JP7412366B2 - electronic watch system - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/140,679, filed September 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Traditional electronic watches and activity modules do not transfer signals to or from the watch strap. However, as the electronic watch industry moves toward advances in biosensing technology, it will become necessary to include additional sensors, batteries, and/or cameras on watch straps. This would require an electrical connection between the watch strap and the electronic watch or activity module.

BRIEF SUMMARY The present disclosure provides for rotatably coupling a first component (e.g., a watch strap) and a second component (e.g., an electronic wristwatch) without using additional electrical power. An electronic wrist watch system and a hinge system for electronic devices are provided that can reliably transfer signals to and from a second component.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a hinge system for an electronic device that includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first housing, a first board extending within the first housing, a first connector provided at an end of the first housing, and a first connector provided within the first connector. It may also include a plurality of curved elements. The first substrate may have a conductive element and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the conductive element. The first connector may have a vertical opening extending through the first connector in a first direction. The first connector may have a plurality of first openings spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending into the first connector in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each curved element may have an inner surface at least partially extending around the longitudinal opening and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A curved portion of the outer surface of each curved element may be exposed at each of the plurality of first openings. Each curved element may be electrically connected to at least the electrically conductive element of the first component. The second component may include a second housing and a second connector provided at an end of the second housing. The first connector is configured to mate with the second connector such that the first connector is rotatably coupled to the second connector when the first component engages the second component. may be done.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic wristwatch system that includes an electronic wristwatch strap, a receptacle rotatably coupled to the electronic wristwatch belt, and an electronic wristwatch. The electronic watch strap includes a first flexible housing having a first flexible substrate extending therein, and a first flexible housing provided at an end of the first housing and having a plurality of curved elements inside. It may also include a connector. The first substrate may have a conductive element and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the conductive element. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from each other. Each curved element may be electrically connected to at least each of the electrically conductive elements of the first substrate. The receptacle may include a circular shelf and an intermediate connector disposed within the circular shelf having a plurality of contacts therein. The contact portions may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each contact portion may have a first end exposed at the bottom surface of the circular shelf and a second end exposed at the top surface of the circular shelf opposite the bottom surface. The first end of the contact portion may engage and be electrically connected to the plurality of curved elements.

The electronic wristwatch may include a second casing into which the second board extends, and a second connector provided on the surface of the second casing and having a plurality of pins inside. The second substrate may have a conductive element and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the conductive element. The pins may be electrically conductive and circumferentially spaced from each other. Each pin may have a free end exposed at the bottom of the second housing. Each pin may be electrically connected to at least each of the conductive elements of the second substrate. The plurality of pins mate with the plurality of contacts such that the free end of the pin engages and is electrically connected to the second end of the contact when the electronic wristwatch engages the receptacle. It may be configured to do so.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flexible housing, a flexible substrate extending inside the flexible housing, a connector provided at an end of the flexible housing, and a connector inside the connector. A plurality of curved elements are provided on the electronic watch strap. The flexible substrate may have an electrically conductive element and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the electrically conductive element. The connector may have a longitudinal opening extending through the connector in a first direction. The connector may have a plurality of lateral openings spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending into the connector in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each curved element may have an inner surface at least partially extending around the longitudinal opening and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A curved portion of the outer surface of each curved element may be exposed at each of the plurality of openings. Each curved element may be electrically connected to at least each of the electrically conductive elements.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic wristwatch system according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the watch strap of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B is an enlarged, partially transparent perspective view of the watch strap connector of FIG. 1A; FIG. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the connector of the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B is a partially transparent enlarged perspective view of the connection between the watch strap and the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 1A; 1B is a cross-sectional view of the watch strap and electronic wristwatch connection of FIG. 1A shown in a first position; FIG. 1B is another cross-sectional view of the watch strap and electronic watch connection of FIG. 1A shown in a second position; FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the ring of FIG. 1F, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the connector of FIG. 1F, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 1F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variation of the contact portion of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variation of the contact portion of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variation of the contact portion of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially transparent enlarged perspective view of the contact portion shown in FIGS. 1F, 2D, and 2E. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of a variation of the watch strap connector of FIG. 1B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a variation of the connector of the electronic wristwatch of FIG. ID in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of the watch strap connector of FIG. 3A and the electronic watch connector of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the watch strap of FIG. 3A and the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 3B; 1 is a perspective view of an electronic wristwatch system according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 4B is a partially transparent enlarged perspective view of the connection between the watch strap, the insertion port, and the electronic wristwatch in FIG. 4A; FIG. 4B is a partially transparent enlarged perspective view showing the wristwatch strap, the socket, and the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 4A with the electronic wristwatch spaced apart from the socket; 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of the outlet of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of the outlet of FIG. 4A. FIG. FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 4A. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the watch strap, the insertion port, and the electronic wristwatch in FIG. 4A. FIG. FIG. 4B is a diagram of the connection between the contacts of the electronic wristwatch of FIG. 4A and the contacts of the receptacle, with only one pair of contacts being rotatably aligned with each other; 1 is a perspective view of an activity module system, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an analog wristwatch system according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop hinge system, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW This technology generally refers to hinge systems for electronic devices that are configured to reliably transfer signals between a watch and a belt, between a keyboard and a screen, or between other moving components of a device. or about mechanisms. In particular, the mechanism provides a rotatable electrical connection between the first component and the second component. The mechanism includes a plurality of curved elements (e.g., the curved element is a ring, or the curved element connects the curved portion to a portion of any shape) that mate with the plurality of conductive contacts included in the second component. ) is included in the first component. Electrical connection between the curved element (eg, ring) and the contact may be maintained during rotation. This is because when the curved element (eg, ring) rotates with respect to the contact part, the end of the contact part is slidable along the respective outer peripheral surface of the curved element (eg, ring).

