Electronic clock

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electronic clock, and relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, the electronic clock comprises an equipment housing, the equipment housing is provided with a first opening communicated with an accommodating groove; the transparent panel covers the equipment shell and covers the first opening; the liquid crystal display module is located on the first side of the containing groove and fixed to the inner side face of the transparent panel. The nixie tube module is located on the second side of the containing groove and installed on the equipment shell. The electronic clock not only retains the advantages of high reliability and long service life of a nixie tube display technology, can meet the requirement of stably displaying time information, but also meets the display requirements of dynamic contents such as notifications, course arrangement and teaching contents by utilizing the fine display effect and rich information display capability of a liquid crystal display technology, and has a wide application prospect. And the dual requirements of accurate time display and diversified information display in an education scene are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to an electronic clock. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic clock is a time management tool that integrates multiple functions. In addition to basic time display, these electronic clocks also have countdown / timer functions, allowing users to set reminders for exams, classroom activities, etc., helping students and teachers better manage their time. Furthermore, they support date and day of the week display, as well as temperature and humidity displays, providing teachers and students with comprehensive environmental information. Therefore, they are widely used in classrooms, offices, libraries, and corridors / lobbies.

[0003] In existing educational settings, electronic clocks, as key devices for time management and information display, are mainly divided into two types: digital tube displays and LCD displays. Digital tube displays are renowned for their high reliability and long lifespan, clearly and intuitively displaying basic information such as time, date, temperature, and humidity, facilitating quick reading by students and teachers. However, their functionality is relatively limited, making it difficult to meet diverse teaching needs. In contrast, LCD displays, with their refined display effects and rich information display capabilities, can not only display numbers, text, and images, but also scroll school notices, course schedules, and even integrate broadcast announcements and teaching content display functions, significantly enhancing the practicality and interactive nature of electronic clocks. However, LCD displays are susceptible to yellowing and blackening due to the properties of liquid crystals when maintaining a display for extended periods, resulting in a relatively shorter lifespan compared to digital tube displays in terms of durability. Currently, the application of these two display solutions in educational settings faces a balancing challenge, often requiring a choice between them based on specific needs, making it difficult to fully meet the diverse requirements of different teaching environments. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide an electronic clock that can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An electronic clock is provided, comprising:

[0007] The equipment housing has an internal receiving groove, and the equipment housing has a first opening communicating with the receiving groove;

[0008] A transparent panel is fitted onto the device housing and covers the first opening;

[0009] A liquid crystal display module for displaying dynamic information, wherein the liquid crystal display module is located on the first side of the receiving slot and fixed to the inner side of the transparent panel;

[0010] A digital tube module is used to display time information. The digital tube module is located on the second side of the receiving slot and is installed in the device housing.

[0011] By strategically arranging the LCD module and digital tube module within the receiving slot, and leveraging the digital tube module's ability to stably display time information over extended periods, the LCD module can provide intermittent display of dynamic content. This controls the frequency of LCD module usage, balancing the lifespan of both modules. While ensuring an extended lifespan for the electronic clock, this approach also enriches the displayed content, meeting the needs of various usage scenarios.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the device housing includes:

[0013] The frame has a first opening on one side and a second opening that communicates with and penetrates the first opening on the other side of the frame;

[0014] The back cover is disposed on the frame and covers the second opening.

[0015] The modular design of the device housing effectively reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the housing and makes the installation of related components on the electronic clock more convenient and quick, providing more options for disassembly and assembly.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the device housing is provided with a first limiting platform within the receiving groove, and the first limiting platform is disposed along the first opening;

[0017] The edge of the transparent panel is fixed to the device housing by the first limiting platform.

[0018] By constraining the transparent panel with the first limiting stage, the assembly accuracy of the transparent panel on the equipment housing can be effectively improved.

[0019] As an optional implementation, the device housing is provided with a second limiting platform within the receiving groove, and the second limiting platform is disposed along the second opening;

[0020] The edge of the back cover is fixed to the frame by the second limiting platform.

[0021] By constraining the rear cover with the second limiting platform, the assembly accuracy of the rear cover on the equipment housing can be effectively improved.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the back cover has a wall-mounting hole on the side opposite to the receiving groove.

[0023] By providing wall-mounting holes on the back cover, this electronic clock offers users more diverse usage options.

[0024] As an optional implementation, it also includes:

[0025] The mounting bracket is located on the second side of the receiving groove. One side of the mounting bracket is fixedly installed on the device housing, and the digital tube module is located on the other side of the mounting bracket.

