Electronic device and electronic timepiece

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device and an electronic timepiece. The electronic device includes: a case; an exterior member which is made of a metal material and which is externally attached to the housing; and a buffer member interposed between the exterior member and the housing, the buffer member being provided with a movable space between the exterior member and the housing, the movable space being capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member. The inside of the exterior member has a first region in which the buffer member is provided, and a second region in which the housing is provided with the movable space therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and an electronic clock. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known structure for providing an exterior component such as a bezel formed of a metal material on the exterior of an electronic device such as a watch. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-39049 describes a bezel comprising a first ring formed of synthetic resin and a second ring formed of metal.

[0003] However, if metal parts such as a metal bezel are installed on the outermost part of an electronic device, when an impact is applied to the electronic device due to being dropped, there is a problem that the metal parts may directly apply load to the housing and various precision parts contained in the housing, causing damage.

[0004] In this regard, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-39049, a bezel made of synthetic resin is provided in addition to a metal bezel. However, sufficient cushioning effect cannot be expected with such a bezel alone. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one solution of the present application provides an electronic device, characterized in that it comprises: a shell; an exterior component made of a metal material and attached to the shell; and a buffer component interposed between the exterior component and the shell, wherein a movable space capable of absorbing the displacement of the exterior component is provided between the exterior component and the shell, and a first area on the inner side of the exterior component in which the buffer component is provided, and a second area in which the shell is provided across the movable space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the timepiece according to the embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the clock shown.

[0008] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of the watch taken along line III-III.

[0009] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of the watch taken along line IV-IV.

[0010] Figure 5 It is from Figure 2 A side view of the watch as viewed in the direction of arrow V.

[0011] Figure 6 It is from Figure 2 A side view of the clock as viewed in the direction of arrow VI.

[0012] Figure 7A It is along Figure 5 The main part of the VIIa-VIIa line cross-sectional view, Figure 7B It is along Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the main parts along line VIIb-VIIb.

[0013] Figure 8A is a perspective view of a metal bezel in an embodiment. Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the metal button part of the embodiment. Figure 8C yes Figure 8B The perspective view of the metal button tube shown, Figure 8D This is a perspective view of an external terminal plate according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion IX surrounded by a single-dot chain line.

[0015] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is Figure 7A The enlarged cross-sectional view of the X portion surrounded by the single-dot chain line is shown in FIG. Figure 10A Indicates a state where no load is applied to the metal bezel. Figure 10B Indicates a state where a load is applied to the metal bezel.

[0016] Figure 11 It is a top view of the rear cover member in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The main parts of the rear cover component are shown in an exploded perspective view.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the piezoelectric sound generating unit in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of the rear cover component taken along line XIV-XIV.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the internal terminal plate in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 yes Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of the portion XVI surrounded by a single-dot chain line.

[0022] Figure 17 It means that Figure 16The illustrated portion is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an example of an internal terminal plate to which a modified example is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] An embodiment of an electronic device (electronic timepiece) of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the electronic device (electronic timepiece) is described as a wristwatch worn on a user's wrist (hereinafter referred to as "timepiece 100").

[0024] In addition, in the embodiment described below, various technically preferred limitations are added in order to implement the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment and the illustrated examples.

[0025] [structure]

[0026] Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of a timepiece as an electronic device (electronic timepiece) in this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main part of the clock is shown in the front view. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of the watch along line III-III, Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of the watch taken along line IV-IV.

[0027] in addition, Figure 5 It is from Figure 2 This is a side view of the clock at 9 o'clock, viewed in the direction of arrow V. Figure 6 It is from Figure 2 A side view of the 3 o'clock side of the clock as viewed in the direction of arrow VI.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a timepiece 100 as an electronic device (electronic timepiece) in this embodiment includes a case 1 .

[0029] The housing 1 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow short column shape with upper and lower openings, and the inner hollow portion constitutes a storage space for accommodating various components.

[0030] The housing 1 is formed of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as engineering plastics, super engineering plastics, etc. The material forming the housing 1 is not limited to the materials exemplified here.

[0031] On the outer surface of the case 1 , a pair of band attachment portions 11 for attaching a band (not shown) are provided at the 12 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position in the analog timepiece.

[0032] As will be described later, in the timepiece 100 of this embodiment, metal buttons 7 are provided at the 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 10 o'clock positions of the analog timepiece. A through-hole 17 is formed on the outer surface of the case 1 at a position corresponding to the metal buttons 7, through which a shaft 72 of the metal buttons 7, described later, is inserted.

[0033] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the surface side of the case 1 (the visual confirmation side of the watch) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The opening portion (upper side in the middle) is closed by a windproof member 14. The windproof member 14 is a transparent member (cover member) formed of, for example, a glass material, a transparent resin material, etc., and is fixed to the housing 1 by, for example, bonding. A transparent or translucent solar panel 15 is superimposed on the windproof member 14 and is integrally provided with the windproof member 14 by, for example, bonding (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ) In addition, the shape, arrangement position, etc. of the solar panel 15 are not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0034] The back side of the case 1 (the non-visual confirmation side of the watch) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The opening (lower side in the center) is closed by the rear cover member 3. Alternatively, the rear cover member 3 may be formed integrally with the housing 1. The rear cover member 3 may be formed, for example, from a hard resin such as carbon or a metallic resin. This allows the rear cover member 3 to have high strength and be virtually unaffected even by impact.

