clock

Abstract

To provide a timepiece capable of preventing the movement from being damaged by the impact.SOLUTION: In one embodiment, a timepiece includes: a first pointer; a first magnetic body fixed to the first pointer; a second magnetic body arranged opposite to the first magnetic body; and a train wheel mechanism including a first rotary wheel having a first shaft body fixed to the second magnetic body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] A timepiece such as a wristwatch houses a timepiece module equipped with various parts inside its case. The timepiece module includes a dial, hands such as a minute hand and an hour hand, a gear train mechanism, a drive source, etc. The gear train mechanism includes multiple gear members such as a fourth wheel, a second wheel, and an hour wheel, and the hands that serve as the second hand, minute hand, and hour hand are respectively attached to the axes of the fourth wheel, the second wheel, and the hour wheel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] With this type of hand support structure, if the watch is dropped or otherwise subjected to an impact, the rotational moment generated by the imbalance in the hands will be transmitted to the movement, which is made up of the gear train mechanism and drive source, via the axes of the fourth wheel, second wheel, and hour wheel, causing damage to the movement or causing the position indicated by the hands to shift, resulting in a discrepancy in the time display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-258459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and has as its object to provide a timepiece that can prevent damage to the movement due to impact and prevent the time display from becoming inaccurate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention Watches teeth, Minute handa first pointer, a first magnetic body fixed to the first pointer, a second magnetic body arranged opposite the first magnetic body, and a second magnetic body of fixed vinegar The first shaft and the first shaft body is interlocked with the A gear train mechanism including a first rotating wheel. The first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are each polarized by being magnetized into two poles, and one pole of the first magnetic body and the other pole of the second magnetic body are disposed opposite each other. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, damage to the movement due to impact can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the hands and train wheel mechanism of the timepiece. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic material of the synchronized watch. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the hands and train wheel mechanism of a timepiece according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] The configuration of a timepiece 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the timepiece according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the timepiece. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the hands and gear train mechanism of the timepiece, and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic body of the timepiece. Note that in each figure, the configuration is shown schematically, enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the watch 10 is, for example, a wristwatch, and comprises a case 11 that forms the outer shell, a watch module 13 provided within the case 11, a watch crystal 15 that covers the front side of the watch module 13, a back cover 16 that covers the back side of the watch module 13, and one or more switches 17 arranged on the outer periphery of the case 11.

[0011] The case 11 includes a first case 11a having an annular shape and a second case 11b disposed outside the first case 11a.

[0012] The first case 11a is formed in a circular ring shape, and has a circular storage space therein for storing the timepiece module 13 and the like.

[0013] Dial 20 of watch module 13 is placed in the upper opening of first case 11a. Reinforcing member 18a and parting member 18b are placed on the inner peripheral edge of first case 11a, on the outer periphery of dial 20. A groove is formed on the back surface of first case 11a, and waterproof ring 11d is attached to this groove to create an airtight seal between it and back cover 16.

[0014] The second case 11b is provided on the outer periphery of the first case 11a and is fixed to the first case 11a by connecting members such as screws 11c.

[0015] The timepiece module 13 is housed in the storage space of the first case 11a. The timepiece module 13 includes a dial 20, a magnetic shield 50, a minute hand 21 serving as a first hand, an hour hand 22 serving as a second hand, a gear train mechanism 23 serving as a power transmission unit, and a drive source 24. Depending on the drive system, the timepiece module 13 may further include various components necessary for the operation of the timepiece, such as a battery, a circuit board equipped with electronic components such as an IC and an antenna, etc.

[0016] Dial 20 is disc-shaped and is located at the top of the accommodation space of first case 11a. Dial 20 has a through-hole 20a in its center into which first shaft 41 and second shaft 45, which constitute part of gear train mechanism 23, are inserted. A parting member 18b, on which various hour characters 14c are provided, is located on the outer periphery of the surface of dial 20.

[0017] The minute hand 21 includes a first hand body 31 configured to have a predetermined width and length, and a driven magnet 32 ​​as a first magnetic body.

[0018] The first needle body 31 is configured, for example, in the shape of an elongated plate, and has a first needle hole 31a, which is a through-hole, at the base end of the rotation. A circular ring-shaped driven magnet 32 ​​is fixed to the first needle hole 31a of the first needle body 31. The first needle body 31 is provided on the dial 20 in the accommodation space so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis C1.