[0026] The digital tube module is mounted on the device housing via a mounting bracket, which makes the installation layout of the digital tube module in the receiving slot more flexible and improves the heat dissipation performance of the digital tube module.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the mounting bracket includes:

[0028] A first support portion is located on the outside of the mounting bracket and fixedly installed on the equipment housing; and

[0029] The second support is connected to the first support and protrudes from the first support. The digital tube module is installed on the second support.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the liquid crystal display module is configured as an LCM liquid crystal display component.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the transparent panel surface is printed with a black border area, which is offset from the display areas of the liquid crystal display module and the digital tube module.

[0032] As an optional implementation, a motherboard fixed to the device housing is also provided in the receiving slot, and the motherboard is communicatively connected to the liquid crystal display module and the digital tube module respectively;

[0033] The motherboard is also provided with a connection interface, which is exposed on the outside of the device housing and is used for communication connection with external terminal devices.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: By rationally arranging the liquid crystal display module and the digital tube module within the device housing, the electronic clock retains the high reliability and long lifespan advantages of digital tube display technology, meeting the need for stable display of time information. At the same time, it utilizes the delicate display effect and rich information display capabilities of liquid crystal display technology to meet the display needs of dynamic content such as notices, course schedules, and even teaching content. This achieves the complementary advantages of the two display technologies, meeting the dual needs of accurate time display and diversified information display in educational scenarios, thereby improving teaching efficiency and learning experience.

[0035] By combining the digital tube module for time display, the display burden on the LCD module is reduced, thereby extending the overall service life of the equipment to a certain extent. At the same time, the high reliability of the digital tube module also provides a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the electronic clock structure described in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the electronic clock structure described in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is one of the exploded views of the electronic clock described in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 4 This is the second exploded view of the electronic clock described in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket structure described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and back cover mating structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket and frame fitting structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket and digital tube module working together according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In the diagram: 10. Equipment housing; 11. Frame; 111. First opening; 112. Second opening; 113. First side; 114. Second side; 115. First limiting platform; 116. Second limiting platform; 1161. First fixing hole; 1162. Second fixing hole; 12. Rear cover; 121. Wall mounting hole; 122. First positioning hole; 123. Fourth fixing hole; 124. Second column; 20. Transparent panel; 21. Black border area; 22. Display area; 30. LCD module; 40. Digital tube module; 41. Control board; 411. Third positioning hole; 42. Light-emitting diode; 50. Mounting bracket; 51. First support part; 511. Second positioning hole; 52. Second support part; 521. Clearance opening; 522. Third fixing hole; 523. First column; 60. Main board; 61. Fourth positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In modern educational settings, electronic clocks are widely used in classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other locations as an important time management and information display tool. They not only provide accurate time information but also display environmental data such as date, day of the week, temperature, and humidity. Furthermore, in addition to basic time display, these electronic clocks also feature countdown / timer functions, allowing users to set reminders for exams, classroom activities, and more, helping students and teachers better manage their time. They can even publish school notices, course schedules, and teaching aids, greatly improving the efficiency and convenience of teaching management.

[0051] Currently, electronic clocks in the educational field are mainly divided into two categories: those using digital tube display technology and those using liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Digital tube display clocks feature high brightness and clear digital display, allowing students and teachers to quickly and accurately read the time, making them particularly suitable for use in bright light or at a distance. Furthermore, digital tube displays offer high reliability and a long lifespan, but their functionality is relatively limited, typically only displaying basic information such as time, date, and temperature / humidity, making it difficult to meet diverse information display needs. On the other hand, LCD display clocks offer a more detailed and richer display effect. They can display not only time, date, day of the week, and temperature / humidity, but also support the playback of text, images, and even audio content, further expanding the functionality of the electronic clock. For example, LCD clocks can be used for broadcast announcements, course schedule displays, and to display teaching content on teaching screens, greatly enhancing the practicality and convenience of the electronic clock. However, because LCD screens are prone to yellowing and blackening after prolonged use due to the characteristics of liquid crystals, their lifespan is far shorter than that of digital tube displays, making it difficult to meet the requirement of stable display over long periods.

[0052] In current educational settings, both digital tube display solutions and LCD screen display solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to achieve a balance between functionality, reliability, and lifespan. Therefore, existing electronic clocks often have to be chosen one over the other, failing to simultaneously meet diverse teaching needs and the requirement for stable display over extended periods. For example, in scenarios requiring long-term time display, while digital tube clocks meet the requirements for stability and lifespan, their limited functionality prevents them from displaying more supplementary teaching information. Conversely, in scenarios requiring richer information display, while LCD screen clocks offer powerful functionality, their shorter lifespan makes them unsuitable for long-term stable operation.

