Timepiece with a component configured to generate a sound

Abstract

A timepiece includes: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component. When the first component includes the pawl lever and the transmission wheel, the second component is an oscillating weight bridge that supports an oscillating weight or a pawl lever cover that holds the pawl lever.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a timepiece.2. Related Art

[0002] As a reverse rotation preventing mechanism that suppresses unwinding of a mainspring, JP-A-2005-156304 discloses a mainspring device including: a support member formed of a plate spring that supports an engagement member engaging with a tooth form of a ratchet wheel; and an abutment member against which the support member abuts in conjunction with rotation of the ratchet wheel. In this mainspring device, when the mainspring is manually wound, the support member abuts against the abutment member in conjunction with the rotation of the ratchet wheel to generate a winding sound. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the material, size, or the like of the support member or the abutment member, the winding sound is adjusted to obtain a satisfactory sound with a sense of luxury.

[0003] However, when a sound is generated from a component such as the support member or the abutment member, the sound propagates, and peripheral components resonate. As a result, there is a problem in that the generated sound deteriorates and affects a sound that can be heard by a user or the like.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is a timepiece including: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a timepiece according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a movement of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the movement in a state where an oscillating weight is removed. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an oscillating weight bridge, a pawl lever cover, a pawl lever, and a transmission wheel. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the oscillating weight bridge, the pawl lever, and the transmission wheel. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a back view illustrating a movement of a second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Hereinafter, a timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the timepiece 1. The timepiece 1 is a wristwatch worn on the wrist of a user, includes an outer case 2 having a cylindrical shape, and has a dial 3 disposed on an inner peripheral side of the outer case 2. Among two openings of the outer case 2, the opening on a front surface side is closed with a cover glass, and the opening on a back surface side is closed with a case back.

[0008] The timepiece 1 includes: a movement 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 that is accommodated in the outer case 2; and hands 4 that indicate time information illustrated in FIG. 1. The hands 4 include an hour hand 4A, a minute hand 4B, and a seconds hand 4C. The dial 3 is provided with a calendar small window 3A, and a date indicator 41 can be visually recognized from the calendar small window 3A. In addition, in the dial 3, an hour mark 3B indicating the time and a fan-shaped sub-dial 3C indicating the duration with a power reserve hand 5 are provided. A crown 7 is provided on a side surface of the outer case 2.

[0009] Next, the movement 10 accommodated in the outer case 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the movement 10 when seen from the case back side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view where an oscillating weight of FIG. 2 is not illustrated.

[0010] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the movement 10 includes a main plate 11, a barrel and train wheel bridge 12, a center wheel bridge 13, a train wheel bridge (not illustrated), an oscillating weight 21, an oscillating weight bridge 22, a pawl lever 31, a transmission wheel 32, a ratchet wheel 33, and a movement barrel complete 34. The barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, the train wheel bridge, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 are bridge components that support various components, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 is a bridge component that supports the oscillating weight 21.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a bearing 23 is attached to the oscillating weight bridge 22. The bearing 23 is configured with a bearing including an outer ring, an inner ring, and balls, and the outer ring is fixed to the oscillating weight bridge 22, and the inner ring is fixed to the oscillating weight 21.

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner ring of the bearing 23 includes an eccentric pin 24 provided at an eccentric position relative to a rotation axis of the inner ring, and the pawl lever 31 is rotatably attached to the eccentric pin 24. Therefore, when the inner ring of the bearing 23 rotates due to rotation of the oscillating weight 21, the eccentric pin 24 revolves around the rotation axis of the inner ring, and the pawl lever 31 attached to the eccentric pin 24 moves forward and backward in a direction toward and away from the transmission wheel 32.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pawl lever 31 includes a pulling pawl 311 and a pushing pawl 312 between which the transmission wheel 32 is interposed in a plan view when seen from a thickness direction of the timepiece 1, that is, a direction orthogonal to a surface of the dial 3.

[0014] The pulling pawl 311 and the pushing pawl 312 engage with the transmission wheel 32, and The transmission wheel 32 rotates in one direction in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the pawl lever 31. The rotation of the transmission wheel 32 is transmitted to the ratchet wheel 33, a mainspring in the movement barrel complete 34 is wound due to the rotation of the ratchet wheel 33.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a pawl lever cover 35 is disposed on the main plate 11 side of the pawl lever 31. The pawl lever cover 35 is fixed to the oscillating weight bridge 22 through a screw 351. Therefore, the pawl lever 31 is disposed between the oscillating weight bridge 22 and the pawl lever cover 35. The oscillating weight bridge 22 is fixed to the main plate 11 through a screw together with the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the train wheel bridge. In addition, the center wheel bridge 13 is fixed to the main plate 11 through a screw.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transmission wheel 32 is disposed between the oscillating weight bridge 22 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, and a shaft of the transmission wheel 32 is supported by a bearing 321 held by the oscillating weight bridge 22 and a bearing (not illustrated) held by the barrel and train wheel bridge 12. Therefore, the transmission wheel 32 is a component that rotates around the shaft, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 or the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component that holds the bearing 321 supporting the shaft of the transmission wheel 32.