In some implementations, the first component may be a watch strap and the second component may be an electronic wristwatch, such as a smartwatch. The first component may include a connector having multiple curved elements. In some implementations, the plurality of curved elements includes side-by-side conductive rings spaced apart from each other. The ring extends around one opening (or longitudinal opening) in the first component that is configured to receive a conventional pin. Conventional pins may be used to connect a first component (eg, a watch strap) to a connector on a second component (eg, a smartwatch). The second component may include a connector having side-by-side spaced conductive contacts. The contact portion is configured to mate with the ring when the watch strap is coupled to the smartwatch. During normal movement of the user, the electrical connection between the contacts and the ring is maintained as the watch strap rotates relative to the smartwatch.

In the watch strap and smart watch embodiments described above, the side-by-side conductive contacts may include various types of connections between the side-by-side rings and one or two substrates or printed circuit boards (PCBs). The contact extends only between one of the rings and the first PCB, for example by shortening the end of the contact or by not providing a conductive pad where the end of the contact contacts the second PCB. You can do it like this. In another example, the contact may extend between the first PCB and the second PCB, but may be shortened such that it does not extend into the ring. In certain implementations, the same side-by-side contacts may be used, or one or more of the contact variations described above may be combined into a single smartwatch connector. In this regard, the PCB may programmatically select one or more contacts for any communication.

Watch straps may be connected to various types of watches. In one example, a watch strap may be coupled to a traditional analog wristwatch while allowing smartwatch functionality. For example, a watch strap may not be electrically connected to an analog wristwatch, but can communicate with a smartphone to serve as a display and interface for smart functionality. In another example, a watch strap may be coupled to a smartwatch. This allows various components and/or functions to be distributed between the watch strap and the watch, such as auxiliary power, cameras, or activity-specific functions. The watch strap may also be coupled to a smart module that does not have a display screen. In such implementations, the watch strap may separate and/or share functionality with the smart module, but the smartphone may be used as a display and interface. In one embodiment, the rotatable connection between the ring and the contact described above may be incorporated into one or more hinges to allow signals to be transmitted from the laptop keyboard to the laptop screen.

In some examples, such as another smartwatch implementation, the connection between the ring and the contact may be included in a non-rotating connection between the first component and the second component. Such implementations may include interlocking components that provide a stronger electrical connection between the first and second components while preventing them from rotating relative to each other. For example, a watch strap may have a connector that includes a tab configured to engage a recess on a smartwatch. The cross-sections of the tab and recess are rectangular so that they do not rotate relative to each other. The watch strap and smartwatch may each have a continuous lip extending around the ring and the exposed portion of the contact. The lip of the watch strap can engage the lip of the smartwatch. A gasket may extend around the inside of the lip of the smartwatch to provide a watertight seal when the lip of the watch strap engages the lip of the smartwatch.

In one embodiment, an electronic watch system having a bayonet mount, such as a bayonet mount, may include a connection between the ring and the contact. As mentioned above, in such embodiments, the watch strap connector may include multiple curved elements, such as side-by-side conductive rings. The above-mentioned contacts may be housed in a receptacle (e.g., a circular receptacle) rotatably connected to the watch strap, for example by means of a spring-loaded watch strap pin passing through side-by-side rings. . An electronic watch (e.g., a smartwatch) with side-by-side conductive pins rotates into the socket so that when the smartwatch is fully engaged with the socket, the pins are rotated into contact with the contacts on the socket. may be engaged. While the smartwatch rotates to engage the socket, the pins and contacts remain in contact with each other so that there is only one electrical connection between the pin and the contacts before the smartwatch fully engages the socket. Rules may be spaced.

The electronics hinge system or mechanism described above may have various benefits and advantages. This mechanism does not require electrical power to communicate between components of electronic devices, such as watches. The mechanism is also low cost, easily removable and connectable, is resistant to dirt, and provides a wide range of movement between the components of the electronic device. Additionally, this mechanism allows the PCB to programmatically switch between different connectors. The described electronic device hinge mechanism can be incorporated into a variety of designs of electronic devices, such as electronic watch systems, electronic watch straps, activity modules, smart watches, smart wearable modules, analog watches, and laptop hinges.

Example System Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, an exemplary electronic watch system 10 includes an electronic watch strap 12 engaged with an electronic watch 14, such as a smart watch.

Electronic Watch Belt Electronic watch belt 12 includes a housing 20 configured to fit around a user's wrist. Housing 20 may be made from a flexible material, such as an elastomer. The wristwatch strap 12 also includes a substrate 22 that extends within the housing 20 . Substrate 22 may be flexible so that it is configured to bend around the user's wrist when housing 20 is bent around the user's wrist. Substrate 22 may have a conductive element and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the conductive element, such as one or more of a sensor, battery, or camera. Watch strap 12 may have one or more substrates 22 therein. Each of substrates 22 may include one or more microelectronics.

Watch strap 12 may include a connector 24 provided at each end of housing 20. Each connector 24 may be made from a hard material, such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Each connector 24 may be attached to an end of the housing 20 and may have a portion defining a circular or semicircular cross section. Each connector 24 may have a vertical opening 26 extending through the connector in the first direction D1. The rounded portion of the outer surface of each connector 24 may partially extend in the circumferential direction C1 around the vertical opening 26. Each connector 24 may have a plurality of lateral openings 28 spaced apart from each other in a first direction and extending into a radiused portion of the connector in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

Each connector 24 includes a plurality of curved elements provided therein. In the exemplary configuration, each curved element is a ring 30, and the plurality of curved elements are comprised of a plurality of rings 30 within the connector. As shown, there are five rings 30, but in other examples there may be more or less than five rings. The rings 30 may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. As shown, the rings 30 are spaced apart from each other by equal distances in the first direction D1, but in other examples, the distances between adjacent rings may vary within a single connector 24. In other examples, the number, size, and relative position of rings 30 may be different. Rings 30 may each be gold plated metal or another electrically conductive material. As can be seen in FIG. 1F, each ring 30 may have a lumen 32 defining an inner surface 34 extending around the longitudinal opening 26 and an outer surface 36 opposite the inner surface. . A curved portion 33 of the outer surface 36 of each ring 30 is exposed at each of the plurality of lateral openings 28.

