clocks and watches

Abstract

The present invention provides a timepiece having anti-static properties and capable of reducing the volume occupied by a coil spring inside a case. The timepiece (1) comprises: a dial (5) having a non-conductive central portion (21) and a conductive outer peripheral portion (22) provided on the periphery of the central portion (21) when viewed from above; and a case (3) electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion (22) and to a back cover (17).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] When a watch is worn, static electricity sometimes propagates from the outside to the dial. If this static electricity charges the circuit block, it could damage the integrated circuit. It is necessary to remove the static electricity from the dial to the outside of the watch without passing through the circuit block. Patent Document 1 discloses a watch with a structure that allows static electricity from the dial to flow to the back cover. Thus, a through hole is formed in the base plate, the housing, and the circuit substrate, extending through the base plate in the thickness direction. A coil spring is provided in the through hole. The coil spring connects the dial and the back cover in a conductive state. Static electricity from the dial flows to the back cover through the coil spring.

[0003] Multifunctional watches house many components within their casing. This makes the casing bulky, making it difficult for those with thinner arms to wear. Even non-multifunctional watches are expected to be compact. Miniaturization of watches requires reducing the volume of components occupying the casing.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-230065

[0005] The timepiece disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a coil spring disposed within the case to allow static electricity to flow. The case must have sufficient space for the coil spring. As watches become smaller or multifunctional, the volume of the components connecting the dial and the back cover must be reduced. A timepiece structure that is resistant to static electricity and capable of reducing the volume occupied by the coil spring within the case is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The timepiece includes: a dial having a non-conductive central portion and a conductive peripheral portion provided around the central portion in a plan view; and a case electrically connected to the peripheral portion and to a back cover.

[0007] In a timepiece, static electricity that has entered the dial flows to the back cover through the case that is electrically connected to the outer periphery of the dial. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the timepiece according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view showing the structure of the dial.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view showing the structure of the dial.

[0011] Figure 4This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the electrical connection between the dial and the case.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic side cross-section of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case of the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view showing the structure of a dial according to the third embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view showing the structure of the dial.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the electrical connection between the dial and the case.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case in the fourth embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case of the fifth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case in the sixth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the seventh embodiment in which the dial and the case are connected.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case in the eighth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case of the ninth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case of the tenth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a schematic side sectional view of the main parts for explaining the structure of the conduction between the dial and the case in the eleventh embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic side view for explaining the structure of the dial of the twelfth embodiment.

[0025] Description of labels

[0026] 1, 31, 38, 51, 58, 62, 66, 74, 81, 85, 88: watch; 3, 32, 46, 52, 82: case; 5, 39, 67, 75, 89, 98: dial; 17: back cover; 21: central part; 22: peripheral part; 23: coating film; 25, 92: metal film; 33, 45, 69, 77, 93: conducting part; 46a, 82a: first protrusion; 53, 59, 63, 71, 78, 90: first component; 63a: second protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] First embodiment

[0028] In this embodiment, a characteristic example of a timepiece will be described. A timepiece according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, timepiece 1 is a wristwatch. A windshield 2 is positioned on the upper side of timepiece 1 in the figure, attached to case 3. The windshield 2 side of the timepiece 1 in the thickness direction is defined as the positive Z direction. The 12 o'clock direction of timepiece 1 is defined as the positive X direction. The 9 o'clock direction of timepiece 1 is defined as the positive Y direction.

[0030] The wind shield 2 is fixed to the housing 3 via a first gasket 4. The wind shield 2 is made of a light-transmitting material such as glass. A dial 5 is arranged in the Z negative direction of the wind shield 2. In addition, an hour hand 6, a minute hand 7, and a second hand 8 are arranged between the dial 5 and the wind shield 2. The operator can observe the hour hand 6, minute hand 7, and second hand 8 through the wind shield 2. A scale is arranged on the dial 5. The operator observes the position of the hour hand 6, minute hand 7, and second hand 8 relative to the scale to know the current time.

[0031] A movement 9 and a battery 11 are arranged in the negative Z direction of the dial 5. The movement 9 has a base plate 12. The base plate 12 is arranged opposite the dial 5. A motor 13 and a gear train 14 are arranged on the base plate 12. The movement 9 has a circuit substrate 15 that drives the motor 13. The circuit substrate 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a quartz resonator, a frequency division circuit, and a motor drive circuit. The watch 1 is a quartz watch. When static electricity flows through the circuit substrate 15, circuit components such as the CPU may be damaged. It is necessary to suppress the flow of static electricity through the circuit substrate 15.