[0017] The movement barrel complete 34 is disposed between the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, and a barrel arbor (not illustrated) that is a shaft of the movement barrel complete 34 is supported by a bearing (not illustrated) held by each of the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12. The ratchet wheel 33 is disposed between the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the transmission wheel 32, and is attached to the barrel arbor through a screw 331. A click 37 that meshes with the ratchet wheel 33 and limits the rotation of the ratchet wheel 33 to only one direction is attached to the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 through a screw 371. Therefore, the ratchet wheel 33 is a component that rotates around the barrel arbor that is a shaft, and the main plate 11 or the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component that holds a bearing supporting the shaft of the ratchet wheel 33.

[0018] The center wheel bridge 13 is disposed between the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the train wheel bridge supports a center wheel and pinion (not illustrated). Other train wheels including third or subsequent wheel and pinions are supported between the main plate 11 and the train wheel bridge or between the center wheel bridge 13 and the train wheel bridge. The hands 4 are linked to and driven by these train wheels.

[0019] In the movement 10 according to the present embodiment, a generator that includes a rotor rotated by the train wheels and also functions as a governor of the train wheels, a power supply circuit including a secondary battery or the like that is charged with a current generated and rectified by the generator, a control IC that is driven with power supplied from the power supply circuit to control the speed of the generator, and the like are provided. That is, the timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment is an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels using the mainspring as a power source, controls the speeds of the train wheels using the generator also functioning as the governor, and drives the control IC.

[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the date indicator 41 that is a calendar wheel and a date indicator maintaining plate 42 that is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the date indicator 41 and fixed to the main plate 11 are provided on the dial 3 side of the main plate 11.

[0021] Next, a first component and a second component in the timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The first component is a component that generates a sound and, in the present embodiment, is configured with a plurality of components that generate a sound by contact. A first example of the first component includes the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, and a second example thereof includes the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33.

[0022] The second component is a component that absorbs vibration by a sound generated from the first component, and is a component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component, that is, pure magnesium or a magnesium alloy. Examples of the magnesium alloy include AZ31, AZ80, and AZ92-T6 (defined by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)). AZ31, AZ80, and AZ92-T6 include 91% or more or 89% or more of magnesium. The second component that absorbs vibration by the sound generated from the first component refers to a component formed of a magnesium alloy that can absorb and reduce vibration due to characteristics of the magnesium alloy when the sound generated from the first component propagates to the second component through air or a component such that the second component vibrates.

[0023] When the first component includes the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, the second component formed of a magnesium alloy includes one or more components selected from the oscillating weight bridge 22, the pawl lever cover 35, the main plate 11, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, the date indicator 41, and the like.

[0024] Here, the oscillating weight bridge 22 is in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlaps them in a plan view. In addition, the oscillating weight bridge 22 holds the bearing 321 that supports the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the oscillating weight bridge 22 may vibrate because a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 propagates through air or the bearing 321. When the oscillating weight bridge 22 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0025] The pawl lever cover 35 is in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlaps them in a plan view. Further, the pawl lever cover 35 may also be in contact with the pawl lever 31. Therefore, the pawl lever cover 35 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the pawl lever cover 35 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the pawl lever cover 35 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the pawl lever cover 35 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0026] The main plate 11 is a component that overlaps the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10, and further holds the bearing supporting the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the main plate 11 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the main plate 11 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the main plate 11 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0027] The barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the center wheel bridge 13 are in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlap them in a plan view. In addition, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 holds the bearing that supports the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0028] The date indicator 41 is a component having a large surface area in the movement 10 and is driven to rotate by a date indicator driving wheel or the like, and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, when vibration is transmitted, the date indicator 41 is likely to resonate. Therefore, the date indicator 41 may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. When the date indicator 41 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the date indicator 41 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the date indicator 41 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0029] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on the sound can be reduced.

[0030] When the first component includes the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33, the second component includes one or more components selected from the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the oscillating weight bridge 22, the main plate 11, and the like.