[0053] In summary, existing electronic clocks have significant limitations in educational settings, necessitating a novel electronic clock solution that balances functionality, reliability, and lifespan to meet the diverse needs of modern educational environments.

[0054] In view of this, this embodiment provides an electronic clock that integrates the advantages of liquid crystal display and digital tube display technologies, and solves the problems of short overall durability and short service life of electronic clocks while optimizing display effects and diversifying functions.

[0055] Please refer to the instruction manual attached. Figures 1-4 The electronic clock includes a housing 10, which serves as the supporting base for the electronic clock. It not only supports and protects the electronic components, preventing physical damage such as impacts, pressure, and moisture erosion to the internal parts and components of the electronic clock, but also prevents dust and other impurities from entering, ensuring the normal operation of the electronic clock.

[0056] To ensure the electronic clock has good structural stability, the device housing 10 can be made of, but is not limited to, plastics (such as ABS, PC, etc.), metals (such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, etc.), and composite materials. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations or requirements on this. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the device housing 10 can be based on the specific materials used, and is not limited to injection molding, stamping, die casting, 3D printing, etc. This embodiment also does not impose strict limitations or requirements on this.

[0057] Specifically, the device housing 10 has a hollow structure to form a receiving groove. The device housing 10 has a first opening 111 that connects to the receiving groove, which serves as a slot on one side of the receiving groove. During the processing and production of the electronic clock, electronic components and related structural parts related to the electronic clock can be assembled into the receiving groove through the first opening 111.

[0058] To facilitate a clear description of the following content of this embodiment, the receiving slot of this embodiment has a first side 113 and a second side 114. The first side 113 and the second side 114 of the receiving slot refer to two adjacent spaces of the receiving slot that also face the first opening 111. These two spaces (the first side 113 and the second side 114 of the receiving slot) are used to provide corresponding installation space for related components and electronic elements of the electronic clock (hereinafter referred to as related components). They are arranged adjacent to each other so that the related components installed on the first side 113 and the second side 114 of the receiving slot can be exposed to the outside of the device housing 10 through the first opening 111, allowing them to be clearly displayed to the user through the first opening 111.

[0059] In other words, from the user's perspective, with only the device housing 10, when observing the electronic clock, both the first side 113 and the second side 114 of the receiving slot can be observed by the user, avoiding mutual interference or obstruction.

[0060] Furthermore, the electronic clock includes a transparent panel 20, which covers the device housing 10 and the first opening 111. In this embodiment, the transparent panel 20 provides a visual interface for the user to interact with the electronic clock and also serves to protect internal components (such as the liquid crystal display module 30 and the digital tube module 40 described later) from external interference.

[0061] As the name suggests, the transparent panel 20 is typically made of a material with high light transmittance, including but not limited to acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass. It can be fixed to the device housing 10 by means of adhesives, clips, screws, etc., but this embodiment does not impose strict limitations or requirements on this. The shape and size of the transparent panel 20 typically match the first opening 111 provided on the device housing 10, ensuring a tight fit and complete coverage of the display area 22 defined by the first opening 111. The transparent panel 20 is typically fixed to the device housing 10 by adhesives, clips, screws, etc.

[0062] Based on the main structure of the electronic clock formed by the device housing 10 and the transparent panel 20, the electronic clock also includes a liquid crystal display module 30 and a digital tube module 40.

[0063] As can be roughly understood from the above background technology, the liquid crystal display module 30 is not limited to displaying dynamic information such as school notices and course schedules in practical applications of electronic clocks. The liquid crystal display module 30 is located on the first side 113 of the receiving slot and fixed to the inner side of the transparent panel 20. Generally, the liquid crystal display module and the transparent panel 20 can be fixed using a frame-mounting process. Specifically, the frame-mounting process refers to a bonding method that fixes the transparent panel 20 to the four sides of the liquid crystal display module 30 (the display screen). For example, frame-mounting involves using double-sided tape or other adhesives to tightly bond the edges of the transparent panel 20 to the edges of the liquid crystal display module, thereby forming a unified display assembly. The advantages of frame-mounting are its relatively simple process, low cost, and the fact that it can be completed without complex fixtures or equipment. Furthermore, the gap between the liquid crystal display module 30 and the transparent panel 20 is relatively small under this process, effectively reducing the possibility of dust and foreign objects entering the gap and ensuring good display performance of the liquid crystal display module 30.

