Timepiece case and electronic timepiece

Abstract

A timepiece case and an electronic timepiece capable of combining an exterior member more compactly while ensuring waterproofness are provided. The timepiece case includes a frame (10), a cover glass (20) having a first portion (21) of a side surface opposed to the frame (10), an adhesive (51) between the frame (10) and the cover glass (20) and waterproofing an inside of the frame (10), and an exterior member (30). The exterior member (30) is opposed to a second portion (22) of the side surface of the cover glass (20) different from the first portion (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a watch case and an electronic watch. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic watches, especially those worn on the body, are used in various environments, and therefore some watches are designed to be waterproof. To achieve this waterproofing, structures using O-rings (seals) and adhesives to create a sealed structure are known.

[0003] On the other hand, in electronic clocks, there is a type of electronic clock that further combines external components such as the bezel to improve its design and shock resistance (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-4869 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the existing technology, when combining external components while ensuring waterproofing, the following problems exist: the size, especially the thickness, of electronic clocks and watches becomes larger, making it difficult to make them compact.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a watch case and electronic watch that can more compactly combine external components while ensuring waterproofing.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a watch case comprising:

[0012] Frame;

[0013] A windproof component, the first portion of which is opposite the frame;

[0014] A waterproof component, located between the frame and the windproof component, provides waterproofing to the interior of the frame; and

[0015] External components,

[0016] The external component is opposite to a second portion on the side of the windproof component that is different from the first portion.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to combine the outer components more compactly while ensuring the water resistance of the watch case. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the electronic clock according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of a part of the observation frame.

[0021] Figure 3A It is a diagram showing a portion of a cross-section of the plane containing the central axis of the frame.

[0022] Figure 3B It is a diagram showing a portion of a cross-section of the plane containing the central axis of the frame. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the electronic clock 1 according to this embodiment.

[0025] The electronic clock 1 includes a clock case 100, a display section 200, and an operating section 300.

[0026] The watch case 100 houses the display unit 200 and the operating unit 300 inside. The watch case 100 includes a frame 10, a windproof glass 20, external components 30, and a back cover 40.

[0027] The frame 10 has a cylindrical shape with open ends. The end for display (the upper side) is sealed by the windshield 20, and the opposite end (the lower side) is sealed by the rear cover 40. The cross-section of the space inside the frame 10 may not be the same shape. Although not particularly limited, for example, the following shapes may be used: the upper open end and the windshield 20 are circular when viewed from above, the lower open end and the rear cover 40 are shaped with the corners of the square removed when viewed from above, and the cross-section perpendicular to the height direction changes continuously or discontinuously in the middle. The frame 10 is, for example, made of resin.

[0028] The windproof glass 20 is a transparent component such as glass (various inorganic glasses; besides those primarily composed of silicon dioxide, it could also be sapphire glass, etc.). As described later, it is a windproof component that is fixed to the frame 10 using an adhesive, allowing the interior of the frame 10 to be visually inspected. The transparent windproof component is not limited to glass; it could also be resin, for example. Furthermore, the windproof component may not be made of a single material; for example, it could be a component with a coating (film) of another material on the surface of a certain material. These materials can be selected based on various conditions, including hardness, strength, durability, susceptibility to surface damage, and adhesion strength to the adhesive. The back cover 40 is, for example, a conductive component such as metal or an insulating component such as resin, and is fixed to the frame 10 using screws (small screws).

[0029] The outer component 30, such as a bezel, cushions impacts to the main body of the electronic clock 1 or serves as a decorative element in the design. The outer component 30 is ring-shaped, but may not have the same construction. In the following description, the position of the upper surface of the outer component 30 may be the position of the uppermost point within the outer component 30. The outer component 30 is connected to the side of the frame 10, etc. The connection may be based on fixing with screws (small screws) or by using fittings or the like. The outer component 30 may be a resin component or a metal component, etc.

[0030] The display unit 200 performs a display that includes at least a time display (capable of performing time-related displays). The display unit 200 is not particularly limited; for example, it may have multiple pointers 210 and markers 220. The markers 220 include scales and time characters for indicating the time, and the pointers 210, which rotate around the markers 220, indicate the time by pointing in the direction indicated by the markers 220. The display area of ​​the display unit 200 is divided around a parting plate 230 provided along the inner edge of the frame 10. Alternatively, the display unit 200 may also have a display screen for digital display, such as a liquid crystal display screen. The display unit 200 is located in a position where the displayed content can be visually confirmed from the outer surface side (upper side) via the windshield 20.