[0031] The barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component to which the click 37 is fixed through a screw, is in the vicinity of the click 37, overlaps the click 37 in a plan view, and holds the bearing that supports barrel arbor to which the ratchet wheel 33 is attached. Therefore, a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 propagates through the screw or air such that the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 may vibrate. Therefore, when the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0032] The oscillating weight bridge 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 and partially overlaps them in a plan view. Therefore, the oscillating weight bridge 22 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33. Therefore, when the oscillating weight bridge 22 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0033] The main plate 11 is a component that overlaps the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10. Therefore, the main plate 11 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33. Therefore, when the main plate 11 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the main plate 11 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0034] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on the sound can be reduced.Effects of First Embodiment

[0035] At least some of the components including the oscillating weight bridge 22, the pawl lever cover 35, the main plate 11, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, and the date indicator 41 that may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated from the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, or the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 that are the first components are the second components formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component, that is, a magnesium alloy. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed. Therefore, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.Second Embodiment

[0036] Next, a timepiece 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0037] The timepiece 1B is a mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels as a movement 10B using a mainspring (not illustrated) as a power source and controls the speed using an escapement / speed control unit including an escape wheel and pinion 51, a pallet fork 52, and a balance with hairspring 53. Examples of the first component in the timepiece 1B include the escape wheel and pinion 51 and the pallet fork 52, or the pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53. That is, a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51, and a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and an impulse pin of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, these components are the first components that generate a sound.

[0038] Components that are formed of a magnesium alloy as the second components for the first components including the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 are one or more components selected from a pallet bridge 61, a balance bridge 62, a main plate 11B, a date indicator (not illustrated), and the like.

[0039] The pallet bridge 61 is a plate-like component that is paired with the main plate 11B to position or support the pallet fork 52, is in the vicinity of the pallet fork 52, overlaps the pallet fork 52 in a plan view, and holds a bearing that supports a shaft of the pallet fork 52. Therefore, the pallet bridge 61 may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51 or the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the pallet bridge 61 using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the pallet bridge 61 can be suppressed.

[0040] The balance bridge 62 is a plate-like component that is paired with the main plate 11B to position or support the balance with hairspring 53, is in the vicinity of the balance with hairspring 53, overlaps the balance with hairspring 53 in a plan view, and holds a bearing that supports a balance staff as a shaft of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, the balance bridge 62 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the balance with hairspring 53 and the pallet fork 52. Therefore, by forming the balance bridge 62 using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the balance bridge 62 can be suppressed.

[0041] The pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53 rotate in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction without rotating in one direction. Accordingly, the components that rotate around the shaft are not limited to components that rotate in one direction and also include components that rotate in both directions.

[0042] The main plate 11B is a component that overlaps the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10B, and is also a component that holds bearings supporting shafts of the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, the main plate 11B may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the main plate 11B using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11B can be suppressed.

[0043] Although not illustrated in the drawings, as in the first embodiment, the date indicator is a component having a large surface area in the movement 10B and is driven to rotate by a date indicator driving wheel or the like, and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, when vibration is transmitted, the date indicator is likely to resonate. Therefore, the date indicator may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the date indicator using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the date indicator can be suppressed.

[0044] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on a sound can be reduced.

[0045] In addition, the timepiece 1B according to the second embodiment includes a ratchet wheel 33B, a movement barrel complete 34B, and a click 37B. Therefore, even in the timepiece 1B, the ratchet wheel 33B and the click 37B are the first components, and a barrel and train wheel bridge 12B or the main plate 11B is the second component that absorbs vibration by a sound generated by contact between the ratchet wheel 33B and the click 37B. Since this configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0046] Further, when the timepiece 1B includes an oscillating weight (not illustrated) that winds the mainspring, a pawl lever, and a transmission wheel, as in the first embodiment, the pawl lever and the transmission wheel are the first components, and an oscillating weight bridge (not illustrated), a pawl lever cover, the main plate 11B, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12B, and a center wheel bridge, a date indicator, and the like (not illustrated) are the second components.Effects of Second Embodiment

[0047] According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least some of the components including the pallet bridge 61, the balance bridge 62, the main plate 11B, the date indicator, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12B, and the like that may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated from the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 or the click 37B and the ratchet wheel 33B that are the first components are the second components formed of a magnesium alloy. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed. Therefore, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.Modification Examples

[0048] The timepiece is not limited to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece or a mechanical timepiece. For example, in an analog quartz timepiece that drives train wheels and hands by handling a stepping motor, and the train wheels repeat rotation and stop such that gears collide with each other to generate a sound. Therefore, the train wheels including a plurality of gears may be the first components, and a component that vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component such as a main plate, train wheel bridges, or a date indicator may be the second component. Further, in a timepiece including a striking mechanism such as a sonnerie or a repeater that generates a sound, the striking mechanism may be the first component, and various bridge components, holder components, a main plate, and a calendar wheel such as a date indicator may be the second components.

[0049] In addition, the first component that generates a sound is not limited to a component that generates a sound by contact between components, and may be a component such as an electronic buzzer having a function of generating a sound.

[0050] All the components that vibrate due to the sound generated from the first component do not need to be the second components, and a component having a large effect on the sound generated from the first component may be the second component. For example, when a train wheel bridge and an oscillating weight bridge are different, both the train wheel bridge and the oscillating weight bridge may be formed of a magnesium alloy, or only one thereof may be formed of a magnesium alloy.Summary

[0051] The timepiece according to the present disclosure includes: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component.