[0035] In this embodiment, the back side end surface of the housing 1 has a recess 16 (see FIG. 1 ) in which a waterproof member such as a waterproof ring (not shown) is disposed. Figure 9 ), the back cover member 3 is attached to the case 1 via a waterproof member using screws (not shown). By attaching the back cover member 3 via the waterproof member, the opening on the back side of the case 1 (the side not visible to the eye) can be sealed while ensuring the waterproofness (airtightness) of the case 1. Specifically, the case 1 is formed into a hollow columnar shape with one end open and the other end open, and the back cover member 3 is disposed on one end of the case 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, a piezoelectric sound generating unit 4 is arranged inside the rear cover member 3 (see Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The piezoelectric sound generating unit 4 makes various notifications to the user or the like by generating a buzzing sound (sounding a buzzer), and is a single piezoelectric chip structure in which a piezoelectric body 41 is bonded to a vibration plate 42. The vibration plate 42 is a metal plate member (metal plate) such as stainless steel (SUS), and as described later, is a metal plate that functions as a GND (also referred to as a "GND function unit"). The piezoelectric sound generating unit 4 is connected to the piezoelectric body 41 by means of a double-sided tape 45 (see Figure 12 ) is attached to the inner side of the rear cover member 3 and is connected to a circuit board (not shown). In addition, the vibration plate 42 is not limited to stainless steel (SUS) and may be made of brass or nickel.

[0037] Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, a control unit, an operating unit, a battery, and the like of the timepiece 100 as an electronic device are accommodated inside the case 1 (the aforementioned storage space).

[0038] The action unit is a component for the clock 100 to display various information (such as the time information obtained by timing). Figure 1 In the examples, the timepiece 100 is shown as a digital display system having a display unit 12 including a liquid crystal display panel or the like as the operating unit. Furthermore, the operating unit is not limited to the display unit 12 including a liquid crystal display panel or the like. For example, if the timepiece 100 is an analog display system, the operating unit may include a pointer, a gear train (gear train mechanism) that rotates the pointer, and a drive unit (motor, etc.), in place of the aforementioned components. Furthermore, the timepiece 100 may be a hybrid type having both digital and analog modes, in which case the operating unit includes components of both.

[0039] The control unit is mounted on a circuit board (not shown) or the like, and controls display operations and the like performed by the operation unit.

[0040] In addition, an antenna 13 is disposed inside the housing 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, the antenna 13 is formed in a substantially annular shape and is disposed on the lower side of the aforementioned windproof member 14 (see FIG. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ). In addition, the shape of the antenna 13, the position where the antenna 13 is installed, etc. are not limited to the example shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the antenna 13 is, for example, a GPS antenna capable of receiving GNSS (GPS / GLONASS / QZSS / SBAS) signals transmitted from GPS satellites (in addition to GPS, there are also multiple types such as GLONASS, but they are hereinafter referred to as "GPS").

[0041] GPS satellites carry atomic clocks and transmit data containing time information from the atomic clocks. By receiving GNSS (GPS) signals and the like transmitted from GPS satellites via antenna 13, highly accurate time information can be obtained at any receiving location on the ground.

[0042] In addition, if Figures 1 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, a cushioning bezel 5 is provided on the outside of the case 1. The cushioning bezel 5 is a cushioning component that covers substantially the entire side surface area of the case 1. Specifically, the cushioning bezel 5 is provided so as to surround the opening portion on the surface side of the case 1 (the side from which the watch is viewed) and covers substantially the entire side surface of the case 1.

[0043] The cushioning bezel 5 has a covering portion 51 at a position corresponding to the band attachment portion 11 of the case 1, covering the band attachment portion 11. Furthermore, an insertion hole 52 extending from the inside to the outside of the cushioning bezel 5 is formed corresponding to the position where the metal button 7, described later, is attached. The material forming the cushioning bezel 5 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be formed from a resin such as polyurethane. Furthermore, the cushioning bezel 5 can be formed from any material that provides a cushioning effect and can return to its original shape even when deformed by pressure, and is not limited to being formed from a resin such as polyurethane.

[0044] In addition, a plurality of metal parts made of metal material are mounted on the outside of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the metal parts include a metal bezel 6, a metal button 7, and a metal button tube 75.

[0045] like Figure 2 、 Figures 5 to 7A 、 Figure 7B As shown, a metal bezel 6 is provided on the side portions of the case 1 at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock sides of the analog timepiece, covering the outer side of the cushion bezel 5. By locally placing the metal bezel 6 from the outer side of the cushion bezel 5, the design of the timepiece 100 is enhanced, creating a sense of luxury. The specific shape, location, and range of the metal bezel 6 are not limited to the illustrated example; the metal bezel 6 may be placed over a wider range.

[0046] Figure 8A This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a metal bezel. Figure 8A , the metal bezel 6 arranged on the 3 o'clock side of an analog timepiece is shown as an example.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the metal bezel 6 is screwed at two locations, and screw holes 61 are formed at the screwed locations.