Each ring 30 may be electrically connected to at least one of the conductive elements of substrate 22 through one or more conductive wires 38. Wire 38 may pass through an opening 29 extending from ring 30 to substrate 22 and between connector 24 and housing 20 . Each connector may include one or more spacers 39 extending around the longitudinal opening 26 and passing through the interior space 32 of the ring 30. Also, in some examples, spacers 39 may extend between adjacent rings 30. As can be seen in FIG. 1E, the spacer 39 may have a cylindrical shape. Spacer 39 may be configured to electrically insulate rings 30 from each other and from longitudinal opening 26 .

Electronic Watch As shown in FIG. 1D, the electronic watch 14 includes a housing 40. Electronic wristwatch 14 may include one or more substrates extending within housing 40 . For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1F, these boards may be two parallel boards including an upper printed circuit board ("PCB") 41 and a lower PCB 42 each extending within the housing 40. . One or both of the top PCB 41 and bottom PCB 42 may have electrically conductive elements and one or more microelectronic devices, such as a microprocessor and memory, electrically connected to the conductive elements. It should be understood that different numbers of substrates may be used and the relative positions and sizes of the substrates may vary.

As can be seen in FIG. 1D, the electronic watch 14 may include a connector 44 provided at each end of the housing 40. Each connector 44 may have one or more protrusions 45 extending from the housing 40 in the second direction D2, for example. In the illustrated example, each connector 44 has two protrusions 45 . However, in other examples, the number, size, and location of the protrusions may vary. Each protrusion 45 may have a recess 46 extending into the protrusion in the first direction D1. The recesses 46 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The connector 44 may have a plurality of lateral openings 48 spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and extending into the connector in a second direction D2. Lateral opening 48 may extend directly into housing 40 .

Each connector 44 includes a plurality of contact portions 50 provided therein. As shown, there are five contacts 50, the same number of rings 30, although in other examples there may be more or less than five contacts. The contact portions 50 may be electrically conductive and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. As shown, the contacts 50 are spaced apart from each other by equal distances in the first direction D1, but in other examples, this distance between adjacent contacts may vary within one connector 44. You can. In other examples, the number, size, shape, and relative position of contacts 50 may vary. Each contact portion 50 is formed of a stamped spring metal having shape memory properties such that when a first portion of the contact portion is bent relative to a second portion, the contact portion is biased back to its original shape. It may be an element. In other examples, the contact portion 50 may not have shape memory properties, and the force that maintains contact between the contact portion and the ring 30 may be provided by the housing 40 or another component. Contacts 50 may each be gold plated metal or another electrically conductive material.

Each contact portion 50 has a central portion 52 supported by the housing 40, a free end 54 cantilevered with respect to the central portion, and a second end portion 56 that contacts the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42. Good too. The central portion 52 of each contact portion 50 may pass through an insulating grommet 57 provided within the respective lateral opening 48 . Each insulating grommet 57 may be configured to electrically isolate the contacts from each other and from the housing 40. In some examples, the insulating grommet 57 may be omitted, such as those where the material of the housing 40 can electrically insulate the contacts 50 from each other. A free end 54 of each contact portion 50 is exposed in each of the plurality of lateral openings 48 .

Insulating pads 55 may be provided on the surface of housing 40 exposed within each lateral opening 48 . Each insulating pad 55 may be configured to electrically isolate each free end 54 of the contact portion 50 from the housing 40 in situations where the free end is moved into contact with the housing. In some instances, such as where the material of the surface of the housing 40 exposed within each lateral opening 48 is a dielectric material, additional electrical insulation may not be necessary, so the insulating pads 55 May be omitted.

At least some of the contacts 50 electrically connect the conductive elements of the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42 . As can be seen in FIG. 1F, the second end 56 of each contact portion 50 has a first point 58 in contact with a conductive element of the first PCB 41 and a second point 59 in contact with a conductive element of the second PCB 42. May have.

Rotatable Connection between an Electronic Watch Strap and an Electronic Wristwatch As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the electronic watch strap 12 may engage an electronic wristwatch 14. To accomplish this engagement, each connector 24 has a corresponding connector such that when the watch strap 12 is engaged with the electronic watch 14, each connector on the watch strap rotatably couples with a corresponding connector on the electronic watch. 44.

The rotatable connection between each connector 24 and the corresponding connector 44 is provided by a pin 60 shown in FIG. 3C.
etc., may be provided by a cylindrical pin. The cylindrical pin extends in the first direction D1 into the recess 46 of each projection 45 of the connector 44 and may completely pass through the longitudinal opening 26 of the corresponding connector 24. Each connector 24 may rotate around a cylindrical pin with respect to the housing 40. A cylindrical pin rotatably couples each connector 24 with a corresponding connector 44 such that the ring is electrically connected to the contact when the electronic watch strap 12 is engaged with the electronic watch 14. The ring 30 will contact the corresponding free end 54 of one contact portion 50. To this end, the spacing between adjacent rings 30 must match the spacing between adjacent contact portions 50, whether the spacing between adjacent rings is equal or different.