[0019] The first hand body 31 is connected to a drive source 24 via a gear train mechanism 23, and rotates so that its longitudinal direction faces the direction corresponding to the time to be displayed.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the driven magnet 32 ​​is configured, for example, in a circular ring shape with an axial hole 32a in the center. The driven magnet 32 ​​is configured, for example, from a ferromagnetic material such as samarium-cobalt. The driven magnet 32 ​​is magnetized in the radial direction and has two different poles in the circumferential direction. For example, one side of a radial polarization line L1 passing through the center is polarized as an S pole and the other side is polarized as an N pole. A support member 46, which is part of the gear train mechanism 23, is inserted into the axial hole 32a of the driven magnet 32, and the driven magnet 32 ​​is rotatably supported by the support member 46.

[0021] Train wheel mechanism 23 includes a drive source 24 and a plurality of gear members that are appropriately arranged according to the positions of minute hand 21 and hour hand 22. As an example, train wheel mechanism 23 includes at least minute hand gear 42 as a first rotating wheel having a first shaft body 41 that engages with minute hand 21, a drive magnet 43 as a second magnetic body provided on minute hand gear 42, hour hand gear 44 as a second rotating wheel having a second shaft body 45 that engages with hour hand 22, and a support member 46 as a support member. Train wheel mechanism 23, together with drive source 24, constitutes a movement that moves hands 21 and 22.

[0022] The minute hand gear 42 is a gear member known as a center wheel and has a first shaft body 41 extending along the rotation axis C1 at its rotation center. The minute hand gear 42 is rotated by the drive source 24, thereby rotating the minute hand 21.

[0023] The first shaft body 41 is a rod-shaped member extending in a predetermined first direction, and is fixed to the center of rotation of the minute hand gear 42. Depending on the arrangement relative to other members, the first shaft body 41 may be configured as a cylinder having a through-hole in the center into which other shaft members can be inserted. The first shaft body 41 may be provided integrally with the minute hand gear 42, or may be configured as a separate member. The first shaft body 41 may be fixed to the minute hand gear 42, or may be configured to move in conjunction with the minute hand gear 42 without being fixed thereto.

[0024] A hole 41a into which the support member 46 is inserted and fixed is formed at the tip portion of the first shaft body 41. The hole 41a is, for example, a bottomed recess that opens toward the tip side of the first shaft body 41, i.e., the front side of the watch 10. The support member 46 is inserted into the hole 41a and fixed in place.

[0025] The support member 46 is a shaft member having a smaller diameter than the first shaft body 41. The support member 46 is inserted into and fixed in the hole 41a of the first shaft body 41, and is supported coaxially with the first shaft body 41.

[0026] The support member 46 is fixed to the first shaft body 41 and also fixes the driven magnet 32. The support member 46 is disposed in the axial hole 32a of the driven magnet 32 ​​and the axial hole 43a of the drive magnet 43. The support member 46 rotatably supports the driven magnet 32 ​​and restricts the radial movement of the driven magnet 32 ​​relative to the rotation.

[0027] The support member 46 has, for example, a flange-shaped restricting member 46a that protrudes in the outer circumferential direction at a predetermined location on the outer circumferential surface. The restricting member 46a is a protrusion with a predetermined thickness, and by being interposed between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43, it defines the axial gap between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43. For example, the thickness dimension of the restricting member 46a is set to a dimension that can ensure the necessary holding force by magnetism.

[0028] The drive magnet 43 is press-fitted and fixed to the support member 46 in a region behind the restricting member 46a, in other words, in a region between the distal end surface of the first shaft 41 and the restricting member 46a. Meanwhile, the driven magnet 32 ​​is rotatably attached to the front side of the restricting member 46a, in other words, in a region closer to the distal end than the restricting member 46a. That is, the restricting member 46a rotatably supports the driven magnet 32 ​​at a predetermined interval relative to the drive magnet 43 and restricts the radial position of the driven magnet 32.

[0029] 4, the drive magnet 43 is configured, for example, in a circular ring shape with an axial hole 43a in the center, and is arranged coaxially with the driven magnet 32. The driven magnet 32 ​​is made of a ferromagnetic material such as samarium cobalt. The drive magnet 43 is arranged axially opposite the back side of the driven magnet 32, with a restricting member 46a sandwiched between them.

