Electronic watch
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025024743
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-09-26
AI Technical Summary
Conventional electronic clocks with metal bezels as antennas face issues with oxidation, corrosion, increased weight, and size, which hinder miniaturization and impact resistance, while also complicating the design to achieve a high-class appearance.
The electronic clock features a bezel with a first region formed by discontinuously depositing a metal material on a resin base material and a second region without metal deposition, allowing for a lightweight, impact-resistant design while maintaining a metallic appearance.
This solution enables the production of an electronic clock with a high-class appearance without compromising the performance of internal electronic components, while also ensuring miniaturization, light weight, and improved impact resistance.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic clock.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a portable electronic device (such as an electronic clock) having an annular exterior member provided on a device case that houses electronic components inside has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As electronic components to be housed in the device case, for example, an antenna for GPS reception is assumed. However, when the antenna is housed inside the device case, it becomes difficult to receive radio waves if a member that shields radio waves from the outside (such as an exterior member like a metal bezel) is provided outside the antenna or the like. Therefore, it is also conceivable to provide a metal exterior member and make the exterior member itself function as an antenna.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, if an antenna (antenna element) made of a metal member is exposed to the outside air as an exterior member (such as a bezel in a clock), there are concerns such as oxidation and corrosion. Furthermore, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of impact resistance.
[0005] Also, when the exterior member (such as a bezel in a clock) functions as an antenna, the weight of the exterior member increases and the size also increases. For example, electronic devices such as electronic clocks are assumed to be worn on a person's wrist or the like. Therefore, while miniaturization is generally required for improving usability and the like, an increase in the weight and size of the exterior member is not desirable. For this reason, it is preferable that the antenna be miniaturized and lightened as much as possible and provided in a state of being housed inside an electronic device (such as an electronic clock).
[0006] However, when the antenna is housed inside an electronic device (such as an electronic clock), there is a constraint that a metal bezel or the like that shields radio waves as described above cannot be used for the exterior, resulting in a design problem that it is difficult to produce an appearance with a high-class feeling.
[0007] The present invention is for solving such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic clock capable of producing an appearance with a high-class feeling without inhibiting the performance of electronic components housed inside.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an electronic clock according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by including a bezel having a first region formed by discontinuously depositing a metal material on a base material containing a resin material and a second region formed without discontinuously depositing the metal material and containing the resin material. In order to solve the above problems, an electronic clock according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a bezel having a first region formed by discontinuously depositing a metal material on a base material containing a resin material, wherein a surface not exposed to the outside in the first region is not subjected to discontinuous metal deposition. This is the gist of the invention. In order to solve the above problems, an electronic clock according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a bezel having a first region formed by discontinuously depositing a metal material on a base material containing a resin material, wherein the first region has a groove portion subjected to V-grooving, and in a radial cross section of the first region, an edge portion is filled with a predetermined height of material to hide unevenness. This is the gist of the invention.
Effects of the Invention
[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to produce a high-class appearance without inhibiting the performance of the electronic components housed inside.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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Figure 6
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Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0011] An embodiment of an electronic clock according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. In this embodiment, the case where the electronic clock includes an antenna will be exemplified and described. Note that, in the embodiments described below, various technically preferable limitations are imposed for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.
[0012] [Configuration] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an electronic clock (hereinafter simply referred to as a "clock") as an electronic device in this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the clock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic main part cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the IV part surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 3. Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic main part cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the VI part surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 5.
[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the clock 100 in this embodiment has a device case 1. The device case 1 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow short column shape with openings at the top and bottom, and the internal hollow part constitutes a storage space for storing various components. The device case 1 is formed of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as, for example, biomass plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc. Note that the material forming the device case 1 is not limited to those exemplified herein, but various resin materials and the like having a high relative dielectric constant are more preferable as will be described later.
[0014] On the outer surface of the device case 1 at the upper and lower positions in FIG. 2 (the 12 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position in an analog clock), a pair of band attachment portions 11 (see FIG. 1) to which a band (not shown) is attached are provided. Also, on the left and right side portions and the like of the device case 1 in FIG. 2, various operation buttons 12 (push buttons, dials, etc.) for the user to perform various input operations are provided. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the opening portion on the back side (the non-visible side in the clock) of the device case 1 is closed by a back cover member 13. Note that the back cover member 13 may be integrally formed with the device case 1.
[0015] On the front side (the visible side in the clock) of the device case 1, a bezel 2 as an exterior member is provided so as to surround the opening portion. The bezel 2 is fixed to the device case 1 by, for example, a screw 8. The bezel 2 is a member formed in a substantially annular shape when the clock 100 is viewed from the direction from the visible side (hereinafter referred to as "first direction I"). The bezel 2 has a first region α having at least a surface on which metal is discontinuously vapor-deposited on a base material containing a resin material, and a second region β formed including a resin material (on which metal is not discontinuously vapor-deposited). In the present embodiment, the bezel 2 includes, for example, a first bezel 21 formed of a resin material such as urethane, and a second bezel 22 having at least a surface on which metal is discontinuously vapor-deposited on a base material containing a resin material such as urethane. The portion where the second bezel 22 is exposed on the surface (the visible side surface) is the first region α, and the portion where the second bezel 22 is covered by the first bezel 21 and does not appear on the surface (the visible side surface) is the second region β.