[0031] The actuation unit 300 includes: a control unit located inside the housing 10 that controls the operation of the display unit 200; a drive unit that operates the display unit 200 according to control signals from the control unit; and a power supply unit for supplying power to each part of the actuation unit 300. The control unit includes a CPU and RAM, etc. The timing operation for counting time can be performed by the control unit, or a timing circuit can be provided separately from the control unit. The drive unit includes a motor and a gear set that rotates due to the motor; a pointer rotates according to the rotation of the gear set. The power supply unit supplies power to the control unit and the drive unit at a predetermined voltage. Furthermore, the actuation unit 300 may include a battery as a power source related to the power supplied by the power supply unit. The battery may be, for example, a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the battery may be a removable and replaceable battery.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the observation frame 10.

[0033] The frame 10 has: support portions 12 and 13 protruding in two stages on the inner wall surface 11; and a protrusion 14 on the upper side of the support portion 12 opposite to the first portion 21. The support portion 12 supports the windshield 20, and the support portion 13 is located below the support portion 12 and supports the parting plate 230.

[0034] Here, the supports 12 and 13 protrude in a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the inner wall surface 11. The support 13 has a protruding slit, but is not limited thereto. The protrusion 14 extends in a straight line along the vertical direction of the inner wall surface 11, for example. The protrusion 14 is located at least three places at appropriate intervals, for example.

[0035] The circular range defined by the position of the front end of the protrusion 14 is the same as or slightly larger than the top view range of the windshield 20 when viewed from above. The windshield 20 is inserted into this circular range, thereby defining the positional range of the windshield 20 and reducing positional offset. On the other hand, a gap is created between the windshield 20 and the inner wall surface 11 other than the protrusion 14.

[0036] Figure 3A It is a diagram showing a portion of the cross section of the frame 10, including the central axis, that is, along the section line excluding the protrusion 14. Figure 3B It is a diagram showing a portion of the surface of the frame 10 containing the central axis, that is, a section along the profile line containing the protrusion 14.

[0037] like Figure 3AAs shown, the third portion 23 of the windshield 20, along the outer edge of its inner surface (display portion 200 side), is supported on the support portion 12 and housed inside the inner wall surface 11. The thickness of the windshield 20 is greater than the height of the inner wall surface 11 on the upper side of the support portion 12, meaning the windshield 20 protrudes upward relative to the frame 10. The side portion of the windshield 20 opposite the inner wall surface 11 of the frame 10 is the first portion 21.

[0038] Here, the first part 21 is bonded to the inner wall surface 11 by an adhesive 51 (first adhesive) located between the first part 21 and the frame 10, and the third part 23 is bonded to the support part 12 (frame 10) by an adhesive 52 (second adhesive) located between the third part 23 and the frame 10. The adhesives 51 and 52 function as waterproof components, thereby sealing the upper side of the frame 10 and waterproofing the inside of the frame 10 (preventing water ingress), thus achieving waterproofing. Furthermore, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the diagram, the areas of adhesive 51 and adhesive 52 are shown separately, but they can also be connected.

[0039] There is a gap between the first part 21 and the inner wall surface 11, which can serve as a layer for adhesive 51. The adhesive 51 in the bonded state is a component with relatively high elasticity, that is, a moderately stretching component with a relatively low elastic modulus, so that even if it is subjected to a large impact such as the electronic clock 1 being dropped, it is difficult for the adhesive 51 to peel off from the frame 10 or for the windshield 20 and the frame 10 to break.

[0040] On the other hand, the support portion 12 has a protrusion 121 that extends upward in an annular shape along its inner edge. This protrusion 121 prevents the adhesive 52 from leaking from the upper surface of the support portion 12 before curing. The adhesive 52 may be the same type as the adhesive 51. Alternatively, the adhesive 52 may be an adhesive with a higher (harder) elastic modulus during bonding than the adhesive 51. Thus, relative movement of the bonded windshield 20 relative to the support portion 12 is suppressed, and the windshield 20 is stably fixed.

[0041] Adhesives 51 and 52 are not particularly limited and can be thermosetting adhesives. In this case, the heat required for curing is within a range that does not affect the windshield 20 and frame 10, etc. The heat does not need to directly irradiate the adhesives, thus facilitating the curing process.

[0042] Here, the height of the first part 21 is approximately equal to the width of the third part 23. The outer edge of the third part 23 and the lower end of the first part 21 are both lower sides of the windshield 20, meaning the area (adhesive area) of the first part 21 is approximately equal to the area (adhesive area) of the third part 23. This ensures stable waterproofing and durability. The statement "approximately equal" is not strictly accurate; a deviation of about 10-20% is possible. Alternatively, the height of the first part 21 may be smaller than the width of the third part 23.

