Antenna, electronic device, and electronic timepiece

Abstract

To suppress a shift in a frequency band to be used due to minimized antennas.SOLUTION: There is provided an antenna 6 that has an annular shape in a plan view from a first direction I and has at least an outer peripheral edge 60a and an inner peripheral edge 60b. The antenna includes at least one first notch 64 notched in a direction away from an approximate center of the annular shape (annular center cp) in the plan view from the first direction I on the inner peripheral edge 60b of the antenna 6, and at least one latch 63 provided on the inner peripheral edge 60b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna, an electronic device, and an electronic timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic devices such as electronic watches equipped with an antenna for receiving GPS signals are known. The components that make up an antenna (antenna elements) are generally made of metal, and there is a concern that the antenna may oxidize or corrode if it is exposed to the outside air. For this reason, it is preferable that the antenna be provided in a state where it is housed inside the electronic device as much as possible; for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the antenna is housed inside the case of a watch (electronic watch). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-175673 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since electronic devices such as electronic watches are expected to be worn on the wrist or the like when used, there is a general trend toward miniaturization in order to improve usability, etc. For this reason, when housing an antenna inside a watch (electronic watch), the antenna (antenna element) also needs to be miniaturized. However, when the antenna element is made smaller, the resonant frequency shifts higher, which causes the resonant frequency of the antenna to shift away from the desired frequency band.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and has as its object to provide an antenna that can suppress the shift in the frequency band used that accompanies miniaturization, as well as an electronic device and an electronic timepiece that are equipped with the antenna. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the antenna according to the present invention comprises: A ring-shaped antenna having at least an outer periphery and an inner periphery in a plan view from a first direction, At least one first notch portion cut out in a direction away from an approximate center of the annular shape in a plan view from the first direction in the inner periphery of the antenna; and at least one locking portion provided on the inner periphery. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the shift in the frequency band used that occurs due to the miniaturization of the antenna. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the timepiece according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the timepiece according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the timepiece according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a portion IV in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the timepiece according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a portion VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a portion VII in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a timepiece according to an embodiment with the bezel removed. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the solar panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a side view of a main portion showing the configuration of a connection portion between a solar panel and a circuit board in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1A is a plan view of an antenna in this embodiment, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the antenna shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a side view of the antenna shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 1A is a plan view of the essential parts showing the fixing structure of the antenna inside the watch in the embodiment, FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of part B in (a), and FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of part C in (a). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining wavelength shortening of an antenna. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a connection portion between an antenna and a circuit board in this embodiment, and is a side view of a main portion with a portion cut away. [Figure 15] 1A is a perspective view of the antenna in this embodiment, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the antenna of Comparative Example 1, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the antenna of Comparative Example 2. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a plan view of a main portion showing the internal configuration of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of an antenna, electronic device (and electronic timepiece) according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In this embodiment, the electronic device will be described as an electronic timepiece equipped with an antenna. In addition, the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] [composition] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of an electronic watch (hereinafter simply referred to as "watch") as an electronic device in this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the watch shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts taken along line AA in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts taken along line BB in Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of part VI surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 5.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a timepiece 100 in this embodiment has a device case 1. The device case 1 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow short column shape that is open at the top and bottom, and the internal hollow portion forms a storage space for storing various components. The device case 1 is formed of a relatively hard synthetic resin, such as biomass plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc. The material forming the device case 1 is not limited to those exemplified here, but various resin materials having a high relative dielectric constant, as described later, are more preferable.

[0012] The outer surface of the device case 1 is provided at upper and lower positions in FIG. 2 (the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions on an analog watch) with a pair of band attachment parts 11 (see FIG. 1) to which a band (not shown) is attached. Furthermore, various operation buttons 12 (push buttons, a crown, etc.) for a user to perform various input operations are provided on the left and right sides of the device case 1 in FIG. 3 and 5, the opening on the back side of the device case 1 (the non-viewing side of the watch) is closed by a back cover member 13. The back cover member 13 may be formed integrally with the device case 1.

[0013] A bezel 2 as an exterior member is provided to surround an opening on the front side (the viewing side of the watch) of the device case 1. The bezel 2 is fixed to the device case 1 by screws 8, for example. The bezel 2 is a member formed in a substantially annular shape when the watch 100 is viewed from the viewing side (hereinafter referred to as the "first direction I"). The bezel 2 has a first region α having at least a surface on which metal is discontinuously vapor-deposited onto a base material containing a resin material, and a second region β formed containing a resin material (wherein metal is not discontinuously vapor-deposited). In this embodiment, the bezel 2 includes a first bezel 21 formed of a resin material such as urethane, and a second bezel 22 having at least a surface in which metal is discontinuously vapor-deposited onto a base material containing a resin material such as urethane, and the portion of the second bezel 22 exposed on the surface (the surface to be viewed) is the first region α, and the portion of the second bezel 22 covered by the first bezel 21 and not visible on the surface (the surface to be viewed) is the second region β.

[0014] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 etc., the first bezel 21 has protruding formations 211 that protrude further than other parts (main body part 212 of the first bezel 21) at the 3 o'clock position, 6 o'clock position, 9 o'clock position, and 12 o'clock position of the analog timepiece along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2. The protruding formations 211 protrude further than the main body part 212 at least in the thickness direction of the timepiece 100 (upward in Figure 3 etc.) and toward the radially outward direction of the bezel 2.

[0015] The entirety or a part of the protruding portion 211 is detachable from the main body portion 212 of the first bezel 21 . In this embodiment, for example, the second bezel 22 is placed on the main body part 212 in a state where all or a part of the protrusion forming portion 211 is removed from the main body part 212. Thereafter, the removed protrusion forming portion 211 is attached to the main body part 212, whereby the second bezel 22 is sandwiched between the main body part 212 and the protrusion forming portion 211 of the first bezel 21, thereby forming an integrated bezel 2. By forming the bezel 2 from a resin material such as urethane, it is possible to reduce the weight of the bezel 2 and also to provide greater freedom in shape than with metal processing. Furthermore, by providing a resin bezel 2 as the exterior component of the watch 100, the impact resistance of the watch 100 is improved compared to when the bezel 2 is formed from a metal material.