[0032] The circuit board 15 controls the rotational speed of the motor 13. The torque of the motor 13 is transmitted to the train wheel 14. In the center of the figure, a pointer shaft 14a of the train wheel 14 protrudes in the positive Z direction and penetrates the dial 5. The hour hand 6, minute hand 7, and second hand 8 are mounted on the protruding pointer shaft 14a. The circuit board 15 rotates the hour hand 6, minute hand 7, and second hand 8 through the motor 13 and train wheel 14, thereby controlling the position of the scale indicated by each hand.

[0033] A guide frame 16 is arranged around the outer periphery of the movement 9 in the X and Y directions. The guide frame 16 is located between the case 3 and the movement 9. When an impact is applied to the timepiece 1 from the X and Y directions, the guide frame 16 absorbs the impact. The guide frame 16 reduces the impact applied to the movement 9.

[0034] A back cover 17 is arranged in the Z negative direction of the case 3. A second gasket 18 is arranged between the back cover 17 and the case 3. The second gasket 18 prevents moisture from entering the interior of the timepiece 1.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer shape of the dial 5 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, it is, for example, a disc. A central hole 5a is provided in the center of the dial 5, through which the pointer shaft 14a passes. Four recesses 5b are provided on the outer periphery of the dial 5. The recesses 5b are used to align the dial 5 with respect to the case 3.

[0036] The dial 5 has a conductive substrate 19. The substrate 19 has a first surface 19a and a second surface 19b. The first surface 19a is the surface on the side of the windshield 2. The second surface 19b is the surface on the side of the movement 9. The dial 5 has a central portion 21 and a peripheral portion 22. The central portion 21 is arranged in the center of the first surface 19a of the substrate 19 when viewed from above. The peripheral portion 22 is arranged on the periphery of the central portion 21. The peripheral portion 22 includes the first surface 19a, the second surface 19b, and the side surface 19c. In a top view of the dial 5 observed from the side of the windshield 2, the peripheral portion 22 overlaps with the case 3.

[0037] The dial 5 has a coating film 23 on the center portion 21. The coating film 23 is a resin film. The coating film 23 is formed by applying a resin material to the first surface 19a and drying it. Various printing methods, such as offset printing and screen printing, can be used for the coating. Graduations 24 are arranged on the coating film 23. The coating film 23 is non-conductive. Therefore, the surface of the center portion 21 is non-conductive. The non-conductive center portion 21 of the dial 5 is provided by the coating film 23.

[0038] According to this structure, the dial 5 has the coating film 23 in the center portion 21. The coating film 23 can be subjected to any coating, and the design of the dial 5 can be improved.

[0039] The dial 5 does not have a coating film 23 on the outer peripheral portion 22. The surface of the outer peripheral portion 22 is electrically conductive. Furthermore, the surface of the outer peripheral portion 22 is provided with a metal film 25 formed by plating. The outer peripheral portion 22 is electrically connected to the substrate 19, and the surface of the metal film 25 is electrically conductive. The material of the metal film 25 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, nickel is used, for example.

[0040] This structure, since the outer peripheral portion 22 is plated, can suppress oxidation, discoloration, and corrosion of the outer peripheral portion 22. As a result, the electrical resistance between the outer peripheral portion 22 and the housing 3 can be maintained low. Alternatively, a gold film can be laminated on top of a nickel film, thereby reducing contact resistance.

[0041] The manufacturing process of the dial 5 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the dial 5 is manufactured, for example, according to the following process sequence. First, a blank is processed on a plate-like material to form the outer shape of the substrate 19 and the central hole 5a. Next, the substrate 19 is cleaned. A coating film 23 is formed on the first surface 19a of the substrate 19. Next, a scale 24 is printed. Next, the outer periphery 22 of the first surface 19a is cut. A machining center based on numerical control is used for the cutting process. During the cutting process, the substrate 19 is cut to a depth of approximately 0.05 mm from the surface of the substrate 19. At this time, the coating film 23 on the outer periphery 22 is removed by cutting. The substrate 19 is exposed at the outer periphery 22. Next, nickel plating is performed on the exposed outer periphery 22 of the substrate 19. The plating can be electroplating or electroless plating. A metal film 25 can also be formed on the side surface 19c and the second surface 19b. The dial 5 is completed through the above processes.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, in the Z direction, the dial 5 is sandwiched between the case 3 and the guide frame 16. Furthermore, the dial 5 and the guide frame 16 are sandwiched between the case 3 and the back cover 17. The guide frame 16 is formed of a resin material. The guide frame 16 contracts between the case 3 and the back cover 17. The guide frame 16 presses the dial 5. The metal film 25 on the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 is pressed against the case 3.