[0048] As will be described later, the metal bezel 6 of this embodiment is fixed by stepped screws 63 (see Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B ) is fixed to the housing 1. Figure 8A As shown, a contact surface 62 against which a first step portion 632 of a stepped screw 63 contacts is provided in a threaded hole 61 formed in the metal bezel 6 .

[0049] Furthermore, a cushioning bezel 5 (cushion member) is disposed between the metal bezel 6 (exterior member) and the back cover member 3 .

[0050] In the timepiece 100 of this embodiment, metal buttons 7 are provided at the 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 10 o'clock positions of the analog timepiece. Each metal button 7 includes a metal button tube 75 as a metal component.

[0051] Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view of a metal button. Figure 8C It is a three-dimensional diagram of a metal button tube.

[0052] like Figure 8B As shown, the metal button 7 includes a button head 71 and a shaft 72. The button head 71 is exposed to the outside of the timepiece 100 and is operated by the user. The shaft 72 is connected to the button head 71 at one end and is inserted into the insertion hole 77 of the metal button tube 75 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8C ). The other end of the shaft portion 72 is inserted into the housing 1 via the insertion hole 52 of the cushioning bezel 5 and the through-hole 17 of the housing 1. In this embodiment, in addition to the metal button tube 75, the button head 71 and the shaft portion 72 are also metal parts formed of metal material.

[0053] like Figure 8C As shown, the metal button tube 75 is a substantially cylindrical member with a bottom, and has an insertion hole 77 in the substantially central portion of the bottom. Around the insertion hole 77, a cylindrical portion 76 substantially concentric with the insertion hole 77 when viewed from above is erected from the bottom inside the metal button tube 75. When the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 is inserted into the insertion hole 77, one end side of the coil spring member 73 is arranged in the cylindrical portion 76. On the back side of the button head 71 of the metal button 7, a recessed portion 711 is formed around the shaft portion 72 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 9 The other end of the coil spring member 73 is disposed in the recess 711. Thus, the button head 71 of the metal button 7 and the metal button tube 75 are connected via the coil spring member 73 and are electrically connected.

[0054] Furthermore, a threaded hole 78 is formed in the bottom portion of the metal button tube 75 near the insertion hole 77 , and the metal button tube 75 is fastened to the housing 1 by inserting a screw 74 as a fastening member through the threaded hole 78 .

[0055] Furthermore, the timepiece 100 has a terminal plate (hereinafter referred to as the "external terminal plate 8") connected to a plurality of metal parts on the outside of the case 1. The metal bezel 6 and the metal button tube 75, which are the plurality of metal parts, are mounted to the case 1 via the external terminal plate 8. Specifically, the metal bezel 6 and the metal button tube 75 are appropriately positioned from the outside of the cushioning bezel 5, which is mounted so as to cover the outside of the case 1, via the external terminal plate 8, and are fastened to the case 1 using fastening members (stepped screws 63, which fasten the metal bezel 6, and screws 74, which fasten the metal button tube 75).

[0056] The external terminal plate 8 is formed of a metal material such as Figure 1 As shown, the metal bezel 6 and the metal button tube 75 are supported by a flat portion, namely a component receiving portion 81, and a connecting arm portion 82 that connects the component receiving portions 81. The component receiving portion 81 is provided with a threaded hole 83 through which the stepped screw 63 for securing the metal bezel 6 and the screw 74 for securing the metal button tube 75 are inserted.

[0057] Step screws 63 and screws 74 secure the metal bezel 6 and metal button tube 75 to the housing 1 via the external terminal plate 8. That is, the metal bezel 6 and metal button tube 75 are both fastened to the housing 1 together with the external terminal plate 8. By fastening the metal bezel 6 and metal button tube 75, which are multiple metal parts, to the external terminal plate 8, the parts fastened via the same external terminal plate 8 (i.e., the metal bezel 6 and metal button tube 75) are also electrically connected to each other via the external terminal plate 8. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the button head 71 of the metal button 7 and the metal button tube 75 are also in contact via the coil spring member 73. Therefore, since the button head 71 is also a metal part formed of a metal material, it also achieves electrical connection with other metal parts fastened via the same external terminal plate 8. Thus, the metal button 7 is electrically connected to the external terminal plate 8 via the coil spring member 73 and the metal button tube 75.

[0058] Along the Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line III-III is Figure 3 In the figure, the metal buttons 7 at the 4 o'clock position and the 10 o'clock position are surrounded by a single dotted line. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line IV-IV is Figure 4 In the figure, the metal buttons 7 at the 2 o'clock position and the 8 o'clock position are surrounded by a single-dot chain line. The structure of the metal button 7 and its surroundings surrounded by a single-dot chain line in each figure is roughly the same.

[0059] Figure 9 It is one of Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main portion of portion IX surrounded by a single-dot chain line.

[0060] Figure 9 The metal button 7 shown in FIG. 1 is a button that operates when a user presses a button head 71, which in turn pushes a shaft 72 inward. The button head 71 is movable within a metal button tube 75 along the axis of the shaft 72. As previously mentioned, a coil spring member 73 is disposed between the button head 71 and the metal button tube 75. Therefore, when the button head 71 is pressed, the coil spring member 73 is compressed. Furthermore, when the pressing force is released, the button head 71 is pushed back by the restoring force of the coil spring member 73, returning to its original position.