[0016] On the surface of the second bezel 22, a metal such as In (indium) is discontinuously vapor-deposited. By discontinuously vapor-depositing (thin film vapor-deposition) indium or the like, a metallic appearance is realized and spaces are created between the metal particles, so that even if the bezel 2 including the second bezel 22 is placed on the antenna 6 (see FIG. 1, etc.), radio waves are not blocked. A transparent film such as a resin may be further formed on the discontinuously vapor-deposited metal layer, in which case a glossy appearance can be obtained and scratch resistance can be achieved. In (indium) alloys may peel off when they collide with or are rubbed against objects. In this regard, if a transparent film such as a resin is formed on the surface, peeling of the discontinuously vapor-deposited metal layer such as In (indium) alloy can be prevented even if the second bezel 22 slightly bumps against surrounding objects during use. This allows the beautiful metallic appearance to be maintained for a long time. The metal to be discontinuously vapor-deposited is not limited to In (indium), but various alloys such as Sn (tin) can be used.

[0017] The discontinuous vapor-deposited metal layer may be formed on the entire surface of the second bezel 22, or only on the portion that may be exposed to the outside. The portions that may be exposed to the outside are the top surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22. Note that discontinuous metal vapor deposition may be performed on the entire top surface 221 and the side surface 222, but even on the top surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22, the portions sandwiched between the main body portion 212 and the protrusion forming portion 211 of the first bezel 21 will not be exposed to the outside in the assembled state. For this reason, discontinuous metal vapor deposition may not be performed on these portions.

[0018] For example, the cross-sectional portion taken along line AA in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3, is a portion where the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 covers the second bezel 22 to form the second region β. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, in the second region β, the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 is disposed on the outside, and as described above, the second bezel 22 is sandwiched between the main body 212 and the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 and is not exposed to the outside. For this reason, in this portion, discontinuous deposition of metal may not be performed not only on the back surface 223 of the second bezel 22 but also on the top surface 221 (front surface) and side surface 222. In this way, by not performing discontinuous deposition on the non-visible portion, the amount of metal material to be deposited can be saved. Also, when not performing discontinuous deposition on the non-visible portion (such as the back surface 223), the deposition work can be performed with the second bezel 22 placed on a table or the like with the back surface 223 facing down, which simplifies the work process.

[0019] In contrast, the cross-sectional portion taken along line BB in FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 5, is a portion forming a first region α where the top surface 221 (surface) and side surface 222 of the second bezel 22 are exposed to the viewing side. The first regions α and the second regions β are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2. 2, in this embodiment, the protruding portions 211 constituting the second region β are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2, and the first region α is arranged between the protruding portions 211 constituting the second region β. The protruding portions 211 constituting the second region β are formed such that at least the height of their upper surfaces is higher than the height of the upper surface of the first region α, which is the portion where the second bezel 22 is exposed. This makes it possible to protect the exposed second bezel 22 from external impacts and the like, and to prevent the portion having a metallic appearance from being damaged.

[0020] In this embodiment, the top surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22 that may be exposed to the outside are subjected to, for example, V-groove processing (record pulling, hairline processing, etc.), and the grooves 22a are formed in a concentric shape. This makes it possible to create a more metallic texture when metal is discontinuously evaporated. Fig. 7(a) is an enlarged view of a portion VII surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 2, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(b) is a schematic view for explaining the cross-sectional state taken along line CC, and does not accurately represent the shape of groove portion 22a, the number of grooves, depth, etc.

[0021] When the bezel 2 (second bezel 22) is subjected to V-groove processing, the cross section in the radial direction of the bezel 2 becomes uneven, which deteriorates the appearance and the feel. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b), a rim 225 is provided to pad the periphery of the cross section so that the cross section of the part subjected to V-groove processing (such as the side surface 222 on which the groove portion 22a is formed) is not exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the appearance of unevenness on the cross section. The V-groove processing for forming the groove portion 22a and the method for forming the rim 225 are not particularly limited, but for example, it is considered to employ a mold having a shape corresponding to the groove portion 22a and the rim 225 and perform molding. 7B shows an example in which edge portion 225 is provided with padding to a height that covers approximately half of the V-groove of groove portion 22a, but the height of edge portion 225 is not limited to this. For example, an edge portion may be provided with padding to a height that covers the entire cross section of the V-groove.

[0022] 1, the second bezel 22 is divided into two members, but the second bezel 22 may be an integral member that is substantially annular, C-shaped, U-shaped, or the like when viewed from the first direction I (see FIGS. 1, 3, etc.) as long as it can be sandwiched between the main body portion 212 and the protrusion forming portion 211 of the first bezel 21. The second bezel 22 may also be divided into four or more smaller portions. The positions where the protruding portions 211 are provided are not limited to those exemplified here, but are preferably arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction so as to reliably protect the exposed portion (first region α) of the second bezel 22 having a metallic appearance. The protruding portions 211 may be distributed at multiple locations along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2, and may be arranged at three locations, for example. Furthermore, it is not essential that the protruding portions 211 are detachable from the main body portion 212. Moreover, the protruding portions 211 do not have to be detachable individually, but may be connected together and detachable as a whole from the main body portion 212. In this embodiment, in addition to the second bezel 22 having a metallic appearance, the bezel 2 has a first bezel 21 on which metal is not discontinuously vapor-deposited, and the portion (first region α) where the area having the metallic appearance is exposed is protected by the first bezel 21. However, if the adhesion of the discontinuously vapor-deposited metal layer such as an In (indium) alloy can be improved and a configuration that is less prone to peeling can be achieved, the bezel 2 may not have the first bezel 21.