[0064] The digital tube module 40 is used to display specific information such as time, date, day of the week, and even temperature and humidity. It is understood that the digital tube module 40 is also an electronic display device, typically composed of light-emitting diodes 42 (LEDs). These LEDs are arranged in a specific way to display numbers, letters, or symbols. As mentioned above, the liquid crystal display module 30 is located on the first side 113 of the receiving slot. Therefore, the digital tube module 40 is mounted on the device housing 10 and located on the second side 114 of the receiving slot, spaced apart from the liquid crystal display module 30. This ensures that when the user observes the electronic clock, they can simultaneously obtain the relevant information displayed by both the liquid crystal display module 30 and the digital tube module 40.

[0065] It is worth mentioning that, based on the fact that the LCD module 30 and the digital tube module 40 are respectively set on the first side 113 and the second side 114 of the receiving slot, the LCD module 30 and the digital tube module 40 are spaced apart to form a certain gap between them. In addition to effectively avoiding the situation where the relevant information displayed by the two is blocked or interfered with, thus affecting the user's viewing experience, it also improves the heat dissipation performance of the LCD module 30 and the digital tube module 40, and extends the service life of the electronic clock to a certain extent.

[0066] As can be seen from the background technology, the LCD module 30 can display diverse information content and supports content customization, meeting the needs of diverse information display. However, the LCD module 30 has a relatively short lifespan, and its display effect gradually declines with increased usage time. The digital tube module 40, on the other hand, displays information in digital form, which is intuitive and easy to read. Users can quickly obtain information without deciphering complex graphics or symbols. Importantly, the digital tube module 40 uses solid-state electronic components, possessing high stability and reliability, and can operate stably for extended periods.

[0067] In summary, this invention combines the LCD module 30 and the digital tube module 40, enabling the electronic clock to display time information stably and continuously over a long period using the digital tube module 40, while intermittently displaying dynamic information via the LCD module 30. This synergistic display enhances the readability and ease of access to the electronic clock information, improving teaching efficiency and the learning experience. It retains the high reliability and long lifespan advantages of digital tube display technology while utilizing the fine display effect and rich information display capabilities of LCD screen technology, achieving a complementary advantage of both technologies and meeting the dual needs of accurate time display and diverse information presentation in educational settings.

[0068] Although LCD screen display technology may yellow or blacken after prolonged use, this solution reduces the display burden on the LCD screen by combining it with the digital tube module 40 for time display, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the equipment to a certain extent. At the same time, the high reliability of the digital tube module 40 also provides a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0069] In addition, the receiving groove formed inside the device housing 10 and the covering design of the transparent panel 20 not only protect the internal electronic components from external interference, but also ensure that the displayed content is clearly visible. The spacing between the liquid crystal display module 30 and the digital tube module 40 avoids mutual interference and ensures the stability and accuracy of the display effect.

[0070] In one embodiment, referring to the accompanying drawings, the device housing 10 adopts a modular design, specifically including a frame 11 and a back cover 12. In practical applications of electronic clocks, the frame 11 surrounds the outer periphery of the device housing 10, providing a stable support structure for the user. One side of the frame 11 has the aforementioned first opening 111 formed in the device housing 10, and correspondingly, the other side of the frame 11 has a second opening 112 that communicates with and penetrates the frame 11. The back cover 12 covers the frame 11, forming a relatively stable assembly relationship with the frame 11 and covering the second opening 112. Thus, the frame 11 and the back cover 12 cooperate to define the shape and size of the receiving groove, and together protect the liquid crystal display module 30 and the digital tube module 40 disposed within it.

[0071] It should be noted that when the back cover 12 and the frame 11 are in a mating relationship, they need to maintain a tight fit to avoid loosening or gaps, and to ensure the overall structure of the electronic clock is stable and intact.

[0072] The relatively complex structure of the equipment housing 10 is decomposed into relatively independent frame 11 and back cover 12, so that the frame 11 and back cover 12 can be manufactured independently during the production process. The process of manufacturing the frame 11 and back cover 12 separately is simpler than the process of manufacturing the equipment housing 10 as a whole. This not only reduces the difficulty and cost of the process, but also greatly improves the production efficiency of the product. It also allows for the control of material consumption during the production process, thereby reducing material costs accordingly.

[0073] Furthermore, the modular design makes the production process of the electronic clock more flexible. When the structure of the device housing 10 changes according to market demand, the desired effect can be achieved by adjusting the structure of only one module, thereby reducing the cost of the electronic clock when making repayments and enabling it to adapt to market demands more efficiently.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to the appendix to the specification. Figures 3-5 In order to improve the assembly stability between the transparent panel 20 and the equipment housing 10, the equipment housing 10 is provided with a first limiting platform 115 in the receiving groove. The first limiting platform 115 is provided along the first opening 111, and the edge of the transparent panel 20 is fixed to the equipment housing 10 through the first limiting platform 115.