[0016] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the first bezel 21 has protruding portions 211 that protrude from other portions (the main body portion 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 in the analog clock along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2. The protruding portions 211 protrude from the main body portion 212 at least in the thickness direction (upward in FIGS. 3 and the like) of the clock 100 and radially outward of the bezel 2.
[0017] All or part of the protruding portions 211 are detachable from the main body portion 212 of the first bezel 21. In this embodiment, for example, the second bezel 22 is disposed on the main body portion 212 with all or part of the protruding portions 211 removed from the main body portion 212. Then, by attaching the removed protruding portions 211 to the main body portion 212, a bezel 2 is configured in which the second bezel 22 is sandwiched and integrated between the main body portion 212 of the first bezel 21 and the protruding portions 211. By forming the bezel 2 from a resin material such as urethane, the weight of the bezel 2 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in shape is improved compared to metal processing. Further, by providing the bezel 2 made of a resin material as an exterior member of the clock 100, the impact resistance of the clock 100 is also improved compared to the case where the bezel 2 is formed of a metal material.
[0018] On the surface of the second bezel 22, a metal such as In (indium) is discontinuously deposited. By discontinuously depositing indium or the like (thin film deposition), a metallic appearance is realized, and spaces are created between the metal particles. Thus, even when the bezel 2 including the second bezel 22 is disposed on, for example, the antenna 6 (see FIG. 1 etc.), radio waves are not shielded. A transparent film such as a resin may be further formed on the discontinuously deposited metal layer. In this case, a gloss can be further obtained and the scratch resistance can also be realized. Also, an In (indium) alloy may peel off when it collides with or rubs against an object. In this regard, if a transparent film such as a resin is formed on the surface, even if the second bezel 22 collides with surrounding objects to some extent during use or the like, peeling of the metal layer such as the discontinuously deposited In (indium) alloy can be prevented. Thereby, a beautiful metallic appearance can be maintained for a long time. Note that the metal to be discontinuously deposited is not limited to In (indium), and various alloys such as Sn (tin) are applicable.
[0019] The discontinuous deposition layer of the metal may be formed on the entire surface of the second bezel 22, or may be only on the portions that may be exposed to the outside. The portions that may be exposed to the outside are the upper surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22. Although the discontinuous deposition of the metal may be performed on the entire upper surface 221 and the side surface 222, the portions sandwiched between the main body portion 212 and the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 on the upper surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22 are not exposed to the outside in the assembled state. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform discontinuous deposition of the metal on such portions.
[0020] For example, in the cross-sectional portion along the A-A line of FIG. 2 shown in FIG. 3, it is a location where the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 covers the second bezel 22 to form the second region β. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 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 portion 212 and the protruding portion 211 of the first bezel 21 and is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, in this portion, it may not be necessary to perform discontinuous vapor deposition not only on the back surface 223 but also on the upper surface 221 (front surface) and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22. In this way, by not performing discontinuous vapor deposition on the invisible portions, the metal material to be vapor-deposited can be saved. Also, when not performing discontinuous vapor deposition on the invisible portions (such as the back surface 223), the vapor deposition operation can be performed with the second bezel 22 placed on a stand or the like with the back surface 223 or the like facing down, and the working process becomes simple.
[0021] On the other hand, the cross-sectional portion along the B-B line of FIG. 2 shown in FIG. 5 is a location where the upper surface 221 (front surface) and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22 form the first region α that is exposed on the visible side. The first region α and the second region β are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 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. And 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 portion where the second bezel 22 of the first region α is exposed. Therefore, the exposed second bezel 22 can be protected from external impacts and the like, and the portion having a metallic appearance can be prevented from being damaged.
[0022] In this embodiment, on the upper surface 221 and the side surface 222 of the second bezel 22 that may be exposed to the outside, for example, V-groove processing (grooving (record grooving), hairline processing, etc.) is performed, and groove portions 22a are formed concentrically. As a result, when metal is discontinuously vapor-deposited, a more metallic texture can be produced. 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 C-C in FIG. 7(a). Note that FIG. 7(b) is a schematic diagram schematically explaining the cross-sectional state along line C-C, and does not accurately represent the shape, number, depth, etc. of the groove portion 22a.