[0043] A protrusion 17a is formed on the outer periphery of the back cover 17. A recess 3a is formed in the case 3 at a location opposite the protrusion 17a. When the case 3 and the back cover 17 are assembled, the protrusion 17a enters the recess 3a. The case 3 and the back cover 17 fit together. Because the case 3 and the back cover 17 are made of metal, the case 3 and the back cover 17 are electrically connected. Therefore, the case 3 is electrically connected to the metal film 25 on the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 and is also electrically connected to the back cover 17. This "electrical connection" includes both direct electrical contact and electrical connection via a conductive component.

[0044] Timepiece 1 is worn on a person 26. Static electricity is discharged toward dial 5. Current 27 caused by the static electricity flows into substrate 19 of dial 5. Current 27, generated by the static electricity entering dial 5, flows through case 3, which is electrically connected to outer periphery 22 of dial 5, to back cover 17. Specifically, current 27 flows through substrate 19, metal film 25, case 3, and back cover 17, and then into the person 26.

[0045] According to this structure, the current 27 generated by the static electricity entering the dial 5 flows to the human body 26 via the substrate 19, the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5, the case 3, and the back cover 17. The timepiece 1 is not provided with a coil spring that occupies a predetermined volume as in Patent Document 1. Specifically, the timepiece 1 is not provided with a component such as a coil spring that conducts the current 27 caused by static electricity. As a result, the volume occupied by the coil spring inside the case 3 can be reduced. By reducing the inner side of the case 3, the timepiece 1 can be miniaturized. In addition, the case 3 can be designed to have a larger uneven surface. In addition, since no coil spring is provided, the number of coil spring components can be reduced. In addition, when viewed from the windshield 2 side, the case 3 and the dial 5 are conductive at the position where the case 3 and the dial 5 overlap. Therefore, the space inside the case 3 can be effectively utilized.

[0046] Second embodiment

[0047] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the timepiece includes a conductive portion between the metal film 25 of the dial 5 and the case 3. Components identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, a timepiece 31 includes a case 32 and a dial 5. A conductive portion 33 is disposed between the case 32 and the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5. The conductive portion 33 provides electrical continuity between the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 and the case 32. The conductive portion 33 is composed of a leaf spring 34 and a conductive double-sided tape 35. The conductive double-sided tape 35 secures the leaf spring 34 to the case 32. The leaf spring 34 is elastic, and therefore, the conductive portion 33 is elastic.

[0049] According to this structure, the conductive portion 33 provides electrical connection between the outer peripheral portion 22 of the dial 5 and the case 32. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 22 and the case 32 can be reliably electrically connected.

[0050] According to this structure, since the conductive portion 33 has elasticity, it presses the outer peripheral portion 22 of the dial 5 and the case 32. As a result, the conductive portion 33 can reduce the contact resistance between the outer peripheral portion 22 and the case 32.

[0051] The static electricity is discharged to the dial 5. The current 27 caused by the static electricity enters the substrate 19 of the dial 5. The current 27 caused by the static electricity entering the dial 5 passes through the substrate 19, the metal film 25, the conductive portion 33, the housing 32, and the back cover 17 and enters the human body 26.

[0052] Third embodiment

[0053] The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a leaf spring is provided on the outer periphery of the dial. Components identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0054] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the timepiece 38 has a dial 39 . Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the dial 39 as viewed from the wind shield 2 side. Figure 7 This figure shows the dial 39 as viewed from the movement 9 side. The dial 39 includes a substrate 41 as a conductive member. The substrate 41 has a first surface 41a and a second surface 41b. The first surface 41a is the surface facing the windshield 2. The second surface 41b is the surface facing the movement 9.

[0055] The outer shape of the dial 39 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, it is, for example, a disc. A central hole 39a is provided in the center of the dial 39, through which the pointer shaft 14a passes. Four concave and convex portions 39b are provided on the outer circumference of the dial 39. These concave and convex portions 39b are used for alignment with the case 3.