[0075] The first limiting platform 115 is a raised step structure arranged inside the equipment housing 10 along the circumferential direction of the first opening 111. That is, the space enclosed by the first protrusion is slightly smaller than the first opening 111, and its shape matches the edge shape of the transparent panel 20. In this way, when the transparent panel 20 cooperates with the first limiting platform 115 through its edge, it can ensure that the transparent panel 20 and the first limiting platform 115 can fit tightly together. The first limiting platform 115 restricts the movement of the transparent panel 20 in the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to its surface), thereby ensuring that the transparent panel 20 can be firmly fixed on the equipment housing 10.

[0076] In the embodiment of the above-mentioned device housing 10 including the frame 11 and the rear cover 12, the first limiting platform 115 is disposed on the frame 11 and close to the first opening 111. Furthermore, the first limiting platform 115 and the frame 11 can be configured as an integral part to improve the support force that the first limiting platform 115 can provide on the device housing 10 and reduce the processing difficulty of the first limiting platform 115 on the device housing 10.

[0077] In one embodiment, to ensure the integrity of the transparent panel 20 structure and improve the overall visual effect of the electronic clock, the transparent panel 20 and the first limiting platform 115 can be fixed by adhesive bonding. Adhesive bonding can provide a uniform distribution of stress on the transparent panel 20, reducing local stress concentration caused by connectors (such as screws, clips, etc.), thereby protecting the structural integrity of the transparent panel 20 and avoiding damage caused by long-term use or external impact. Furthermore, the surface of the transparent panel 20 does not need to have pre-reserved mounting positions (such as positioning holes, clips, etc.) for connectors, thus avoiding obvious fixing marks or holes, maintaining a smooth and flat panel and improving the aesthetics of the electronic clock.

[0078] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the adhesive is disposed along the extension direction of the first limiting platform 115 so that the edges of the transparent panel 20 can form a tight fit with the first limiting platform 115 through the adhesive. In this way, with the good sealing performance provided by the adhesive, external factors such as dust and moisture can be effectively prevented from entering the electronic clock through the gap between the transparent panel 20 and the first limiting platform 115, protecting the internal electronic components from damage and extending the service life of the electronic clock.

[0079] Please continue to refer to the instruction manual appendix. Figure 5, Figure 6 In one specific embodiment, while ensuring that the first limiting platform 115 is within the receiving groove, the sidewall forming the first opening 111 protrudes from the first limiting platform 115, so that the first limiting platform 115 and the sidewall of the first opening 111 are set at an angle. Thus, when the transparent panel 20 is installed on the device housing 10, the sidewall of the first opening 111 surrounds the outer edge of the transparent panel 20, restricting the degree of freedom of the transparent panel 20 in the direction parallel to the plane and providing protection for its outer edge to prevent problems such as edge bursting. The first limiting platform 115, on the other hand, limits the degree of freedom of the transparent panel 20 in the direction perpendicular to the plane. Thus, the first opening 111 and the first limiting platform 115 can cooperate to improve the installation accuracy of the transparent panel 20. Furthermore, in the above arrangement, the transparent panel 20 is at least partially embedded in the receiving groove. In some cases, the surface of the transparent panel 20 can be flush with the edge of the first opening 111, thereby improving the overall visual effect of the electronic clock.

[0080] Please refer to the instruction manual attached. Figure 7 Continuing with the embodiment of the device housing 10 including the frame 11 and the rear cover 12, in this embodiment, the device housing 10 is provided with a second limiting platform 116 located within the receiving groove. The second limiting platform 116 is disposed along the second opening 112, and the edge of the rear cover 12 is fixed to the frame 11 via the second limiting platform 116. Similar to the structure of the first limiting platform 115 described above, the second limiting platform 116 is disposed on the side of the frame 11 near the second opening 112 and serves as a fixing structure between the edge of the rear cover 12 and the frame 11. When the rear cover 12 is installed on the device housing 10, its edge abuts against the second limiting platform 116 and is tightly connected to the frame 11 by an appropriate fixing method (such as screws, clips, adhesive, etc.), thereby ensuring the stability of the rear cover 12.