[0023] When V-groove processing is performed on the bezel 2 (second bezel 22), the radial cross-section of the bezel 2 becomes uneven, and the appearance and touch feel deteriorate. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), an edge portion 225 is provided to build up the periphery of the cross-section so that the cross-section of the portion where V-groove processing is performed (such as the side surface 222 where the groove portion 22a is formed) is not exposed to the outside, preventing the cross-section from becoming uneven. The method for forming the groove portion 22a by V-groove processing and the method for forming the edge portion 225 are not particularly limited. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a mold having a shape corresponding to the groove portion 22a and the edge portion 225 and perform molding. Note that FIG. 7(b) illustrates the case where the edge portion 225 is provided to build up to a height at which about half of the V-groove of the groove portion 22a is hidden, but the height of the edge portion 225 is not limited to this. For example, an edge portion may be provided to build up to a height at which the entire cross-section of the V-groove is hidden.
[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the second bezel 22 is divided into two members, but the second bezel 22 only needs to be able to be sandwiched between the main body portion 212 and the protruding formation portion 211 of the first bezel 21, and may be an integral member that is substantially annular, C-shaped, U-shaped, etc. when viewed from the first direction I (see FIGS. 1, 3, etc.). Further, the second bezel 22 may be divided more finely, such as into four parts. Also, the position where the protruding formation part 211 is provided is not limited to what is exemplified here, but it is preferably arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction so as to reliably protect the portion (first region α) where the second bezel 22 having a metallic appearance is exposed. The protruding formation parts 211 may be dispersed and arranged at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2, for example, three locations may be sufficient. Further, it is not essential that the protruding formation part 211 be detachable from the main body part 212. Also, the protruding formation parts 211 do not have to be individually detachable, and they may be connected and detachable as a single unit with respect to the main body part 212. In addition, in the present embodiment, the bezel 2 has, in addition to the second bezel 22 having a metallic appearance, a first bezel 21 on which metal is not discontinuously vapor-deposited, and the portion (first region α) where the portion having a metallic appearance is exposed is protected by the first bezel 21. However, if the adhesion of a metal layer such as a discontinuous vapor-deposited In (indium) alloy can be improved and a configuration in which peeling or the like hardly occurs can be achieved, the bezel 2 may be configured not to include the first bezel 21.
[0025] In the present embodiment, since the bezel 2 provided so as to surround the opening portion on the surface side of the device case 1 is formed of a resin material 2 such as urethane, even when the bezel 2 receives an impact from the outside, the bezel 2 absorbs the impact, and damage to the device case 1 and the timepiece movement (for example, the circuit board 5, the liquid crystal panel unit 7, various motors (not shown), etc.) housed therein can be effectively prevented. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the member constituting the second region β (the first bezel 21 having the protruding formation part 211) and the member constituting the first region α (the second bezel 22 having at least a metallic finish on the exposed portion) are formed of separate members is exemplified. However, the bezel having the second region β and the first region α may be integrally formed, and the metallic portion or the like may be partially processed to handle it.
[0026] Also, the opening portion on the surface side (the visible side in the watch) of the device case 1 is closed by the windshield member 3. The windshield member 3 is a transparent member formed of, for example, a glass material, a transparent resin material, or the like. The windshield member 3 is preferably attached to the device case 1 via a waterproof ring made of resin or the like. Thereby, the waterproof property (airtightness) inside the device case 1 can be ensured.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the watch with the bezel 2 removed. In the present 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 disposed inside the device case 1). The solar panel 4 is a solar cell that generates electricity by receiving light. The generated electric power obtained by the photoelectric power generation by the solar panel 4 is stored in a secondary battery housed in the device case 1 and serves as a power source for each part of the watch 100. In the present embodiment, along the first direction I (a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of the circuit board 5), the solar panel 4, an antenna 6 described later, and the circuit board 5 are sequentially arranged in the thickness direction (the first direction I) of the watch 100, and the solar panel 4 is positioned such that at least a part thereof overlaps the antenna 6 in a plan view from the first direction I.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the solar panel in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the solar panel 4 of the present embodiment is a panel formed in a hollow ring shape (annular shape) having at least an outer peripheral edge 40a and an inner peripheral edge 40b in a plan view from the first direction I. In the present embodiment, dividing lines 44 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the radial direction of the ring-shaped solar panel 4, and the solar panel 4 is divided into a plurality of substantially fan-shaped cells 43 by these dividing lines 44. In the illustrated example, the solar panel 4 is divided into eight cells 43, but the number of cells 43 into which the solar panel 4 is divided is not particularly limited. A plurality of cells 43 constituting the solar panel 4 are connected in series and are connected to the circuit board 5 (see FIGS. 8, 10, etc.) at a contact portion 45 as described later.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection portion between a solar panel and a circuit board. As shown in FIG. 10, the connection between the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 is made by providing at least one substrate-panel contact member 46 (panel contact member) between the contact portion 45 of the solar panel 4 and a connection terminal (pad) for the solar panel (not shown) of the circuit board 5. In the present embodiment, two substrate-panel contact members 46 are provided as shown in the drawing. The substrate-panel contact member 46 is, for example, a coil spring, and both ends are electrically in contact with the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5, respectively.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, an antenna 6 is disposed between the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 of the present embodiment, and the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed so as to overlap the solar panel 4, the antenna 6, and the circuit board 5 in a plan view from the first direction I. Specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 10, a through hole 15 penetrating vertically is formed in the device case 1 corresponding to the location where the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed. The substrate-panel contact member 46 is positioned by being inserted into this hole 15, and the posture is also maintained so that each end is in contact with the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5. Further, as will be described later, the antenna 6 has a notch portion 67 so as to avoid the location where the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed. is formed.
