] It is advantageous if the fastening unit comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element corresponding to the first coupling element.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the fastening unit comprises a first coupling element and a corresponding second coupling element, thus providing a defined and simultaneously detachable connection between the functional module and the wrist-worn device. This facilitates the attachment and removal of the functional module and ensures reliable fixation during intended use.

[0010] The coupling elements can be implemented in various technical designs, for example as magnetic coupling, as snap-fit ​​coupling (especially as a click connection) and / or as thread-based coupling (especially as a rotary or screw connection). This allows the fastening unit to be adapted to different design constraints, user preferences, and applications.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first coupling element is arranged on the housing of the functional module. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the second coupling element can be attached to the wrist-worn device.

[0012] It is advantageous if the first coupling element is arranged on the housing of the functional module, since this allows the coupling to be provided as an integral part of the functional module and the functional module to be designed as an independently manageable component.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the second coupling element can be attached to the wrist-worn device, so that the wrist-worn device can be designed as a carrier of the corresponding second coupling element and a defined interaction of the coupling elements for detachable fastening is enabled.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the functional module can be positioned above or below a time display of the wrist-worn device, so that the time display remains visible during intended use and time reading is possible even with the functional module attached.

[0015] Alternatively, the second coupling element can be positioned on the wristband, thus decoupling the time display from the function module's placement and ensuring the time remains readable regardless of the function module's position. This allows for greater design flexibility in the function module's placement without compromising the basic time-reading function.

[0016] It is advantageous if the functional unit is designed as a storage unit. In particular, the storage unit is designed as a key safe.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, a storage unit is understood to be a functional unit designed to hold at least one object in a receiving space and to secure this object against unintentional falling out during intended use. The storage unit may, in particular, comprise a housing part with a receiving space and an access point to the receiving space. The access point is preferably closable, at least temporarily, by means of a closure, in particular a lid, slider, or hinged closure. The storage unit may be designed such that the received object is protected from external influences, in particular from contamination and / or moisture.

[0018] A key safe is a storage unit designed to hold at least one key, in particular a mechanical key and / or an electronic key, and to control access to the key during its intended use. For this purpose, the key safe may, in particular, have a lockable compartment, the lock preferably being secured against unintentional opening, for example by a latch, a locking mechanism, or another security device.

[0019] This offers the advantage that the wrist-worn device can be expanded with a storage function via the functional module, allowing a user to carry a key or other small item close to their body without having to carry separate storage containers. In particular, this enables flexible and needs-based use, as the storage unit can be attached when needed and removed when not.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage unit is designed as a waterproof key fob safe. A key fob safe is a storage unit designed to accommodate at least one electronic key fob, in particular a vehicle key with a radio remote control function and / or a keyless entry transmitter. The key fob safe can comprise a compartment for the key fob and a lockable access to the compartment. The access can be closed by means of a lock, in particular a cover or a flap, and preferably includes a safety device to prevent unintentional opening.

[0021] This offers the advantage that an electronic key fob can be carried securely on the body and is simultaneously protected against moisture. This allows the functional module to be used particularly during outdoor activities or in water-related environments without the key fob being affected by water ingress.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the functional unit is designed as a bicycle computer. For the purposes of this application, a bicycle computer is understood to be a functional unit that is designed to record, process, and / or output at least one bicycle-related operating and / or movement parameter during its intended use.

[0023] Designing the functional unit as a bicycle computer offers the advantage that it can be safely stowed and worn close to the body.

[0024] It is advantageous if the functional unit can be paired with both the wrist-worn device and a compatible bicycle. This allows the unit to be connected to the bicycle, for example, during a ride, and to record bicycle-related operating and / or movement parameters. During a break or after finishing the ride, the unit can be disconnected from the bicycle and paired with the wrist-worn device. This allows the bike computer to be kept close to the body, reducing the risk of forgetting or losing it.

[0025] Advantageously, the functional unit is designed as a power supply unit and / or as a USB interface unit. In particular, the power supply unit is designed as a power bank.

[0026] An energy supply unit describes a functional unit designed to provide electrical energy for its intended use, in particular to supply an external electrical device and / or to charge an energy storage device of an external electrical device. The energy supply unit can be designed, in particular, as a power bank, i.e., as a portable energy storage device with an interface for energy output.

[0027] This offers the advantage that the wrist-worn device and / or another external device can be easily powered as needed, especially on the go, without having to carry a separate power bank. Thanks to its modular design, the power supply and / or interface function can be used only when required and otherwise removed.