[0043] As described above, the outer edge of the portion of the windshield 20 that protrudes upward relative to the frame 10 (the portion different from the first portion 21) is chamfered, becoming a surface inclined relative to the vertical direction (first portion 21), for example, at a 45-degree angle (C-chamfer). This inclined surface (chamfered surface) is the second portion 22. The second portion 22 is opposite to the outer component 30.

[0044] The outer surface (upper surface) of the windshield 20 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the outer component 30. At least the outer surface of the windshield 20 does not protrude upwards relative to the upper surface of the outer component 30. "Substantially flush with the same surface" includes not only cases where they are completely flush, but also cases where the outer surface of the windshield 20 is positioned slightly below the upper surface of the outer component 30, for example, by a margin smaller than the thickness of the SUS (approximately 0.6–0.75 mm) (e.g., 0.1 mm). The slightly lower position of the outer surface of the windshield 20 compared to the upper surface of the outer component 30 reduces the protrusion of the outer component 30 and makes it difficult for the windshield 20 to directly contact the surface of other objects.

[0045] The first part 21 defines the minimum position of the side of the windshield 20 relative to the frame 10, as long as it has the height required for reliable adhesion to the frame 10. The height of the first part 21 can also be smaller than the height of the second part 22. The smaller the first part 21 is, the higher the second part 22 can be, thus allowing for greater design flexibility even without the upper surface of the outer component 30 protruding from the outer surface of the windshield 20. In addition to the above, the first part 21 can be set to the height required to achieve waterproofing, provided that waterproofing is ensured by using the adhesive 51 between the first part 21 and the opposing surfaces of the frame 10.

[0046] The second part 22 of the windshield 20 and the opposing surfaces of the outer component 30 opposite to the windshield 20 are inclined relative to the first part 21, so that the adhesive 51 located between the windshield 20 and the frame 10 is not easily visible from the outside. The second part 22 and the opposing part of the outer component 30 are not joined, having a small gap (the second part 22 as a whole does not contact the outer component 30), but they can still contact each other. In addition, in order to prevent the adhesive 52 bonded to the third part 23 from being easily visually confirmed through the windshield 20, an opaque printing can be applied to the third part 23 of the windshield 20 as a mask.

[0047] As described above, the frame 10 has a protrusion 14 on its inner wall surface 11. Figure 3B As shown, the height of the protrusion 14 in the vertical direction (the size from the inner wall surface 11 inward) is the same, but not limited to this. The gap between the first portion 21 of the windshield 20 and the inner wall surface 11 is approximately the same relative to the position of the windshield 20 defined by the protrusion 14. This gap serves as a space for filling the adhesive 51, preventing the adhesive 51 from overflowing from the gap.

[0048] The electronic clock 1 having the aforementioned clock case 100 is manufactured through the following steps. First, the parting plate 230 is aligned and positioned relative to the clock case 100. Next, adhesives 51 and 52 are applied to the bonding surfaces of at least one of the clock case 100 and the windshield 20, and then bonded and cured. Then, after assembling the outer parts such as the outer casing 30, the operating part 300 is housed inside the clock case 100 from the back side. Finally, the back cover 40 is closed with screws or the like, thus obtaining the electronic clock 1.

[0049] As described above, the watch case 100 of this embodiment includes: a frame 10; a windproof glass 20, the first portion 21 of which faces the frame 10; an adhesive 51 located between the frame 10 and the windproof glass 20, serving as a waterproof component to waterproof the interior of the frame 10; and an external component 30. The external component 30 faces a second portion 22 on the side of the windproof glass 20 that is different from the first portion 21.

[0050] By adjusting the position of the outer component 30 so that not only the frame 10 but also the outer component 30 is partially opposite to the side of the windshield 20, the height of the watch case 100 formed by the outer component 30 located above (outer side) of the windshield 20 can be reduced, thus creating a more compact structure.

[0051] Additionally, adhesive 51 is located between the first part 21 and the frame 10. This prevents water from penetrating deep into the gap between the windshield 20 and the frame 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the second part 22 of the windshield 20 does not contact the outer component 30. That is, there is a gap between the second part 22 and the outer component 30, which provides a buffer in the event of an impact such as a fall or collision, making the windshield 20 and the frame 10 less prone to breakage. In addition, it can prevent the adhesives 51 and 52 from peeling off the windshield 20.

