Timepiece

Abstract

The present application provides a timepiece capable of improving operability. The timepiece comprises: an inner rotating ring (20) having a plurality of tooth portions (21); a driving stem head having a head portion (63) and a shaft portion (64); and a driving wheel (65) having a hole portion (65A) capable of engaging and disengaging with the shaft portion (64) and engaging with the tooth portions (21), the hole portion (65A) having a plurality of convex portions (65a) periodically arranged at an angle smaller than 90° and protruding toward a rotation axis of the shaft portion (64).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to clocks and watches. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a watch device comprising: an inner rotating ring used as a display component disposed in a housing; an operating shaft capable of being pressed in and pulled out relative to the housing; and a clutch that transmits rotation of the operating shaft to the inner rotating ring.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-328183

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, when a large torque is required to rotate the inner rotating ring, such as when using a heavier inner rotating ring or an inner rotating ring with a more pronounced click, the engagement part between the drive lever (equivalent to a clutch) and the drive wheel may sometimes slip, thus preventing the rotation of the drive lever from being transmitted to the inner rotating ring. That is, there are cases where the inner rotating ring cannot be rotated even when the drive lever is rotated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The clock of the present invention comprises: an inner rotating ring having a plurality of teeth; an operating part having a head and a shaft; and a drive wheel having a hole capable of engaging and disengaging with the shaft and engaging with the teeth, the hole having a plurality of protrusions arranged periodically at an angle of less than 90° and protruding toward the axis of rotation of the shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of a clock.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a top view showing the internal structure of the clock.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the internal structure of the clock.

[0009] Figure 4 Observing from approximately two points Figure 3 The clock shown is a three-dimensional diagram.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a clock.

[0011] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The clock shown is a cross-sectional view along line C-C'.

[0012] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the engagement part between the shaft and the drive wheel.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the first elastic component.

[0014] Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 The clock shown is a cross-sectional view along line A-A'.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the second elastic component.

[0016] Figure 11 It is along Figure 3 The clock shown is a cross-sectional view along line B-B'.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaging part in a modified example.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaging part in a modified example.

[0019] Label Explanation

[0020] 10: Housing; 11: Recess; 11a: First recess; 11b: Second recess; 11c: Third recess; 12: Recess; 12a: First recess; 12b: Second recess; 12c: Third recess; 20: Inner rotating ring; 21: Tooth; 30: Dial; 40: Hand; 50: Glass cover; 61: Drive knob as operating part; 63: Head; 64: Shaft; 64a: Recess; 64b: Protrusion; 64A: Rotation axis; 65: Drive wheel; 65A: Hole; 65a: As a protrusion 65b: Convex part; 66: Tooth part; 70: Elastic component; 71: First elastic component; 72: Second elastic component; 73: Foot part; 73a: First foot part; 73b: Second foot part; 74: Beam part; 75: Convex part; 75a: First convex part; 75b: Second convex part; 80: Engaging part; 100: Clock; 164: Shaft part; 165A: Hole part; 165a: Protrusion part; 180: Engaging part; 264: Shaft part; 265A: Hole part; 265a: Protrusion part; 280: Engaging part. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following diagrams, three mutually perpendicular axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is designated "X direction," the direction along the Y-axis as "Y direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as "Z direction." The direction of the arrow is the "+" direction, and the direction opposite to the "+" direction is designated "-" direction. Additionally, the +Z direction is sometimes referred to as "up" or "above," and the -Z direction as "down" or "below." Views from the +Z direction are also referred to as top view or a plane. Furthermore, the surface on the +Z side is designated as the upper surface, and the surface on the opposite side (the -Z side) is designated as the lower surface. In other words, the direction from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock on a clock can be called the X-axis, the direction from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock as the Y-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is called the Z-axis.

[0022] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of clock 100 will be explained.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the clock 100 has a flat, cylindrical case 10. An inner rotating bezel 20 and a dial 30 are disposed inside the case 10. Hands 40, including a second hand, a minute hand, and an hour hand, are disposed on the dial 30. The inner rotating bezel 20 has, for example, scales printed on the display side.

[0024] A glass cover 50 is disposed on the housing 10 to cover the inner rotating bezel 20, the dial 30, and the hands 40. The time display can be visually confirmed from the surface side of the watch 100 through the glass cover 50. The surfaces of the inner rotating bezel 20 and the dial 30 that are visually confirmed are referred to as the display surfaces.