[0056] The dial 39 has a central portion 42 and an outer peripheral portion 43. The central portion 42 is located on the substrate 41 in a plan view. The outer peripheral portion 43 is located outside the outer periphery of the substrate 41.

[0057] The dial 39 has a coating film 23 on the center portion 42. The coating film 23 is a resin film. The coating film 23 is formed by applying a resin material to the first surface 41a and drying it. The coating film 23 is non-conductive. Therefore, the surface of the center portion 21 is non-conductive.

[0058] Four leaf springs 44 are fixed to the second surface 41b of the base plate 41 of the dial 39, for example, by spot welding. The leaf springs 44 located at the outer periphery 43 serve as conductive portions 45. The conductive portions 45 also serve as the outer periphery 43. When the dial 39 is viewed from the windshield 2 side, the leaf springs 44 protrude from the outer periphery of the base plate 41. Alternatively, the four leaf springs 44 may be fixed by methods other than spot welding, such as conductive double-sided tape.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the timepiece 38 includes a case 46, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. In the Z direction, the case 46 has a first protrusion 46a at a location facing the conductive portion 45. The first protrusion 46a contacts the conductive portion 45 of the outer circumference 43 to provide electrical conduction.

[0060] With this structure, the outer peripheral portion 43 contacts the first protrusion 46a. Without the first protrusion 46a, the leaf spring 44 and the housing 46 could potentially come into point contact when the leaf spring 44 is twisting. The provision of the first protrusion 46a ensures that the housing 46 maintains contact with the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43 even when the leaf spring 44 is twisting. This prevents poor contact between the housing 46 and the dial 39.

[0061] In the dial 39 , the conductive portion 45 forms the outer peripheral portion 43 . The conductive portion 45 is electrically connected to the case 46 . Therefore, the conductive portion 45 electrically connects the outer peripheral portion 43 and the case 46 .

[0062] According to this structure, the conductive portion 45 allows electrical conduction between the outer peripheral portion 43 and the housing 46. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 43 and the housing 46 can be reliably electrically connected.

[0063] Conductive portion 45 is a portion of leaf spring 44 and is elastic. With this structure, the elasticity of conductive portion 45 causes outer portion 43 to press against housing 46. As a result, conductive portion 45 can reduce the contact resistance between outer portion 43 and housing 46. Alternatively, leaf spring 44 can be provided on first surface 41a of substrate 41. The method for securing leaf spring 44 is not particularly limited; for example, in this embodiment, conductive double-sided tape is used.

[0064] The static electricity is discharged toward the dial 39. The current 27 caused by the static electricity enters the substrate 41 of the dial 39. The current 27 generated by the static electricity entering the dial 39 enters the human body 26 through the substrate 41, the conductive portion 45, the housing 46, and the back cover 17.

[0065] Fourth embodiment

[0066] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the portion corresponding to the housing 3 is composed of the housing and the first member. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, a timepiece 51 includes a housing 52 and a first component 53. The first component 53 is also called a glass edge. The housing 52 and the first component 53 are joined via a third gasket 54. The windshield 2 is fixed to the first component 53 via the first gasket 4. The dial 5 is fixed between the first component 53 and the guide frame 16. The outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 contacts and is electrically connected to the first component 53. A first leaf spring 55 is disposed between the housing 52 and the first component 53. The first leaf spring 55 ensures reliable electrical connection between the housing 52 and the first component 53.

[0068] The first component 53 is in contact with the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5. The first component 53 is in conduction with the metal film 25 of the outer periphery 22. The first component 53 is in conduction with the housing 52. According to this structure, the housing 52 is in conduction with the first component 53. The first component 53 is in conduction with the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5. The housing 52 serves as a structure for accommodating the movement 9. Compared with when the housing 52 and the first component 53 are formed integrally, the first component 53 can be made into a shape that is easy to connect to the outer periphery 22. In addition, the housing 52 and the first component 53 can be easily manufactured. When the dial 5 is viewed from above as viewed from the side of the windshield 2, the outer periphery 22 overlaps with the first component 53. In addition, the portion of the first component 53 that is in contact with the dial 5 may also be a dial ring.

[0069] The housing 52 has a recess 52b formed at a portion facing the projection 17a. When the housing 52 and the rear cover 17 are assembled, the projection 17a enters the recess 52b.