[0023] In this embodiment, the bezel 2 that is arranged to surround the opening on the front side of the device case 1 is made of a resin material 2 such as urethane, so that even if an impact is received from the outside, the bezel 2 absorbs the impact and effectively prevents damage to the device case 1 and the watch movement housed therein (for example, the circuit board 5 and liquid crystal panel unit 7 described below, various motors not shown, etc.). In this embodiment, an example has been given of a case in which the member constituting the second region β (first bezel 21 having the protruding portion 211) and the member constituting the first region α (second bezel 22 having a metallic finish applied to at least the exposed portion) are made of separate members, but it is also possible for a bezel having the second region β and the first region α to be integrally formed, and for the metallic portion, etc., to be partially processed.

[0024] Additionally, the opening on the front side (the viewing side of the watch) of the device case 1 is closed by the windshield member 3. The windshield member 3 is a transparent member made of, for example, a glass material or a transparent resin material. It is preferable that the windshield member 3 is attached to the device case 1 via a waterproof ring made of resin or the like. This ensures that the inside of the device case 1 is waterproof (airtight).

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the timepiece with the bezel 2 removed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a solar panel 4 is attached to the back surface side of the windshield member 3 (that is, the side that is arranged inside the device case 1). The solar panel 4 is a solar cell that generates electricity by receiving light, and the electricity generated by photovoltaic power generation using the solar panel 4 is stored in a secondary battery contained in the device case 1 and serves as a power source for each part of the watch 100. In this embodiment, the solar panel 4, the antenna 6 described below, and the circuit board 5 are arranged in that order in the thickness direction of the watch 100 (first direction I) along the first direction I (a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board 5), and the solar panel 4 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the antenna 6 when viewed in a planar view from the first direction I.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the solar panel in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the solar panel 4 of this embodiment is a panel formed in a hollow ring shape (annular shape) having at least an outer periphery 40a and an inner periphery 40b when viewed from a first direction I. In this embodiment, dividing lines 44 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the radial direction of the ring-shaped solar panel 4, and the solar panel 4 is divided into a plurality of approximately sector-shaped cells 43 by these dividing lines 44. In the illustrated example, the solar panel 4 is divided into eight cells 43, but there is no particular limitation on the number of cells 43 into which the solar panel 4 is divided. The multiple cells 43 constituting the solar panel 4 are connected in series, and are connected to the circuit board 5 (see Figures 8, 10, etc.) at contact portions 45 as described below.

[0027] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of a connection portion between a solar panel and a circuit board. 10, the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 are connected by providing at least one board-panel contact member 46 (panel contact member) between the contact portion 45 of the solar panel 4 and a solar panel connection terminal (pad) (not shown) of the circuit board 5. In this embodiment, two board-panel contact members 46 are provided as shown in the figure. The board-panel contact member 46 is, for example, a coil spring, and both ends are electrically connected to the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5, respectively.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8 etc., in this embodiment, an antenna 6 is arranged between the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5, and the board-panel contact member 46 is arranged so as to overlap the solar panel 4, antenna 6, and circuit board 5 when viewed in a planar view from the first direction I. 10, a hole 15 is formed in the device case 1, penetrating vertically, in correspondence with the location where the board-panel contact member 46 is to be disposed. The board-panel contact member 46 is positioned by being inserted into this hole 15, and its posture is maintained so that each end portion contacts the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5. In addition, as will be described later, a notch 67 is formed in the antenna 6 so as to avoid the location where the board-panel contact member 46 is to be disposed.

[0029] The antenna 6 in this embodiment is, for example, a GPS antenna capable of receiving GNSS (GPS / GLONASS / QZSS / SBAS) signals transmitted from a GPS or other satellite (which includes multiple types such as GLONASS in addition to GPS, but will be referred to simply as "GPS" below). GPS satellites are equipped with atomic clocks and transmit data including time information based on these atomic clocks. By receiving the GNSS (GPS) signals transmitted from the GPS satellites with an antenna 6, highly accurate time information can be obtained at any receiving point on the ground.

[0030] Antenna 6, which is a GPS antenna for receiving GNSS (GPS) signals, is required to support right-handed circular polarization. Furthermore, GPS satellites transmit GNSS (GPS) signals at frequencies such as the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz), L5 band (around 1.2 GHz), etc. For this reason, the desired frequency bands for a GPS antenna that receives GNSS (GPS) signals are the L1 band, L5 band, etc., and it is desirable for the antenna 6 to have high antenna performance in these frequency bands (especially antenna gain compatible with right-handed polarized waves).

[0031] Figure 11(a) is a plan view of the antenna of this embodiment when viewed from a first direction, Figure 11(b) is an oblique view of the antenna, and Figure 11(c) is a side view of the antenna when viewed from a second direction different from the first direction. As shown in FIG. 11(a) and other figures, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is formed in a ring shape having at least an outer periphery 60a and an inner periphery 60b in a plan view from the first direction I. The material of the antenna 6 is not particularly limited, but the lower the electrical volume resistivity of the metal material for forming the high-frequency antenna element, the more preferable it is. In addition, it is conceivable that a geomagnetic sensor is mounted on an electronic device such as the watch 100 (electronic watch, etc.), and in consideration of the influence on geomagnetic measurement, a non-magnetic material is more preferable. From this viewpoint, for example, phosphor bronze is preferably used as the material of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6). The antenna function is realized by passing a high-frequency current through this ring-shaped antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and the circuit board 5 (GND plate).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(c), the antenna 6 (antenna element portion of the antenna 6) of this embodiment has a top surface portion 61 whose main surface is visible in a plan view from the first direction I, and a side surface portion 62 that is connected to at least a part of the top surface portion 61 and extends along the first direction I. At least a part of the side surface portion 62 extends from the outer periphery of the top surface portion 61 in approximately the first direction I, and the main surface is visible from a second direction II different from the first direction I (in this embodiment, the second direction II is a direction from the side of the watch 100 that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction I). Specifically, the antenna 6 includes an annular top surface portion 61 and a side surface portion 62 that is suspended from the outer periphery of the top surface portion 61 and is visible from a second direction II different from the first direction I (in this embodiment, the second direction II is a direction from the side of the watch 100 that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction I).