[0025] Additionally, although not shown, a movement for driving the pointer 40 is housed inside the housing 10. The movement includes a stepper motor and gear train that drive the pointer 40, and a control circuit board that controls the driving of the stepper motor. Alternatively, the movement can also be a mechanical movement powered by a mainspring.

[0026] On the side of the housing 10, specifically in the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock directions, there are drive stems 61 and 62 for adjusting and setting the movement, pointer 40 and inner rotating ring 20, etc.

[0027] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The structure and function of the inner rotating ring 20, the drive handle 61 which serves as the operating part, and the elastic member 70 will be explained.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the clock 100 includes: a drive crown 61 disposed in the 4 o'clock direction within the housing 10; a first elastic member 71 disposed on the side of the elastic member 70 disposed at the 12 o'clock direction; and a second elastic member 72 disposed on the other side of the elastic member 70 disposed at the 6 o'clock direction. That is, the second elastic member 72 is disposed on the side opposite to the first elastic member 71 in the in-plane direction of the inner rotating ring 20. The material of the elastic member 70 is, for example, resin.

[0029] The drive handle 61 includes: a head 63; a shaft 64 connected to the head 63; and a drive wheel 65 slidably connected to the shaft 64. Alternatively, the drive wheel 65 may not be included in the structure of the drive handle 61. If the head 63 is rotated while pressed against the housing 10, the shaft 64 and drive wheel 65 are not engaged, and therefore the drive wheel 65 does not rotate. On the other hand, when the head 63 is pulled away from the housing 10, the shaft 64 engages with the drive wheel 65, and if the head 63 is rotated, the drive wheel 65 rotates. The shaft 64 is, for example, made of metal. The drive wheel 65 is, for example, made of resin.

[0030] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 2 The housing 10 shown is configured with an annular inner rotating ring 20. Figure 4 Observing from approximately two points Figure 3 A perspective view of clock 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 The various positional relationships of the inner rotating ring 20, the first elastic component 71, the second elastic component 72, and the drive handle head 61 are shown.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner rotating ring 20 has a plurality of teeth 21 on its lower side (the back side opposite to the display surface side). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the inner rotating ring 20 is disposed on the housing 10, the teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20 are engaged with the drive wheel 65 of the drive handle 61. In addition, the teeth 21 are engaged with the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the inner rotating ring 20 is rotated, the drive stem 61, which serves as the operating part, located at the 4 o'clock position on the watch 100, is operated. When the drive stem 61 is pressed into the housing 10, the drive wheel 65 is not engaged with the shaft 64, so even if the drive stem 61 is rotated, the inner rotating ring 20 does not rotate.

[0033] On the other hand, when the drive handle 61 is pulled away from the housing 10, the drive wheel 65 engages with the shaft 64. If the drive handle 61 is rotated, the head 63 of the drive handle 61, the shaft 64 that is connected to the head 63 and passes through the housing 10, and the drive wheel 65 that is connected to the shaft 64 rotate, thereby rotating the inner rotating ring 20.

[0034] The elastic member 70 is used when the inner rotating ring 20 is not rotating, specifically when the shaft 64 of the drive handle 61 is not engaged with the drive wheel 65. Figure 5 (The state of the lower side) suppresses the inner rotating ring 20 from rotating unexpectedly due to impacts, etc.

[0035] In detail later, in addition to the drive wheel 65, the first elastic component 71 (see reference) Figure 9 The first protrusion 75a of the inner rotating ring 20 also engages with the tooth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20, so that the inner rotating ring 20 will not rotate accidentally.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72 are always engaged with the teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20. Specifically, the drive wheel 65 is disposed in the 4 o'clock direction in the housing 10. As described above, the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72 are disposed in the 12 o'clock direction and the 6 o'clock direction in the housing 10. That is, the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72 are disposed in positions that do not interfere with the drive wheel 65.

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The structure of the engaging portion 80 formed by the engagement of the shaft portion 64 of the drive handle head 61 and the drive wheel 65 will be described.

[0038] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the clock 100 shown along line C-C', in other words, is a cross-sectional view viewed from the 4 o'clock direction. Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the locking part 80.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown above, the drive handle 61 includes: a head 63; a shaft 64 connected to the head 63; and a drive wheel 65 having a hole 65A capable of engaging and disengaging with the shaft 64. When the drive handle 61 is pressed into the housing 10, the engagement portion 80 between the drive wheel 65 and the shaft 64 disengages. Figure 5 (The state of the lower side). On the other hand, when the drive handle 61 is pulled away from the housing 10, the engaging part 80 that engages with the shaft 64 engages with the drive wheel 65. Figure 6 as well as Figure 5 (The state on the upper side).