[0031] The antenna 6 in the present embodiment is, for example, a GPS antenna capable of receiving GNSS (GPS / GLONASS / QZSS / SBAS) signals transmitted from satellites such as GPS (including a plurality of types such as GLONASS in addition to GPS, but simply referred to as "GPS" hereinafter). GPS satellites are equipped with atomic clocks and transmit data including time information from these atomic clocks. By receiving the GNSS (GPS) signals transmitted from GPS satellites with antenna 6, extremely high-precision time information can be obtained at any receiving location on the ground.
[0032] Note that antenna 6, which is a GPS antenna for receiving GNSS (GPS) signals, needs to correspond to right-hand circular polarization among circular polarizations. Also, GPS satellites transmit GNSS (GPS) signals at frequencies such as the L1 band (near 1.6 GHz) and the L5 band (near 1.2 GHz). Therefore, the desired frequency bands in a GPS antenna for receiving GNSS (GPS) signals are the L1 band, the L5 band, etc., and it is desired that antenna 6 has high antenna performance (especially antenna gain corresponding to right-hand circular polarization) in these frequency bands.
[0033] FIG. 11(a) is a plan view of the antenna of this embodiment as viewed from the first direction, FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view of the antenna, and FIG. 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) etc., antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) part of antenna 6) is formed in an annular 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 antenna 6 is not particularly limited, but as a metal material for forming a high-frequency antenna element, the lower the electrical volume resistivity, the more preferable. Also, it is conceivable that electronic devices (electronic clocks etc.) such as clock 100 are equipped with geomagnetic sensors, and considering the influence on geomagnetic measurement, a non-magnetic material is more desirable. From such viewpoints, for example, phosphor bronze is preferably used as the material of antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) part of antenna 6). This annular antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) part of antenna 6) and circuit board 5 (GND board) realize the antenna function when a high-frequency current flows.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c), the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) of the present 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 substantially in the first direction I from the outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion 61, and the main surface is visible from a second direction II different from the first direction I (in the present embodiment, the second direction II is the direction from the side portion of the clock 100 that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction I). Specifically, the antenna 6 includes an annular top surface portion 61 and a side surface portion 62 that is vertically provided from the outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion 61 and is visible from a second direction II different from the first direction I (in the present embodiment, the second direction II is the direction from the side portion of the clock 100 that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction I).
[0035] The larger the surface area (the surface area of the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) of the antenna 6, the more advantageous it is from the viewpoint of radio wave radiation. In this regard, by including the top surface portion 61 and the side surface portion 62 in the antenna 6 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to secure the surface area without increasing the overall diameter of the antenna 6 compared to the case of only the flat portion (top surface portion 61) of the top surface or the case of only a ring (the case of only the side surface portion 62), which is preferable from the viewpoint of radio wave radiation. Also, as will be described later, a circuit board 5 is disposed below the antenna 6, and when the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is disposed parallel to the circuit board 5, capacitive coupling is likely to occur, which has an adverse effect on radio wave radiation. In this regard, since the side surface portion 62 is disposed substantially orthogonally to the circuit board 5, capacitive coupling is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to gain the surface area of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) while avoiding capacitive coupling as much as possible.
[0036] On the other hand, the length (circumferential length) on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is shorter (i.e., the inner diameter becomes narrower) when the top surface portion 61 is present than when only the side surface portion 62 is present. For this reason, the electrical distance (electrical length) becomes shorter. The resonance frequency of the antenna 6 has the property of being inversely proportional to the size and length (length on the inner diameter side, circumferential length) of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6). When the electrical length becomes shorter, the frequencies that are easy to receive and radiate by the antenna 6 tend to be higher than the desired frequency bands that the antenna 6 in this embodiment wants to receive (i.e., frequency bands such as the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and the L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) where GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted as described above).
[0037] Therefore, in this embodiment, the element shape on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 is made into a non-circular shape instead of a perfect circle, so as to increase the length on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) and lengthen the electrical length. Specifically, the inner periphery 60b has a non-uniform distance from the substantially central point (referred to as the "annular center cp") in a plan view from the first direction I depending on the circumferential position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the antenna 6 of this embodiment has at least one locking portion 63 provided on the inner periphery 60b and a protruding side portion 65 protruding inward of the inner periphery 60b from this locking portion 63.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, a liquid crystal panel unit 7 constituting the display portion of the clock is housed in the device case 1 of the clock 100, and the shape on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 is basically a shape that follows the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7 (note that the position of the side on the inner diameter side in this basic shape is referred to as the "reference position"). In this way, the basic shape on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is adapted to the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7 and is a shape that maximally expands the area toward the inside (the annular center cp side in FIG. 11(a)).