[0033] The larger the surface area of ​​the antenna 6 (the surface area of ​​the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), the more advantageous it is in terms of radio wave radiation. In this regard, since the antenna 6 includes the top surface portion 61 and the side surface portion 62 as in this embodiment, a surface area can be secured without increasing the overall diameter of the antenna 6 compared to when there is only a flat portion of the top surface (top surface portion 61) or only a ring (only side surface portion 62), which is preferable from the standpoint of radio wave radiation. As will be described later, the circuit board 5 is disposed below the antenna 6, and if the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is disposed parallel to the circuit board 5, capacitive coupling is likely to occur, adversely affecting radio wave radiation. In contrast, the side portion 62 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the circuit board 5, and therefore capacitive coupling is unlikely to occur. This makes it possible to avoid capacitive coupling as much as possible while increasing the surface area of ​​the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6).

[0034] On the other hand, however, the length (circumference) of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is shorter when the top surface portion 61 is provided than when only the side surface portion 62 is provided (i.e., the inner diameter is narrower). This results in a tendency for the electrical distance (electrical length) to become shorter. The resonant frequency of the antenna 6 has the property of being inversely proportional to the size and length (length of the inner diameter side, length of one circumference) of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6). As the electrical length becomes shorter, the frequencies that are easily received and easily radiated by the antenna 6 tend to be higher than the desired frequency band to be received by the antenna 6 of this embodiment (i.e., frequency bands such as the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) in which GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted as described above).

[0035] Therefore, in this embodiment, the element shape on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 is made irregular rather than a perfect circle, thereby increasing the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) and increasing the electrical length. Specifically, the distance of the inner periphery 60b from the approximate center of the ring (referred to as the "ring center cp") in plan view from the first direction I is non-uniform depending on the circumferential position. Specifically, the antenna 6 of this embodiment has at least one engaging portion 63 provided on the inner periphery 60b, and a protruding edge portion 65 that protrudes inwardly from the inner periphery 60b beyond this engaging portion 63, as shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0036] As shown in Figure 8 etc., the device case 1 of the watch 100 contains a liquid crystal panel unit 7 that forms the display unit of the watch, and the shape of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 is basically based on a shape that follows the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7 (note that the position of the inner diameter side edge of this basic shape is the "reference position"). In this way, the basic shape of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element part of the antenna 6) is adapted to the shape of the glass of the liquid crystal panel unit 7, and is shaped to maximize its area toward the inside (the annular center cp side in Figure 11(a)).

[0037] The inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 is provided with a "first notch 64" that is cut out in a direction away from the annular center cp from the "reference position", and the engagement portion 63 is provided within this "first notch 64" (for example, on the rear edge of the "first notch 64"). The protruding side portion 65 is a portion that protrudes relatively inward (toward the annular center cp in FIG. 11(a)) by providing the locking portion 63 inside the "first notch portion 64". The protruding edge portion 65 may remain in the same position as the "reference position" that follows the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7, or may protrude inward in a direction closer to the annular center cp than the "reference position".

[0038] The distance d1 (for example, the shortest distance from the annular center cp) from the annular center cp to the protruding side portion 65 shown in FIG. 11(a) is shorter than the distance d2 from the annular center cp to the back side of the first notch portion 64. In this way, by providing the first notch 64 and the protruding edge 65 on the inner periphery 60b to create an uneven shape with different distances from the annular center cp, it is possible to increase the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and increase the electrical length. This makes it possible to configure an antenna 6 that easily receives radio waves in a desired frequency band, even when the diameter of the entire antenna 6 is reduced to achieve miniaturization.

[0039] A locking portion 63 provided on the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 locks the antenna 6 to the device case 1. As shown in Figures 11(a) to 11(c), the locking portions 63 of this embodiment are arranged at three locations circumferentially spaced apart along the inner circumference 60b of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6). 11(b) and the like, the locking portion 63 is a tongue piece bent downward in the first direction I from an end face of a first notch 64 formed in the top surface portion 61, and a locking hole 63a is formed therein. The size of the locking portion 63 and the locking hole 63a can also be expected to increase the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 and to increase the electrical length.

[0040] Figure 12(a) is a plan view of the antenna of this embodiment installed in an equipment case, viewed from a first direction, Figure 12(b) is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts, part B, surrounded by a dashed line in Figure 12(a), and Figure 12(c) is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts, part C, surrounded by a dashed line in Figure 12(a). 12(a) and 12(b), the device case 1 has an engaged portion at a position that protrudes inwardly from the device case 1 and corresponds to the engaging portion 63 of the antenna 6. By providing the engaged portion at a position that protrudes inwardly from the device case 1 in this manner, the thickness of the device case 1 can be increased at least in that portion, and the strength of the device case 1 can be maintained.

[0041] In this embodiment, the locked portion of the device case 1 includes a recess 16 that receives a tongue-shaped locking portion 63, and a locking claw 17 that protrudes from within the recess 16 and locks into a locking hole 63a of the locking portion 63 when the locking portion 63 is inserted into the recess 16. The locking claw 17 has some springiness, and when the antenna 6 is disposed from above the device case 1 (above the first direction I) and the locking portion 63 is inserted into the recess 16, it bends slightly to avoid the inserted locking portion 63, and is configured not to easily come out when fitted into the locking hole 63a. In this manner, the locked portion on the device case 1 side and the locking portion 63 of the antenna 6 are fitted together, whereby the antenna 6 is fixed to the device case 1. Note that the configurations of the locking portion 63 of the antenna 6 and the locked portion on the device case 1 side are not limited to those shown here.