[0028] A wristwatch comprising a watch case and a functional module is proposed. The functional module is preferably designed according to the preceding description, whereby the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0029] This offers the advantage of providing a wristwatch that can be easily expanded with at least one additional function other than timekeeping via the functional module. This allows the wristwatch to be adapted to different usage situations by attaching the desired functional module and removing or replacing it with a different one when not needed.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the mounting unit of the functional module comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element corresponding to the first. It is advantageous if the first coupling element is arranged on the housing of the functional module. Alternatively, or as a supplement, it is advantageous if the second coupling element is arranged on the watch case.

[0031] This offers the advantage that the corresponding coupling elements provide a defined and detachable attachment of the functional module to the wristwatch, thus enabling easy attachment, removal, and replacement of the functional module.

[0032] It is proposed that a functional module be used to provide an additional function, other than a timekeeping function, for a wrist-worn device. The functional module is preferably configured according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. In particular, the wrist-worn device is a wristwatch.

[0033] In one exemplary application, the functional module is detachably attached to a wristwatch, for example to a watch case and / or a wristwatch strap, via the mounting unit, in particular via the first coupling element and the corresponding second coupling element. Once attached, the functional unit of the module provides the additional function, which differs from the wristwatch's timekeeping function.

[0034] For example, the functional unit can be designed as a storage unit, particularly as a key safe. In this case, a user can securely store a house key in the unit and carry it on their wrist when used as intended. This keeps the house key close to the body, reducing the risk of forgetting or losing it. Furthermore, the functional module can be detached from the wristwatch when needed, allowing the additional function to be used as required.

[0035] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiment. It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic side view of a wristwatch.

[0036] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a wristwatch 8. The wristwatch 8 comprises a watch case 9 and a functional module 1 arranged on the wristwatch 8. The functional module 1 comprises a housing 2 and a mounting unit 3 for detachably attaching the functional module 1 to the watch case 9. Furthermore, the functional module 1 comprises a functional unit 4 for providing an additional function different from the timekeeping function of the wristwatch 8.

[0037] The fastening unit 3 comprises a first coupling element 5 and a second coupling element 6 corresponding to the first coupling element 5. The first coupling element 5 is arranged on the housing 2 of the functional module 1. The second coupling element 6 is arranged on the watch case 9 of the wristwatch 8. The first coupling element 5 and the second coupling element 6 interact so that the functional module 1 can be detachably connected to the watch case 9. The coupling elements 5 and 6 can, for example, be designed as oppositely polarized magnets, which allows the functional module 1 to be easily connected to the watch case 9.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the functional unit 4 is designed as a storage unit 7. The storage unit 7 provides the additional function in the form of a storage function.

[0039] As an example of its use, the functional module 1 is attached to the watch case 9 by means of the fastening unit 3, by engaging the first coupling element 5 with the second coupling element 6, so that the functional module 1 is detachably held on the watch case 9. Subsequently, the additional function provided by the functional unit 4 is available, in this example the storage function of the storage unit 7, so that an item, for example a house key, is carried safely in the storage unit 7. Reference symbol list 1 Functional module 2 cases 3 Mounting unit 4 Functional unit 5 first coupling element 6 second coupling element 7 storage units 8 Wristwatch 9 watch cases

Claims

[1] Functional module (1) for a device worn on the wrist, in particular a wristwatch (8), with a housing (2) and a fastening unit (3) for detachable attachment to the wrist-worn device, characterized by , that the functional module (1) includes a functional unit (4) for providing an additional function, wherein the additional function is different from a time measurement function. [2] Functional module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the fastening unit (3) comprises a first coupling element (5) and a second coupling element (6) corresponding to the first coupling element (5). [3] Functional module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first coupling element (5) is arranged on the housing (2) of the functional module (1) and / or that the second coupling element (6) can be attached to the wrist-worn device. [4] Functional module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional unit (4) is designed as a storage unit (7), in particular a key safe. [5] Functional module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage unit (7) is designed as a waterproof radio key safe. [6] Functional module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional unit (4) is designed as a bicycle computer. [7] Functional module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional unit (4) is designed as a power supply unit, in particular a power bank, and / or as a USB interface unit. [8] Wristwatch (8) with a watch case (9) and a functional module (1), characterized by , that the functional module (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Wristwatch (8) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the fastening unit (3) of the functional module (1) comprises a first coupling element (5) and a second coupling element (6) corresponding to the first coupling element (5), wherein the first coupling element (5) is arranged on the housing (2) of the functional module (1) and / or the second coupling element (6) is arranged on the watch case (9). [10] Use of a functional module (1) to provide an additional function other than a timekeeping function for a device worn on the wrist, in particular a wristwatch (8), characterized by , that the functional module (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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