[0070] The current 27 generated by the static electricity entering the dial 5 passes through the substrate 19 , the metal film 25 , the first member 53 , the first leaf spring 55 , the housing 52 , and the back cover 17 and enters the human body 26 .

[0071] Fifth embodiment

[0072] This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that a conductive portion 33 is provided between the dial 5 and the first member. Components identical to those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, a timepiece 58 includes a case 52 and a first member 59. The case 52 and the first member 59 are joined via a third gasket 54. The windshield 2 is fixed to the first member 59 via a first gasket 4. The dial 5 is fixed between the first member 59 and the guide frame 16.

[0074] A recess 59a is formed in the first component 59 at a location facing the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5. A conductive portion 33 is disposed between the first component 59 and the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 in the recess 59a. The conductive portion 33 provides electrical continuity between the outer periphery 22 of the dial 5 and the first component 59. The conductive portion 33 is comprised of a leaf spring 34 and a conductive double-sided tape 35. The conductive double-sided tape 35 secures the leaf spring 34 to the first component 59. The leaf spring 34 is elastic, and therefore, the conductive portion 33 is also elastic.

[0075] According to this structure, the conductive portion 33 provides electrical continuity between the outer peripheral portion 22 and the first member 59. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 22 and the first member 59 can be reliably electrically connected.

[0076] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 5 passes through the substrate 19, metal film 25, leaf spring 34, conductive double-sided tape 35, first member 59, first leaf spring 55, case 52, and back cover 17, and enters the human body 26. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit substrate 15, the timepiece 58 has static electricity resistance.

[0077] Sixth embodiment

[0078] This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the portion corresponding to the housing 3 is composed of the housing and the first member as in the fourth embodiment. Components identical to those in the third and fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown, the timepiece 62 includes a dial 39. Four leaf springs 44 are fixed to the second surface 41b of the dial 39 by spot welding. The leaf springs 44 located at the outer peripheral portion 43 serve as conductive portions 45. The conductive portions 45 also serve as the outer peripheral portion 43.

[0080] The timepiece 62 includes a case 52, a first member 63, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. In the Z direction, the first member 63 has a second protrusion 63a at a location facing the conductive portion 45. The second protrusion 63a contacts the leaf spring 44 of the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43, thereby achieving electrical conduction.

[0081] With this structure, the leaf spring 44, which serves as the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43, contacts the second protrusion 63a. Without the second protrusion 63a, the leaf spring 44 and the first member 63 could potentially make point contact when the leaf spring 44 is twisted. Providing the second protrusion 63a ensures a sufficient contact area between the first member 63 and the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43. This prevents poor contact between the first member 63 and the dial 39.

[0082] The case 52 and the first member 63 are connected via a third gasket 54. The dial 39 is fixed between the first member 63 and the movement 48. A first leaf spring 55 is arranged between the case 52 and the first member 63.

[0083] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 39 passes through the base plate 41, the leaf spring 44, the second protrusion 63a, the first member 63, the first leaf spring 55, the housing 52, and the back cover 17, and enters the human body 26. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 62 has static electricity resistance.

[0084] Seventh embodiment

[0085] This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the second protrusion 63a of the first member 63 is missing and the shape of the leaf spring 44 is different. Components identical to those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0086] like Figure 12 As shown, a timepiece 66 includes a dial 67. The dial 67 includes a substrate 41. The dial 67 includes a central portion 42 and a peripheral portion 43. The central portion 42 is located on the substrate 41 in a plan view. The peripheral portion 43 is located outside the periphery of the substrate 41. A coating film 23 is provided on the first surface 41a of the substrate 41.

[0087] Four leaf springs 68 are fixed to the second surface 41b of the base plate 41 by spot welding. When viewed from above the dial 67, the position of the leaf springs 68 is identical to that of the leaf springs 44 in the third embodiment. The leaf springs 68 located in the outer peripheral portion 43 serve as the conductive portion 69. The conductive portion 69 also serves as the outer peripheral portion 43. The leaf springs 68 are bent at a substantially right angle in the middle of the outer peripheral portion 43, with the end surface 68a at the distal end of the leaf springs 68 facing the positive Z direction.