[0030] The drive magnet 43 is magnetized in the radial direction and has two different polarities in the circumferential direction. For example, one side of a radial polarization line L1 that passes through the center is polarized as a south pole and the other side as a north pole. The drive magnet 43 is press-fitted into the first shaft body 41 and rotates together with the first shaft body 41. A support member 46, which is part of the gear train mechanism 23, is disposed in the shaft hole 43a of the drive magnet 43. For example, the drive magnet 43 may be fixed to the support member 46 by fitting or bonding.

[0031] The drive magnet 43 is disposed opposite the driven magnet 32, and holds the driven magnet 32 ​​in a rotational position where the south and north poles of the magnets attract each other. Therefore, in a stationary state, the driven magnet 32 ​​and minute hand 21 are held in the rotational direction where the south and north poles of the magnets attract each other, and during normal hand operation of the timepiece, the minute hand 21 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the minute hand gear 42.

[0032] The hour hand 22 includes a second hand member 47 having a predetermined width and length. For example, the second hand member 47 is shorter than the first hand member 31 and has a predetermined shape.

[0033] The second hand body 47 is configured, for example, in the shape of a long, thin plate, and has a second pinhole 47a at its base end for rotation. A second shaft, which is part of the gear train mechanism 23, is fixed to the second pinhole 47a of the second hand body 47. The second hand body 47 is rotatably mounted on the dial 20 within the accommodation space. The second hand body 47 is connected to the drive source 24 via the gear train mechanism 23, and rotates so that its longitudinal direction faces the direction corresponding to the time.

[0034] The hour hand gear 44 is a gear member known as an hour wheel, and has a second shaft body 45 extending along the rotation axis C1 integrally formed at its rotation center. The hour hand gear 44 is rotated by the drive source 24, thereby rotating the hour hand 22.

[0035] The second shaft body 45 is a hollow rod-shaped member extending in a predetermined first direction. The second shaft body 45 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a through-hole 45a in the center into which the first shaft body 41 can be inserted. The second shaft body 45 is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the first shaft body 41. The second shaft body 45 is provided integrally with or fixed to the axial center of the hour hand gear 44.

[0036] The second needle 47 is press-fitted and fixed to the tip of the second shaft 45. That is, the second needle 47 rotates as the second shaft 45 rotates. For example, the minute hand 21, the first shaft body 41, the hour hand 22, and the second shaft body 45 are made of a non-magnetic material. The magnetic shield 50 is positioned adjacent to the dial 20 on the opposite side of the first hand, minute hand 21, and the second hand, hour hand 22, and reduces the effect of magnetic flux from the drive magnet 43 and driven magnet 32 ​​on the timepiece module 13. The magnetic shield 50 is configured in a circular plate shape with the through-hole 20a of the dial 20 at its center. The magnetic shield is made of, for example, SPCC (cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips) or the like. The magnetic shield 50 may be made of any material that easily collects magnetic fields, and the material for the magnetic shield 50 is not limited to SPCC. For example, the magnetic shield 50 may be made of permalloy or the like.

[0037] The drive source 24 comprises one or more drive mechanisms. Various drive mechanisms, such as a motor or a spring mechanism, can be used as the drive mechanism depending on the drive system of the timepiece 10. A configuration may be adopted in which a single drive mechanism is used to drive multiple hands 21, 22 by transmitting power via a wheel train mechanism 23, or a configuration in which each hand 21, 22 is provided with its own drive mechanism.

[0038] Crystal 15 is a transparent, circular crystal. Crystal 15 is supported on parting member 18b at the inner periphery of the upper opening of first case 11a and covers the front side of dial 20. Crystal 15 is attached to the inner periphery of first case 11a via packing 19, for example.

[0039] The switch 17 is pressed by an operator to switch modes of the clock module 13, correct the time, and so on.

[0040] In the timepiece 01 configured as described above, the minute hand 21 and a portion of the gear train mechanism 23 are connected by the holding force of the magnets 32 and 43. The driven magnet 32 ​​of the minute hand 21 is rotatably supported by the support member 46 of the first axle 41. This prevents the rotation of the minute hand 21 due to an external impact from being transmitted to the first axle 41. For example, if the timepiece 10 is dropped or otherwise subjected to a lateral impact, a rotational moment will be generated in the minute hand 21, but the minute hand gear 42 will not be subjected to a rotational torque greater than the restraining force due to the mutual magnetic force between the drive magnet 43 and the driven magnet 32. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the minute hand 21, the first axle 41 is prevented from rotating, thereby preventing damage to the interior of the movement due to rotation of the first axle 41 caused by an external force. Furthermore, damage to the gears due to external forces and damage to the movement due to slippage or dislocation of the press-fitted parts of the hands can also be prevented. Furthermore, if a motor is used as the drive source 24, deviations in the time display due to step-out of the motor magnet can also be prevented.