[0052] When the second component vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component, the sound generated from the first component deteriorates and affects an audible sound that can be heard by a user or the like. However, in the present disclosure, the second component is formed of a metal containing magnesium having high vibration absorption as a major component. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.

[0053] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a component that overlaps at least a part of the first component in a plan view when seen from a timepiece thickness direction.

[0054] The component that overlaps at least a part of the first component in a plan view may resonate due to propagation of the sound generated from the first component through air. Accordingly, by using the component that overlaps the first component in a plan view as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0055] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a tabular component.

[0056] Among the components of the timepiece, a tabular component is likely to vibrate during propagation of a sound. Therefore, by using a tabular component as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0057] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a component that rotates around a shaft, and the second component may be a component that holds a bearing supporting the shaft.

[0058] When the first component includes a component that rotates around a shaft, there is a case where a component that rotates in one direction or both directions may vibrate to generate a sound due to contact with another component. In this case, the vibration of the rotating component propagates to a shaft of the rotating component and a component that holds a bearing supporting this shaft through the bearing. Therefore, by using the component that holds the bearing as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0059] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component may be a bridge component that supports an oscillating weight.

[0060] When the first component includes the pawl lever and the transmission wheel, the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight is likely to overlap the pawl lever and the transmission wheel in a plan view and is a tabular component. Therefore, the bridge component may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever and the transmission wheel. Therefore, by using the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight as the second component, the vibration of the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0061] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component may be a pawl lever cover that holds the pawl lever.

[0062] When the first component includes the pawl lever and the transmission wheel, the pawl lever cover is likely to overlap the pawl lever and the transmission wheel in a plan view, may come into direct contact therewith, and is a tabular component. Therefore, the pawl lever cover may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever and the transmission wheel. Therefore, by using the pawl lever cover as the second component, the vibration of the pawl lever cover can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0063] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a calendar wheel.

[0064] The calendar wheel such as a date indicator has a large area in the movement and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, the calendar wheel may vibrate due to propagation of the sound generated from the first component. Therefore, by using the calendar wheel as the second component, the vibration of the calendar wheel can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0065] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a balance with hairspring and a pallet fork, and the second component may be at least one component of a balance bridge and a pallet bridge.

[0066] The balance bridge or the pallet bridge holds a bearing that supports a shaft of the balance with hairspring or the pallet fork and overlaps a part of the balance with hairspring or the pallet fork in a plan view. Therefore, the balance bridge or the pallet bridge may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the balance with hairspring and the pallet fork. Therefore, by using at least one of the balance bridge and the pallet bridge as the second component, the vibration of the balance bridge or the pallet bridge can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

Examples

second embodiment

[0036]Next, a timepiece 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0037]The timepiece 1B is a mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels as a movement 10B using a mainspring (not illustrated) as a power source and controls the speed using an escapement / speed control unit including an escape wheel and pinion 51, a pallet fork 52, and a balance with hairspring 53. Examples of the first component in the timepiece 1B include the escape wheel and pinion 51 and the pallet fork 52, or the pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53. That is, a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51, and a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and an impulse pin of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, these components are the first components that generate a sound.

[0038]Components that are formed of a magnesium alloy as the second components for the first components including the e...

modification examples

[0048]The timepiece is not limited to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece or a mechanical timepiece. For example, in an analog quartz timepiece that drives train wheels and hands by handling a stepping motor, and the train wheels repeat rotation and stop such that gears collide with each other to generate a sound. Therefore, the train wheels including a plurality of gears may be the first components, and a component that vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component such as a main plate, train wheel bridges, or a date indicator may be the second component. Further, in a timepiece including a striking mechanism such as a sonnerie or a repeater that generates a sound, the striking mechanism may be the first component, and various bridge components, holder components, a main plate, and a calendar wheel such as a date indicator may be the second components.

[0049]In addition, the first component that generates a sound is not limited to a componen...

BACKGROUND1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a timepiece.2. Related Art

[0002] As a reverse rotation preventing mechanism that suppresses unwinding of a mainspring, JP-A-2005-156304 discloses a mainspring device including: a support member formed of a plate spring that supports an engagement member engaging with a tooth form of a ratchet wheel; and an abutment member against which the support member abuts in conjunction with rotation of the ratchet wheel. In this mainspring device, when the mainspring is manually wound, the support member abuts against the abutment member in conjunction with the rotation of the ratchet wheel to generate a winding sound. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the material, size, or the like of the support member or the abutment member, the winding sound is adjusted to obtain a satisfactory sound with a sense of luxury.