Physical and electrical contact between ring 30 and contacts 50 may be maintained by shape memory biasing of the contacts. The free end of the contact portion extends into the lateral opening 28 of the connector 24 so that interference occurs between the free end of the contact portion and the ring 30 when the electronic watch strap 12 is engaged with the electronic wristwatch 14. , the free end 54 of each contact portion 50 extends completely through the respective lateral opening 48 and slightly protrudes from the surface of the housing 40 .

The free end 54 of each contact portion 50 is configured to bend toward the housing 40 upon contact with the respective ring 30 when the electronic watch strap 12 engages the electronic watch 14. As each ring 30 contacts the free end 54 of the contact portion 50, the cantilevered free end moves relative to the central portion 52 supported by the housing 40. Each free end 54 is biased back to its initial shape when bent relative to its central portion, so that the shape memory of the contact portion 50 causes the corresponding ring 30 to maintain contact between the contact portion and the ring. It gives you the power to fight back. Although contact portion 50 and its free end 54 are shown as having an exemplary shape, it should be understood that other shapes are possible. For example, the free end 54 may be straight, angled, curved, or annular.

This physical and electrical contact between ring 30 and contacts 50 is maintained as each connector 24 rotates with respect to its corresponding connector 44. This is because the free ends 54 are slidable along the outer surface 36 of the corresponding ring 30 as the connectors are rotated with respect to each other. For example, when the electronic wristwatch strap 12 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 1F to the second position shown in FIG. 1G with respect to the electronic wristwatch 14, physical and electrical contact between the ring 30 and the contact portion 50 maintained. In the first position of FIG. 1F, the substrate 22 extends downwardly from the ring 30 and the free end 54 of the contact portion 50 is located near the lower end of the corresponding lateral opening 28. In the second position of FIG. 1G, the substrate 22 extends horizontally from the ring 30 and the free end of the contact portion 50 is located near the upper end of the corresponding lateral opening 28. Between the first and second positions, the free end 54 of the contact portion 50 slides upwardly along the outer surface 36 of the ring 30 within the corresponding lateral opening 28 .

Variation of Watch Strap Ring FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a variation of ring 30 of electronic watch strap 12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Although the plurality of curved elements have been described above throughout this disclosure as being comprised of a plurality of rings 30 shown as having a ring-shaped cross-section, this need not be the case. In the example of FIG. 2A, the electronic watch strap 12a has a curved element with a curved element 31 instead of the ring 30. The curved elements 31 may each be gold-plated metal or another electrically conductive material. The curved elements 31 each have a curved portion 33 on its outer surface 36a that is exposed at each of the plurality of lateral openings 28 of the watch strap. The curved elements 31 may each have an unexposed portion 35 of any shape, such as a rectangular portion. Each of the curved elements 31 in one connector may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, and the combination of shapes of the curved elements included in one connector of the electronic watch strap 12a is different from that of another of the electronic watch straps. It may be different from the connector.

Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the curved element 31, the curved element 31 is configured such that a pin, such as pin 60 of FIG. may extend at least partially around the vertical opening 26 . Variations in the cross-sectional shape of rings, such as curved element 31, may be applied to the example rings described herein.

Modifications of Connectors FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a modification of connectors 24 and 44 of FIGS. 1A-1G, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. This example is similar to the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, except that the ring or curved connector is located within the watch, while the spring connector is located within the belt. In this example, electronic watch strap 12b has a connector 44b similar to connector 44 of electronic watch strap 14 of FIGS. 1A-1G, and electronic wristwatch 14b has connector 44b of connector 44 of electronic watch strap 12 of FIGS. It has a similar connector 24b. The connector 44b included in the belt has protrusions 45b spaced apart in the first direction D1, and the connector 24b included in the wristwatch has protrusions 45b spaced apart in the first direction D1, and the connector 24b included in the watch has protrusions 45b spaced apart in the first direction D1, which are exposed through a plurality of lateral openings 28 at the rounded portion of the connector. It includes rings 30b spaced apart from each other. The connectors 24b each have a ring 30b with a rounded portion 33 exposed in one lateral opening 28. Ring 30b may be electrically connected to one or more PCBs of electronic wristwatch 14b via one or more conductive wires 38b.

The connector 44b has a contact portion 51 having a cantilevered free end 54 relative to the central portion 52 and a second end 56 that can be electrically connected to the substrate of the watch strap 12b. The contact portion 51 may be electrically connected to one or more substrates within the wrist watch strap 12b, and may have the shape of the contact portion 50 in FIGS. 1A to 1G, and the contact portions 50a and 50b described below in FIGS. 2C to 2F. , or 50c, or any of a variety of other shapes, such as annular, curved, etc. By way of example only, the free end 54 of the contact portion may be angled, curved, looped, or straight and may extend through the lateral opening 28. Other shapes adapted to engage ring 30b may also be used. Each of the contact portions 51 included in one connector 44b may have the same cross-sectional shape or a different cross-sectional shape, and the combination of shapes of the contact portions included in one connector of the electronic watch belt 12b is different from that of the electronic watch belt 12b. may be different from another connector.

Variations of rings or contacts located within electronic watch straps or watches may be applied to the examples described herein. In some examples, one electronic watch strap may have connector 24 on one end and connector 44b on the other end, and one corresponding electronic watch strap may have connector 44 on one end and connector 44b on the other end. It may have a connector 24b at the end.