[0040] When the head 63 is rotated while the drive wheel 65 is engaged with the shaft 64, the teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20 move along with the teeth 66 of the drive wheel 65, and the inner rotating ring 20 rotates.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the engaging portion 80 is the part formed by engaging the shaft portion 64 with the hole portion 65A of the drive wheel 65. The hole portion 65A of the drive wheel 65 has: a plurality of protrusions 65a as protrusions, which protrude toward the rotation axis 64A of the shaft portion 64; and recesses 65b provided between adjacent protrusions 65a. Specifically, adjacent protrusions 65a are periodically arranged at an angle of less than 90°. The angle θ between adjacent protrusions 65a is preferably, for example, 40° or more and 80° or less. In this embodiment, there are 6 protrusions 65a arranged at 60° intervals.

[0042] On the other hand, the shaft portion 64 is formed along the shape of the hole portion 65A. Specifically, the shaft portion 64 has a plurality of recesses 64a recessed in the direction of the rotation axis 64A of the shaft portion 64; and protrusions 64b disposed between adjacent recesses 64a. Specifically, adjacent recesses 64a are periodically arranged at an angle of less than 90°. The angle θ between adjacent recesses 64a is preferably, for example, 40° or more and 80° or less. In this embodiment, similar to the hole portion 65A, there are 6 recesses 64a, that is, they are arranged at 60° intervals.

[0043] Preferably, the gap between the protrusion 65a of the hole 65A and the recess 64a of the shaft 64, in other words, the gap between the shaft 64 and the hole 65A, is within a range that can suppress their wobbling as much as possible and allow them to mesh with each other.

[0044] In this way, because it has a drive wheel 65 with a hole 65A having a protrusion 65a, and a drive handle 61 with a shaft 64 that can engage and disengage with the hole 65A, the rotational force of the shaft 64 in the direction of rotation can be reliably transmitted to the drive wheel 65 by means of the engagement of the protrusion 65a and the recess 64a. Therefore, even when a large torque is required to rotate the inner ring 20, for example when a force is applied to the inner ring 20 by the elastic members 71 and 72, slippage between the shaft 64 and the drive wheel 65 can be suppressed. Therefore, the inner ring 20 can rotate with the rotation of the drive handle 61.

[0045] Furthermore, by periodically arranging the protrusions 65a at predetermined angles, engagement between the shaft 64 and the hole 65A can be achieved even with a small amount of rotation of the drive handle 61. Additionally, since the shape of the protrusions 65a is prevented from becoming extremely small or complex, the strength of the protrusions 65a can be maintained, and a significant decrease in the productivity of the protrusions 65a can be prevented. Moreover, if the angle θ exceeds 80°, there is a tendency for the effect of preventing slippage between the shaft 64 and the drive wheel 65 to weaken.

[0046] Furthermore, compared to the engagement amount in the case where the protrusion 65a and the recess 64a are not provided, the engagement amount of the hole portion 65A with the protrusion 65a and the shaft portion 64 with the recess 64a can be increased by about 2 times, which can suppress the slippage between the shaft portion 64 and the drive wheel 65.

[0047] Next, refer to Figures 8-11 The specific structure and function of the first elastic component 71 and the second elastic component 72 are described.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, the first elastic member 71 has a foot 73, an extension extending from the foot 73, and a protrusion 75 connected to the extension. Specifically, the foot 73 has a first foot 73a and a second foot 73b. The extension is a beam 74 spanning the first foot 73a and the second foot 73b. The protrusion 75 is a first protrusion 75a that is triangular in shape when viewed from the side and is located approximately at the center of the beam 74.

[0049] Thus, since the first protrusion 75a is provided on the beam portion 74 spanning the first foot portion 73a and the second foot portion 73b, the first elastic member 71 can be stabilized, and the first protrusion 75a can be engaged with the tooth portion 21 with a stable force. As a result, accidental rotation of the inner rotating ring 20 can be suppressed.

[0050] Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of clock 100 along line A-A'. (See figure) Figure 9 As shown, the first elastic member 71 is disposed in the recess 11 provided in the housing 10. Specifically, the recess 11 has a first recess 11a that engages with the first foot 73a of the first elastic member 71, a second recess 11b that engages with the second foot 73b of the first elastic member 71, and a third recess 11c on which the beam portion 74 of the first elastic member 71 is disposed.