[0003] However, when a sound is generated from a component such as the support member or the abutment member, the sound propagates, and peripheral components resonate. As a result, there is a problem in that the generated sound deteriorates and affects a sound that can be heard by a user or the like.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is a timepiece including: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a timepiece according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a movement of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the movement in a state where an oscillating weight is removed. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an oscillating weight bridge, a pawl lever cover, a pawl lever, and a transmission wheel. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the oscillating weight bridge, the pawl lever, and the transmission wheel. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a back view illustrating a movement of a second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Hereinafter, a timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the timepiece 1. The timepiece 1 is a wristwatch worn on the wrist of a user, includes an outer case 2 having a cylindrical shape, and has a dial 3 disposed on an inner peripheral side of the outer case 2. Among two openings of the outer case 2, the opening on a front surface side is closed with a cover glass, and the opening on a back surface side is closed with a case back.

[0008] The timepiece 1 includes: a movement 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 that is accommodated in the outer case 2; and hands 4 that indicate time information illustrated in FIG. 1. The hands 4 include an hour hand 4A, a minute hand 4B, and a seconds hand 4C. The dial 3 is provided with a calendar small window 3A, and a date indicator 41 can be visually recognized from the calendar small window 3A. In addition, in the dial 3, an hour mark 3B indicating the time and a fan-shaped sub-dial 3C indicating the duration with a power reserve hand 5 are provided. A crown 7 is provided on a side surface of the outer case 2.

[0009] Next, the movement 10 accommodated in the outer case 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the movement 10 when seen from the case back side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view where an oscillating weight of FIG. 2 is not illustrated.

[0010] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the movement 10 includes a main plate 11, a barrel and train wheel bridge 12, a center wheel bridge 13, a train wheel bridge (not illustrated), an oscillating weight 21, an oscillating weight bridge 22, a pawl lever 31, a transmission wheel 32, a ratchet wheel 33, and a movement barrel complete 34. The barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, the train wheel bridge, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 are bridge components that support various components, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 is a bridge component that supports the oscillating weight 21.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a bearing 23 is attached to the oscillating weight bridge 22. The bearing 23 is configured with a bearing including an outer ring, an inner ring, and balls, and the outer ring is fixed to the oscillating weight bridge 22, and the inner ring is fixed to the oscillating weight 21.

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner ring of the bearing 23 includes an eccentric pin 24 provided at an eccentric position relative to a rotation axis of the inner ring, and the pawl lever 31 is rotatably attached to the eccentric pin 24. Therefore, when the inner ring of the bearing 23 rotates due to rotation of the oscillating weight 21, the eccentric pin 24 revolves around the rotation axis of the inner ring, and the pawl lever 31 attached to the eccentric pin 24 moves forward and backward in a direction toward and away from the transmission wheel 32.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pawl lever 31 includes a pulling pawl 311 and a pushing pawl 312 between which the transmission wheel 32 is interposed in a plan view when seen from a thickness direction of the timepiece 1, that is, a direction orthogonal to a surface of the dial 3.

[0014] The pulling pawl 311 and the pushing pawl 312 engage with the transmission wheel 32, and The transmission wheel 32 rotates in one direction in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the pawl lever 31. The rotation of the transmission wheel 32 is transmitted to the ratchet wheel 33, a mainspring in the movement barrel complete 34 is wound due to the rotation of the ratchet wheel 33.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a pawl lever cover 35 is disposed on the main plate 11 side of the pawl lever 31. The pawl lever cover 35 is fixed to the oscillating weight bridge 22 through a screw 351. Therefore, the pawl lever 31 is disposed between the oscillating weight bridge 22 and the pawl lever cover 35. The oscillating weight bridge 22 is fixed to the main plate 11 through a screw together with the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the train wheel bridge. In addition, the center wheel bridge 13 is fixed to the main plate 11 through a screw.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transmission wheel 32 is disposed between the oscillating weight bridge 22 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, and a shaft of the transmission wheel 32 is supported by a bearing 321 held by the oscillating weight bridge 22 and a bearing (not illustrated) held by the barrel and train wheel bridge 12. Therefore, the transmission wheel 32 is a component that rotates around the shaft, and the oscillating weight bridge 22 or the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component that holds the bearing 321 supporting the shaft of the transmission wheel 32.

[0017] The movement barrel complete 34 is disposed between the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, and a barrel arbor (not illustrated) that is a shaft of the movement barrel complete 34 is supported by a bearing (not illustrated) held by each of the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12. The ratchet wheel 33 is disposed between the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the transmission wheel 32, and is attached to the barrel arbor through a screw 331. A click 37 that meshes with the ratchet wheel 33 and limits the rotation of the ratchet wheel 33 to only one direction is attached to the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 through a screw 371. Therefore, the ratchet wheel 33 is a component that rotates around the barrel arbor that is a shaft, and the main plate 11 or the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component that holds a bearing supporting the shaft of the ratchet wheel 33.

[0018] The center wheel bridge 13 is disposed between the main plate 11 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the train wheel bridge supports a center wheel and pinion (not illustrated). Other train wheels including third or subsequent wheel and pinions are supported between the main plate 11 and the train wheel bridge or between the center wheel bridge 13 and the train wheel bridge. The hands 4 are linked to and driven by these train wheels.