[0039] On the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6, a "first notch portion 64" is provided which is notched in a direction away from the annular center cp from the "reference position", and the locking portion 63 is provided inside this "first notch portion 64" (for example, the side on the back side of the "first notch portion 64"). The protruding side portion 65 is a portion that protrudes relatively inward (toward the annular center cp side in Fig. 11(a)) due to the locking portion 63 being provided inside the "first notch portion 64". The protruding side portion 65 may stay at the same position as the "reference position" along the glass shape of the liquid crystal panel unit 7, or may protrude inward even in a direction approaching the annular center cp from the "reference position".
[0040] The distance d1 from the annular center cp shown in Fig. 11(a) to the protruding side portion 65 (for example, the shortest distance from the annular center cp) 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 portion 64 and the protruding side portion 65 on the inner periphery 60b to create an uneven shape with different distances from the annular center cp, the length on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) can be increased, and the electrical length can be lengthened. Thus, even when the diameter of the entire antenna 6 is reduced for miniaturization, an antenna 6 that is easily receptive to radio waves in a desired frequency band can be configured.
[0041] The locking portion 63 provided on the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 locks the antenna 6 to the equipment case 1. As shown in Figs. 11(a) to 11(c), the locking portion 63 of the present embodiment is arranged at three positions at intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6). As shown in FIG. 11(b) and the like, the locking portion 63 is a tongue piece bent downward in the first direction I from the end face of the first notch portion 64 formed in the top surface portion 61, and a locking hole 63a is formed therein. Also in terms of the size of the locking portion 63 and the locking hole 63a, it is expected to gain the length on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 and increase the electrical length.
[0042] FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of the antenna of the present embodiment incorporated in the device case as viewed from the first direction, FIG. 12(b) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a portion B surrounded by a dashed-dotted line in FIG. 12(a), and FIG. 12(c) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a portion C surrounded by a dashed-dotted line in FIG. 12(a). As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the device case 1 has a locked portion at a position protruding inward of the device case 1 and corresponding to the locking portion 63 of the antenna 6. By providing the locked portion at a position protruding inward of the device case 1 in this way, at least in this portion, the wall thickness of the device case 1 can be increased, and the strength of the device case 1 is maintained.
[0043] In the present embodiment, the locked portion of the device case 1 includes a concave portion 16 that receives the tongue-shaped locking portion 63, and a locking claw 17 that protrudes from within the concave portion 16 and is locked to the locking hole 63a of the locking portion 63 when the locking portion 63 is inserted into the concave portion 16. The locking claw 17 has a certain spring property. When the antenna 6 is arranged from above the device case 1 (the upper side in the first direction I) and the locking portion 63 is inserted into the concave portion 16, it bends slightly to avoid the inserted locking portion 63, and has a structure that does not easily come off when fitted into the locking hole 63a. In this way, by fitting the locked portion on the device case 1 side and the locking portion 63 of the antenna 6, 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.
[0044] Furthermore, as described above and as shown in FIGS. 10, 12(a), and 12(c), a hole 15 that penetrates vertically is formed at a location within the device case 1 where the substrate-panel contact member 46 for connecting the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 is disposed. In the present embodiment, two substrate-panel contact members 46 are provided, and two holes 15 on the device case 1 side are also provided accordingly. Accordingly, two are provided. And in the portion where the hole 15 is formed, a notch 67 is formed so as to avoid the location where the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed by cutting a part of the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6. This notch 67 also forms irregularities on the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6, and has a function of increasing the length on the inner diameter side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and increasing the electrical length.
[0045] As described above, in the present embodiment, the antenna 6 is miniaturized in order to accommodate the antenna 6 within the device case 1. However, when the miniaturization results in an arrangement where the antenna 6 and the substrate-panel contact member 46 are likely to approach each other, there is a problem that each member is likely to be electrically coupled and losses occur due to each resistance component (the antenna gain decreases). In this regard, in the present embodiment, a notch 67 is formed in the antenna 6 so as to avoid the location where the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed, and the substrate-panel contact member 46, which is a coil spring, is disposed at the location where the notch 67 is provided to connect the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5. Thereby, it is possible to suppress each member from being electrically coupled and losses from occurring due to each resistance component (the antenna gain decreasing). Incidentally, electrical coupling is likely to occur when a loop is formed from the solar panel 4 through one of the substrate-panel contact members 46 to the circuit board 5 (the connection terminal for the solar panel on the circuit board 5), and from the circuit board 5 through the other substrate-panel contact member 46 to the solar panel 4. However, a notch 67 is formed in the antenna 6 so as to avoid the location where the substrate-panel contact member 46 is disposed, and the substrate-panel contact member 46, which is a coil spring, is disposed at this portion to connect the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5, thereby suppressing the coupling due to such a loop.