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, a groove 721 is formed in the portion of the shaft 72 that is inserted into the housing 1, and a waterproof ring 722 is installed in the groove 721. The number, shape, and arrangement of the waterproof rings 722 are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0062] The outer peripheral surfaces of the waterproof ring 722 are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 17 formed in the housing 1, and slide in the through hole 17 in response to the operation of the metal button 7. Thus, waterproofing is achieved between the shaft portion 72 and the through hole 17.

[0063] A groove 723 is formed around the shaft near the front end of the shaft portion 72. When the shaft portion 72 is inserted into the through hole 17, the shaft portion 72 is positioned so as to protrude into the housing 1 at least toward the front end of the groove 723. A retaining member 79 is attached to the groove 723. The shape of the retaining member 79 is not limited to that shown in the figure; for example, an E-ring or the like may be employed to fit within the groove 723.

[0064] The anti-slip component 79 embedded in the groove 723 is in contact and detachable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1. The anti-slip component 79 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1, so that the shaft 72 of the metal button 7 is configured so that the portion closer to the front end side than the groove 723 to which the anti-slip component 79 is mounted will not slip out of the housing 1.

[0065] As described above, the metal button tube 75 is fastened to the housing 1 together with the external terminal plate 8 by screws 74 while the external terminal plate 8 is sandwiched between the metal button tube 75 and the outer peripheral surface of the housing 1. Figure 9 In the cross section shown, only the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal plate 8 is shown. However, as described above, the external terminal plate 8 is connected to a plurality of metal components by connecting the plurality of component receiving portions 81 via the connecting arm portion 82 .

[0066] One end of the internal terminal plate 9 described later contacts the portion of the shaft 72 of the metal button 7 closer to the front end than the groove 723. As described above, a plurality of metal parts ( Figure 1 The metal bezel 6, metal button 7 and metal button tube 75 in the body are connected to the external terminal board 8. Multiple metal parts ( Figure 1Any one of the metal bezel 6, metal button 7, and metal button tube 75 is electrically connected to the internal terminal plate 9 (directly or indirectly in contact). When the other end of the internal terminal plate 9 is in contact with the vibration plate 42 as the GND function part, the multiple metal parts ( Figure 1 The metal bezel 6, metal button 7, and metal button tube 75 (in the device) are all electrically connected to GND, and the potential difference with GND is zero. The structure in which the metal button 7, including the metal button tube 75 as a metal component, indirectly contacts the vibration plate 42, which functions as the GND component, will be described in detail later.

[0067] In addition, in the timepiece 100 of this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the metal bezel 6 is located on the outermost side at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock sides. Therefore, while the design is excellent, if a significant impact is applied from the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock sides, such as by dropping the timepiece 100, the impact will directly impact the case 1 and the various precision components within the case, potentially causing adverse effects. Therefore, in this embodiment, the portion where the metal bezel 6 is located is provided with the following impact-absorbing structure.

[0068] Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B is Figure 7A The enlarged cross-sectional view of the X portion surrounded by the single-dot chain line in FIG. In addition, the impact absorbing structure in the portion where the metal bezel 6 is provided is on the 3 o'clock side (i.e. Figure 7B The structure of the metal button 7 in the portion where the metal bezel 6 is provided is the same as that of the housing 1 except that the shaft portion 72 is inserted into the insertion hole 67 of the metal bezel 6 instead of the insertion hole 77 of the metal button tube 75. Figure 9 The structures to be described are the same, so the illustrations will be used here and the description will be omitted.

[0069] Figure 10A Indicates a state where no load is applied to the metal bezel.

[0070] As mentioned above, the metal bezel 6 is fastened to the housing 1 by the stepped screw 63. Specifically, a contact surface 62 is provided in the threaded hole 61 of the metal bezel 6 for the first stepped portion 632 of the stepped screw 63 to abut against. When the stepped screw 63 is tightened, the lower side surface of the first stepped portion 632 (at the bottom) Figure 10A The right side of the middle) and the upper surface of the abutment surface 62 (on the Figure 10A Thus, the metal bezel 6 and the stepped screw 63 are electrically connected.

[0071] Furthermore, the second step portion 633 of the step screw 63 contacts the external terminal plate 8 (the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal plate 8). The step screw 63 acts as a fastening member, fastening the metal bezel 6 and the external terminal plate 8 to the housing 1 together, while sandwiching the external terminal plate 8 (the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal plate 8) between the metal bezel 6 and the housing 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, a buffer bezel 5 serving as a buffer member is disposed between the housing 1 and the metal bezel 6. Figure 10A As shown in FIG. 1 , the thickness of the cushion bezel 5 when no load is applied to the metal bezel 6 is defined as "thickness t1." Furthermore, a gap C is provided between the metal bezel 6, which is an exterior component, and the case 1, providing a movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the metal bezel 6. The thickness t1 of the cushion bezel 5 and the movable gap C are matters that can be set as appropriate.

[0073] In contrast, Figure 10B Indicates a state where a load is applied to the metal bezel.