[0041] Furthermore, with the timepiece 10 according to the above embodiment, even if an impact causes the relative positions of the drive magnet 43 and the driven magnet 32 ​​to shift, the magnetic force will return the rotational positional relationship between the drive magnet 43 and the driven magnet 32 ​​to their original position, so the minute hand 21 will return to the position it was in before the impact was applied, and the time display will be adjusted. Furthermore, because the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43 are positioned opposite each other in the axial direction, they do not interfere with each other's rotational movement.

[0042] Furthermore, the support member 46 provided on the first shaft body 41 rotatably supports the driven magnet 32 ​​in a space-saving manner, and radial positional deviation can be restricted. Also, the restricting member 46a interposed between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43 creates a gap between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43 in the axial direction. In other words, since friction caused by contact between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43 can be reduced, a configuration can be achieved in which the frictional force generated by contact between the driven magnet 32 ​​and the drive magnet 43 does not interfere with the restoration of the minute hand 21.

[0043] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] For example, the arrangement of the drive magnet 43 and the driven magnet 32 ​​is not limited to the above example, and it is sufficient that a magnetic holding mechanism is interposed somewhere between the pointer and the drive source 24.

[0045] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments have shown examples in which the hands include a minute hand and an hour hand, the present invention is not limited to this and other hands may be provided. For example, as another embodiment, a timepiece 100 shown in Fig. 5 has a second hand 25 as a third hand, and also has, as part of the train wheel mechanism 23, a second hand gear 49 as a third rotating wheel having a third shaft 48 that drives the second hand 25. In this embodiment, the support member 46 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion.

[0046] Second hand gear 49 is a gear member known as a second wheel and has a third shaft body 48 extending along rotation axis C1 as an integral part of its rotation center. Second hand gear 49 is rotated by drive source 24, thereby rotating second hand 25.

[0047] The third shaft body 48 is disposed coaxially with the first shaft body 41 and the second shaft body 45. In this embodiment, the first shaft body 41, which is disposed at the center of the second shaft body 45, is configured as a cylinder having a hollow portion 41c, and the rod-shaped third shaft body 48 is disposed in the hollow portion 41c. For example, the second hand 25 is disposed on the front side of the minute hand 21 and the hour hand 22. In order to reduce the influence of magnetism, the second hand 25 and the third shaft body 48 use a non-magnetic material that is hard enough to withstand the load applied when the second hand 25 is press-fitted to be fixed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the support member 46 is configured in a cylindrical shape so that the third shaft 48 can be inserted therethrough, and is fixed to the hollow portion of the first shaft 41. The support member 46 includes a regulating member 46a having a step that rotatably holds the driven magnet 32. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0049] This embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, the minute hand 21 and the train wheel mechanism 23 are connected by the holding force of a magnet, which makes it possible to suppress the transmission of external shocks. Furthermore, by using non-magnetic materials for the second hand 25 and the shaft 48, the effects of magnetic force can be suppressed, allowing the hands to operate normally.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the second hand 25, which is the third pointer, and the third shaft body 48 are made of a non-magnetic material, but this is not limited to this. Also, instead of or in addition to the second hand 25 and the third shaft body 48, other members may be made of a non-magnetic material. For example, at least one of the minute hand 21, the first shaft body 41, the hour hand 22, the second shaft body 45, the second hand 25, and the third shaft body 48, or other peripheral members, may be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a holding structure using magnets 32 and 43 was interposed in the support structure for minute hand 21, but this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a holding structure using magnets is interposed may also be applied as a support structure for the hour hand, second hand, and other pointers.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the magnets 32 and 43 are polarized into two parts, but the polarization structure is not limited to the above example. For example, the magnets may be polarized into four parts at equal intervals.

[0053] The direction of polarization is not limited to the radial direction, and may be configured to be polarized, for example, in the thickness direction of magnets 32, 43, i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis. For example, by polarizing each magnet in the axial direction so that the opposing surface of one of the drive magnet and driven magnet facing each other in the axial direction is an S pole and the opposing surface of the other magnet is an N pole, it becomes possible to hold the magnets by attractive force.

[0054] Furthermore, although the example in which the driving magnetic body and the driven magnetic body are made of a hard magnetic material has been shown, this is not limitative and, for example, one of them may be made of a soft magnetic material.