[0019] In the movement 10 according to the present embodiment, a generator that includes a rotor rotated by the train wheels and also functions as a governor of the train wheels, a power supply circuit including a secondary battery or the like that is charged with a current generated and rectified by the generator, a control IC that is driven with power supplied from the power supply circuit to control the speed of the generator, and the like are provided. That is, the timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment is an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels using the mainspring as a power source, controls the speeds of the train wheels using the generator also functioning as the governor, and drives the control IC.

[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the date indicator 41 that is a calendar wheel and a date indicator maintaining plate 42 that is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the date indicator 41 and fixed to the main plate 11 are provided on the dial 3 side of the main plate 11.

[0021] Next, a first component and a second component in the timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The first component is a component that generates a sound and, in the present embodiment, is configured with a plurality of components that generate a sound by contact. A first example of the first component includes the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, and a second example thereof includes the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33.

[0022] The second component is a component that absorbs vibration by a sound generated from the first component, and is a component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component, that is, pure magnesium or a magnesium alloy. Examples of the magnesium alloy include AZ31, AZ80, and AZ92-T6 (defined by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)). AZ31, AZ80, and AZ92-T6 include 91% or more or 89% or more of magnesium. The second component that absorbs vibration by the sound generated from the first component refers to a component formed of a magnesium alloy that can absorb and reduce vibration due to characteristics of the magnesium alloy when the sound generated from the first component propagates to the second component through air or a component such that the second component vibrates.

[0023] When the first component includes the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, the second component formed of a magnesium alloy includes one or more components selected from the oscillating weight bridge 22, the pawl lever cover 35, the main plate 11, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, the date indicator 41, and the like.

[0024] Here, the oscillating weight bridge 22 is in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlaps them in a plan view. In addition, the oscillating weight bridge 22 holds the bearing 321 that supports the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the oscillating weight bridge 22 may vibrate because a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 propagates through air or the bearing 321. When the oscillating weight bridge 22 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0025] The pawl lever cover 35 is in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlaps them in a plan view. Further, the pawl lever cover 35 may also be in contact with the pawl lever 31. Therefore, the pawl lever cover 35 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the pawl lever cover 35 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the pawl lever cover 35 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the pawl lever cover 35 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0026] The main plate 11 is a component that overlaps the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10, and further holds the bearing supporting the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the main plate 11 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the main plate 11 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the main plate 11 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0027] The barrel and train wheel bridge 12 and the center wheel bridge 13 are in the vicinity of the pawl lever 31 and transmission wheel 32, and overlap them in a plan view. In addition, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 holds the bearing that supports the shaft of the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. Therefore, when the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 or the center wheel bridge 13 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0028] The date indicator 41 is a component having a large surface area in the movement 10 and is driven to rotate by a date indicator driving wheel or the like, and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, when vibration is transmitted, the date indicator 41 is likely to resonate. Therefore, the date indicator 41 may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32. When the date indicator 41 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the date indicator 41 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the date indicator 41 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32 can be reduced.

[0029] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on the sound can be reduced.

[0030] When the first component includes the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33, the second component includes one or more components selected from the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the oscillating weight bridge 22, the main plate 11, and the like.

[0031] The barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is a component to which the click 37 is fixed through a screw, is in the vicinity of the click 37, overlaps the click 37 in a plan view, and holds the bearing that supports barrel arbor to which the ratchet wheel 33 is attached. Therefore, a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 propagates through the screw or air such that the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 may vibrate. Therefore, when the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the barrel and train wheel bridge 12 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0032] The oscillating weight bridge 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 and partially overlaps them in a plan view. Therefore, the oscillating weight bridge 22 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33. Therefore, when the oscillating weight bridge 22 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the oscillating weight bridge 22 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0033] The main plate 11 is a component that overlaps the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10. Therefore, the main plate 11 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33. Therefore, when the main plate 11 is formed of a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11 can be suppressed. Since the vibration of the main plate 11 is attenuated, the effect on a sound generated by contact with the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 can be reduced.

[0034] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on the sound can be reduced.Effects of First Embodiment

[0035] At least some of the components including the oscillating weight bridge 22, the pawl lever cover 35, the main plate 11, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12, the center wheel bridge 13, and the date indicator 41 that may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated from the pawl lever 31 and the transmission wheel 32, or the click 37 and the ratchet wheel 33 that are the first components are the second components formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component, that is, a magnesium alloy. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed. Therefore, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.Second Embodiment

[0036] Next, a timepiece 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0037] The timepiece 1B is a mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels as a movement 10B using a mainspring (not illustrated) as a power source and controls the speed using an escapement / speed control unit including an escape wheel and pinion 51, a pallet fork 52, and a balance with hairspring 53. Examples of the first component in the timepiece 1B include the escape wheel and pinion 51 and the pallet fork 52, or the pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53. That is, a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51, and a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and an impulse pin of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, these components are the first components that generate a sound.