[0074] When the metal bezel 6, an exterior component, is impacted by, for example, being dropped, the timepiece 100 is pressed against the case 1 and displaced. At this point, the metal bezel 6 can move by the gap C, and the cushioning bezel 5 is compressed by the amount of metal bezel 6's movement. Therefore, when a load is applied to the metal bezel 6, the cushioning bezel 5 has a thickness of "thickness t2," which is thinner than "thickness t1" when no load is applied. Furthermore, gap C decreases as the metal bezel 6 moves. The illustrated example shows a state where the metal bezel 6 has moved to the point where gap C has almost disappeared.

[0075] In this manner, the inside of the metal bezel 6 (exterior member) includes a first region where the cushion bezel 5 (cushion member) is provided, and a second region where the case 1 is provided with the gap C (movable space) therebetween.

[0076] When the metal bezel 6 displaces toward the case 1, the contact surface 62 of the metal bezel 6 separates from the first step 632 of the stepped screw 63. Therefore, during this separation, the metal bezel 6 becomes non-conductive. However, when the load on the metal bezel 6 is removed (i.e., when the impact disappears), the cushioning bezel 5 returns to its original shape. This pushes the metal bezel 6 upward to its original position, and the first step 632 of the stepped screw 63 again contacts the contact surface 62 of the metal bezel 6, restoring conductivity.

[0077] in addition, Figure 11 is a top view of the rear cover member of the embodiment, Figure 12 yes Figure 11As previously mentioned, the piezoelectric sound generating unit 4 is attached to the inner side of the rear cover member 3 by means of a double-sided tape 45 or the like.

[0078] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the main parts of the piezoelectric sound unit.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the vibration plate 42 of the piezoelectric sound generating unit 4 is a metal plate (GND function portion) that functions as GND.

[0080] like Figure 13 As shown, the vibration plate 42 has a spring-shaped portion 43 at all or part of a position corresponding to the internal terminal plate 9 .

[0081] The spring-shaped portion 43 is a leaf spring-shaped component formed by bending a portion of the vibration plate 42 toward the rear surface into a roughly L-shaped shape. An elastic member 44 is disposed on the rear side of the spring-shaped portion 43 (between the rear cover member 3 and the spring-shaped portion 43). The elastic member 44 assists in generating the necessary load on the spring-shaped portion 43.

[0082] That is, the spring-shaped portion 43 is provided to stably support the end of the internal terminal plate 9 when the internal terminal plate 9 is disposed. The elastic body 44 ensures the necessary contact pressure and stabilizes the contact resistance with the internal terminal plate 9 .

[0083] The elastic body 44 is attached to the back of the spring-shaped portion 43 using double-sided tape or the like. A high-performance polyurethane foam, such as a microporous polymer sheet (e.g., "PORON" (registered trademark) manufactured by ROGERS INOAC CORPORATION) is preferably used as the elastic body 44. Furthermore, the material of the elastic body 44 is not particularly limited as long as it can stabilize the load on the spring-shaped portion 43. For example, the elastic body 44 may be a coil spring or the like.

[0084] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the rear cover taken along line XIV-XIV.

[0085] like Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , a recess 31 for arranging an elastic body 44 is formed on the inner side surface of the rear cover component 3 at a position corresponding to the spring-shaped portion 43 . The elastic body 44 is provided on the back side of the spring-shaped portion 43 so that the elastic body 44 is stably arranged.

[0086] Furthermore, the spring-shaped portions 43 are preferably provided corresponding to the positions of the metal buttons 7. This ensures that the internal terminal plate 9 in contact with the shaft 72 of each metal button 7 and the vibration plate 42 as the GND function portion are in reliable contact and conduction.

[0087] However, although the internal terminal plate 9 is provided corresponding to the metal button 7 , the spring-shaped portion 43 may not be provided at a position corresponding to the internal terminal plate 9 due to the arrangement of various components housed in the housing 1 .

[0088] In this regard, in this embodiment, multiple metal parts (metal bezel 6, metal button tube 75) are connected to a single external terminal plate 8, and are collectively fastened to housing 1. Therefore, for example, even if there is a location corresponding to an internal terminal plate 9 where spring-shaped portion 43 cannot be positioned, as long as any one of the internal terminal plates 9 corresponding to other metal parts connected to the same external terminal plate 8 is securely connected to vibration plate 42, all metal parts connected to that external terminal plate 8 can be electrically connected to vibration plate 42, functioning as a GND component, and the potential difference with respect to GND can be zero.

[0089] In the clock 100 of this embodiment, five metal buttons 7 are provided, and internal terminal plates 9 are provided correspondingly. Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 , a case where the spring-shaped portions 43 are provided at four locations of the vibration plate 42 corresponding to the four internal terminal plates 9 is exemplified.

[0090] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the internal terminal plate in the embodiment.

[0091] The internal terminal plate 9 connects and conducts the metal bezel 6 and the metal button tube 75 as metal parts to the vibration plate 42 , which is a metal plate functioning as GND.

[0092] like Figure 15 As shown, the internal terminal plate 9 of this embodiment has a first portion 91 connected to the metal parts, and a first portion 91 extending from the lower end side of the first portion 91 in the first direction α (refer to FIG. Figure 16 ) The second curved portion 92 is formed into a substantially L-shaped side view. Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the first direction α is a direction from the inside to the outside of the housing 1 .