[0042] 10, 12(a) and 12(c), a hole 15 penetrating vertically is formed in the device case 1 at a location where a board-panel contact member 46 that connects the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 is disposed. In this embodiment, two board-panel contact members 46 are provided, and accordingly, two holes 15 are provided on the device case 1 side. In the portion where this hole 15 is formed, a part of the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 is cut out to form a notch 67 so as to avoid the location where the board-panel contact member 46 is disposed. This notch 67 also forms unevenness in the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6, and has the function of increasing the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and increasing the electrical length.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, the antenna 6 is made small in size in order to store the antenna 6 inside the device case 1. However, when the antenna 6 and the board-panel contact member 46 are arranged to be easily close to each other due to the miniaturization, the respective members are easily electrically coupled, and losses occur due to the respective resistance components (the antenna gain decreases), which is a problem. In this embodiment, a cutout 67 is formed in the antenna 6 so as to avoid the location where the board-panel contact member 46 is disposed, and the board-panel contact member 46, which is a coil spring, is disposed at the location where the cutout 67 is provided to connect the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5. This makes it possible to electrically couple the various components and prevent losses (reduction in antenna gain) caused by the various resistance components. Electrical coupling can also easily occur by a loop from the solar panel 4 via one board-panel contact member 46 to the circuit board 5 (the solar panel connection terminal of the circuit board 5), and from the circuit board 5 via the other board-panel contact member 46 to the solar panel 4; however, by forming a cutout portion 67 in the antenna 6 to avoid the location where the board-panel contact member 46 is located, and by arranging the board-panel contact member 46, which is a coil spring, in this portion to connect the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5, coupling by such a loop can also be suppressed.

[0044] 12(a) and other figures, the device case 1 has a groove 14 formed therein for receiving (accommodating) at least the side surface portion 62 at a position corresponding to the side surface portion 62 when the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is disposed in the device case 1. As a result, at least a portion of the side surface portion 62 (i.e., at least a portion of the inner surface, outer surface, and bottom surface of the side surface portion 62) is in contact with the device case 1. In this embodiment, the groove portion 14 is shaped to roughly follow the side portion 62 of the antenna 6, and when the side portion 62 of the antenna 6 is fitted into the groove portion 14, the groove portion 14 of the device case 1 and the side portion 62 of the antenna 6 are in close contact (adhered tightly). When the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is miniaturized, the electrical distance (electrical length) becomes shorter (smaller), which weakens the radiation effect of the antenna 6, causing the antenna 6 to not function normally. In this regard, by fitting the side portion 62 of the antenna 6 into the groove portion 14 of the device case 1 and bringing the antenna 6 into close contact (adherence) with the device case 1 made of resin, which is a dielectric, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the radiation effect of the antenna 6.

[0045] In general, it is said that the more the length and size of an antenna are suited to the frequency and wavelength of the radio waves, the more efficient it will be (the better the antenna performance will be). However, as described above, if the size and length of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is reduced in order to fit it inside the device case 1, the electrical distance (electrical length) becomes shorter, and the frequencies that are easily received and easily radiated by the antenna 6 become higher than the desired frequency band (i.e., the frequency bands such as the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) in which GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted, as described above).

[0046] In this regard, it has been confirmed that when the antenna 6 (the antenna element part of the antenna 6) is in the air, compared to when it is surrounded by a dielectric material such as a resin material, the wavelength of the radio waves is shorter depending on the dielectric constant of the dielectric material. That is, as shown in the explanatory diagram in FIG. 13, an effect of "wavelength shortening of radio waves" is observed in which the original length of one period (length of one wavelength) of the wavelength itself is shortened inside a dielectric. The device case 1 of the embodiment is a case made of a resin material. More specifically, a resin case in which a substance for increasing the relative dielectric constant is mixed into a part of the material is preferably used. For this reason, by placing the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) as close to the device case 1 as possible, the "wavelength shortening" effect can be effectively obtained, and even if the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is made smaller, it can be made to resonate in a low frequency band (a desired frequency band such as the aforementioned L1 band or L5 band).

[0047] Therefore, it is preferable that the shape (width, depth, etc.) of the groove 14 of the device case 1 matches the shape of the side surface 62 of the antenna 6 as closely as possible, and the side surface 62 is configured to be fitted into the groove 14 so that the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and the device case 1 are in close contact (tight contact). In other words, when the side surface 62 is fitted into the groove 14, it is preferable that the inner and outer surfaces and the lower end face, etc. of the side surface 62 are in tight contact with the inner surface of the groove 14.

[0048] Furthermore, when the antenna 6 is disposed inside the device case 1, at least a portion of the underside of the top surface 61 also comes into contact with the device case 1. Here again, by matching the depth of the groove 14 to the height of the side surface 62, the top surface 61 is disposed in contact with the upper surface of the device case 1 without rising up when the side surface 62 is fitted into the groove 14, and the "wavelength shortening" effect can be similarly obtained. Furthermore, for the same reason, it is preferable that the aforementioned locking portion 63 and the locked portion of the device case 1 are also in close contact (in close contact) with as few gaps as possible in the locking portion. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is in close contact (tight adhesion) with the equipment case 1, it is possible to similarly expect the effect of suppressing the decrease in the radiation effect of the antenna 6 due to the synergistic effect between the antenna 6 and the equipment case 1, which is a dielectric.

[0049] From the viewpoint that filling the area around the antenna 6 with a dielectric (resin material) enables the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) to be made smaller and still resonate in a lower frequency band, it is preferable to arrange a dielectric such as a resin material on the underside (rear side, the surface facing the inside of the equipment case 1, the surface to which the solar panel 4 is attached in this embodiment) of the windshield member 3 so as to fill the gap between the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6). By filling the gaps around the antenna 6 with a dielectric (resin material), a further wavelength shortening effect can be expected, and when a small antenna 6 is used, it is expected that the antenna performance in low frequency bands (desired frequency bands such as the L1 band and the L5 band) can be improved.

[0050] Moreover, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is connected to the circuit board 5 via a board-antenna contact member 56 (antenna contact member). FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of a main portion showing a connection portion between an antenna and a circuit board. The board-antenna contact member 56 is, for example, a coil spring or a pogo pin having a spring inside. One end of the board-antenna contact member 56 is pressed against the top surface 61 of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), and the other end is in contact with a GPS circuit (not shown) of the circuit board 5.