[0038] Components that are formed of a magnesium alloy as the second components for the first components including the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 are one or more components selected from a pallet bridge 61, a balance bridge 62, a main plate 11B, a date indicator (not illustrated), and the like.

[0039] The pallet bridge 61 is a plate-like component that is paired with the main plate 11B to position or support the pallet fork 52, is in the vicinity of the pallet fork 52, overlaps the pallet fork 52 in a plan view, and holds a bearing that supports a shaft of the pallet fork 52. Therefore, the pallet bridge 61 may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound, that is, vibration generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51 or the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the pallet bridge 61 using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the pallet bridge 61 can be suppressed.

[0040] The balance bridge 62 is a plate-like component that is paired with the main plate 11B to position or support the balance with hairspring 53, is in the vicinity of the balance with hairspring 53, overlaps the balance with hairspring 53 in a plan view, and holds a bearing that supports a balance staff as a shaft of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, the balance bridge 62 may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the balance with hairspring 53 and the pallet fork 52. Therefore, by forming the balance bridge 62 using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the balance bridge 62 can be suppressed.

[0041] The pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53 rotate in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction without rotating in one direction. Accordingly, the components that rotate around the shaft are not limited to components that rotate in one direction and also include components that rotate in both directions.

[0042] The main plate 11B is a component that overlaps the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 in a plan view and has a large surface area in the movement 10B, and is also a component that holds bearings supporting shafts of the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, the main plate 11B may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the main plate 11B using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the main plate 11B can be suppressed.

[0043] Although not illustrated in the drawings, as in the first embodiment, the date indicator is a component having a large surface area in the movement 10B and is driven to rotate by a date indicator driving wheel or the like, and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, when vibration is transmitted, the date indicator is likely to resonate. Therefore, the date indicator may also vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, by forming the date indicator using a magnesium alloy having high vibration absorption, the vibration of the date indicator can be suppressed.

[0044] Even when there is a component other than the above-described components that vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53, by forming this component using a magnesium alloy, the effect on a sound can be reduced.

[0045] In addition, the timepiece 1B according to the second embodiment includes a ratchet wheel 33B, a movement barrel complete 34B, and a click 37B. Therefore, even in the timepiece 1B, the ratchet wheel 33B and the click 37B are the first components, and a barrel and train wheel bridge 12B or the main plate 11B is the second component that absorbs vibration by a sound generated by contact between the ratchet wheel 33B and the click 37B. Since this configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0046] Further, when the timepiece 1B includes an oscillating weight (not illustrated) that winds the mainspring, a pawl lever, and a transmission wheel, as in the first embodiment, the pawl lever and the transmission wheel are the first components, and an oscillating weight bridge (not illustrated), a pawl lever cover, the main plate 11B, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12B, and a center wheel bridge, a date indicator, and the like (not illustrated) are the second components.Effects of Second Embodiment

[0047] According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least some of the components including the pallet bridge 61, the balance bridge 62, the main plate 11B, the date indicator, the barrel and train wheel bridge 12B, and the like that may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated from the escape wheel and pinion 51, the pallet fork 52, and the balance with hairspring 53 or the click 37B and the ratchet wheel 33B that are the first components are the second components formed of a magnesium alloy. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed. Therefore, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.Modification Examples

[0048] The timepiece is not limited to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece or a mechanical timepiece. For example, in an analog quartz timepiece that drives train wheels and hands by handling a stepping motor, and the train wheels repeat rotation and stop such that gears collide with each other to generate a sound. Therefore, the train wheels including a plurality of gears may be the first components, and a component that vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component such as a main plate, train wheel bridges, or a date indicator may be the second component. Further, in a timepiece including a striking mechanism such as a sonnerie or a repeater that generates a sound, the striking mechanism may be the first component, and various bridge components, holder components, a main plate, and a calendar wheel such as a date indicator may be the second components.

[0049] In addition, the first component that generates a sound is not limited to a component that generates a sound by contact between components, and may be a component such as an electronic buzzer having a function of generating a sound.

[0050] All the components that vibrate due to the sound generated from the first component do not need to be the second components, and a component having a large effect on the sound generated from the first component may be the second component. For example, when a train wheel bridge and an oscillating weight bridge are different, both the train wheel bridge and the oscillating weight bridge may be formed of a magnesium alloy, or only one thereof may be formed of a magnesium alloy.Summary

[0051] The timepiece according to the present disclosure includes: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component.

[0052] When the second component vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component, the sound generated from the first component deteriorates and affects an audible sound that can be heard by a user or the like. However, in the present disclosure, the second component is formed of a metal containing magnesium having high vibration absorption as a major component. Therefore, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced, and the sound quality of an audible sound that can be heard by a user can be improved.

