KR20150007590A - Band assembly for smart watch with piezo ceramic element - Google Patents

Abstract

The smart watch band assembly to which the smart watch is mounted includes a cradle for fixing the smart watch, a watch band for binding the cradle to the binding object, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic Module. Piezoelectric ceramic modules can be used to extend the sound capabilities of the SmartWatch in the bands and improve the overall acoustic performance of SmartWatch by creating an overall sound around the wrist.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a band assembly for a smart watch incorporating a piezoelectric ceramic element,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a band assembly for a smart watch, and more particularly, to a smart watch band assembly using a piezoelectric ceramic element to improve a sound and vibration transmission capability of a smart watch.

Popularized smart phone integrates data communication functions such as schedule management and Internet access to mobile phone functions. Unlike conventional mobile phones, which have been released as finished products and have been used only for a given function, It can be installed, added or deleted as desired.

However, increasingly high specifications are required to implement various functional applications, and the size and weight of smartphones are becoming significant.

On the other hand, as the size and weight increase, mobility and convenience are deteriorating. For example, in a bag or a pocket, it is difficult to use in real time, and the user may not be able to recognize a message or a phone call. In addition, as the size increases, it is often difficult to use when it is necessary to avoid meeting or eyes of another person.

In recent years, smart watches have been introduced that can be worn in places where accessibility is good, such as the end of a wrist or the sleeve of a wrists.

Such a smart watch can provide basic functions such as a simple phone call, confirmation of message reception, and voice reproduction from a time check, and the above functions are provided by smart watch itself or in a manner of being linked with a smart phone. Therefore, recently, it is attracting attention as a device that can complement the mobility and convenience of a somewhat deteriorated smartphone.

Although the product information on smart watches such as Sony's Smart Watch and Samsung's Galaxy Watch is constantly being provided, it is concentrated mainly on functions between smart watch and smart phone. There is no mention.

The present invention provides a smart watch band assembly capable of extending the sound and vibration functions of a smart watch in a band using a piezoelectric ceramic element.

The present invention provides a smart watch band assembly that improves the acoustic and vibration transmission capabilities of a smart watch.

The present invention provides a smart watch band assembly that improves the sound control function of a smart watch.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a smart watch band assembly on which a smart watch is mounted includes a cradle for fixing the smart watch, a watch band for binding the cradle to the binding object, And at least one piezoelectric ceramic module embedded along the longitudinal direction.

In the present specification, the smart watch is a small device that can be worn on a binding object such as a wrist and can display specific information, and can include a speaker or a display as an audiovisual means, and can provide a basic clock and an alarm function And may itself include receiving functions such as telephone and messages, or may provide functions such as voice and video playback. In some cases, it is possible to refer to a watch or bracelet type device that can provide some functions of a smart phone in conjunction with a smartphone. In addition, the smart watch may basically include an input / output terminal for charging its own battery or transmitting / receiving data, or alternatively may receive power and signals necessary for driving from a smart watch.

A smart watch can be detachably mounted to the cradle, and a smart watch mounted on the cradle is secured to the cradle. As a means for fixing the smart watch to the cradle, an interference fit, a hook structure, a clip structure, a bolt, etc. can be applied.

The watch band can secure the cradle and the smart watch to a binding object such as a wrist, and the material can be resin, leather, metal, or the like. One or a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic modules are provided along the longitudinal direction of the watch band. For example, one piezoelectric ceramic module may be placed at a position facing the cradle, and a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic modules may be arranged at uniform or non-uniform intervals along the band.

The piezoelectric ceramic module can be provided including a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm, and can generate sound or vibration by receiving a drive signal from a smart watch. Piezoelectric ceramic modules can generate sound by being attached to the outer surface, inner surface of the watch band, or embedded in the band.

The acoustic module installed in the cradle includes, for example, a main piezoelectric driving body, a diaphragm physically coupled to the main piezoelectric driving body, and at least one of the main piezoelectric driving body and the diaphragm at a fixed point located inside the outer periphery of the main piezoelectric driving body And the outer periphery of the main piezoelectric driving body and the diaphragm may be free to vibrate around the fixed point. Such a structure can be applied to the other piezoelectric ceramic elements described above equally or similarly.

The smart watch and piezoelectric ceramic module may be directly connected through respective electrical terminals or may be electrically connected directly to the input / output terminals of the smart watch mentioned above in the cradle. The smart watch can also directly control the electrically connected piezoelectric ceramic module or the acoustic module, but the piezoelectric ceramic module or the acoustic module may be indirectly controlled by using the control chip incorporated in the band assembly.

In addition, the band assembly may be further provided with a vibration module to add or supplement the vibration function of the smart watch. The vibration of the smart watch can be used to transmit the call reception, message reception, and alarm to the wearer. The vibration module can be used for adding a vibration function to a smart watch without a vibration function or for reinforcing the vibrating function. The vibration module may be provided integrally with the cradle, and the vibration module may receive electrical signals from the smart watch to generate vibration.