[0051] By receiving the board-antenna contact member 56 for connecting to the circuit board 5 on the top surface 61 of the antenna 6, the connection between the antenna 6 and the circuit board 5 can be made into a contact in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the watch 100, and sufficient contact pressure can be ensured at the contact points between the antenna 6 and the circuit board 5. The number of board-antenna contact members 56 connecting the antenna 6 and the circuit board 5 may be one or more, and three or more may be provided. The illustrated example in FIG. 14 etc. illustrates a case where board-antenna contact members 56 are provided in two locations.

[0052] At the location where the board-antenna contact member 56 including the spring hits, the top surface 61 of the antenna 6 may be pushed up by the board-antenna contact member 56. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 12(a) etc., the position at which the board-antenna contact member 56 is disposed is preferably near the locking position where the locking portion 63 that locks the antenna 6 and the device case 1 is provided.

[0053] It has also been confirmed that the gain (gain characteristics) of the antenna 6 changes when the shape of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) changes. In Figures 15(a) to 15(c), if the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock direction of antenna 6 (the antenna element part of antenna 6) is taken as the x-axis and the 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock direction is taken as the y-axis, and if the feed point is assumed to be somewhere between the 9 o'clock position and the 12 o'clock position (i.e., around the 45 degree position between the x-axis and the y-axis as shown in Figure 11(a) etc.), for example, if the y-axis side of antenna 6 (the antenna element part of antenna 6) is shaved, the gain (gain characteristics) of antenna 6 will change depending on the degree of shaving.

[0054] 15(a), for example, a part of side surface portion 62 on the 12 o'clock side of the y axis of antenna 6 is cut away to form notch portion 601, and a part of side surface portion 62 on the 6 o'clock side is cut away to form notch portion 602. Note that notch portions 601 and 602 thus formed in side surface portion 62 are referred to as "third notch portions." 15(b), only the side surface 62 on the 12 o'clock side of the y axis of the antenna 6 is partially cut away to form a notch 601, and no notch is formed in the side surface 62 on the 6 o'clock side. The antenna (antenna element) having the shape shown in FIG. 15(b) is referred to as "Comparative Example 1." 15(c), for example, a part of the side surface 62 on the 6 o'clock side of the y axis of the antenna 6 is cut away to form a notch 602 (third notch), and a part of the top surface 61 on the 12 o'clock side is cut away to form a notch 603. The notch 603 thus formed in the top surface 61 is referred to as a "second notch." The antenna (antenna element) having the shape shown in FIG. 15(c) is referred to as "Comparative Example 2."

[0055] In this embodiment, an antenna 6 having the shape shown in Figure 15(a) is adopted, in which notches 601, 602 are formed as "third notches" in side portion 62 on the 12 o'clock side and 6 o'clock side of the y axis of the antenna 6.

[0056] When only the side portion 62 at the 6 o'clock position in the y-axis direction of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is partially cut out to form the cutout portion 601 (in the case of the antenna shape shown in Figure 15(b)), the antenna gain was reduced in both the L5 band and the L1 band (average value) compared to when the side portion 62 at the 6 o'clock position and the 12 o'clock position in the y-axis direction of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is partially cut out to form the cutout portions 601, 602 (in the case of the antenna shape of the embodiment shown in Figure 15(a)). Furthermore, when the side surface portion 62 of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) at the 6 o'clock position in the y-axis direction is partially cut out to form a cutout portion 601 and the top surface portion 61 at the 12 o'clock position in the y-axis direction is partially cut out to form a cutout portion 603 (in the case of the antenna shape shown in Figure 15(c)), there was almost no difference in the L5 band compared to the antenna shape of the embodiment shown in Figure 15(a), but the antenna gain in the L1 band (average value) was lower than in the case of Figure 15(b).

[0057] In this way, the shape of antenna 6 (antenna element part of antenna 6) can be adjusted so that just the right gain is obtained for radio waves in the desired frequency band by making it not a perfect circle but by slightly shortening the end on the x-axis side by cutting off the end on the y-axis side, or by changing the amount of metal (metal volume) at positions ±45 degrees from the power feed point (power feed position). In addition, the extent to which parts need to be changed to achieve better gain for radio waves in the desired frequency band can be adjusted depending on various surrounding conditions, such as what metal parts are placed around antenna 6 (the antenna element part of antenna 6). The amount of metal (metal volume) of the antenna 6 may be adjusted by providing a notch or a hole in at least a part of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6).

[0058] In addition, since the gain of the antenna 6 depends on various conditions such as the metal parts arranged around the antenna 6, as described above, a board-panel contact member 46 (coil spring) that connects the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the cutout portion 67 formed in the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6. Although there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the board-panel contact member 46, such as its shape, the configuration of the board-panel contact member 46 also affects the gain of the antenna 6. Specifically, the gain of the antenna 6 is set based on any one of the wire diameter, effective number of turns, and expansion length of the coil spring (board-panel contact member 46).

[0059] That is, it has been confirmed that when the inductance (calculated inductance) of the coil spring (spring) serving as the board-panel contact member 46 is increased, the gain of the antenna 6 is improved. For this reason, in this embodiment, in designing the specifications (shape, etc.) of the coil spring, the inductance of the coil spring serving as the board-panel contact member 46 is made as large as possible.

[0060] In general, if the effective number of turns [N] and the length of extension [mm] of a coil spring are the same, the smaller the wire diameter [mm] of the spring, the smaller the calculated inductance (calculated L value). By utilizing this characteristic, it was found that when the calculated inductance (calculated L value) decreases, the antenna gain of right-handed polarized waves in the L5 band required for a GPS antenna also decreases, and the antenna gain of right-handed polarized waves in the L1 band (average value) required for a GPS antenna also decreases.

[0061] From this, it was confirmed that the gain of the antenna 6 is improved (enhanced) in both the L5 band and the L1 band when the calculated inductance value (calculated L value) of the coil spring serving as the board-panel contact member 46 is larger. This is believed to be because the flow of high-frequency current is blocked more when the inductance of the coil spring serving as the board-panel contact member 46 is larger, improving the reduction in the gain of the antenna 6.