[0053] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a component that overlaps at least a part of the first component in a plan view when seen from a timepiece thickness direction.

[0054] The component that overlaps at least a part of the first component in a plan view may resonate due to propagation of the sound generated from the first component through air. Accordingly, by using the component that overlaps the first component in a plan view as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0055] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a tabular component.

[0056] Among the components of the timepiece, a tabular component is likely to vibrate during propagation of a sound. Therefore, by using a tabular component as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0057] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a component that rotates around a shaft, and the second component may be a component that holds a bearing supporting the shaft.

[0058] When the first component includes a component that rotates around a shaft, there is a case where a component that rotates in one direction or both directions may vibrate to generate a sound due to contact with another component. In this case, the vibration of the rotating component propagates to a shaft of the rotating component and a component that holds a bearing supporting this shaft through the bearing. Therefore, by using the component that holds the bearing as the second component, the vibration of the second component can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0059] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component may be a bridge component that supports an oscillating weight.

[0060] When the first component includes the pawl lever and the transmission wheel, the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight is likely to overlap the pawl lever and the transmission wheel in a plan view and is a tabular component. Therefore, the bridge component may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever and the transmission wheel. Therefore, by using the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight as the second component, the vibration of the bridge component that supports the oscillating weight can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0061] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component may be a pawl lever cover that holds the pawl lever.

[0062] When the first component includes the pawl lever and the transmission wheel, the pawl lever cover is likely to overlap the pawl lever and the transmission wheel in a plan view, may come into direct contact therewith, and is a tabular component. Therefore, the pawl lever cover may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the pawl lever and the transmission wheel. Therefore, by using the pawl lever cover as the second component, the vibration of the pawl lever cover can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0063] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the second component may be a calendar wheel.

[0064] The calendar wheel such as a date indicator has a large area in the movement and is not fixed through a screw or the like. Therefore, the calendar wheel may vibrate due to propagation of the sound generated from the first component. Therefore, by using the calendar wheel as the second component, the vibration of the calendar wheel can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

[0065] In the timepiece according to the present disclosure, the first component may include a balance with hairspring and a pallet fork, and the second component may be at least one component of a balance bridge and a pallet bridge.

[0066] The balance bridge or the pallet bridge holds a bearing that supports a shaft of the balance with hairspring or the pallet fork and overlaps a part of the balance with hairspring or the pallet fork in a plan view. Therefore, the balance bridge or the pallet bridge may vibrate due to propagation of a sound generated by contact between the balance with hairspring and the pallet fork. Therefore, by using at least one of the balance bridge and the pallet bridge as the second component, the vibration of the balance bridge or the pallet bridge can be suppressed, and the effect on the sound generated from the first component can be reduced.

Examples

second embodiment

[0036]Next, a timepiece 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0037]The timepiece 1B is a mechanical timepiece that drives the train wheels as a movement 10B using a mainspring (not illustrated) as a power source and controls the speed using an escapement / speed control unit including an escape wheel and pinion 51, a pallet fork 52, and a balance with hairspring 53. Examples of the first component in the timepiece 1B include the escape wheel and pinion 51 and the pallet fork 52, or the pallet fork 52 and the balance with hairspring 53. That is, a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and the escape wheel and pinion 51, and a sound is generated by contact between the pallet fork 52 and an impulse pin of the balance with hairspring 53. Therefore, these components are the first components that generate a sound.

[0038]Components that are formed of a magnesium alloy as the second components for the first components including the e...

modification examples

[0048]The timepiece is not limited to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece or a mechanical timepiece. For example, in an analog quartz timepiece that drives train wheels and hands by handling a stepping motor, and the train wheels repeat rotation and stop such that gears collide with each other to generate a sound. Therefore, the train wheels including a plurality of gears may be the first components, and a component that vibrates due to propagation of a sound generated from the first component such as a main plate, train wheel bridges, or a date indicator may be the second component. Further, in a timepiece including a striking mechanism such as a sonnerie or a repeater that generates a sound, the striking mechanism may be the first component, and various bridge components, holder components, a main plate, and a calendar wheel such as a date indicator may be the second components.

[0049]In addition, the first component that generates a sound is not limited to a componen...

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising: a first component configured to generate a sound; and a second component formed of a metal containing magnesium as a major component and configured to absorb vibration by the sound generated from the first component.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the second component is a component that overlaps at least a part of the first component in a plan view when seen from a timepiece thickness direction.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the second component is a tabular component.

4. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the first component includes a component that rotates around a shaft, and the second component is a component that holds a bearing supporting the shaft.

5. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the first component includes a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component is a bridge component that supports an oscillating weight.

6. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the first component includes a pawl lever and a transmission wheel, and the second component is a pawl lever cover that holds the pawl lever.

7. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the second component is a calendar wheel.

8. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the first component includes a balance with hairspring and a pallet fork, and the second component is at least one component of a balance bridge and a pallet bridge.

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