Modifications of the Contact Portion of the Electronic Wristwatch FIGS. 2C to 2E are diagrams illustrating modifications of the contact portion 50 of the electronic wristwatch 14 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C shows a contact portion 50a having a similar shape to the contact portion 50 of FIG. 1F, but is only electrically connected to the first PCB 41 and not to the second PCB 42. The contact portion 50a contacts the conductive pad 62 of the first PCB 41, but where the contact portion contacts the second PCB 42, the second PCB has a component with electrically insulating features, such as a dielectric substrate portion of the second PCB. have As such, the contact portion 50a physically contacts the second PCB 42, but is electrically isolated from the conductive elements of the second PCB.

FIG. 2D shows a contact portion 50b having a second end 56b that is similar in shape to contact portion 50, but shorter than contact portion 50. FIG. The second end 56b of the contact portion 50b is long enough to make physical and electrical contact with the first PCB 41, but not long enough to make contact with the second PCB 42. Therefore, when the electronic watch strap 12 engages the electronic watch 14 and the ring 30 engages the corresponding contact part, the contact part 50b only electrically connects the corresponding ring and the first PCB 41.

2E shows a contact portion 50c having a similar shape to contact portion 50, but having a free end 54c that is shorter than contact portion 50. FIG. The second end 56c of the contact portion 50c is long enough to bring the first PCB 41 into physical and electrical contact with the second PCB 42, but the contact portion is not long enough to contact the corresponding ring 30. Therefore, when the electronic wristwatch strap 12 engages with the electronic wristwatch 14, the contact portion 50c electrically connects the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42, but the contact portion is spaced apart from the corresponding ring 30. Therefore, the corresponding ring and the first PCB or the second PCB are not electrically connected.

FIG. 2F shows an example of contacts 50, 50b, and 50c in combination with one connector 44d. When the electronic watch strap connector 24 engages the electronic watch connector 44d, the contact portion 50 is such that it brings the corresponding ring 30 into electrical contact with both the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42 (transparent in FIG. 2F). long. Since the contact portion 50b does not reach the second PCB 42, it only electrically connects the corresponding ring 30 and the first PCB 41. Since the contact portion 50c does not reach the corresponding ring 30, it only electrically connects the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42.

Non-Rotating Connector Variations FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrations of an exemplary electronic watch system 110 that is a variation of the electronic watch system 10 of FIGS. 1A-IF, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Electronic wristwatch system 110 may be the same as electronic wristwatch system 10, but differs in the following features. As can be seen in FIG. 3D, electronic watch system 110 includes an electronic watch strap 112 that is engaged with an electronic watch 114.

Watch strap 112 includes a connector 124 at each end of housing 120 , and electronic wristwatch 114 includes a connector 144 at each end of housing 140 . Connectors 124 and 144 are the same as connectors 24 and 44 described above, but further include interlocking components configured to mate with each other when watch strap 112 engages electronic wristwatch 114. The interlocking components are configured to prevent rotation of the connectors with respect to each other.

The interlocking component includes two tabs 164 extending from a side surface 166 of the connector 124 in a first direction D1 and two recesses 168 extending into respective protrusions 145 of the connector 144 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. . The cross section of each of the tab 164 and the recess 168 is rectangular and extends in a third direction D3 perpendicular to each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 such that the tab 164 is configured to engage the recess 168. The height of the tab is approximately equal to or slightly lower than the height of the recess in the third direction. The rectangular cross-sections of tab 164 and recess 168 are configured to rotatably secure connectors 124 and 144 to each other when the tab engages the recess.

The interlocking component also includes a lip 170 that extends from the connector 124 in the second direction D2 and extends around the plurality of lateral openings 128. Lip 172 extends from connector 144 in a second direction and extends around a plurality of lateral openings 148 . Gasket 174 extends around the inner surface of lip 172. The lip 170 is configured to be inserted into the lip 172 when the watch strap 112 is engaged with the electronic wristwatch 114 so that the gasket is configured to provide a watertight seal between the lips 170 and 172. The outer surface contour of 170 is approximately equal to the inner surface contour of gasket 174. As can be seen in FIG. 3D, the gasket 174 is thereby configured to provide a watertight seal around the interface between the ring 130 and the contact portion 150 when the watch strap 112 is engaged with the electronic wristwatch 114. Ru.

The interlocking components described above may differ from the specific examples shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. For example, a tab may be provided on the protrusion 145 of the connector 144 and a complementary recess may be provided extending into the connector 124. Gasket 174 may also be provided to extend around the outer surface of lip 170. In another variation, the contour of the outer surface of lip 172 is approximately equal to the contour of the inner surface of gasket 174, such that lip 172 is inserted into lip 170 when watch strap 112 is engaged with electronic wristwatch 114. The contours of lips 170 and 172 may be reversed, and gasket 174 may be provided to extend around the inner surface of lip 170.

Variations on the Jacket Mount FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate an exemplary electronic wristwatch system 210 that is a variation of the electronic wristwatch system 10 of FIGS. 1A-IF, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C, electronic wristwatch system 210 includes an electronic wristwatch strap 212 that is engaged with an electronic wristwatch 214 through a receptacle 216 that is configured to couple the wristwatch strap with the electronic wristwatch. The bayonet or bayonet mount may include, for example, a bayonet mount or other type of mount.

Wrist Watch Strap Electronic watch strap 212 includes a housing 220 and a board 222 similar to housing 20 and board 22 described above. The watch strap 212 has a connector 224 similar to the connector 24 described above at each end of the housing 220, but as can be seen from FIG. 4G, the contact portion is located off-center with respect to the protrusion 245. 250 except that the lateral opening 228 is located at an off-center circumferential position along the radius of the connector 224 compared to the lateral opening 28 . Each connector 224 includes a plurality of rings 230 (FIG. 4G) similar to ring 30 described above on the connector. A curved portion 233 of the outer surface 236 of each ring 230 is exposed at each of the plurality of lateral openings 228.