[0088] The timepiece 66 includes a housing 52, a first component 71, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. The leaf spring 68 applies force to the first component 71 at its distal end surface 68a. Because the distal end surface 68a of the leaf spring 68 is pressed against the first component 71, reliable electrical conduction is achieved between the leaf spring 68 and the first component 71. Furthermore, it is preferable to place a metal film 25 on the distal end surface 68a. This reduces contact resistance.

[0089] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 67 passes through the substrate 41, the leaf spring 68, the first member 71, the first leaf spring 55, the housing 52, and the back cover 17 and enters the human body 26. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 66 has static electricity resistance.

[0090] Eighth embodiment

[0091] This embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in the shape of the leaf spring 68. Components identical to those of the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0092] like Figure 13 As shown, a clock 74 includes a dial 75. The dial 75 includes a substrate 41. Four leaf springs 76 are fixed to the second surface 41b of the substrate 41 by spot welding. When viewed from above, the position of the leaf springs 76 is the same as that of the leaf springs 44 in the third embodiment. The leaf spring 76 located at the outer peripheral portion 43 is a conductive portion 77. The conductive portion 77 also serves as the outer peripheral portion 43. The leaf spring 76 is bent at an angle exceeding a right angle in the middle of the outer peripheral portion 43, with the distal end 76a of the leaf spring 76 facing the positive Z direction and toward the center portion 42.

[0093] The timepiece 74 includes a housing 52, a first component 78, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. The leaf spring 76 applies force to the first component 78 at its distal end 76a. Because the distal end 76a of the leaf spring 76 is pressed by the first component 78, reliable electrical conduction is achieved between the leaf spring 76 and the first component 78. Furthermore, it is preferable to dispose a metal film 25 at the distal end 76a. This reduces contact resistance.

[0094] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 75 passes through the substrate 41, the leaf spring 76, the first member 78, the first leaf spring 55, the housing 52, and the back cover 17 and enters the human body 26. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 74 has static electricity resistance.

[0095] The leaf spring 76 of this embodiment can have a longer spring length than the leaf spring 68 of the seventh embodiment. Therefore, the displacement of the leaf spring 76 can be increased.

[0096] Ninth embodiment

[0097] This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the leaf spring 44 is electrically connected to the housing. Components identical to those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0098] like Figure 14 As shown, a timepiece 81 includes a dial 39 according to the sixth embodiment. In the dial 39, four leaf springs 44 are fixed by spot welding to the second surface 41b of the base plate 41. The leaf springs 44 form conductive portions 45 on the outer peripheral portion 43.

[0099] The timepiece 81 includes a case 82, the first member 71 of the seventh embodiment, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. The conductive portion 45 provides electrical connection between the outer peripheral portion 43 and the case 82.

[0100] According to this structure, the conductive portion 45 allows the outer peripheral portion 43 to be electrically connected to the housing 82. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 43 and the housing 82 can be reliably electrically connected.

[0101] In the figure, the housing 82 has a first protrusion 82a at a location facing the conduction portion 45 in the positive X direction. The first protrusion 82a contacts the leaf spring 44 of the conduction portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43 to establish conduction.

[0102] According to this structure, the outer peripheral portion 43 contacts the first protrusion 82a of the housing 82. By providing the first protrusion 82a, the area where the housing 82 contacts the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43 can be ensured.

[0103] The current 27 caused by static electricity entering the dial 39 enters the human body 26 through the base plate 41, the leaf spring 44, the first protrusion 82a, the case 82, and the back cover 17. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 81 has static electricity resistance.

[0104] Tenth embodiment

[0105] The present embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in that the housing is not provided with the first protrusion 82a. Components identical to those of the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0106] like Figure 15 As shown, a timepiece 85 includes a dial 39 according to the sixth embodiment. Four leaf springs 44 are fixed to the second surface 41b of the base plate 41 of the dial 39 by spot welding. The leaf springs 44 form conductive portions 45 on the outer peripheral portion 43.

[0107] A timepiece 85 includes the case 52 of the fifth embodiment, the first member 71 of the seventh embodiment, a guide frame 47, and a movement 48. A leaf spring 44, serving as a conductive portion 45, presses against the inner wall 52a of the case 52. The conductive portion 45 provides electrical connection between the outer peripheral portion 43 and the case 52. In this embodiment, the case 52 does not include the first protrusion 82a of the ninth embodiment.

[0108] According to this structure, the conductive portion 45 of the outer peripheral portion 43 is electrically connected to the housing 52. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 43 and the housing 52 can be electrically connected reliably.