[0053] The waterproof components are adhesives 51 and 52. Conventionally, to achieve waterproofing, for example, a waterproof gasket or similar component is placed at the point where the glass component contacts the resin frame 10 before the glass component is pressed in (embedded). For this embedding operation, the frame 10 needs to have embedding parts, but by using the waterproof structure with adhesive 51, a frame 10 with embedding parts is unnecessary. Furthermore, to achieve sufficient waterproofing using the waterproof gasket, for example, waterproofing to 10 atmospheres or more, its thickness cannot be ignored compared to the size of a watch or similar device; therefore, adhesives 51 and 52 can simultaneously ensure waterproofing and suppress size increases.

[0054] Furthermore, the frame 10 has a protrusion 14 opposite to the first part 21. This allows for easy and accurate positioning of the windshield 20 relative to the frame 10, thus achieving a stable appearance simply by placing the windshield 20 into the frame 10. Moreover, when the waterproof component is adhesive 51, the portion other than the protrusion 14 becomes a gap occupied by the adhesive 51, preventing the adhesive 51 from overflowing from the joint surface during pressure bonding and thus avoiding impact on the surrounding area or aesthetic damage.

[0055] Furthermore, the protrusion 14 defines the position range of the side of the windshield 20 relative to the frame 10. As a result, the windshield 20 can be easily fixed in the appropriate position relative to the frame 10 while the aforementioned gap is provided, which can reduce the time spent in assembling and manufacturing the electronic clock 1 (clock case 100) and reduce product deviations.

[0056] Furthermore, the frame 10 has a protrusion 14 located opposite the first portion 21 and a support portion 12 that supports the third portion 23 along the outer edge of the inner surface of the windshield 20. Since the windshield 20 is supported not only on the side but also on the inner surface, the position of the windshield 20 can be determined more reliably and easily. Additionally, the windshield 20 can be supported more stably relative to pressure from the outer surface.

[0057] Alternatively, the adhesive 52, serving as a waterproof component, can be located between the third part 23 and the frame 10. In this case, sufficient waterproofing can be achieved without significantly increasing the thickness of the watch case 100. Furthermore, the width of the third part 23 only needs to be as small as possible to allow for the application of the adhesive.

[0058] Furthermore, the height of the first part 21 can be less than or equal to the width of the third part 23. When waterproofing is achieved using the adhesive 52 bonded to the third part 23, the first part 21 only needs to have a minimum height required for the side position of the windshield 20. Additionally, even without waterproofing at the third part 23, the first part 21 can be lowered within the range where waterproofing is achieved. Therefore, by making the first part 21 smaller than the third part 23, more of the outer component 30 can be positioned on the side of the windshield 20. This allows for a reduction in the thickness of the watch case 100 while maintaining waterproofing.

[0059] Furthermore, the second part 22 of the windshield 20 is tilted relative to the first part 21. As a result, the surface of the outer component 30 opposite to the second part 22 is also tilted, so the gap between the first part 21 and the frame 10 is not directly visible from the gap between the second part 22 and the frame 10, and therefore the aesthetics are not compromised by the adhesive 51.

[0060] Furthermore, the second part 22 is the chamfered surface of the windshield 20. As a result, the upper surface of the outer component 30 is located on the side covering the windshield 20, thus allowing the watch case 100 to be thinner and increasing the impact resistance of the windshield 20 for its protection. Additionally, since the entire upper surface of the windshield 20, edged with the chamfered surface, can be easily visually inspected, a wider area of ​​the front of the electronic clock 1 can be secured, making it easier to observe the display. On the other hand, the wider upper surface of the outer component 30 also allows for a greater variety of design patterns.

[0061] Alternatively, the height of the first part 21 can be smaller than the height of the second part 22. By reducing the height of the first part 21, it is easier to increase the width of the outer component 30.

[0062] Furthermore, the outer surface of the windshield 20 and the upper surface of the outer component 30 are located in the same plane. As a result, the height of the outer component 30 can be suppressed within the range that can protect the outer surface of the windshield 20, thereby reducing the thickness of the watch case 100.

[0063] In addition, the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment includes: the clock case 100 described above; a display unit 200, which is located at a position that can be visually confirmed through the windproof glass 20 and can display time-related information; and a control unit, which is located inside the frame 10 and controls the operation of the display unit 200.

[0064] In such an electronic clock 1, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the electronic clock 1 while ensuring water resistance.