The smart watch band assembly of the present invention can extend the sound and vibration functions of a smart watch in a band using a piezoelectric ceramic module.

The smart watch band assembly of the present invention can expand the display function of the smart watch more variously because the piezoelectric ceramic module generates sound or vibration simultaneously or sequentially along the circumference of the wrist.

The smart watch band assembly of the present invention may improve or improve the sound control function of a smart watch associated with a smart phone by using a touch sensor as well as supplementing or supplementing a sound function with the smart watch.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a smart watch band assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and a smart watch mounted on the smart watch band assembly.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a piezoelectric ceramic module embedded in the watchband of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 and 4 are perspective views showing different vibration transmitting structures that can be provided on the inner surface of a watch band of a smart watch band assembly according to the present invention.
5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a band assembly for a smart watch and a smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram for explaining the function of FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a sound module that may be applied to the smart watch band assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. For reference, the same numbers in this description refer to substantially the same elements and can be described with reference to the contents described in the other drawings under these rules, and the contents which are judged to be obvious to the person skilled in the art or repeated can be omitted.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a smart watch band assembly and a smart watch mounted on the smart watch band assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a piezoelectric ceramic module embedded in the watch band of FIG. Fig.

1 and 2, the smart watch band assembly 100 is basically provided to bind the smart watch 20 to a binding object such as the user's wrist 10, You can add or supplement the sound features.

The smart watch 20 may include a module for functions such as a top display, a clock, etc., and a wireless communication module for communicating with synchronized external devices. The smart watch 20 may include an in / (22).

Corresponding to the smart watch 20, the band assembly 100 includes a cradle 120, a watchband 130, and a piezoelectric ceramic module 160. Four piezoelectric ceramic modules 160 are embedded along the watch band 130 and can be driven using an acoustic signal or a vibration signal transmitted from the body of the smart watch 20. [

The piezoelectric ceramic module 160 can be provided as a piezoelectric device, a diaphragm, and an electrode. By controlling the frequency and intensity supplied to the piezoelectric device, sound and vibration generated in the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 can be controlled. The piezoelectric ceramic module 160 can receive an electrical signal from outside and can vibrate. The smart ceramic module 160 can transmit music, conversation contents, and a warning sound in response to an acoustic signal transmitted from the smart watch 20.

Since the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 generates sound at a plurality of points, it is possible to generate sound so as to be audible in all directions. Further, in some cases, assuming that the smart watch includes a gravity sensor, it is possible to measure the posture of the current smart watch using the gravity sensor, and the sound is strongly generated in a specific direction according to the posture of the smart watch It is possible to control so that the user can clearly hear the call content or the warning sound.

Referring to FIG. 2, a piezoelectric ceramic module 160 is provided in the interior of the watch band 130. Various effects can be expected by varying the intensity of sound or vibration depending on the position of the piezoelectric ceramic module 160. [

Although the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 is described as being embedded in the watch band 130 in the present embodiment, the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 may be attached to the outer surface or the inner surface of the band and may be partially exposed, Or the protective film may be partially exposed.

The smart watch 20 may be coupled to the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 while being coupled to the cradle 120. Specifically, an electrical terminal connected to the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 may be provided to directly contact the input / output terminal of the smart watch. However, in the present embodiment, a separate electric terminal And the piezoelectric ceramic module 160 is electrically connected to the smart watch 20 through the electric terminal 122. [

The periphery of the groove of the cradle 120 accommodating the smart watch 20 is provided with elastic rubber or silicone so that the smart watch 20 is mounted on the outer periphery of the smart watch 20, As shown in FIG. Of course, the coupling structure between the smart watch and the cradle can be applied to other receptions, interference fit, hook structure, clip structure, bolt, etc., and the present invention is not limited by the coupling structure.

The watchband 130 may be provided integrally with the cradle 120 through a process such as injection, or may be provided as a separate component and assembled to the cradle. Further, the watch band may be provided using a flexible leather, rubber, or urethane material, and may be provided in the form of a ring with an opening that can be put on the wrist, although the shape is generally maintained. In this embodiment, the watch band 130 includes first and second bands 132 and 136 made of a general resin material, and the both ends of the band 130 are coupled to each other by a binding means Respectively.

3 and 4 are perspective views showing different vibration transmitting structures that can be provided on the inner surface of a watch band of a smart watch band assembly according to the present invention.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there are shown different vibration transmitting structures 140, 140 'provided on the inner surface of the watch bands 130, 130'.

