Electronic device and electronic timepiece

Abstract

The present application can improve the impact resistance of electronic devices and electronic timepieces. An electronic device characterized by comprising: a first leaf spring extending in a first direction from a fixed end; a second leaf spring branching from the middle of the extension direction of the first leaf spring and extending in the first direction to a position ahead of the front end of the first leaf spring in the first direction; and a substrate having an electrode that contacts the second leaf spring when the first leaf spring is pressed in correspondence with the pressing action of a button switch, and does not contact the first leaf spring due to the pressing action of the button switch, the second leaf spring having a front end portion that, in a plan view from the pressing direction of the button switch, is ahead of the front end of the first leaf spring in the first direction and expands to a position overlapping the substrate in a second direction different from the first direction, the front end portion contacting the electrode in correspondence with the pressing action of the button switch.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-4559, when a push-button switch is pressed, the shaft of the push-button switch presses down on a leaf spring of a conductive component, causing it to deform. The deformed leaf spring, caused by the push-button switch being pressed, contacts an electrode on a substrate, thereby achieving conductivity and detecting the press operation of the push-button switch. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, such push-button switches can sometimes be accidentally pressed suddenly due to impacts such as when electronic devices are dropped. Depending on the degree of impact transmitted internally, internal structural damage or operational malfunctions may occur in the electronic device. Leaf springs can mitigate such impacts, but there is also the challenge of not being able to extend the leaf springs indefinitely.

[0004] The problem to be solved by this invention is to improve the shock resistance of electronic devices and electronic clocks.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the electronic device of the present invention comprises: a first leaf spring extending from a fixed end along a first direction; a second leaf spring branching off midway from the extending direction of the first leaf spring and extending along the first direction to a position forward of the front end of the first leaf spring in the first direction; and a substrate having an electrode that contacts the second leaf spring when the first leaf spring is pressed in response to a button switch press action, and not contacting the first leaf spring due to the button switch press action, wherein, in a top view viewed from the button switch press direction, the second leaf spring has a front end portion forward of the front end of the first leaf spring in the first direction and extending in a second direction different from the first direction to a position overlapping the substrate, the front end portion contacting the electrode in response to the button switch press action. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the modules housed inside the casing of the electronic device, viewed from the rear side.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a side view of the module, including the leaf spring.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a portion of a cross-section along the substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the module 100 housed inside the casing of the electronic device of this embodiment, viewed from the rear side.

[0011] Electronic devices, such as watch-type electronic clocks, are included. Module 100 is housed inside a cylindrical housing and / or external components (hereinafter collectively referred to as the housing). The upper surface (upper end) exposing the display screen is sealed with transparent windproof glass, and the lower surface (back side, lower end) in contact with the wrist is sealed with a back cover. Although not particularly limited, the back cover may also be a conductive component and become part of the housing's ground plane. Module 100 includes a substrate 11, a first housing 12, a second housing 13, and a pressing component 14, etc.

[0012] The substrate 11 is a plate-shaped component having electronic components for performing various operations of the electronic clock and electronic circuits (including electrodes) connected thereto. The electronic components may include, for example, a microcomputer, an external storage unit (flash memory, etc.), a large-capacity capacitor, modules involved in various functional operations such as communication and measurement, a crystal oscillator, etc. Power is supplied to the substrate 11 from the battery B to operate the various electronic components. For example, the microcomputer uses a clock signal corresponding to the oscillation of the crystal oscillator to count the time (which may also include date information). Additionally, the microcomputer displays the time, etc., on a display screen located under the windshield. The substrate 11 may also be a multi-layered laminated substrate. Electrodes 11c are located on the side of the substrate 11 and are exposed.

[0013] The first housing 12 is located on the upper surface of the substrate 11 and houses the aforementioned display screen and external electronic components mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 11. External electronic components may include, for example, modules involved in communication (including receiving-only components), large-capacity capacitors, etc.

[0014] The second housing 13 is located on the lower surface of the substrate 11 and clamps the substrate 11 together with the first housing 12. The second housing 13 houses the battery B approximately in the center. One side of the battery B (e.g., the lower surface) is connected to the ground plane of the housing, and the output (voltage, current) of the other side (the upper surface) is supplied to the substrate 11.