[0109] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 39 enters the human body 26 through the base plate 41, the leaf spring 44, the housing 52, and the back cover 17. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 85 has static electricity resistance.

[0110] Eleventh embodiment

[0111] This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the side surface of the substrate of the dial contacts the case 52. Components identical to those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0112] like Figure 16 As shown, a timepiece 88 includes a dial 89 and a first component 90. Dial 89 includes a base plate 91. The outer diameter of base plate 91 is larger than that of base plate 19 of the fourth embodiment. Base plate 91 has a coating film 23 on a first surface 91a facing the windshield 2. A second surface 91b of base plate 91, opposite to first surface 91a, contacts movement 9.

[0113] A metal film 92 formed by plating is provided on a side surface 91c of the substrate 91. The metal film 92 forms a conductive portion 93. When the dial 89 is viewed from above, the portion where the coating film 23 is provided is a central portion 94. When the dial 89 is viewed from above, the portion where the metal film 92, serving as the conductive portion 93, is provided is an outer peripheral portion 95.

[0114] The timepiece 88 includes a case 52, a first member 90, a dial 89, a guide frame 16, and a movement 9. The dial 89 is fitted into the inner wall 52a of the case 52. A metal film 92 serving as a conductive portion 93 presses against the inner wall 52a of the case 52. The conductive portion 93 provides electrical connection between the outer peripheral portion 95 and the case 52.

[0115] According to this structure, the conductive portion 93 of the outer peripheral portion 95 is electrically connected to the housing 52. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 95 and the housing 52 can be electrically connected reliably.

[0116] The current 27 generated by static electricity entering the dial 89 enters the human body 26 through the substrate 91, metal film 92, case 52, and back cover 17. Therefore, since the current 27 caused by static electricity does not flow through the circuit board 15, the timepiece 88 has static electricity resistance.

[0117] Twelfth embodiment

[0118] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a substrate formed of a resin material is used instead of a metal substrate 19. Figure 17 As shown, dial 98 includes substrate 99. The material of substrate 99 is non-conductive. The material of substrate 99 is not particularly limited, and various resin materials, ceramics, glass, etc. can be used. In this embodiment, the material of substrate 99 is polycarbonate, for example.

[0119] The surface of substrate 99 on the positive Z direction side is first surface 99a. The surface opposite to first surface 99a is second surface 99b. Substrate 99 has a first metal film 101 as a conductive component on first surface 99a. The first metal film 101 can be formed by electroless plating, sputtering, vapor deposition, or the like. Substrate 99 may also have the first metal film 101 on second surface 99b and side surface 99c. The material of first metal film 101 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, for example, the material of first metal film 101 is nickel.

[0120] The dial 98 includes a central portion 102 and a peripheral portion 103. The central portion 102 is located at the center of the first surface 99a of the substrate 99 when viewed from above. The peripheral portion 103 is located on the periphery of the central portion 102. The dial 98 includes a coating film 23 on the central portion 102. The dial 98 does not include the coating film 23 on the peripheral portion 103, but instead includes a metal film 25. The metal film 25 is formed by plating. The peripheral portion 103 is electrically connected to the first metal film 101, and the surface of the metal film 25 becomes conductive. The surface of the central portion 102 is non-conductive.

[0121] The dial 98 can be applied to the dials 5 of the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments. In this case, the first metal film 101 may be provided on the second surface 99 b and the side surface 99 c of the substrate 99 .

[0122] By providing the first metal film 101 on the second surface 99b of the substrate 99, the substrate 99 can be used in the dial 39 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the dial 98 having the first metal film 101 provided on the second surface 99b can also be used in the dials 39 of the sixth, ninth, and tenth embodiments. The dial 98 having the first metal film 101 provided on the second surface 99b can also be used in the dial 67 of the seventh embodiment and the dial 75 of the eighth embodiment.

[0123] When the substrate 99 is used in the dials 39 of the third, sixth, ninth, and tenth embodiments, the leaf spring 44 is adhesively fixed to the substrate 99. When the substrate 99 is used in the dial 67 of the seventh embodiment, the leaf spring 44 is adhesively fixed to the substrate 99. When the substrate 99 is used in the dial 75 of the eighth embodiment, the leaf spring 76 is adhesively fixed to the substrate 99.