[0046] Also, as shown in FIG. 12(a) and the like, in the device case 1, a groove portion 14 for receiving (accommodating) at least the side surface portion 62 is formed at a position corresponding to the side surface portion 62 when the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is disposed in the device case 1. As a result, at least a part of the side surface portion 62 (that is, at least a part of the inner surface, the outer surface, and the bottom surface of the side surface portion 62) is in contact with the device case 1. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 14 has a shape substantially along the side surface portion 62 of the antenna 6. When the side surface 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 surface portion 62 of the antenna 6 are in close contact (adhesion). When the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is miniaturized, the electrical distance (electrical length) becomes short (small), and as a result, the radiation effect of the antenna 6 weakens, and there is a problem that the antenna 6 does not function normally. In this regard, by fitting the side surface portion 62 of the antenna 6 into the groove portion 14 of the device case 1 and bringing the antenna 6 and the resin-made device case 1, which is a dielectric, into close contact (adhesion), it is possible to suppress a decrease in the radiation effect of the antenna 6.
[0047] Also, generally, an antenna is considered to be more efficient (the antenna performance is improved) as its length and size match the frequency and wavelength of radio waves. However, as described above, when the size and length of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) are reduced in order to fit it inside the device case 1, the electrical distance (electrical length) becomes shorter, and the frequencies at which the antenna 6 easily receives and radiates become higher than the desired frequency bands (i.e., the frequency bands such as the L1 band (around 1.6 GHz) and the L5 band (around 1.2 GHz) where GNSS (GPS) signals are transmitted as described above).
[0048] In this regard, it has been confirmed that when the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is in air and when it is surrounded by a dielectric such as a resin material, the wavelength of the radio wave becomes shorter in the case of being surrounded by the dielectric according to its relative permittivity. That is, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 13, in the dielectric, an effect of "shortening of the radio wave wavelength" is recognized in which the length of one cycle of the original wavelength itself (the length of one wavelength) becomes shorter. The device case 1 of the embodiment is a case formed of a resin material. More specifically, a resin case in which a substance for increasing the relative permittivity is blended in a part of the material is preferably used. Therefore, if the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is brought into close contact with the device case 1 as much as possible, the effect of "shortening of the radio wave wavelength" can be obtained effectively, and even if the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is miniaturized, it can be resonated in a low frequency band (desired frequency bands such as the L1 band and the L5 band described above).
[0049] Therefore, it is preferable that the shape (width, depth, etc.) of the groove portion 14 of the device case 1 conforms to the shape of the side surface portion 62 of the antenna 6 as much as possible, and by fitting the side surface portion 62 into the groove portion 14, the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) and the device case 1 are configured to be in a close (adhesive) state. That is, in the state where the side surface portion 62 is fitted into the groove portion 14, it is desirable that the inner surface, outer surface, and lower end surface of the side surface portion 62 are in close contact with the inner surface of the groove portion 14.
[0050] Also, when the antenna 6 is disposed within the device case 1, at least a part of the lower surface of the top surface portion 61 also comes into contact with the device case 1. Here too, by making the depth of the groove portion 14 match the height of the side surface portion 62, when the side surface portion 62 is fitted into the groove portion 14, the top surface portion 61 can be arranged in contact with the upper surface of the device case 1 without floating, and similarly, the "radio wave wavelength shortening" effect can be obtained. Furthermore, for the same reason, it is also preferable to make the locking portion 63 and the locked portion of the device case 1 fit together as closely as possible with no gap therebetween. Also, if a configuration is adopted in which the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) and the device case 1 are brought into close contact, the effect of suppressing a decrease in the radiation effect of the antenna 6 due to the synergistic effect between the antenna 6 and the device case 1 which is a dielectric can be similarly expected.
[0051] Note that from the viewpoint that filling the periphery of the antenna 6 with a dielectric (resin material) enables resonance in a lower frequency band even when the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is miniaturized, for example, on the lower surface side of the windshield member 3 (the back surface side, the surface facing the inside of the device case 1, the surface side to which the solar panel 4 is attached in the present embodiment), it is preferable to dispose a dielectric such as a resin material so as to fill the gap with the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6). By filling the periphery of the antenna 6 with a dielectric (resin material) to fill the gap, a further wavelength shortening effect can be expected, and it can be expected to improve the antenna performance in a lower frequency band (desired frequency bands such as the L1 band and the L5 band) when the small antenna 6 is adopted.