[0062] The current generated by the solar panel 4 is low frequency (AC with a frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined value) or DC. Therefore, even if the inductance of the coil spring (spring) serving as the board-panel contact member 46 is large, the current generated by the solar panel 4 is supplied to the circuit board 5 without being blocked, and the charging function of the solar panel 4 is not hindered. In addition, when designing the coil spring (spring) as the actual board-panel contact component 46, it is preferable to design it in a way that satisfies various conditions, taking into consideration the balance between the stress, tension, etc. of the spring when actually contacting the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5.

[0063] 8 and other figures, a shield member 51 is provided on the circuit board 5 in this embodiment as a protective member. The shield member 51 is placed as a protective member to cover at least some of the circuit elements (electronic components, not shown) on the circuit board 5. The shield member 51 is formed into a box shape using, for example, sheet metal, and has a side surface fixed onto the circuit board 5. The configuration for fixing shielding member 51 onto circuit board 5 is not particularly limited, and for example, shielding member 51 may be directly soldered or may be fixed to circuit board 5 via other metal parts or the like. In either case, shielding member 51 comes into contact (directly or indirectly) with the side surface of circuit board 5, which serves as ground (GND), and has the same potential as the ground.

[0064] In this embodiment, as described above, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) has a top surface portion 61 and a side surface portion 62, but increasing the surface area of ​​the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is advantageous from the viewpoint of radio wave radiation. For this reason, the annular top surface portion 61 is formed as wide as possible toward the annular center cp, particularly when viewed in a plan view from the first direction I. For this reason, the top surface portion 61 in particular faces the circuit board 5 almost in parallel, and when they come close to each other, they are prone to capacitive coupling as if they were a "parallel plate capacitor."

[0065] In this regard, since the shielding member 51 covers and surrounds the circuit elements, its surface (top surface) is positioned higher than the surface (top surface) of the circuit board 5 and is closer to the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) than the surface (top surface) of the circuit board 5 itself. If the shielding member 51, which has the same potential as ground, approaches the antenna 6 (particularly the top surface 61) in a positional relationship that is approximately parallel to the antenna 6, it is likely to undergo capacitive coupling like a "parallel plate capacitor." If the capacitive coupling becomes too great, it will significantly degrade the performance (antenna efficiency) of the antenna 6, which is undesirable. For this reason, in this embodiment, the antenna 6 and the shielding member 51 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other in a plan view from a first direction I perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board 5. This makes it possible to prevent the antenna 6 and the shielding member 51 from being positioned substantially parallel to each other.

[0066] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of the timepiece when viewed from a first direction (an example of the arrangement of shielding members, etc.) Note that Fig. 16 shows the arrangement on the circuit board 5 with the bezel 2, windshield member 3, etc. removed. 16, the shielding members 51 provided on the circuit board 5 are arranged so as not to overlap with the antenna 6 when viewed in a plan view from the first direction I. More specifically, as described above, the antenna 6 has at least the outer periphery 60a and the inner periphery 60b when viewed in a plan view from the first direction I, and the shielding members 51 are arranged inside the inner periphery 60b when viewed in a plan view from the first direction I. It has been confirmed that by arranging shielding member 51 in this manner, even when shielding member 51 is mounted on circuit board 5, there is almost no deterioration in antenna efficiency compared to a state in which shielding member 51 is not mounted.

[0067] By arranging the shielding member 51 at the position shown in FIG. 16, the shielding member 51 does not overlap with the device case 1 in a plan view from the first direction I. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent capacitive coupling between the antenna 6 and the shield member 51. The upper surface of the shield member 51, which is a protective member, may be at least partially inclined with respect to the circuit board 5. For example, when viewed in a plane from the first direction I, the height of the upper surface of the shielding member 51 is configured to decrease the farther away from the center (annular center cp) of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), making it less likely that capacitive coupling will occur between the antenna 6 and the shielding member 51.

[0068] For this reason, when providing shielding member 51 on circuit board 5, it is preferable to adjust the shape of shielding member 51 at the design stage so that it does not cover antenna 6, and in places where shielding member 51 must be placed because of circuit elements that absolutely need to be protected, to cut out antenna 6 in a shape that avoids the placement position of shielding member 51 (for example, by cutting out the portion that overlaps with shielding member 51 when viewed in a plane from first direction I).

[0069] [Effect] As described above, in this embodiment, the shape of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 has a "first notch 64" that is formed in a direction away from the annular center cp from a "reference position" based on the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7, and a locking portion 63 provided within the "first notch 64". As a result, the portion that remains in the "reference position" becomes a relatively protruding edge portion 65, and an uneven shape is created on the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 with different distances (d1, d2) from the annular center cp. This increases the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), thereby increasing the electrical length.

[0070] In addition, the larger the surface area of ​​the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), the more advantageous it is from the standpoint of radio wave radiation. However, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is prone to capacitive coupling in the portion parallel to the circuit board 5. In this regard, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) in this embodiment is composed of a top surface portion 61 that is approximately parallel to the circuit board 5 and a side surface portion 62 that is suspended from the outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion 61 and is arranged perpendicular to the circuit board 5. Since capacitive coupling is unlikely to occur when the antenna 6 is perpendicular to the circuit board 5, the provision of the side portion 62 makes it possible to avoid capacitive coupling with the circuit board 5 while increasing the surface area.

[0071] Furthermore, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) of this embodiment may have a “second cutout portion 603” in the top surface portion 61, or may have “third cutout portions 601, 602” in the side surface portion 62. In this way, the antenna gain can be adjusted by making the outer shape of the antenna irregular and appropriately changing the amount of metal (metal volume).

[0072] The device case 1 provided in the timepiece 100 as an electronic device has a latched portion at a position that projects inwardly from the device case 1 and corresponds to the latching portion 63 of the antenna 6. As a result, at least at the position corresponding to the locking portion 63, a sufficient thickness is ensured for providing the locked portion (the recess 16 and the locking claw 17), and the device case 1 can be made strong.