[0081] Similar to the structure and effect of the first limiting platform 115 described above, in one specific embodiment, while ensuring that the second limiting platform 116 is within the receiving groove, the sidewall forming the second opening 112 protrudes from the second limiting platform 116, so that the second limiting platform 116 and the sidewall of the second opening 112 are set at an angle. Thus, when the rear cover 12 is installed on the device housing 10, the sidewall of the second opening 112 surrounds the outer edge of the rear cover 12, and the surface of the rear cover 12 abuts against the second limiting platform 116. In this way, the second opening 112 and the second limiting platform 116 can cooperate to improve the installation accuracy of the rear cover 12. Furthermore, in the above arrangement, the rear cover 12 is at least partially embedded in the receiving groove. In some cases, the surface of the rear cover 12 can be flush with the edge of the second opening 112, thereby improving the structural compactness of the electronic clock.

[0082] In one embodiment, please continue to refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 7 To ensure the assembly strength of the frame 11 and the back cover 12, so that the device housing 10 as a whole can provide good support and protection for the internal components, and since the device housing 10 is located on one side of the back cover 12 and is not part of the external appearance of the electronic clock, the back cover 12 and the second limiting platform 116 can be stably connected by a more durable fixing method. For example, the second limiting platform 116 has a plurality of first fixing holes 1161 spaced apart along its setting direction. Correspondingly, the edge of the back cover 12 has a plurality of first positioning holes 122 corresponding to each of the first threaded holes. The back cover 12 and the second limiting platform 116 can be assembled by fasteners (not shown, such as screws, pins, etc.) passing through the first positioning holes 122 and being assembled with the first fixing holes 1161, so that the back cover 12 can be stably installed on the second limiting platform 116.

[0083] It is worth mentioning that setting the device housing 10 to include a frame 11 and a back cover 12, with a first opening 111 and a second opening 112 on both sides of the frame 11 respectively, also helps to reduce the assembly difficulty of the electronic clock. When the relevant components are installed on the back cover 12, the operator has more operating space because the frame 11 is no longer interfering. Furthermore, during subsequent inspection and maintenance, the operator can selectively disassemble the transparent panel 20 or the back cover 12 according to the actual installation structure of the relevant components, so that the relevant components can be removed from the receiving slot through the first opening 111 or the second opening 112, providing more options for the disassembly and assembly of the electronic clock.

[0084] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the back cover 12 has a wall-mounting hole 121 on the side opposite to the receiving groove, so that the electronic clock can be hung on the corresponding support (such as a wall, bracket, etc.) through the wall-mounting hole 121, providing users with more installation options.

[0085] As an optional implementation, the wall-mounting hole 121 can be configured as a gourd-shaped hole (also known as a gourd-shaped hole or gourd-shaped opening). As the name suggests, the gourd-shaped hole is similar in shape to a gourd. It is usually formed by a larger circular or elliptical opening and a smaller circular or elliptical opening connected by a narrow neck. The larger opening is usually used to provide space for the head of the hanging part (such as the screw head) to enter, while the smaller opening can form a mating relationship with the body of the hanging part (such as the screw shaft) and restrict the head of the hanging part from detaching from it, thereby increasing the stability and safety of the installation and making the wall-mounting and disassembly process of the electronic clock simpler.

[0086] Based on any of the above embodiments, such as Figures 3-4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8As shown, the electronic clock also includes a mounting bracket 50, which provides a corresponding installation position for the digital tube module 40 in the receiving slot. Therefore, it is specifically located on the second side 114 of the receiving slot. One side of the mounting bracket 50 is fixedly installed on the device housing 10, and the digital tube module 40 is set on the other side of the mounting bracket 50. The mounting bracket 50 provides a stable support platform for the digital tube module 40, ensuring that it can be firmly connected to the device housing 10, which helps to resist vibration and impact during daily use and prevents the digital tube module 40 from loosening or falling off.

[0087] The digital tube module 40 is fixed by the mounting bracket 50, which can distribute the weight and stress of the digital tube module 40 to a larger area of ​​the device housing 10, thereby reducing stress concentration and potential damage risk. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 50 ensures that an appropriate gap is maintained between the digital tube module 40 and the device housing 10, which is beneficial for the dissipation of heat generated during the operation of the digital tube module 40 and improves its heat dissipation performance, preventing performance degradation or damage due to overheating.

[0088] It should be understood that in the design of electronic clocks, the structure of the digital tube module 40 is usually relatively fixed, and it is mostly purchased and used as a standard component. This means that the size, shape, and connection interface of the digital tube module 40 itself are standardized and difficult to modify or adjust directly. However, by setting a mounting bracket 50 between the digital tube module 40 and the device housing 10, its specific installation position in the receiving slot of the device housing 10 can be flexibly adjusted without changing the structure of the digital tube module 40 itself, facilitating the application of the digital tube module 40 in electronic clocks of different forms.

