Watch clasp with integrated sensor unit for recording body-related data

Abstract

- Main claim: Watch clasp for a wristwatch, in particular for a mechanical wristwatch, with at least two locking elements (2+3) that can be locked together, characterized in that a sensor unit (1) for recording body-related, movement-related or wear-related data is arranged on the underside of the watch clasp facing the wrist, wherein the sensor unit (1) is integrated into the watch clasp and is not part of the watch case and not part of the strap (11).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a watch clasp for wearable watches, in particular for mechanical wristwatches, with an integrated sensor unit (1) for recording body-related, movement-related or wear-related data.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the mechanical and functional integration of a sensor unit (1) into a watch clasp, without electronic components being arranged in the watch case or in the strap itself. 2. State of the art

[0003] Various solutions for collecting body-related data are known from the state of the art, including: • Smartwatches with fully integrated electronics in the watch case, • Fitness trackers with sensors in the wristband or in separate plastic housings, • Fitness tracker designed as a ring with built-in sensors, • Modular sensor units that are attached to or embedded in wristbands.

[0004] However, these known solutions have several disadvantages. In particular, the sensors are either visible, permanently attached to the watch case, or incompatible with mechanical wristwatches. Furthermore, existing solutions often detract from the appearance of high-quality or mechanical watches and do not allow for universal use across different bandwidths, materials, or watch brands. 3. Object of the invention

[0005] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a watch clasp that integrates a sensor unit (1) for data acquisition without: • to change the external appearance of the watch, • to arrange electronic components inside the watch case, • to impair the mechanical function or character of the watch.

[0006] In particular, a solution should be created that enables universal compatibility with different strap materials, bandwidths and watches, while also having a design suitable for mass production. 4. Solution to the task

[0007] This problem is solved by a watch clasp for a wearable device, in particular for a wristwatch, having the features of the main claim.

[0008] According to the invention, the watch clasp has a sensor unit (1) which is arranged on the underside of the watch clasp facing the wrist. The sensor unit (1) is not in the watch case or in the strap, but is functionally and mechanically integrated into the watch clasp. Description of the drawing The drawing shows an embodiment of the watch clasp according to the invention in 6 figures.

[0009] The watch clasp has a sensor unit (1) which is integrated into a sensor housing.

[0010] The watch clasp further comprises two locking elements (2+3) which are movably connected to the sensor housing (1) via the two axes (4).

[0011] The watch strap (11) is attached to the fixed side via a stepped bolt (5) and a locking bolt (6).

[0012] The perforated watch strap (11) is attached on the adjustable side via the lower part strap closure (7) and the rotatable upper part strap closure (8).

[0013] The strap closure comprises a lower part (7) and an upper part (8), which together form the adjustment mechanism for the perforated watch strap (11).

[0014] The movable elements (7+8) of the watch clasp are connected to each other via axles (9+10), which allows the strap clasp to be opened and closed. 5. Design of the sensor unit

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit (1) has the following features: • a standalone sensor housing (1), • Sensors for determining health data such as PPG, HF / HR, HRV, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, skin temperature sensor, haptic motor or ECG and blood pressure measurement. • an integrated energy source, • a charging device, preferably via contact surfaces or spring contacts, • An attachment to the watch clasp by means of a screw connection, clip connection or similar mechanical connection.

[0016] The sensor unit (1) may have elastic, rounded or ergonomically adapted outer surfaces to allow comfortable skin contact when worn. 6. Watch clasp

[0017] The watch clasp is preferably designed as a folding clasp and has in particular the following features: • two locking elements (2+3) that can be locked together • a central locking element which serves as a sensor housing (1), • a flat or slightly convex underside.

[0018] The sensor unit (1) is functionally and aesthetically integrated into a wrist-side clasp element (2+3) of the watch strap (11), ensuring stable contact with the wrist when worn. 7. Universal interpretation

[0019] A key feature of the invention is the universal design of the sensor unit (1), wherein: • the same sensor unit (1) can be used for different bandwidths, • the sensor unit (1) can be used independently of the belt material, • there is no functional dependency between the sensor unit (1) and the watch case.

[0020] This allows for a high degree of flexibility while simultaneously reducing the variety of variants. 8. Advantages of the invention

[0021] The invention has the following advantages in particular: • No visible electronics when worn, • Separation of clock and electronics, • High compatibility with existing mechanical watches, • ergonomically favorable sensor position, • Economical mass production through a uniform sensor unit (1). 9. Differentiation from the state of the art

[0022] Unlike known solutions: • the sensor unit (1) is not located in the watch case, • the sensor unit (1) is not part of the wristband, • the sensor unit (1) is integrated into a watch clasp, • A single sensor unit (1) is used across multiple bandwidths. 10. Protection-relevant core elements

[0023] The following are considered particularly relevant for protection: 1. the arrangement of a sensor unit (1) on the wrist-side underside of a watch clasp, 2. the use of a single sensor unit (1) for multiple bandwidths, 3. the integration of the sensor unit (1) into a metallic watch clasp, 4. the mechanical attachment of the sensor unit (1) to the watch clasp. 11. Further developments

[0024] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In particular, the following are possible: • different sensor types, • different materials for the watch clasp, • Adaptations to different types of wristbands or watches. Reference symbol list 1 sensor unit / sensor housing 2 levers of the folding clasp (first locking element) 3 levers of the folding clasp (second locking element) 4-axis sensor housing 5-step bolt band 6 locking bolts 7 Lower part Band closure 8 Top strap closure 9-axis strap closure 10-axis closure 11 Watch strap

Claims

[1] - Main claim: Watch clasp for a wristwatch, in particular for a mechanical wristwatch, with at least two locking elements (2+3) that can be locked together, characterized by , that a sensor unit (1) for recording body-related, movement-related or wear-related data is arranged on the underside of the watch clasp facing the wrist, wherein the sensor unit (1) is integrated into the watch clasp and is not part of the watch case and not part of the strap (11). [2] - Positioning of watch clasp according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sensor unit (1) is arranged on a locking element (2+3) of the watch clasp, which in the closed state faces the wrist. [3] - Universal applicability of a watch clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the same sensor unit (1) can be used for different bandwidths, in particular for bandwidths up to 26 mm. [4] - Interchangeability of watch clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor unit (1) is detachably attached to the watch clasp. [5] - Fastening methods for the watch clasp according to claim 4, characterized by , that the sensor unit (1) is attached to the watch clasp by means of a screw connection, clip connection or a form-fit or force-fit connection. [6] - Wearing comfort watch clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor unit (1) has elastic, springy or rounded outer surfaces to improve skin contact. [7] - Energy supply for a watch clasp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor unit (1) has an integrated power source and charging device.

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