[0015] The pressing member 14 is a conductive component, here a metal component, having a portion arranged in a ring along the lower surface of the second housing 13. Furthermore, a portion of the pressing member 14 extends from the aforementioned ring portion toward the side of the module 100, and its opening 141 (fixed end) engages with the claw portion 121 of the first housing 12 and is thus fixed. Therefore, the pressing member 14 integrally holds the substrate 11 in a state where it is clamped from both sides by the first housing 12 and the second housing 13 (which together serve as support members).

[0016] The pressing member 14 is connected to the lower surface of the battery B and grounded by the casing. Additionally, the pressing member 14 has a leaf spring 142 extending downwards in its initial state. The leaf spring 142 contacts the rear cover, causing the rear cover to be at ground potential.

[0017] Leaf spring 143 extends laterally from the side opening 141 in a circumferential direction (first direction) along that side. Leaf spring 143 is used to detect the pressing action of a push-button switch (operating component) (not shown). The push-button switch (not shown) penetrates the housing and is located on the side of the electronic clock. The shaft at its base is in contact with leaf spring 143 at least when the push-button switch is pressed. Alternatively, the shaft may not be in contact with leaf spring 143 when the push-button switch is not pressed.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of module 100 including leaf spring 143. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a portion of a cross-section along the substrate 11.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the leaf springs 143 extending to both sides of the opening 141 have a shorter, straight first leaf spring 1431 (shaft leaf spring) and a second leaf spring 1432 (contact leaf spring) that branches off midway from the extension direction of the first leaf spring 1431 and extends forward of the first leaf spring 1431.

[0020] The first position C, near the front end of the first leaf spring 1431, is the position where the push-button switch makes axial contact. When the push-button switch is pressed, a force is applied to the first leaf spring 1431 at the first position C toward the inside of the module 100, that is, toward the inside in the vertical direction shown in the figure.

[0021] The second leaf spring 1432 branches downward from the first leaf spring 1431, i.e., on the side of the second housing 13, and extends parallel to the first leaf spring 1431 across a slit. The slit can be sufficiently narrow within a range where the opposing portions of the first leaf spring 1431 and the second leaf spring 1432 do not contact each other. The length of the second leaf spring 1432 is longer than the length from the root R of the slit to the front end of the first leaf spring 1431, i.e., the second position S. That is, the second leaf spring 1432 extends to a position further forward than the second position S. The second leaf spring 1432 expands its width upward (in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction) from the position further forward than the second position S, extending to a position overlapping the base plate 11 in a top (side) view when observing the pressed direction of the push-button switch (shaft). That is, the second leaf spring 1432 is bent into an L-shape near its front end.

[0022] When the first leaf spring 1431 bends inward toward the module 100 in response to the pressing of the push-button switch, the second leaf spring 1432 initially bends in the same direction at approximately the same angle. As described above, the electrode 11c is exposed within a range that allows the second leaf spring 1432 to contact the side of the push-button switch substrate 11. Therefore, when the first leaf spring 1431 is pressed down a certain distance (or more), the second leaf spring 1432 contacts the electrode. The contact between the second leaf spring 1432 and the electrode 11c establishes electrical connection between the electrode and the pressing member 14 grounded in the housing. The substrate 11 has a structure that detects the continuity of the electrode 11c, thereby enabling the detection of the push-button switch being pressed.

[0023] Furthermore, the shorter the distance from the root R of the slit to the first position C, the greater the bending deformation will be even if the push-button switch is pressed for a short distance, thus improving the responsiveness to the pressing action. On the other hand, if this distance is too short, the stress required to produce deformation will increase, thus requiring the first leaf spring 1431 to be thinner. As a result, under large stress, the first leaf spring 1431 is prone to irreversible deformation.

[0024] Furthermore, if the distance from the root R of the slit to the position where the second leaf spring 1432 contacts the electrode 11c is longer than the aforementioned distance, then the bending deformation of the second leaf spring 1432 is greater than that of the first leaf spring 1431. Therefore, in such a leaf spring 143, the second leaf spring 1432 can be brought into contact with the electrode efficiently within the elastic deformation range of the leaf spring 143. Here, for example, the distance from the root R of the slit to the position where the second leaf spring 1432 contacts the electrode 11c is more than twice the distance from the root R of the slit to the first position C.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the widened front end (front end) of the second leaf spring 1432 has a curved portion 1432a that bends inward toward the module 100. The substrate 11 has a recess 11a corresponding to the curved portion 1432a, and the electrode 11c is disposed along the recess 11a. "Corresponding" here does not mean identical shapes. The recess 11a may also be slightly larger and / or shallower than the curved portion 1432a to allow easy access to the curved portion 1432a. The first leaf spring 1431 is pressed down along the single-dotted line Ls by the axis of the push-button switch. If the second leaf spring 1432 bends inward in tandem, the curved portion 1432a contacts the recess 11a at the position shown by the double-dotted line.