[0089] Please continue to refer to the instruction manual appendix. Figures 3-4 , Figure 6 , Figures 8-9The mounting bracket 50 includes a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 52. The first support portion 51 is located on the outside of the mounting bracket 50 and is fixedly installed on the device housing 10. In practical applications, since the mounting bracket 50 is not an external component of the electronic clock, the mounting bracket 50 and the device housing 10 can be installed using a connection method with relatively high connection strength, such as screw connection. For example, in an embodiment where the device housing 10 includes a frame 11 and a rear cover 12, the first support 51 can be selectively installed on either the frame 11 or the rear cover 12 according to the actual design requirements of the mounting bracket 50. Taking the embodiment shown in the figure where the mounting bracket 50 is installed on the frame 11 as an example, a boss structure (such as the second limiting platform 116 mentioned above) can be protruded on the inner side of the frame 11 to resist the first support 51. Multiple second fixing holes 1162 and second positioning holes 511 with one-to-one correspondence are machined on the boss structure and the first support 51, so that the first support 51 and the boss structure can be stably installed by passing a fastener (not shown) through the second positioning hole 511 and fixing it to the second fixing hole 1162. In the actual assembly state, the boss structure can restrict the movement of the first support 51 from the second opening 112 to the first opening 111. By mounting the first support 51 against the boss structure along the second opening 112 to the first opening 111, and further covering the mounting bracket 50 with the rear cover 12 and pressing the first support 51 against the boss structure, the assembly stability of the mounting bracket 50 in the receiving groove is ensured.

[0090] It is worth mentioning that the above-described embodiments also avoid the need to set up a corresponding mounting structure on the back cover 12 to a certain extent, thereby improving the integrity of the electronic clock's appearance. By setting the first support part 51 on the outside of the mounting bracket 50, the support range of the mounting bracket 50 on the device housing 10 can be expanded, thereby improving the stability of the digital tube module 40 on the device housing 10.

[0091] Furthermore, the second support part 52 is connected to the first support part 51, and the second support part 52 protrudes from the first support part 51. The digital tube module 40 is installed on the second support part 52. From the above, it can be roughly understood that, in order to accommodate the structure of the digital tube module 40, the range provided by the second support part 52 should be smaller than the installation range provided by the first support part 51. The height at which the second support part 52 protrudes from the first support part 51 can be determined according to the specific installation height of the digital tube module 40, allowing designers to flexibly adjust the display position of the digital tube module 40 as needed to meet different visual requirements and decorative styles.

[0092] In one embodiment, a recess 521 extends through the second support portion 52. The recess 521 provides a heat dissipation channel for the digital tube module 40, helping to reduce its operating temperature. Furthermore, the recess 521 can also serve as a channel for connecting cables, allowing them to easily pass through and connect to the digital tube module 40, thus facilitating communication between the motherboard 60 and the digital tube module 40.

[0093] In one embodiment, two first support portions 51 are provided, and the two first support portions 51 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the second support portion 52, so as to cooperate on the mounting bracket 50 to provide a support range greater than that provided by the second support portion 52. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 can be provided as a single piece, for example, the mounting bracket 50 can be provided as a sheet metal part to reduce its manufacturing and processing difficulty.

[0094] It is understood that the digital tube module 40 includes a control board 41 and multiple light-emitting diodes 42 disposed on the control board 41. In the specific structural form in which the digital tube module 40 is installed on the second support part 52, as shown in the figure, the control board 41 has multiple mutually spaced third positioning holes 411 near the edge. Correspondingly, the second support part 52 is provided with multiple third fixing holes 522 whose positions correspond one-to-one with the third positioning holes 411. In this way, the digital tube module 40 and the second support part 52 can be stably connected by a fastener (not shown) passing through the third positioning holes 411 and being fixedly connected to the third fixing holes 522.

[0095] Since the heat generated by the digital tube module 40 during operation is mainly concentrated on the control board 41, in order to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the control board 41, a first column 523 with the third fixing hole 522 is protruding from the second support part 52, so that the control board 41 can be connected to the second support part 52 by being mounted on the first column 523. In this way, a certain heat dissipation gap is formed between the bottom of the control board 41 and the body of the second support part 52, allowing the control board 41 to dissipate heat not only through the relief opening 521, but also through the heat dissipation gap.

[0096] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal display module 30 is configured as an LCM (Liquid Crystal Module) liquid crystal display assembly. An LCM liquid crystal display assembly typically includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, a driver chip, a circuit board, a backlight, connectors, and control and driving circuitry. Therefore, the LCM liquid crystal display assembly provides standard LCD display driver interfaces (such as 4-bit, 8-bit, VGA, etc.), allowing users to directly control the displayed content through these interfaces. Furthermore, this integrated design makes the LCM liquid crystal display assembly particularly suitable for small or low-power devices, contributing to the improved structural compactness of electronic clocks.