[0051] An inner rotating ring 20 is disposed on the first elastic member 71. Specifically, as described above, the inner rotating ring 20 has a plurality of teeth 21 on its back side. The first protrusion 75a of the first elastic member 71 engages with one of the teeth 21 of the plurality of teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20.

[0052] For example, 60 teeth 21 are formed at a uniform spacing in the circumferential direction. That is, the angle between adjacent teeth 21 is 6° when viewed from above. However, the number and angle of the teeth 21 are not limited to this. In addition, the first protrusion 75a of the first elastic member 71 is formed with a shape that is substantially the same as the portion between the teeth 21.

[0053] In this way, by engaging the teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20 with the first protrusion 75a of the first elastic member 71, accidental rotation of the inner rotating ring 20 can be prevented even when the shaft 64 of the drive stem 61 is not engaged with the drive wheel 65. Furthermore, when the shaft 64 of the drive stem 61 is engaged with the drive wheel 65, when the inner rotating ring 20 is rotated circumferentially, the teeth 21 and the first protrusion 75a contact at a fixed interval, thus providing a clicking sensation.

[0054] like Figure 10 As shown, the second elastic member 72 has: a first leg 73a and a second leg 73b; a beam 74 that spans the first leg 73a and the second leg 73b; and a second protrusion 75b disposed approximately at the center of the beam 74, which is generally trapezoidal in shape when viewed from the side. Specifically, the second protrusion 75b has a flat portion that is longer than the spacing of the teeth 21 of the inner rotating ring 20.

[0055] Figure 11 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the clock 100 along line B-B'. (See figure) Figure 11 As shown, the second elastic member 72 is disposed in the recess 12 provided in the housing 10. Specifically, the recess 12 has a first recess 12a that engages with the first foot 73a of the second elastic member 72, a second recess 12b that engages with the second foot 73b of the second elastic member 72, and a third recess 12c on which the beam portion 74 of the second elastic member 72 is disposed.

[0056] An inner rotating ring 20 is disposed on the second elastic member 72. Specifically, as described above, the inner rotating ring 20 has a plurality of teeth 21 on its back side. The second protrusion 75b of the second elastic member 72 contacts the plurality of teeth 21 across the inner rotating ring 20 and presses the plurality of teeth 21 upward.

[0057] Thus, when the first protrusion 75a of the first elastic member 71 engages with the tooth 21, the second protrusion 75b of the second elastic member 72 presses against the tooth 21, thereby suppressing the inner rotating ring 20 from wobbling. In addition, since the inner rotating ring 20 is supported by the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72, the balance of the inner rotating ring 20 can be maintained, and accidental rotation of the inner rotating ring 20 can be suppressed.

[0058] As described above, the clock 100 of this embodiment includes: an inner rotating ring 20 having a plurality of teeth 21; a drive crown 61 having a head 63 and a shaft 64; and a drive wheel 65 having a hole 65A capable of engaging and disengaging with the shaft 64 and engaging with the teeth 21. The hole 65A has a plurality of protrusions 65a, which are periodically arranged at an angle θ of less than 90° and protrude toward the axis of rotation 64A of the shaft 64.

[0059] According to this structure, since it includes a drive wheel 65 having a hole 65A with a protrusion 65a, and a drive handle 61 having a shaft 64 that can engage and disengage with the hole 65A, the rotational force of the shaft 64 in the direction of rotation can be reliably transmitted to the drive wheel 65 by engaging the protrusion 65a. Therefore, even when a large torque is required to rotate the inner ring 20, slippage between the shaft 64 and the drive wheel 65 can be suppressed, and the rotational force of the head 63 can be transmitted to the inner ring 20 via the drive wheel 65, enabling the inner ring 20 to rotate. Moreover, due to the protrusion 65a, even a small rotation of the shaft 64 can reliably engage the shaft 64 with the drive wheel 65, improving operability.

[0060] Furthermore, in the clock 100 of this embodiment, the angle θ is preferably 40° or more and 80° or less. According to this structure, since the protrusion 65a is configured at an angle θ within the aforementioned range, engagement between the shaft 64 and the hole 65A can be achieved even with a small rotation of the drive crown 61. Additionally, since the shape of the protrusion 65a can be prevented from becoming smaller, the strength of the protrusion 65a can be maintained, and a significant decrease in the productivity of the protrusion 65a can be prevented.