[0093] A bent portion 911 is formed at the upper end portion (free end portion) of the first portion 91, which receives the front end portion of the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 and contacts it. In addition, the second portion 92 is in surface contact with the vibration plate 42 (specifically, the spring-shaped portion 43 formed integrally with the vibration plate 42) as a metal plate. At this time, at the portion where the spring-shaped portion 43 is provided, the spring-shaped portion 43 is pushed up by the elastic body 44, so that the contact is made in a manner that caters to the second portion 92 from the vibration plate 42 side, and the internal terminal plate 9 and the vibration plate 42 can be stably contacted. In addition, a double-sided tape 94 is provided at the first portion 91 of the internal terminal plate 9, and the first portion 91 of the internal terminal plate 9 is adhered to the housing 1 via the double-sided tape 94.

[0094] In particular, the vibration plate 42 of the piezoelectric sound unit 4 is relatively thin in order to vibrate the piezoelectric body 41. It is difficult to generate the required load by simply providing the spring-shaped portion 43 in the shape of a leaf spring. Furthermore, when the piezoelectric sound unit 4 is provided on the rear cover member 3 as in the present embodiment, poor contact is easily caused by repeated opening and closing actions. In addition, even if contact is achieved and conduction is achieved, the contact resistance value is unstable (easy to change). In this regard, by adopting a structure in which an elastic body 44 is provided on the back side of the spring-shaped portion 43 and the elastic body 44 is used to push up, the necessary contact pressure with the internal terminal plate 9 can be ensured, and the internal terminal plate 9 and the vibration plate 42 can be reliably conducted. In addition, even if the opening and closing actions are repeated, the spring-shaped portion 43 is not easily worn, and a stable contact resistance can be maintained for a long time. As a result, the resistance value of the GND can be stabilized, and the GND can be strengthened.

[0095] In addition, the internal terminal plate 9 in the embodiment has a structure in which the lower end of the first portion 91 is directed in a second direction β (see FIG. Figure 16 ) The bent portion 93 is bent and extended in a substantially inverted L-shape in side view, and the second portion 92 is formed by bending from the lower end side of the bent portion 93 in the first direction α.

[0096] By temporarily bending the internal terminal plate 9 in the second direction β, bulging inwardly of the housing 1, and then bending in the first direction α to form the second portion 92, the length of the second portion 92 in the first direction α can be increased. Therefore, even taking into account the bend R in the first direction α, the length of the second portion 92 can be sufficiently ensured, thereby increasing the contact area between the internal terminal plate 9 and the vibration plate 42 and achieving more stable contact and conduction.

[0097] In addition, the structure of the internal terminal plate 9 is not limited to the structure exemplified here. For example, the internal terminal plate may not have the bent portion 93 bent in the second direction β, but may be as follows: Figure 17As shown, the internal terminal plate 9a is composed of a first portion 91a and a second portion 92a bent in the first direction α from the lower end side of the first portion 91a and formed into a substantially L-shape in side view.

[0098] In this case, internal terminal plate 9a is also bent in the first direction α at the lower end of first portion 91a to form second portion 92a. Therefore, the angle between first portion 91a and second portion 92a is formed into an R shape (curve R) by sheet metal processing, i.e., bending, that utilizes the ductility of the metal. Therefore, internal terminal plate 9a is spaced apart from housing 1 by the amount of this curve R. However, by providing a thickness to double-sided tape 94 that affixes first portion 91a to housing 1, the gap between first portion 91a and housing 1 is adjusted to fill the gap by the amount of the curve R.

[0099] Figure 16 is Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of portion XVI surrounded by a single-dot chain line.

[0100] like Figure 16 As shown, the first portion 91 of the internal terminal plate 9 is arranged at a position in contact with the front end side of the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7. In addition, the internal terminal plate 9 is first bent in the second direction β at the lower end side, and then bent in the first direction α to form a second portion 92. This second portion 92 is in surface contact with the vibration plate 42 (the spring-shaped portion 43 of the vibration plate 42). More specifically, the second portion 92 is in surface contact with the spring-shaped portion 43 formed integrally with the vibration plate 42. As a result, the internal terminal plate 9 is stably conductive with the vibration plate 42, which is a metal plate.

[0101] The shaft 72 of the metal button 7 is in direct or indirect contact with a metal button tube 75, a metal component. By bringing the internal terminal plate 9, which is in contact with the shaft 72, into contact with the vibration plate 42, which functions as the ground, a conductive path to the ground is ensured for the metal button tube 75 and the multiple metal components connected to the external terminal plate 8, similarly to the metal button tube 75. This ensures uniform conduction to the ground, thus strengthening the ground.

[0102] In addition, the housing 1 has a recess 16 on the rear side end surface for arranging a waterproof member. Figure 16 As shown, the internal terminal plate 9 and the metal plate vibration plate 42 are both arranged in a region not overlapping the recess 16 (a region further inside the housing 1 than the recess 16). Therefore, the waterproofing between the rear cover member 3 and the housing 1 is not impaired.