[0052] Also, the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) is connected to the circuit board 5 via a substrate - antenna contact member 56 (antenna contact member). FIG. 14 is a schematic cross - sectional view of a main part showing the connection portion between the antenna and the circuit board. The substrate - antenna contact member 56 is, for example, a coil spring or a pogo pin having a spring inside. One end side of the substrate - antenna contact member 56 is pressed against the top surface portion 61 of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6), and the other end side contacts a GPS circuit (not shown) of the circuit board 5.
[0053] By receiving the substrate - antenna contact member 56 for connecting to the circuit board 5 on the top surface portion 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 clock 100, and sufficient contact pressure can be ensured at the contact portion between the antenna 6 and the circuit board 5. Note that the number of substrate - antenna contact members 56 for connecting the antenna 6 and the circuit board 5 may be one or more, and three or more may be provided. In the illustrated example of FIG. 14 and the like, the case where the substrate - antenna contact members 56 are provided at two locations is exemplified.
[0054] Note that at the location where the substrate - antenna contact member 56 including the spring abuts, the top surface portion 61 of the antenna 6 may be pushed up by the substrate - antenna contact member 56. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12(a) and the like, the position where the substrate - antenna contact member 56 is arranged is preferably near the locking position where the locking portion 63 for locking the antenna 6 and the device case 1 is provided.
[0055] It has also been confirmed that when the shape of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) changes, the gain (gain characteristic) of the antenna 6 changes. Figures 15(a) to 15(c) show that when the 3 o'clock - 9 o'clock direction of the antenna 6 (the antenna element part of the antenna 6) is taken as the x-axis and the 6 o'clock - 12 o'clock direction is taken as the y-axis, when a feeding point is assumed at a position around the middle between the 9 o'clock position and the 12 o'clock position (that is, around the 45-degree position between the x-axis and the y-axis as shown in Fig. 11(a) etc.), for example, when the y-axis side of the antenna 6 (the antenna element part of the antenna 6) is cut off, the gain (gain characteristic) of the antenna 6 changes according to the degree of cutting.
[0056] For example, in Fig. 15(a), a part of the side surface portion 62 on the 12 o'clock side of the y-axis of the antenna 6 is cut off to form a notch portion 601, and a part of the side surface portion 62 on the 6 o'clock side is cut off to form a notch portion 602. The notch portions 601 and 602 formed on the side surface portion 62 in this way are referred to as "third notch portions". On the other hand, in Fig. 15(b), only a part of the side surface portion 62 on the 12 o'clock side of the y-axis of the antenna 6 is cut off to form a notch portion 601, and no notch portion is formed on the side surface portion 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". Also, for example, in Fig. 15(c), a part of the side surface portion 62 on the 6 o'clock side of the y-axis of the antenna 6 is cut off to form a notch portion 602 (third notch portion), and on the 12 o'clock side, a part of the top surface portion 61 is cut off to form a notch portion 603. The notch portion 603 formed on the top surface portion 61 in this way is referred to as the "second notch portion". The antenna (antenna element) having the shape shown in Fig. 15(c) is referred to as "Comparative Example 2".
[0057] In the present embodiment, the antenna 6 having the shape shown in Fig. 15(a) in which notch portions 601 and 602 as "third notch portions" are formed on the side surface portion 62 on the 12 o'clock side and the side surface portion 62 on the 6 o'clock side of the y-axis of the antenna 6 is adopted.
[0058] When only the side surface portion 62 at the 6 o'clock position in the y-axis direction of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is partially cut out to form the notch portion 601 (in the case of the antenna shape shown in FIG. 15(b)), compared with the case where the side surface portions 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 (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) are partially cut out to form the notch portions 601 and 602 (in the case of the antenna shape of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15(a)), the antenna gain decreased in both the L5 band and the L1 band (average value). Also, when the side surface portion 62 at the 6 o'clock position in the y-axis direction of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) is partially cut out to form the notch 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 the notch portion 603 (in the case of the antenna shape shown in FIG. 15(c)), although there was almost no difference in the L5 band compared with the case of the antenna shape of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15(a), the antenna gain decreased in the L1 band (average value) compared with the case of FIG. 15(b).
[0059] In this way, by making the shape of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) not a perfect circle but slightly shortening it by cutting off the end portion on the x-axis side, or enlarging the end portion on the y-axis side, and changing the amount of metal (metal volume) at the ±45-degree positions with respect to the feeding point (feeding position), it can be adjusted so that an appropriate gain can be obtained for the radio waves in the desired frequency band. Note that how much and which part should be changed to achieve a better gain for the radio waves in the desired frequency band can be adjusted according to various surrounding conditions, such as what kind of metal parts are arranged around the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6). Note that the adjustment of the amount of metal (metal volume) of the antenna 6 can also be performed by providing a notch portion in at least a part of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6), or by providing a hole portion.