Jacket By means of a pin, such as pin 60 of FIG. 3C, socket 216 may be rotatably coupled to watch strap 212 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the coupling of electronic wristwatch 214 and watch strap 212. As can be seen in FIG. 4C, the outlet 216 includes a housing in the form of a circular shelf 240. As shown in FIG. The circular shelf 240 may have a bottom surface 241 and a top surface 242 opposite the bottom surface.

The receptacle 216 may include intermediate connectors 244 disposed within a circular ledge 240 on either side of the circular ledge. Each intermediate connector 244 may have, for example, one or more protrusions 245 extending in the second direction D2 from the circular shelf 240 that is the housing. In the example shown, each intermediate connector 244 has two protrusions 245. However, in other examples, the number, size, and location of the protrusions may vary. Each protrusion 245 may have a recess 246 extending into the protrusion in the first direction D1. The recesses 246 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The intermediate connector 244 may have a plurality of lateral openings 248 (FIGS. 4D and 4E) spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and extending into the intermediate connector in a second direction D2. Lateral opening 48 may extend directly into circular shelf 240 .

Each intermediate connector 244 includes a plurality of contacts 250 provided therein. As shown, there are five contacts 250, the same number of rings 230, although in other examples there may be more or less than five rings. Contact 250 may be electrically conductive, such as gold plated metal or another electrically conductive material. Each contact portion 250 has a central portion 252 supported by an intermediate connector 244, a first end 254 exposed at the bottom surface 241 of the circular shelf, and a second end 256 exposed at the top surface 242 of the circular shelf. It may also have. The first end 254 of each contact portion 250 may be cantilevered relative to the central portion 252, and the second end 256 of each contact portion may be concave and relative to the central portion. It may also be cantilevered. Each contact portion 250 is configured such that when the first end 254 or second end 256 of the contact portion is bent relative to the central portion 252 of the contact portion, the contact portion is biased back to its initial shape. It may also be a stamped spring metal element with shape memory properties. In other examples, contact portion 250 may not have shape memory and the force maintaining contact between the contact portion and ring 230 and/or pin 290 may be provided by circular ledge 240 or another component. may be applied. In other examples, the number, size, shape, and relative position of contacts 250 may vary.

A first end 254 of each of the contact portions 250 is exposed in each of a plurality of lateral openings 248 in the bottom surface 241 of the circular shelf 240, and a second end 256 of each of the contact portions is exposed in a circular It is exposed at the upper surface 242 of the shelf section. Each contact 250 may be fixed to and extend through an insulating insert 257. Insulating insert 257 is received within a corresponding recess 258 that extends into receptacle 216 . At least a portion of the lateral opening 248 may be defined by an insulating insert 257. Insulating insert 257 may be configured to electrically isolate contacts 250 from each other and from circular ledge 240. An insulating insert 257 may support a central portion 252 of each of the contact portions 250, and a first end 254 and a second end 256 of each of the contact portions may be cantilevered with respect to the insulating insert. Good too. In some examples, the insulating insert 257 may be omitted, such as those where the material of the circular shelf 240 can electrically insulate the contacts 250 from each other.

Contact portions 250 may be spaced apart from each other. The first ends 254 of the contact portion 250 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction D1, and the second ends 256 of the contact portion may be spaced apart from each other in a second circumferential direction C2, as shown in FIG. 4E. may be left blank, as shown in Figure 4B. The exact shape and length of a particular one of the second ends 256 of the contact portion 250 may be different from each other to ensure spacing along the second circumferential direction C2.

Electronic Watch Electronic watch 214 includes a housing 280. Electronic watch 214 may include one or more substrates extending within housing 280. As can be seen in FIG. 4G, the board may include a PCB 281 extending within the housing 280. It should be understood that different numbers of substrates may be used and the positions and sizes of the substrates may vary. As shown in FIG. 4C, the bottom surface 282 of the housing 280 may have a circular contour that is configured to mate with the contour of the top surface 242 of the circular shelf 240.

Electronic wristwatch 214 may include a connector 284 provided at each end of bottom surface 282 of housing 280. Each connector 284 includes a plurality of pins 290 provided thereon. Pins 290 may each be electrically conductive, such as gold plated metal or another electrically conductive material. Each pin 290 may have a free end 292 exposed at the bottom surface of the second housing. Each of the free ends 292 of the pins 290 may have an azimuthally elongated shape and protrude below the bottom surface 282 of the housing 280. As shown, there are five pins 290, the same number of contacts 250 and rings 230, although in other examples there may be more or less than five pins. Pins 290 may be electrically connected to conductive elements on PCB 281 that are electrically connected to one or more microelectronic devices provided within electronic watch 214, such as a microprocessor and memory.

The pins 290 may be spaced apart from each other in the second circumferential direction C2. As shown in FIG. 4F, the pins 290 are spaced apart from each other by equal distances in the second circumferential direction C2, but in other examples, such as the example diagram shown in FIG. The circumferential distances of may vary within one connector 284. Since the pin 290 and the second end of the contact portion are configured to fit into each other when the electronic wristwatch 214 is engaged with the receptacle 216, the spacing of the pin 290 in the second circumferential direction C2 is , must be the same as the spacing between the second ends 256 of the contact portions 250 in the second circumferential direction. As can be seen in FIG. 4G, each pin 290 may be secured to and extend through an insulating insert 294. Insulating insert 294 is housed within a corresponding recess 296 that extends into housing 280. Insulating inserts 294 may be configured to electrically isolate pins 290 from each other and from housing 280.

Rotatable Connection As seen in FIG. 4G, electronic watch strap 212 may engage electronic watch 214 through receptacle 216. The insertion port 216 is interposed between the watch strap and the electronic wristwatch to physically and electrically connect them.