[0103] [effect]

[0104] When assembling the timepiece 100 of this embodiment, the movement is housed within the case 1, and the opening on the viewing side is sealed with a windshield member 14. Furthermore, a buffer bezel 5 is disposed to cover the outer side of the case 1, and a metal bezel 6 and a metal button tube 75 (metal button 7 assembled to the metal button tube 75) are attached as metal parts from the outside via an external terminal plate 8.

[0105] At this time, the metal bezel 6 is mounted to the housing 1 by the stepped screws 63, and the metal button tube 75 is mounted to the housing 1 by the screws 74. In this way, by screw-fastening the external terminal board 8 while sandwiching the multiple metal parts and the housing 1, the external terminal board 8 and the multiple metal parts are fastened to the housing 1 together.

[0106] The shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7, which is inserted through the insertion hole 77 of the metal button tube 75, is inserted into the through hole 17 of the housing 1, with its front end positioned inside the housing 1. A retaining member 79 is attached to the front end of the shaft portion 72 positioned inside the housing 1 to prevent the shaft portion 72 from falling out of the housing 1. Furthermore, the internal terminal plate 9 is positioned so that the first portion 91 contacts the front end of the shaft portion 72.

[0107] When the components of each part are installed, the opening on the non-visual confirmation side is closed by the back cover member 3. At this time, a blocking member is arranged in the recess 16 of the housing 1 to ensure waterproofing between the back cover member 3 and the housing 1, and the back cover member 3 is screwed to the housing 1.

[0108] When the rear cover member 3 is installed, the spring-shaped portion 43 of the vibration plate 42 is disposed below the second portion 92 of the internal terminal plate 9. The second portion 92 of the internal terminal plate 9 and the spring-shaped portion 43, which is pushed upward by the elastic body 44, are in surface contact and conduction with each other reliably. This surface contact ensures stable contact and conduction without being affected by positional deviation or the like.

[0109] In areas where spring-shaped portions 43 are not provided, there is a possibility that the load may be unstable and reliable conduction to GND may be difficult. However, multiple metal parts are fastened together with external terminal block 8 outside housing 1, and thus conduct electricity to each other. Therefore, if only one of the multiple metal parts in contact with a single external terminal block 8 comes into contact with spring-shaped portion 43, all metal parts in contact with that external terminal block 8 can be brought into conduction to GND, thereby strengthening GND.

[0110] In this way, a conductive path is ensured from multiple external metal parts (metal bezel 6, metal button 7, metal button tube 75, etc.) to the GND inside the shell 1 (vibration plate 42 acting as GND), so that multiple metal parts can reliably fall to the GND.

[0111] Furthermore, by conducting the metal component to GND, the sensitivity (performance) of the antenna 13 provided inside the timepiece 100 can be prevented from being affected by the metal component, thereby realizing a highly reliable timepiece 100 for time adjustment using the antenna 13 .

[0112] Furthermore, the metal bezel 6, an exterior component, is attached to the housing 1 using stepped screws 63. A gap C is provided between the metal bezel 6 and the housing 1, providing a movable space for the metal bezel 6. Consequently, even if the metal bezel 6 is pressed into place by an impact such as a drop, the displacement of the metal bezel 6 can be absorbed within the gap C. This prevents direct transmission of the impact to the housing 1 and the precision components within it. Furthermore, the buffer bezel 5, acting as a cushioning component, is positioned between the metal bezel 6 and the housing 1 to absorb and mitigate the impact. Consequently, there is no need to add various additives to the housing 1 itself for reinforcement, and the additives do not affect antenna performance.

[0113] (Effect)

[0114] As described above, the timepiece 100, which is an electronic device in this embodiment, includes: a case 1; a metal bezel 6, which is an exterior component and is made of a metal material and attached to the case 1; and a buffer bezel 5, which is a cushioning component and is interposed between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1. A gap C, which serves as a movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the metal bezel 6, is defined between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1. Inside the metal bezel 6, which is an exterior component, there is a first region, in which the buffer bezel 5, which serves as a cushioning component, is disposed; and a second region, in which the case 1 is disposed across the movable space.

[0115] If metal parts (such as the metal bezel 6 ) are provided on the exterior of the case 1 , an impact such as dropping the timepiece 100 may damage the case 1 or various precision parts inside the case 1 .

[0116] In this regard, as in the present embodiment, by configuring the buffer bezel 5 so as to be interposed between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1 to have a buffering effect, and utilizing the gap C to absorb the displacement of the metal bezel 6 caused by the impact, direct impact on the case 1 and the parts inside the case 1 can be prevented.

[0117] As a method of improving the impact resistance of the housing 1, for example, reinforcing the housing 1 itself by adding additives is also conceivable. However, with this method, if, for example, the antenna 13 is included within the housing 1, the additives may affect the antenna sensitivity. Regarding this point, in this embodiment, even if metal parts are used for the exterior, reinforcing the housing 1 itself by adding additives is not necessary.

[0118] Thus, particularly when the timepiece 100 is configured as in this embodiment, a high-end design can be achieved by attaching various metal parts to the outermost portion of the device. Furthermore, while achieving a high-end feel, the interior of the housing 1 is cushioned, thereby preventing an impact on the sensitivity (performance) of the internal antenna. This allows for high-precision radio wave reception and accurate time correction based on the received radio waves.