[0026] The side surfaces of the substrate 11 and the second housing 13 have partial recesses 11b extending further inward toward the module 100 along the extent of the first leaf spring 1431. The recesses 11b are located inward toward the module 100 compared to the recesses 11a. Regarding the... Figure 3The first housing 12, not shown, also has a recess within the area of ​​the first leaf spring 1431. Therefore, even when the push-button switch is pressed to its maximum extent, the first leaf spring 1431 will not contact the base plate 11, the first housing 12, or the second housing 13, as indicated by the double-dotted line. The push-button switch pressing action is not limited to intentional pressing by the user. It can also be caused by impacts such as when an electronic clock falls and hits the ground.

[0027] When the push-button switch is pressed sharply and forcefully due to an impact, the first leaf spring 1431 is further pressed axially inward by the push-button switch, not only when the second leaf spring 1432 contacts the electrode 11c. Furthermore, at this time, the second leaf spring 1432 undergoes deformation between its root R (the branch point from the first leaf spring 1431) and its bend 1432a, corresponding to the positional offset between the first and second leaf springs 1431. If the deformation is small, the force applied between the bend 1432a of the second leaf spring 1432 and the electrode 11c (substrate 11) increases. On the other hand, if the strain is large, the second leaf spring 1432 may not be able to return to its original state. Considering these factors, the thickness of the first leaf spring 1431 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction (vertical direction), the thickness of the second leaf spring 1432 in the same direction, and their ratio are appropriately set.

[0028] Furthermore, at this time, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 extends in an L-shape to the extension line of the first leaf spring 1431. Therefore, when excessive force is applied to the first leaf spring 1431, the contact area between the second leaf spring 1432 and the electrode 11c becomes larger, making it difficult to apply a large force locally. Additionally, even when the first leaf spring 1431 is further pressed, the second leaf spring 1432 is difficult to twist.

[0029] In this way, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 extends in an L-shape along the extension line of the first leaf spring 1431, so even if the length of the second leaf spring 1432, which is in contact with the electrode 11c, is not lengthened in a straight line, a sufficient length of leaf spring 143 can be obtained. Therefore, the electronic device can improve its impact resistance.

[0030] As described above, the electronic device of this embodiment includes a first leaf spring 1431, a second leaf spring 1432, and a substrate 11. The first leaf spring 1431 extends from the opening 141, which serves as the fixed end of the claw portion 121, in a first direction along its side. The second leaf spring 1432 branches off midway from the extending direction of the first leaf spring 1431 and extends in the first direction to a position forward of the first leaf spring 1431's front end in the first direction, i.e., the second position S. The substrate 11 has an electrode that contacts the second leaf spring 1432 when the first leaf spring 1431 is pressed in response to a button switch press, and does not contact the first leaf spring 1431 even when the button switch is pressed. The second leaf spring 1432 has a front end portion that extends in a second direction (upward) different from the first direction (vertical) and further forward of the front end in the first direction (second position S), encompassing at least a portion of the range of the first leaf spring 1431, and this front end portion contacts the electrode in response to a button switch press.

[0031] According to this electronic device, even if the push-button switch is excessively pressed, the first leaf spring 1431 bends itself and does not contact the substrate 11. Therefore, even if the push-button switch is excessively pressed due to a large impact such as a drop, the impact applied to the substrate 11 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the second leaf spring 1432 is not straight but can be bent to make a longer and wider contact with the substrate 11, the impact is dispersed. Therefore, the impact resistance of the electronic device is improved. As a result, it is not necessary to provide protrusions or the like around the push-button switch in the external components to prevent excessive pressing of the push-button switch due to unintentional drops. Therefore, the design freedom of the electronic device (electronic clock) is increased. In addition, the electrode can contact the second leaf spring 1432 even if it is in an appropriate position in the second direction. Therefore, the design freedom of the electronic device is increased. Furthermore, compared to the distance from the root of the slit (the branch position of the second leaf spring 1432) to the first position C, the distance from the root of the slit to the position where the electrode of the second leaf spring 1432 contacts is farther. Therefore, the operation detection of the push-button switch is performed efficiently within the range of the elastic deformation of the leaf spring 143 relative to the push-button switch pressing operation.