[0055] In addition, although an example has been shown in which the driven magnet 32 ​​and the driving magnet 43 are arranged opposite each other in the axial direction, this is not limited to this, and for example, one may be provided on the outer periphery of the other and arranged opposite each other in the radial direction.

[0056] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is encompassed by the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are listed below. [Note] [1] The first guideline, a first magnetic body fixed to the first pointer; a second magnetic body disposed opposite the first magnetic body; A timepiece comprising a gear train mechanism including a first rotating wheel having a first shaft body fixed to the second magnetic body. [2] the second magnetic body holds the first magnetic body by magnetism, The timepiece described in [1], wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are magnets configured in a circular shape and polarized in the circumferential direction of rotation. [3] The timepiece according to [1] or [2], wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are arranged opposite each other in the axial direction. [4] The timepiece described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured in a circular ring shape with a hole in the center, and the timepiece is provided with a support member that is provided on the first shaft body and arranged in the hole, supports the first magnetic body rotatably on the first shaft body, and restricts the radial movement of the rotation of the first magnetic body. [5] The second guideline is provided. the train wheel mechanism includes a second rotating wheel having a second shaft to which the second pointer is fixed, The first shaft and the second shaft are arranged coaxially. A watch according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The third guideline is provided. the train wheel mechanism includes a third rotating wheel having a third shaft to which the third pointer is fixed, The first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged coaxially. [5] The watch described in [5]. [7] the first hand is a minute hand, the second hand or the third hand is an hour hand or a second hand, The timepiece according to [5] or [6], wherein at least one of the second hand, the second shaft body, the third hand, and the third shaft body is made of a non-magnetic material. [8] a dial disposed behind the first hand and the first magnetic body; and a magnetic shield disposed on the back side of the dial. A watch according to any one of [1] to [7]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10, 100...watch, 11...case, 11a...first case, 11b...second case, 11c...screw, 11d...waterproof ring, 13...watch module, 14c...hour characters, 15...watch crystal, 16...back cover, 17...switch, 18a...reinforcing member, 18b...partition member, 19...packing, 20...dial, 21...minute hand, 22...hour hand, 23...wheel train mechanism, 25...second hand, 31...hand body, 3 1a...pinhole, 32...driven magnet, 32a...shaft hole, 41...first shaft, 41a...hole portion, 41c...hollow portion, 42...minute hand gear, 43...drive magnet, 43a...shaft hole, 44...hour hand gear, 45...second shaft, 45a...through hole, 46...support member, 46a...regulating member, 47...second hand, 47a...second pinhole, 48...third shaft, 49...second hand gear, C1...rotation axis, L1...polarization line.

Claims

1. A first pointer which is a minute hand; a first magnetic body fixed to the first pointer; a second magnetic body disposed opposite the first magnetic body; a first shaft body that fixes the second magnetic body; a gear train mechanism including a first rotating wheel interlocked with the first shaft body, the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are polarized by being magnetized into two poles, One pole of the first magnetic body and the other pole of the second magnetic body are arranged to face each other. clock.

2. The first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured in a circular ring shape, the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are magnetized in the radial direction and thereby polarized in the circumferential direction of rotation, One pole of the first magnetic body and the other pole of the second magnetic body are arranged to face each other.

2. The watch according to claim 1.

3. A support member is provided which is disposed on the first shaft body and which is inserted through the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and which rotatably supports the first magnetic body by the first shaft body.

2. The watch according to claim 1.

4. The support member regulates the radial movement of the rotation of the first magnetic body.

4. The watch according to claim 3.

5. The second guideline is provided. the gear train mechanism includes a second rotating wheel having a second shaft to which the second pointer is fixed, The first shaft and the second shaft are arranged coaxially.

2. The watch according to claim 1.

6. The third guideline is provided. the train wheel mechanism includes a third rotating wheel having a third shaft to which the third pointer is fixed, the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged coaxially.

6. The watch according to claim 5.

7. The second hand and the third hand are either an hour hand or a second hand, At least one of the first pointer, the first shaft body, the second pointer, the second shaft body, the third pointer, and the third shaft body is made of a non-magnetic material.

7. The watch according to claim 6.

8. The first magnetic body and the second magnetic body rotate with one pole of the first magnetic body and the other pole of the second magnetic body arranged opposite each other.

2. The watch according to claim 1.

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