[0065] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, a structure is described in which the first part 21, the second part 22, and the frame 10 are bonded together by adhesives 51 and 52, respectively. However, either adhesive 51 or 52 may be omitted. Alternatively, a waterproof gasket may be used as a waterproof component between the first part 21 and the frame 10, instead of adhesive 51.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a protrusion 14 extending vertically in a straight line was used as an example for description, but it is not limited to this. The protrusion 14 may not be straight. Also, the width of the protrusion 14 may vary. Furthermore, a structure in which the protrusion 14 is located in three or more places, specifying the side position of the windshield 20, was described, but a range larger than the outer periphery of the windshield 20 may also be specified. Additionally, the protrusion 14 may not be located in three or more places, for example, only for obtaining the gap between the windshield 20 and the frame 10. Alternatively, the frame 10 may not originally have the protrusion 14.

[0068] Alternatively, the frame 10 may not have the support portion 12. This is as long as the frame 10 and the windshield 20 can be fixed in a proper positional relationship. Furthermore, even when the support portion 12 is present, it does not have to be ring-shaped; for example, it could be a partially interrupted shape. In this case, although an adhesive 52 may be used, since it is not waterproof, waterproofing is ensured between the first portion 21 and the frame 10.

[0069] Alternatively, the second part 22 may not be a plane with a 45-degree tilt angle. It can be another tilt angle, or it can be a curved surface. Alternatively, the second part 22 may have a bend in the middle, in which case the side of the windshield 20 may not have a tilted portion. Depending on the shape of the second part 22, the opposing surface of the outer component 30 also becomes the same shape.

[0070] Furthermore, the outer surface of the windshield 20 is chamfered to form a second part 22, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, the first part 21 may be smaller than the second part 22 in terms of the diameter of the windshield 20, and the second part 22 may have sides that slope outwards from the center. In this case, for example, the first part 21 and the second part 22 may be treated to prevent easy visual confirmation via the windshield 20 (e.g., the aforementioned opaque printing).

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the outer surface of the windshield 20 does not protrude upwards compared to the upper surface of the outer component 30 has been described. However, the outer surface of the windshield 20 may also be positioned upwards compared to the upper surface of the outer component 30. Alternatively, the upper surface of the outer component 30 may protrude significantly beyond the outer surface of the windshield 20.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a structure was described where the height of the first part 21 is less than or equal to the width of the third part 23. However, the height of the first part 21 may also be greater than the width of the third part 23. In cases where the third part 23 is very narrow, the height of the first part 21 may be reduced without affecting it. Additionally, within the range where waterproofing is achieved as described above, the height of the first part 21 and the width of the third part 23 may be determined independently.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the side of the windshield 20 is divided into two parts, a first part 21 and a second part 22, has been described, but this is not a limitation. Areas other than those described above may also be included, and these areas may be located between the first part 21 and the second part 22.

[0074] Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 described in the above embodiments is not limited to electronic clocks dedicated solely to clock functions. It can be a multi-functional clock with various functions, or it can be a wrist-worn terminal device (smartwatch) that typically displays the time.

[0075] Furthermore, the specific structures, positional relationships, shapes, constructions, and materials shown in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

[0077] Industrial utilization potential

[0078] This invention can be used for watch cases and electronic watches.

Claims

1. A watch case, characterized in that, have: Frame; The windshield, which appears circular when viewed from above, has a first portion on its side that is opposite to the frame. A waterproof component, located between the frame and the windproof glass, waterproofs the interior of the frame; and External components, The frame has a plurality of protrusions that are circular in a top view relative to the first portion. The windshield is inserted within the circular area, thereby defining the position range of the side of the windshield relative to the frame. The external component is opposite to a second portion on the side of the windshield that is different from the first portion.

2. The watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof component is located between the first part and the frame.

3. The watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second part of the windshield does not contact the external components as a whole.

4. The watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof component is an adhesive.

5. The watch case according to claim 4, characterized in that, A gap corresponding to the adhesive is formed between the windshield and the frame, excluding the protrusion.

6. The watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The frame has: a protrusion located opposite the first portion; and a support portion supporting a third portion of the windshield along the outer edge of its inner surface.

7. The watch case according to claim 6, characterized in that, The waterproof component is located between the third part and the frame.

8. The watch case according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support portion has an annular upward protrusion along the inner edge of the frame.

9. The watch case according to claim 6, characterized in that, The height of the first part is less than or equal to the width of the third part.

10. The watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second portion of the windproof glass is tilted relative to the first portion.

11. The watch case according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second part is the chamfered surface of the windshield.

12. The watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The height of the first part is smaller than the height of the second part.

13. The watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the windproof glass and the upper surface of the external component are located in the same plane.

14. An electronic clock, characterized in that, have: Watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A display unit, located in a position visible through the windshield, is capable of displaying time-related information; and The control unit, located inside the frame, controls the operation of the display unit.

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