[0032] Furthermore, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. In particular, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, enabling it to withstand impacts more stably and disperse them.

[0033] Furthermore, the first leaf spring 1431 extends from the opening 141 in a first direction along the side, and extends to the second position S through a first position C that contacts the shaft of the push-button switch. When the first position C of the first leaf spring 1431 is pressed down by the shaft to a certain distance in response to the push-button switch being pressed, the electrode contacts the second leaf spring 1432 and becomes conductive with it. Even when the push-button switch is pressed to its maximum extent, the substrate 11 does not contact the first leaf spring 1431. The front end of the second leaf spring 1432 extends in the first direction and in the second direction (upward) to a position overlapping with the substrate 11 when viewed from above.

[0034] According to this electronic device, the first leaf spring 1431 absorbs impact through deformation, and the second leaf spring 1432 can make wide contact with the substrate 11. Therefore, in the electronic device, impacts on the substrate, electronic components, etc., can be more appropriately suppressed. Thus, the impact resistance of the electronic device (leaf spring 143) is improved. In addition, even if the electrode is in the appropriate position in the second direction, it can still contact the second leaf spring 1432. Therefore, the design freedom of the electronic device is increased.

[0035] Furthermore, the second leaf spring 1432 has a curved portion 1432a at its front end that bends towards the electrode. Corresponding to the pressing action of the push-button switch, the curved portion 1432a of the second leaf spring 1432 contacts the electrode. Because the protruding portion contacts the electrode, the operation detection of the push-button switch can be performed more reliably in electronic devices.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrode is disposed along the recess 11a of the substrate 11, which has a shape corresponding to the bend 1432a. Thus, since the electrode side also has a shape corresponding to the bend 1432a of the second leaf spring 1432, the electronic device maintains reliable contact with the electrode 11c. Consequently, the contact position on the electrode 11c side is easily stabilized and remains near the same location. Additionally, in the event of excessive impact from the bearing, the second leaf spring 1432 is less likely to disengage from the recess 11a.

[0037] Furthermore, the electronic device has a first housing 12 and a second housing 13 on both sides of the substrate 11. A first leaf spring 1431 and a second leaf spring 1432 are arranged along the stacking direction of the substrate 11, the first housing 12, and the second housing 13, and the electrode 11c is located on the side of the substrate 11. Even when the push-button switch is pressed to its maximum extent, the first housing 12 and the second housing 13 do not contact the first leaf spring 1431. That is, even if the first leaf spring 1431 is bent excessively, it is not limited to the substrate 11 and does not contact other parts of the module 100. Therefore, the first leaf spring 1431 can appropriately disperse the impact from the push-button switch, suppressing the occurrence of electronic device malfunctions, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the substrate 11, the first housing 12, and the second housing 13 have recesses 11b along the pressing direction of the first leaf spring 1431. These recesses 11b are located inside the module 100 (electronic device) compared to the recesses 11a. Therefore, even if the first leaf spring 1431 is pressed excessively as described above, it will not contact the substrate 11, the first housing 12, and the second housing 13. Additionally, since the substrate 11 is not reduced to a size exceeding the required size, the impact on the arrangement of other circuits and electronic components can be minimized.

[0039] Furthermore, the electronic device includes a push-button switch with a shaft that presses a first position C of the first leaf spring 1431 in response to a pressing action. According to this electronic device, adverse effects such as impacts to the push-button switch caused by falling or similar events can be effectively reduced, and operation can be maintained.

[0040] Furthermore, the electronic clock of this embodiment includes the aforementioned electronic equipment. Such an electronic clock can improve its impact resistance to drops and other impacts.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible. For example, the second leaf spring 1432 may not be wider at a portion forward of the second position S along the side, i.e., its length may not be extended by using an L-shape with an upward bend of 90 degrees. The length of the second leaf spring 1432 may also be obtained by bending from the first direction in a direction other than a right angle and extending in the second direction. In addition, the bending may not be more than once. For example, the second leaf spring 1432 may be bent into a J-shape instead of an L-shape. Alternatively, the front end of the J-shape may be located on the upper side compared to the range of the first leaf spring 1431 when viewed from the side. That is, the second leaf spring 1432 may also be in the shape of the second position S that surrounds the front end of the first leaf spring 1431 from three directions. Or, the second leaf spring 1432 may change direction in a curved shape at a portion forward of the second position S.