[0073] [effect] As described above, the antenna 6 in this embodiment is an annular antenna 6 having at least an outer periphery 60a and an inner periphery 60b when viewed in a plane from the first direction I, and the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 has a non-uniform distance from the annular center cp when viewed in a plane from the first direction I depending on the circumferential position, and has a "first notch 64" that is cut out in a direction away from the annular center cp from a "reference position", and at least one engagement portion 63 provided on the inner periphery 60b. As a result, an uneven shape with different distances (d1, d2) from the annular center cp is created on the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6, which increases the length of the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element part of the antenna 6) and increases the electrical length. As the antenna 6 is made smaller, its electrical length tends to become shorter, and the frequency band that is easy to receive tends to be higher than the desired frequency band to be received (for example, the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and the L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) in which GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted). In this regard, by increasing the electrical length by creating an uneven shape on the inner periphery 60b as in this embodiment, it is possible to configure an antenna 6 that can easily receive radio waves in the desired frequency band while achieving a compact overall antenna 6.

[0074] In addition, since a locking portion 63 for fixing the antenna 6 inside the device case 1 is provided inside the "first notch portion 64", the antenna 6 can be fixed to the device case 1 without interfering with the display using the liquid crystal panel unit 7. The uneven shape formed in the locking portion 63 can also be expected to have the effect of increasing the electrical length in the antenna 6 . Furthermore, since the wall thickness of the device case 1 is made thicker at the portion where the locking portion 63 locks, the strength of the device case 1 is improved.

[0075] In this embodiment, the locking portions 63 are disposed at three locations at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6. This allows the antenna 6 to be fixed inside the device case 1 without any bias.

[0076] In addition, the antenna 6 of this embodiment includes a top surface portion 61 that appears ring-shaped when viewed in a plane from a first direction I, and a side surface portion 62 that is suspended from the outer periphery of the top surface portion 61 and appears from a second direction II different from the first direction I. The larger the surface area of ​​the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), the more advantageous it is in terms of radio wave radiation. However, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is prone to capacitive coupling in the portion parallel to the circuit board 5. In this regard, the antenna 6 of this embodiment has a side portion 62 disposed in a state substantially perpendicular to the circuit board 5. Since capacitive coupling is unlikely to occur in a state perpendicular to the circuit board 5, at least the side portion 62 can avoid capacitive coupling with the circuit board 5 while increasing the surface area. This makes it possible to realize an antenna 6 that is excellent in radio wave radiation while avoiding deterioration in the performance (antenna efficiency) of the antenna 6 due to capacitive coupling.

[0077] Furthermore, if a "second notch portion 603" is formed in the top surface portion 61 of the antenna 6, or if a "third notch portion 601, 602" is formed in the side surface portion 62, the antenna gain can be adjusted by appropriately changing the amount of metal (metal volume) in the antenna 6. This makes it possible to obtain an antenna 6 that is advantageous for radio waves in a desired frequency band, such as the GPS L1 band or L5 band.

[0078] Furthermore, by incorporating such an antenna 6 inside the device case 1 of an electronic device such as a watch 100, the entire device can be made smaller than when an exterior component is used as the antenna 6, and the antenna 6 can be protected from external impacts, corrosion, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an antenna 6 can be realized that can efficiently receive radio waves of a desired frequency band, such as radio waves in the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) in which GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted, even when made small. Therefore, the inclusion of such an antenna 6 enables accurate time correction, etc. Furthermore, since a miniaturized antenna 6 can be incorporated, the device case 1 does not need to be large, making it possible to realize a small, lightweight electronic device (such as the timepiece 100).

[0079] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0080] For example, in the present embodiment, the electronic device is a watch 100, but the electronic device is not limited to this. The present invention can be widely applied to any device that incorporates an antenna 6, including various smart watches, sports watches, and electronic devices that record various data along with the time, such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors.

[0081] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Equipment case 2 Bezel 21 First bezel 22 Second bezel 211 Protrusion forming part 212 Main body 3 Windshield parts 4. Solar Panels 40a Outer perimeter 40b Inner periphery 45 Contact part 46 Substrate-panel connect parts (panel contact parts) 5 Circuit Board 51 Shielding material 56 Substrate-antenna contact member (antenna contact member) 6 Antennas 60a Outer circumference 60b Inner periphery 61 Top section 62 Side part 63 Locking part 64 First Missing Part 67 Notch 601 Notch (third notch) 602 Notch (third notch) 603 Notch (second notch) 7 Liquid crystal panel unit 100 Watches (electronic watches, electronic devices) cp ring center I First direction (viewing direction) II Second direction (lateral) α First area β second area

Claims

1. An annular antenna having at least an outer periphery and an inner periphery in a plan view from a first direction, and at least one locking portion integrally formed on the inner periphery. antenna.

2. The antenna has at least one first notch in the inner periphery thereof.

10. The antenna of claim 1.

3. The locking portion is provided in the first notch portion.

3. The antenna of claim 2.

4. The locking portions are arranged at three locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

10. The antenna of claim 1.

5. At least one of the first notched portions is cut out in a direction away from the approximate center of the annular shape relative to a reference position.

3. The antenna of claim 2.

6. a top surface portion whose main surface is visible in a plan view from the first direction; a thin-walled side surface portion at least a portion of which extends substantially in the first direction from an outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion, and a main surface of which is visible from a second direction different from the first direction, 10. The antenna of claim 1.

7. The top surface portion has a second notch portion on the outer periphery.

7. The antenna of claim 6.

8. The side surface portion has a third notch portion.

7. The antenna of claim 6.

9. The engaging portion is bent from the inner periphery along the first direction and has a tongue shape including an engaging hole.

10. The antenna of claim 1.

10. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an equipment case that houses the antenna therein. electronic equipment.

11. the device case has a latched portion at a position that protrudes inward from the device case and corresponds to the latching portion of the antenna; The electronic device according to claim 10.

12. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9; an equipment case that houses the antenna therein; Electronic clock.

13. the device case has a latched portion at a position that protrudes inward from the device case and corresponds to the latching portion of the antenna; 13. The electronic timepiece according to claim 12.

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