[0119] Furthermore, the entire side surface of the case 1 of the present embodiment is covered with a metal bezel 6 as an exterior member or a cushioning bezel 5 as a cushioning member.

[0120] This improves the appearance of the electronic device, the timepiece 100. In this case, the provision of the buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member and the gap C for absorbing the displacement of the metal bezel 6 can also suppress the influence on the case 1 and various precision parts inside the case.

[0121] In addition, the shell 1 of this embodiment is formed into a hollow columnar shape with one end side and the other end side open, and a back cover component 3 is arranged on one end side of the shell 1, and a buffer bezel 5 serving as a buffer component is arranged between a metal bezel 6 serving as an exterior component and the back cover component 3.

[0122] This ensures that the shock is absorbed even from the one end of the housing 1 where the rear cover member 3 is disposed.

[0123] In addition, the exterior component in this embodiment is the metal bezel 6 .

[0124] This can improve the appearance design of electronic devices such as the timepiece 100 and give them a sense of luxury. In this case, the electronic device can also have high impact resistance.

[0125] In addition, the cushioning member of this embodiment is a resin bezel.

[0126] This makes it possible to realize a structure that is excellent in shock absorption and can withstand shocks from the outside.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an antenna 13 is provided in the housing 1 .

[0128] If the metal bezel 6 is mounted on the exterior of an electronic device such as a timepiece 100, an impact from dropping or the like could damage the case 1 and the various precision components within it. On the other hand, methods that reinforce the case 1 by adding additives can affect antenna sensitivity (performance). Regarding this point, in this embodiment, even if metal parts are used for exterior packaging, there is no need to add additives to the case 1 itself to enhance its impact resistance.

[0129] Therefore, it is possible to improve the impact resistance while maintaining the antenna sensitivity (performance).

[0130] [Modification]

[0131] Furthermore, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0132] For example, in this embodiment, the buffer bezel 5 serving as a buffer component covers substantially the entire case 1, and the metal bezel 6 is arranged at the 3 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position in the analog clock, but the setting position and range of the buffer bezel 5 and the metal bezel 6 are not limited to the case shown in the embodiment.

[0133] In addition, although the entire metal bezel 6 in this embodiment overlaps with the cushion bezel 5 , a portion of the metal bezel 6 may overlap with the cushion bezel 5 .

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, the external terminal plate 8 is arranged at the 3 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position of the analog clock, and is fastened to at least one metal bezel 6 and the case 1 respectively. However, the location and range of the external terminal plate 8, and the number and type of metal parts connected to a single external terminal plate 8 are not limited to the cases illustrated in the embodiment. It is also possible to connect more metal bezels 6 and metal button tubes 75 to a single external terminal plate 8. In this case, if any one of the metal parts connected via the external terminal plate 8 is connected to GND, all metal parts connected to the external terminal plate 8 can be connected to GND.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, the metal parts include the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7 and the metal button tube 75, but the metal parts can also include the metal bezel 6 and the metal button tube 75, which are operating buttons formed of a material different from metal instead of the metal button 7.

[0136] In addition, in this embodiment, the vibration plate 42 of the piezoelectric sound unit 4 is illustrated as a GND functional part that acts as GND, but the GND functional part is not limited to the vibration plate 42 as long as it is a metal component arranged inside the shell 1 and indirectly connected to the external terminal plate 8.

[0137] In addition, in this embodiment, a case where the electronic device is a wristwatch-type timepiece 100 is exemplified, but the electronic device is not limited thereto.

[0138] For example, it can be widely used in various electronic devices such as smart watches, sports watches, and wearable devices that can obtain biological information such as heart rate and blood flow in addition to time.

[0139] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: have: case; an exterior component, which is made of a metal material and is attached to the housing; and a buffer member interposed between the outer member and the housing, A movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member is provided between the exterior member and the housing. The outer member includes a first region on the inner side thereof where the buffer member is provided, and a second region on the inner side thereof where the housing is provided across the movable space.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The entire side surface of the housing is covered by the exterior member or the buffer member.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing is formed in a hollow column shape with one end side and the other end side being open. A rear cover is disposed on the one end side of the housing. The buffer member is arranged between the exterior member and the rear cover.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The exterior component is a metal bezel.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The cushioning component is a resin bezel.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: An antenna is arranged in the housing.

7. An electronic clock, characterized in that: have: A display unit that displays the time of measurement; case; an exterior component, which is made of a metal material and is attached to the housing; and a buffer member interposed between the outer member and the housing, A movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member is provided between the exterior member and the housing.

8. The electronic timepiece according to claim 7, characterized in that: The entire side surface of the housing is covered by the exterior member or the buffer member.

9. The electronic timepiece according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The housing is formed in a hollow column shape with one end side and the other end side being open. A rear cover is disposed on the one end side of the housing. The buffer member is arranged between the exterior member and the rear cover.

10. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The exterior components are multiple metal bezels. The plurality of metal bezels are respectively disposed on the 3 o'clock side and the 9 o'clock side of the electronic timepiece.

Images