When the smart watch 20 receives a call or a message, the smart watch 20 can vibrate to notify the user of the reception. The vibration transmitting structure 140 or 140 'provides a function of transmitting the vibration generated from the smart watch 20 more strongly to the user's wrist, and can be provided in a protruding shape. Here, the source causing the vibration may be at least one of a piezoelectric ceramic module, an acoustic module, and a vibration module.

3, the vibration transmitting structure 140 is provided with a plurality of hemispherical protrusions on the inner surface of the watchband 130 and the inner surface of the cradle 120. As shown in FIG. The vibration transmission structure 140 of FIG. 3 is provided on both sides of the inner surface of the watchband 130 and the cradle 120, but may be provided on either side, as the case may be.

In FIG. 4, the vibration transmitting structure 140 'is provided as a line-shaped projection on the inner surface of the watchband 130' and the cradle 120 '. A plurality of line-shaped projections are arranged side by side. In this case, it is also possible that the projection in a line shape is provided only on one side of the watch band or the cradle.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a smart watch and a smart watch band assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a structural view illustrating the function of FIG.

5 and 6, the smart watch band assembly 300 according to the present embodiment includes a sound module 310, a cradle 320, a watch band 330, a piezoelectric ceramic module 360, and a vibration module 350).

In this embodiment, the acoustic module 310 can be operated through a piezoelectric element, which can refer to a speaker structure using a piezoelectric ceramic element described later. The description of the cradle 320 for fixing the smart watch 20, the watch band 330, and the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 incorporated in the watch band 330 can be referred to the previous embodiments. In the example, the configuration not described in the above embodiment can be mainly described.

The band assembly 300 includes a first band touch sensor 370 and a second band touch sensor 375 disposed adjacent to each other on either side of the cradle 320, And a second band touch sensor 375 may generate a second band contact signal.

The control chip 380 can be electrically connected to the first band touch sensor 370 and the second band touch sensor 375 and further includes an electric terminal 322 electrically connected to the smart watch 20, The piezoelectric module 310, the vibration module 350, and the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 may be electrically connected to each other. In addition, although not shown, it may further include a built-in battery and a charging circuit for independent driving.

Accordingly, when the acoustic signal is transmitted from the smart watch 20, the control chip 380 can transmit the acoustic signal to the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 to generate sound. The acoustic module 310 and the vibration module 350 using the piezoelectric ceramic device together with the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 are also provided with the acoustic signal 310 and the vibration module 350. In addition, Can be transmitted. This allows the selection of the element to be transmitted from the control chip 380 according to the characteristics of the acoustic signal to be transmitted. For example, in the case of music, all of the piezoelectric ceramic modules 360, the acoustic modules 310 and the vibration modules 350 can be operated, but in the case of a warning sound, in some or all of the acoustic modules 310 or the piezoelectric ceramic modules 360 It may also transmit an acoustic signal.

The vibration can also be simultaneously driven, but the control chip 380 may adjust the driving sequence of the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 so that vibration is generated while moving around the wrist.

The first band touch sensor 370 can detect a touch motion such as a short time touch, a long time touch, a repeated touch, and a scroll. For example, it is possible to make a playback or pause function for a short-time touch, and a mode for switching a long time and a mode for setting a function may be called. In the case of scrolling, a volume control, And the like can be matched. The control chip 380 may generate an acoustic control signal corresponding to the contact signal according to a predetermined setting and transmit the acoustic control signal to the smart watch 20.

In general, the display of a smart watch is small in size and has a small touch area compared to a finger, so that it may occasionally occlude a display or malfunction. However, by providing the touch sensor to the watch band 330, it is possible to smoothly perform a function without malfunction or display blindness.

A second band touch sensor 375 may be further provided to control the functions of the smart watch 20 more variously. The touch signal of the second band touch sensor 375 may be defined corresponding to the touch motion of the short time touch, the long time touch, the repeated touch, the scroll, etc., and the control chip 380 may also be defined in correspondence with the second A signal for acoustic control can be generated by receiving the band contact signal and independently or in harmony with the first band contact signal.

For example, in order to prevent a malfunction of the touch sensor, the scroll can be controlled while confirming that the touch of the other touch sensor is maintained, and it is possible to define a further extended function in response to the simultaneous contact with both touch sensors have.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a sound module that may be applied to the smart watch band assembly of the present invention.

7, the acoustic module 310 is electrically connected to the smart watch 20 to receive an electrical signal generated from the smart watch 20 to generate sound, and the smart watch 20 or the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 ) Can be supplemented. Although the present invention is not limited by the structure of the acoustic module 310, in the present embodiment, it is possible to present an acoustic module in which a conventional piezoelectric speaker, which can be used only for a specific frequency reproduction or a treble reproduction, is improved.