Connection between the belt and the insertion port The engagement between the electronic wristwatch belt 212 and the insertion port 216 is similar to the engagement between the electronic wristwatch belt 12 and the electronic wristwatch 14 described above. To accomplish this engagement, each connector 224 is configured such that when the watch strap 212 is engaged with the receptacle 216, each connector on the watch strap rotatably couples with the intermediate connector of the corresponding receptacle. The intermediate connector 244 is configured to mate with the intermediate connector 244 . The rotatable connection between each connector 224 and the corresponding intermediate connector 244 may be provided by a cylindrical pin, such as pin 60 shown in FIG. 3C.

A cylindrical pin rotatably connects each connector 224 with a corresponding intermediate connector 244 such that the ring is electrically connected to the contact when the electronic watch strap 212 engages the receptacle 216. Each ring 230 will contact a corresponding first end 254 of one contact portion 250 . To this end, the spacing between adjacent rings 230 must match the spacing between adjacent contact portions 250, regardless of whether the spacing between adjacent rings is equal or different.

Physical and electrical contact between one or more rings 230 and contacts 250 may be maintained by shape memory biasing of the contacts. The first end of the contact portion extends into the lateral opening 228 of the connector 224 when the electronic watch strap 212 engages the receptacle 216 and the first end of the contact portion and the ring 230 are connected to each other. The first end 254 of one or more contacts 250 extends completely through the respective lateral opening 248 and slightly protrudes from the bottom surface 241 of the circular ledge 240 so that interference occurs. When each ring 230 contacts the first end 254 of the contact portion 250, the cantilevered first end moves relative to the central portion 252 supported by the circular ledge 240. Each first end 254 is biased back to its initial shape when bent relative to the central portion 252, so that the shape memory of the contact portion 250 provides physical and electrical contact between the contact portion and the ring. An opposing force is provided to the corresponding ring 230 that maintains the .

Connection between the wristwatch and the socket The electronic wristwatch 214 is engaged with the socket 216 by inserting the electronic wristwatch until the bottom surface 282 of the housing 280 engages with the circular shelf 240 and reaches the first engagement position. This is accomplished by translating the electronic wristwatch into the mouth and then rotating the electronic wristwatch with respect to the socket until the electronic wristwatch and the socket are in the second engaged position. In the first engaged position, pin 290
is spaced apart from the contact portion 250 in the second circumferential direction C2. In the second engagement position, all the pins are aligned in a second circumferential direction with respect to each of the contact portions.

When the electronic wristwatch 214 and the receptacle 216 are in the second engaged position, the pin 290 physically engages and is electrically connected to the contact portion 250 and the tab 286 extending from the bottom surface 282 of the housing 280. Engagement with a tab 249 extending from the bottom surface 241 of the circular shelf 240 prevents the electronic wristwatch from dislodging from the receptacle due to translational movement of the wristwatch. To this end, as will be explained in more detail below, the spacing between adjacent pins 290 must match the spacing between adjacent contact portions 250, whether the spacing between adjacent pins 290 is equal or different.

The structure of the free end 292 of the pin 290 and the second end 256 of the contact portion 250 is such that rotation of the electronic wristwatch prevents the electronic wristwatch 214 from dislodging from the receptacle 216 unless a sufficient rotational force is applied. It is composed of Physical and electrical contact between pin 290 and contact 250 may be maintained by shape memory biasing of the contact and complementary shapes of the pin and contact. Prior to engagement of the electronic watch 214 and the receptacle 216, the second end 256 of each contact portion 250 extends slightly above the top surface 242 of the circular shelf 240. When the electronic watch 214 engages the receptacle 216, the free end 292 of each azimuthally elongated pin 290 extends into the recessed portion of the second end 256 of the contact portion 250 and Interference occurs between the second end and the pin.

When each pin 290 contacts the second end 256 of the contact portion 250, the cantilevered second end is supported by the circular ledge 240 such that the second end bends into the intermediate connector 244. The central portion 252 is the reference point. The shape memory of the contacts 250 ensures physical and electrical contact between the contacts and the pins, as each second end 256 is biased back to its original shape when bent relative to the central portion 252. An opposing force is provided to maintain the corresponding pin 290. This force between the pin 290 and the contact 250 will cause rotation of the electronic watch 214 to cause the electronic watch to slip into the socket unless a sufficient rotational force is provided to overcome this force and the interference between the pin and the contact. 216.

Location of contacts and pins on the watch and the socket While the electronic watch 214 is being rotated with respect to the socket 216 from the first engagement position to the second engagement position, a short circuit should not occur. To prevent this, it is desirable that there be only one physical and electrical connection between pin 290 and contact 250 at any time before reaching the second engagement position. This involves irregularly spacing the second ends 256 of the contact portions 250 from each other according to a set of specific rules, and applying the same irregular spacing to the pin 290 in the second circumferential direction C2. This can be achieved by An example of such a spacing is shown in FIG. 4H, which shows an intermediate position (between the first and second engagement positions). The only physical and electrical connection between pin 290 and contact 250 is the physical and electrical connection between third pin 290c and second contact 250b.

The specific set of rules by which the desired irregular spacing described above can be achieved is based on the relationship between the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth contact portions 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e; It can be expressed by the angular distances (A, B, C, and D) between adjacent contact parts. If A is not equal to B+C, B is not equal to C+D, and D is not equal to B+C, then by the time the second engagement position is reached, the physical and electrical connections between pin 290 and contact 250 Mathematically, there is always only one connection at any time. In the specific example shown in FIG. 4H, A=25°, B=10°, C=20°, and D=40°, so the above equation holds true and the desired short circuit prevention condition can be achieved.