[0124] By providing the first metal film 101 on the first surface 99a and side surface 99c of the substrate 99, the substrate 99 can be used in the dial 89 of the eleventh embodiment. In this case, the first metal film 101 may also be provided on the second surface 99b and side surface 99c of the substrate 99. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the first metal film 101 may also be provided on the first surface 99a, the second surface 99b, and the side surface 99c of the substrate 99. In other words, the first metal film 101 may also be provided on the entire surface surrounding the substrate 99.

[0125] Thirteenth embodiment

[0126] In the first embodiment, the timepiece 1 uses the energy of the battery 11 to rotate the motor 13. The rotation of the motor 13 rotates the hour hand 6, the minute hand 7, and the second hand 8. In addition, the structures of the first to twelfth embodiments can also be applied to photovoltaic timepieces, radio-controlled timepieces, satellite radio-controlled timepieces, spring-driven timepieces that are electronically controlled mechanical timepieces, and kinetic timepieces that generate electricity by rotating a rotating counterweight. In this case, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments can be obtained. The dial of the photovoltaic timepiece can also use a substrate formed by overlapping a metal plate and a resin plate. A hole for allowing light to pass can also be provided in the central portion 21 of the metal plate.

[0127] Fourteenth embodiment

[0128] In the third embodiment described above, four conductive portions 45, i.e., leaf springs 44, are provided on the substrate 41. The number of leaf springs 44 provided on the substrate 41 is not limited to four. The number of leaf springs 44 provided on the substrate 41 may be one to three, or may be four or more. When the number of leaf springs 44 is small, the dial 39 can be manufactured with good productivity. When the number of leaf springs 44 is large, the number of contact points between the leaf springs 44 and the housing 46 is large. Therefore, the leaf springs 44 and the housing 46 can be reliably connected. The same applies to the sixth to tenth embodiments.

[0129] Fifteenth embodiment

[0130] The watches of the seventh to eleventh embodiments include a case and a first member. Even if the case 3 does not include the first member as in the first embodiment, the outer periphery may be in electrical communication with the case 3 as in the seventh to eleventh embodiments.

[0131] Sixteenth embodiment

[0132] In the first embodiment, there is no sub-dial on the dial 5. If there is a sub-dial in the center portion 21 of the dial 5, the coating film 23 may not be present in the sub-dial portion. This allows the dial 5 to have a highly designed appearance.

[0133] Seventeenth embodiment

[0134] In the third embodiment, the leaf spring 44 contacts the first convex portion 46a. Alternatively, the metal film 25 of the dial 5 of the first embodiment may contact the first convex portion 46a. In the sixth embodiment, the leaf spring 44 contacts the second convex portion 63a. Alternatively, the metal film 25 of the dial 5 of the fourth embodiment may contact the second convex portion 63a. In this case, too, the contact area can be ensured.

Claims

1. A timepiece, characterized in that: The timepiece comprises: a windshield disposed on the top of the clock; a dial disposed on the lower side of the windshield, which, when viewed from above, has a central portion with a non-conductive surface and a peripheral portion provided on the periphery of the central portion and with a conductive surface; as well as a housing, which is in electrical communication with the outer periphery and the back cover, The wind shield, the outer peripheral portion, and the housing overlap with each other in a plan view.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein: The timepiece includes a conductive portion that provides electrical connection between the outer peripheral portion and the case.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing has a first protrusion communicating with the outer peripheral portion.

4. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein: The timepiece includes a first component that is electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion. The first component is in electrical communication with the housing.

5. The timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that The timepiece further includes a conductive portion that provides electrical conduction between the outer peripheral portion and the first member.

6. The timepiece according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first member has a second protrusion that is in electrical communication with the outer peripheral portion.

7. The timepiece according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that The conducting portion has elasticity.

8. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The non-conductive central portion of the dial is implemented by a coating film.

9. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer peripheral portion includes a metal film formed by plating.

10. A timepiece, characterized in that: The timepiece comprises: a windshield disposed on the top of the clock; a dial disposed on the lower side of the windshield, which, when viewed from above, has a central portion with a non-conductive surface and a peripheral portion provided on the periphery of the central portion and with a conductive surface; as well as a housing, which is in conduction with the outer peripheral portion, When viewed from above, the windshield, the outer peripheral portion, and the shell overlap each other. The timepiece allows static electricity entering the dial to flow toward the back cover through the case.

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