The acoustic module 310 includes a main piezoelectric driving body 311, a diaphragm 312 and a supporting portion 314 and includes a main piezoelectric driving body 311 and an outer periphery of the diaphragm 312, Can oscillate with free ends. The housing 315 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7 may be a housing 315 of the sound module 110 and the housing 315 may be installed in the cradle 320. Obviously, the main piezoelectric actuator or diaphragm receives an electrical signal from the smart watch through its own electrical terminal of the acoustic module, or an electric signal from the smart watch through a separate electrical terminal, which is connected to the acoustic module, .

The main piezoelectric driving body 311 and the diaphragm 312 are integrally coupled and the vibration of the piezoelectric driving body 311 can be transmitted through the diaphragm 312 and fixed to the inside At the point 313, the supporting portion 314 supports the piezoelectric actuator 311 or the diaphragm 312. The piezoelectric actuator 311 and the diaphragm 312 are supported by the support portion 314 at the center portion or the periphery thereof rather than the outer periphery thereof, So that the outer periphery can be a free end rather than a fixed end. Therefore, the piezoelectric driving body 311 and the diaphragm 312 of the present invention can further improve the low-band performance and can acquire characteristics similar to those of the conventional magnetic circuit type speaker.

As the main piezoelectric actuator 311, PZT series or PMN-PT (piezoelectric single crystal) in which PbO, ZrO2, and TiO2 are mixed may be used, and various materials using piezoelectric effect may also be used. The main piezoelectric actuator 311 may be provided in a flat plate shape or other flexible three-dimensional shape.

The diaphragm 312 physically coupled to the main piezoelectric actuator 311 can transmit energy to the air by receiving the vibration of the main piezoelectric actuator 311. The diaphragm 312 may be formed in a conical shape or a trumpet shape in addition to a simple plate shape. In addition to being in contact with the main piezoelectric drive body 311, the diaphragm 312 may also be in physical contact with points or lines. The diaphragm 312 may be formed of a metal plate, a synthetic resin, paper or the like, and in the case of metal, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy thereof may be used.

The supporting portion 314 is connected to the main piezoelectric driving body 311 and the diaphragm 312 through the fixing point 313. [ The main piezoelectric driving body 311 and the diaphragm 312 are fixed by the supporting portion 314 and can oscillate about the fixed point 313 in response to the acoustic electrical signal. Here, the fixed point 313 may be defined at a central portion of the main piezoelectric actuator 311, that is, at one point inside the outer periphery thereof. As the acoustic electrical signal is applied, the fixing point 313 stops with respect to the supporting portion 314, and the outer peripheral portion of the main piezoelectric driving body 311 and the diaphragm 312 can vibrate up and down as free ends. The vibration of the main piezoelectric actuator 311 is transmitted to the diaphragm 312 to transmit sound energy to the air. This structure can be applied to the piezoelectric ceramic module 360 provided to the band 330 in the same or similar manner.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It can be understood that

20: Smart Watch 22: In / Out
100: Band assembly 110: Acoustic module
120: cradle 122: electrical terminal
130: Watch band 140: Vibration transmission structure
160: Piezoelectric ceramic module

Claims (11)

A smart watch band assembly to which a smart watch is attached,
A cradle for fixing the smart watch;
A watch band for binding the cradle to an object to be bound; And
And at least one piezoelectric ceramic module embedded along the longitudinal direction of the watch band. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the piezoelectric ceramic modules are disposed at uniform or non-uniform intervals in the watch band. The method according to claim 1,
And a controller for controlling the piezoelectric ceramic module, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic module is operated in a predetermined order pattern. The method according to claim 1,
And a first band touch sensor provided on the outer surface of the watchband for sensing a first band contact signal of the wearer, And a voice control signal for controlling the voice control unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
And generates the voice control signal for controlling at least one of reproduction, pause, next music, previous music, and volume in response to the first band contact signal. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first band contact signal corresponds to one of a touch retention, a one touch, a repeat touch, and a scroll operation. 5. The method of claim 4,
Further comprising a second band touch sensor provided on an outer surface of the watch band opposite to the first band touch sensor with the cradle therebetween, for sensing a second band contact signal of the wearer,
Wherein the voice control signal is generated through a combination of the first band contact signal and the second band connection signal. The method according to claim 1,
And a sound module mounted on the cradle,
The sound module includes:
A main piezoelectric actuator;
A diaphragm physically coupled to the main piezoelectric actuator; And
A supporting part for supporting at least one of the main piezoelectric driving body and the diaphragm at a fixed point located inside the outer periphery of the main piezoelectric driving body;
Wherein the outer periphery of the main piezoelectric driving body and the diaphragm are free to vibrate around the fixed point. The method according to claim 1,
A cradle,
Further comprising a vibration module for receiving electrical signals from the smart watch to generate vibration. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
And a vibration transmitting structure for contacting the binding object and amplifying the vibration generated in the smart watch to the binding object. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the vibration transmitting structure includes protrusions formed on at least one side of the watchband and the inner surface of the cradle.

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