Other Variations Although the exemplary systems described above all include rotatable connections relating to an electronic watch and an electronic watch strap, the electrical connection between the rotatable ring and the contacts described above may include Various rotatable coupling examples may be implemented.

For example, FIG. 5 depicts an example electronic activity module system 300. Electronic watch strap 12 may be coupled to electronic activity module 314. Electronic activity module 314 does not have a built-in display screen. Electronic activity module 314 may be a smart medical module, such as an EKG module. Electronic watch strap 12 can provide electronic activity module 314 with backup battery capacity and/or wireless communication between the watch strap and a smartphone. In such an activity module system 300, a smartphone can serve as a display and interface for a user to communicate with the electronic activity module 314.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary electronic analog watch system 400. Electronic watch strap 12 may be coupled to analog watch 414. Analog wristwatch 414 may not have a built-in display screen or built-in smartwatch functionality. Electronic analog watch system 400 may allow a user to wear a stylish and/or high value analog watch while enabling electronic watch strap 12 to have smart watch functionality. Electronic watch strap 12 may provide activity-specific functions to analog wristwatch 414, such as medical functions, sports functions, payment functions, etc. The electronic watch strap 12 is capable of wireless communication with a smartphone. In such an electronic analog watch system 400, a smartphone can communicate with the electronic watch strap 12 to serve as a display and interface for the user to monitor and/or control activity-specific functions of the watch strap. .

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary laptop system 500 in which the rotatable electrical connection between the rings and contacts described above may be implemented in an electronics hinge 510 that rotatably couples a computer keyboard 520 with a display screen 530. FIG. Such a laptop system 500 can route electrical signals to the rotating electronics hinge 510 while allowing the computer keyboard 520 to be selectively removable to the display screen 530.

For example, laptop system 500 may include one or more electronics hinges 510. Electronics hinges 510 each include one corresponding connector 44 (FIG. 1D) that attaches to computer keyboard 520 and one corresponding connector 24 (FIG. 1B) that attaches to display screen 530. Laptop system 500 may include a toggle configured to withdraw and retract one or more elements or portions thereof, such as pins 60 shown in FIG. 3C, that couple the pair of connectors 44 and 24. . When such pins 60 or portions thereof are retracted, computer keyboard 520 and display screen 530 may move away from each other, and when such pins or portions thereof are withdrawn, computer keyboard 520 and display screen 530 may move away from each other. They may be reconnected to each other.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the above alternatives are not mutually exclusive. However, they may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique benefits. These and other variations and combinations of the features described above may be utilized without departing from the inventive subject matter as indicated by the appended claims, and therefore the above description of the embodiments does not constitute the claims. The subject matter indicated by the scope is to be taken as illustrative rather than limiting. In addition, the provision of examples herein and phrases such as "such as,""including," and the like shall not be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter to the specific examples. Shouldn't. Rather, these examples merely illustrate one of many possible implementations. Furthermore, the same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Claims (4)

An electronic wristwatch system,
an electronic watch strap, the electronic watch belt comprising:
a first flexible housing having a first flexible substrate extending therein; the first flexible substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive elements; one or more microelectronic devices connected to the electronic watch strap, the electronic watch strap further comprising:
a first connector disposed at an end of the first flexible housing, the first connector having a plurality of electrically conductive curved elements spaced apart therein; a curved element is electrically connected to at least each of the plurality of conductive elements of the first flexible substrate, and the electronic wristwatch system further comprises:
an outlet rotatably connected to the electronic watch strap, the outlet comprising:
A circular shelf and
an intermediate connector provided within the circular shelf having a plurality of electrically conductive contact portions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each contact portion being exposed at a bottom surface of the circular shelf. and a second end exposed at the top surface of the circular shelf opposite to the bottom surface, and each first end of each of the plurality of contact portions is at least engaged with and electrically connected to each of the plurality of curved elements, the electronic watch system further comprising:
An electronic wristwatch is provided, the electronic wristwatch comprising:
a second housing having a second substrate extending therethrough, the second substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive elements and one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected to the plurality of electrically conductive elements; The electronic wristwatch further comprises:
a second connector provided on the surface of the second casing, the second connector having a plurality of conductive pins spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each pin being connected to the bottom surface of the second casing; each pin having an exposed free end at least one of the plurality of conductive elements of the second substrate;
Each of the plurality of pins is configured such that when the electronic wristwatch is engaged with the receptacle , at least each free end of each of the plurality of pins is engaged with the second end of each of the plurality of contact parts. and configured to mate with at least each of the plurality of contacts for electrical connection. The electronic wristwatch is configured to be rotated and engaged with the receptacle, and the electronic wristwatch and the receptacle are configured such that the pin is spaced apart from the plurality of contact portions in the circumferential direction. 2. The electronic wristwatch system according to claim 1, having one engagement position and a second engagement position in which the pin is aligned with the plurality of contact portions in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of contact portions has a central portion supported by the intermediate connector, and the second end of each of the plurality of contact portions has a concave shape and is based on the central portion. Each of the pins has a long shape in the azimuth angle and protrudes from the bottom surface of the second housing, and the second end of each of the plurality of contact portions has a cantilever shape. 3. The electronic wristwatch and the receptacle are configured to bend into the intermediate connector upon contact with each of the pins when the electronic wristwatch and the receptacle are in the second engaged position. electronic watch system. While the electronic wristwatch and the receptacle are moving between the first engagement position and the second engagement position, the pin and the plurality of contact portions are connected to each other before reaching the second engagement position. 4. The pins are irregularly spaced from one another, and the plurality of contacts are irregularly spaced from one another, such that there is only one electrical connection. electronic watch system.