[0061] Furthermore, in the clock 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the shaft portion 64 is made of metal and the drive wheel 65 is made of plastic. According to this structure, even with the engagement of the metal and plastic materials, the rotational force of the metal shaft portion 64 can be reliably transmitted to the plastic drive wheel 65 due to the protrusion 65a.

[0062] Furthermore, in the watch 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable to include a first elastic member 71, which has a first protrusion 75a that engages with the teeth 21. According to this structure, because of the first elastic member 71, when the inner rotating ring 20 is rotated, the teeth 21 and the first protrusion 75a can contact each other at a fixed interval, thereby obtaining a clicking sensation. Moreover, by configuring the first elastic member 71, even if a large torque is required to rotate the inner rotating ring 20, the rotational force of the drive crown 61 can be transmitted to the inner rotating ring 20 due to the protrusion 65a, enabling the inner rotating ring 20 to rotate.

[0063] Furthermore, in the clock 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the elastic member 70 has: a first elastic member 71; and a second elastic member 72, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first elastic member 71 in the in-plane direction of the inner rotating ring 20. According to this structure, since the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72 are provided, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the inner rotating ring 20 in one direction and to suppress the generation of wobbling.

[0064] Hereinafter, variations of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0065] As mentioned above, such as Figure 7 As shown, the shape of the engaging portion 80 is not limited to a roughly hexagonal shape with the protrusions 65a arranged at 60° intervals; any shape that produces ease of engagement and torque is acceptable. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The shape shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the engaging parts 180 and 280 in the modified example.

[0066] Figure 12 In the modified example shown, the hole 165A of the engaging portion 180 is formed in a generally octagonal shape. Furthermore, protrusions 165a are formed at 45° intervals in the hole 165A. Additionally, as described above, the shape of the shaft portion 164 follows the shape of the hole 165A having the protrusions 165a.

[0067] Figure 13 In the modified example shown, the hole portion 265A of the engaging portion 280 is formed in a generally wavy shape. Furthermore, protrusions 265a are formed in the hole portion 265A at 45° intervals. Additionally, as described above, the shape of the shaft portion 264 is formed along the shape of the hole portion 265A having the protrusions 265a.

[0068] In addition, the shapes of the holes 65A, 165A, 265A, and the shafts 64, 164, and 264 can also be hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes, and the number of protrusions 65a, 165a, and 265a is not particularly limited.

[0069] Furthermore, the shapes of the engaging portions 80, 180, and 280 are not limited to protruding toward the rotation axis 64A of the shaft portions 64, 164, and 264; they can also protrude in the opposite direction to the rotation axis 64A. Additionally, the protrusions 65a of the drive wheel 65 are periodically arranged at an angle θ less than 90° and protrude toward the rotation axis 64A of the shaft portion 64. However, the recesses 65b of the drive wheel 65 can also be periodically arranged at an angle θ less than 90°, and the protrusions 65a of the drive wheel 65 protruding toward the rotation axis 64A are located between the periodically arranged recesses 65b of the drive wheel 65.

Claims

1. A clock, wherein, This clock features: The inner rotating ring has multiple first teeth; An operating part having a head and a shaft, the operating part being movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the shaft by pressing and pulling operations; as well as A drive wheel is slidably connected to the shaft, has a plurality of second teeth on its outer surface and a plurality of protrusions on its inner surface to form holes that can engage and disengage with the shaft, the plurality of second teeth engaging with the plurality of first teeth at a first position; as well as A housing containing the inner rotating ring and the drive wheel. The plurality of protrusions are periodically arranged at an angle of less than 90° and protrude toward the axis of rotation of the shaft. The shaft portion of the operating unit engages with the plurality of protrusions of the drive wheel at a second position. When viewed from above, the first position is offset relative to the second position along the axis of rotation. When the operating part is pulled away from the housing, the drive wheel engages with the shaft. When the operating part is pressed into the housing side, the engagement between the drive wheel and the shaft part disengages.

2. The clock according to claim 1, wherein, The angle is greater than 40° and less than 80°.

3. The clock according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft portion has multiple recesses that engage with the plurality of protrusions.

4. The clock according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft is made of metal. The drive wheels are made of plastic.

5. The clock according to claim 1, wherein, The clock has an elastic member having a protrusion that engages with the plurality of first teeth.

6. The clock according to claim 5, wherein, The elastic component has a first elastic component and a second elastic component, wherein the second elastic component is disposed at a different position from the first elastic component in the in-plane direction of the inner rotating ring.

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