[0097] Based on any of the above embodiments, ink is also printed on a specific area of ​​the surface of the transparent panel 20 (which can be the side facing away from the receiving groove or the side located inside the receiving groove, i.e., the inner side mentioned above). This ink will cure on the surface of the transparent panel 20 to form a corresponding black edge area 21. The black edge area 21 is offset from the display area 22 of the liquid crystal display module 30 and the digital tube module 40, and is used to cover the parts inside the receiving groove that do not need to be exposed, such as some electronic components and circuit boards inside the electronic clock. This effectively prevents light from leaking from these non-display areas 22, maintains the clarity and contrast of the display area 22, not only improves the overall visual effect of the product, but also increases the product's mystery and technological feel.

[0098] Please refer to the instruction manual attached. Figures 3-4 The receiving slot also houses a main board 60 fixed to the device housing 10. The main board 60 is communicatively connected to the LCD display module 30 and the digital tube module 40. Furthermore, the main board 60 has a connection interface exposed on the outside of the device housing 10 for communication with external terminal devices. In practical applications of the electronic clock, the main board 60 receives various signals and data from external terminal devices via the connection interface and controls the normal operation of the LCD display module 30 and the digital tube module 40 based on these signals and data.

[0099] Based on the above, multiple spaced fourth positioning holes 61 can be formed at the edge of the motherboard 60. Correspondingly, multiple second posts 124 corresponding to each fourth positioning hole 61 are provided inside the device housing 10 (rear cover 12). Each second post 124 is provided with a fourth fixing hole 123. The motherboard 60 and the device housing 10 can be stably connected by a fastener (not shown) passing through the fourth positioning hole 61 and being fixedly connected to the fourth fixing hole 123. By mounting the motherboard 60 in the receiving groove through the second posts 124, a sufficient heat dissipation gap is formed between the motherboard 60 and the inner side of the device housing 10. This makes the performance of the motherboard 60 more stable and also avoids the possibility of interference between the electronic components on the motherboard 60 and the device housing 10.

[0100] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are merely used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0101] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0102] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0103] The technical principles of this utility model have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this utility model without any inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electronic clock, characterized in that, include: The equipment housing (10) has an internal receiving groove, and the equipment housing (10) has a first opening (111) communicating with the receiving groove; A transparent panel (20) is disposed on the device housing (10) and covers the first opening (111); A liquid crystal display module (30) is used to display dynamic information. The liquid crystal display module (30) is located on the first side (113) of the receiving groove and fixed on the inner side of the transparent panel (20). A digital tube module (40) is used to display time information. The digital tube module (40) is located on the second side (114) of the receiving slot and is installed in the device housing (10).

2. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device housing (10) includes: A frame (11) has a first opening (111) on one side and a second opening (112) that communicates with and penetrates the frame (11) on the other side. The back cover (12) is placed on the frame (11) and covers the second opening (112).

3. The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device housing (10) is provided with a first limiting platform (115) located in the receiving groove, and the first limiting platform (115) is provided along the first opening (111); The edge of the transparent panel (20) is fixed to the device housing (10) by the first limiting platform (115).

4. The electronic clock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The equipment housing (10) is provided with a second limiting platform (116) located in the receiving groove, and the second limiting platform (116) is provided along the second opening (112); The edge of the back cover (12) is fixed to the frame (11) by the second limiting platform (116).

5. The electronic clock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear cover (12) has a wall-mounting hole (121) on the side opposite to the receiving groove.

6. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The mounting bracket (50) is located on the second side (114) of the receiving groove. One side of the mounting bracket (50) is fixedly installed on the device housing (10), and the digital tube module (40) is disposed on the other side of the mounting bracket (50).

7. The electronic clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (50) includes: The first support (51) is located outside the mounting bracket (50) and fixedly mounted to the equipment housing (10); and The second support part (52) is connected to the first support part (51), and the second support part (52) protrudes from the first support part (51). The digital tube module (40) is installed on the second support part (52).

8. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal display module (30) is configured as an LCM liquid crystal display component.

9. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent panel (20) has a black border area (21) printed on its surface, which is offset from the display areas (22) of the liquid crystal display module (30) and the digital tube module (40).

10. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving slot is also provided with a motherboard (60) fixed to the device housing (10), and the motherboard (60) is communicatively connected to the liquid crystal display module (30) and the digital tube module (40); The motherboard (60) is also provided with a connection interface, which is exposed outside the device housing (10) and is used for communication connection with external terminal devices.

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