[0042] Alternatively, the second leaf spring 1432 may gradually or progressively extend upwards from a position forward of the second position S. Furthermore, the front end of the vertical extension may be thicker on the upper surface side than on the lower surface side (the side where the second leaf spring 1432 separates from the first leaf spring 1431).

[0043] In summary, the second leaf spring 1432 has a shape in which its front end passes over the front end of the first leaf spring 1431, which can improve impact resistance.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 is described as being bent into a U-shape, but it is not limited to this. It can protrude downward in other shapes such as a V-shape, or it can be in a J-shape. Alternatively, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 can also be a portion that only contacts the electrode and protrudes downward. Alternatively, it may not originally have a shape with a protruding front end.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the electrode of the substrate 11 is located within a curved recess on the side of the substrate 11 was described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The recess may also be box-shaped. Alternatively, the recess may also be stepped.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the substrate 11, the first outer shell 12, and the second outer shell 13 have recesses 11b in a manner that do not contact the first leaf spring 1431 has been described, but this is not a limitation. For example, if it is possible to avoid contact with the first leaf spring 1431 simply by cutting off the originally protruding protrusions and apexes, then it is not necessary to form recesses.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the substrate 11 is sandwiched between the first outer shell 12 and the second outer shell 13 has been described. In this structure, the substrate located in the center and the first leaf spring 1431 are prone to overlap when viewed from the side. Therefore, the front end of the second leaf spring 1432 in this embodiment is more appropriately used to make the second leaf spring 1432 contact the electrode on the side of the substrate 11 in accordance with the pressing of the first leaf spring 1431. However, this structure is not limited to this. The outer shells may not be located on both sides of the substrate 11. Alternatively, a plate-like / layered structure other than the substrate 11, the first outer shell 12, and the second outer shell 13 may be included.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the case where the push-button switch is located on the side of the electronic device is described, but it is not limited thereto. The push-button switch may also be located on the front (top surface) or the bottom (lower surface). In addition, the shape of the push-button switch is not particularly limited.

[0049] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe a wristwatch-type electronic clock, it is not limited to this. Portable electronic clocks that are not worn on the wrist can also be used. Additionally, electronic devices can include devices worn or carried by the user, such as smartwatches, activity measuring devices, and vital sign measuring devices.

[0050] Furthermore, the specific structures, configurations, and positional relationships shown in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, have: A first leaf spring extends from a fixed end along a first direction; The second leaf spring branches off midway from the extension direction of the first leaf spring and extends along the first direction to a position further forward than the front end of the first leaf spring in the first direction. as well as A substrate having electrodes that contact the second leaf spring when the first leaf spring is pressed in response to a button switch press, but not contacting the first leaf spring due to the button switch press. The second leaf spring has a front end portion that, in a top view viewed from the pressed direction of the push-button switch, is further forward than the front end portion of the first leaf spring in the first direction, and extends in a second direction different from the first direction to a position overlapping the substrate. This front end portion contacts the electrode corresponding to the pressed action of the push-button switch. The substrate has a recess along the pressing direction of the first leaf spring, and the first leaf spring is disposed in the recess when the button switch is pressed to the maximum extent.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second direction is the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first leaf spring extends from the fixed end along the first direction, passes through a first position that contacts the shaft of the push-button switch, and extends to a second position. When the first position of the first leaf spring is pressed down by the shaft by a certain distance in accordance with the pressing action of the button switch, the electrode contacts the second leaf spring and becomes conductive with the second leaf spring.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Even when the push-button switch is pressed to its maximum extent, the substrate does not contact the first leaf spring. In a top view taken from the pressing direction of the shaft, the front end of the second leaf spring extends in the first direction and relative to the front end side of the second position to a position that overlaps with the substrate in the second direction.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second leaf spring has a curved portion at its front end that bends toward the electrode side, and the curved portion contacts the electrode in response to the pressing action of the push-button switch.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrode is disposed along the recess of the substrate having a recess with a shape that bends in accordance with the bend.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Supporting components are provided on both sides that clamp the substrate. The first leaf spring and the second leaf spring are arranged along the stacking direction of the substrate and the supporting member. The electrode is located on the side of the substrate. The supporting component does not contact the first leaf spring.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support member has the recess along the pressing direction of the first leaf spring. The recessed portion is located inside the recessed portion.

9. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It includes a push-button switch having a shaft that presses the first position of the first leaf spring in accordance with a pressing action.

10. An electronic clock, characterized in that, An electronic device having any one of claims 1 to 9.

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