[0060] Also, since the gain of the antenna 6 is affected by various conditions such as metal parts arranged around the antenna 6, as described above, a substrate-panel contact member 46 (coil spring) for connecting the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5 is arranged at a portion corresponding to the notch 67 formed in the inner periphery 60b of the antenna 6. The configuration such as the shape of the substrate-panel contact member 46 is not particularly limited, but the gain of the antenna 6 is also affected by the configuration of the substrate-panel contact member 46. Specifically, the gain of the antenna 6 is set based on any of the wire diameter, the number of effective turns, and the expansion / contraction length of the coil spring (substrate-panel contact member 46).
[0061] That is, it has been confirmed that when the inductance (calculated inductance) of the coil spring (spring) as the substrate-panel contact member 46 is increased, the gain of the antenna 6 is improved. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the design of the specifications (shape, etc.) of the coil spring (spring), the inductance of the coil spring (spring) as the substrate-panel contact member 46 is made as large as possible.
[0062] Generally, when the number of effective turns [N] and the expansion / contraction length [mm] of the coil spring are the same, the smaller the wire diameter [mm] of the spring, the smaller the calculated value of the inductance (L calculated value). Utilizing this characteristic, it has been found that when the calculated value of the inductance (L calculated value) decreases, the antenna gain of the right-handed circular polarization in the L5 band required for the GPS antenna decreases, and the antenna gain of the right-handed circular polarization in the L1 band (average value) required for the GPS antenna also decreases.
[0063] From this, it was confirmed that the higher the calculated inductance (L calculated value) of the coil spring as the substrate-panel contact member 46, the more the gain of the antenna 6 is improved (increased) in both the L5 band and the L1 band. This is presumably because the larger the inductance of the coil spring as the substrate-panel contact member 46, the more the flow of high-frequency current is blocked, and the decrease in the gain of the antenna 6 is improved.
[0064] Note that the generated current by the solar panel 4 is low-frequency (alternating current with a frequency below a predetermined value) or direct current. For this reason, even if the inductance of the coil spring as the substrate-panel contact member 46 is large, the generated current by the solar panel 4 is supplied to the circuit board 5 without being blocked, and the charging function by the solar panel 4 is not inhibited. In addition, in the design of the coil spring as the actual substrate-panel contact member 46, it is preferable to perform the design in a form that satisfies various conditions in consideration of the balance with the stress, tension, etc. of the spring when actually contacting the solar panel 4 and the circuit board 5.
[0065] Also, on the circuit board 5 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 and the like, a shield member 51 as a protection member is provided. The shield member 51 is placed as a protection member that covers at least some circuit elements (electronic components, not shown) on the circuit board 5. The shield member 51 is formed in a box shape by, for example, sheet metal, and the side surface is fixed on the circuit board 5. The configuration for fixing the shield member 51 on the circuit board 5 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be directly soldered, or may be fixed to the circuit board 5 via other metal parts or the like. In any case, the shield member 51 is in contact with (directly or indirectly) the circuit board 5 that becomes the ground (GND) on the side surface and has the same potential as the ground.
[0066] In this embodiment, as described above, the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) has a top surface portion 61 and a side surface portion 62. However, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of radio wave radiation to increase the surface area of the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6). For this reason, particularly in a plan view from the first direction I, the annular top surface portion 61 is formed as widely as possible toward the annular center cp. For this reason, in particular, the top surface portion 61 faces substantially parallel to the circuit board 5, and when they are close to each other, capacitive coupling easily occurs as if it were a "parallel plate capacitor".
[0067] In this regard, since the shield member 51 covers the circuit element so as to surround it, its surface (upper surface) is disposed at a position higher than the surface (upper surface) of the circuit board 5, and is closer to the antenna 6 (the antenna element (antenna element) portion of the antenna 6) than the surface (upper surface) of the circuit board 5 itself. When the shield member 51 having the same potential as the ground is close to the antenna 6 (particularly the top surface portion 61) in a substantially parallel positional relationship, capacitive coupling easily occurs like a "parallel plate capacitor", and if the capacitive coupling becomes large, the performance (antenna efficiency) of the antenna 6 is significantly deteriorated, which is not preferable. For this reason, in this embodiment, in a plan view from the first direction I orthogonal to the surface of the circuit board 5, the antenna 6 and the shield member 51 are arranged at positions where they do not overlap each other. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the antenna 6 and the shield member 51 from having a substantially parallel positional relationship.
[0068] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a configuration example (an arrangement example of a shield member or the like) inside the clock when viewed in a plan view from the first direction. In FIG. 16, the bezel 2, the windshield member 3, etc. are removed to show the arrangement state on the circuit board 5. As shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 16, the shield members 51 provided on the circuit board 5 are all arranged so as not to overlap with the antenna 6 when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view. More specifically, as described above, the antenna 6 has at least an outer peripheral edge 60a and an inner peripheral edge 60b when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view, but the shield member 51 is arranged inside the inner peripheral edge 60b when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view. By arranging the shield member 51 in this way, it has been confirmed that even when the shield member 51 is mounted on the circuit board 5, the antenna efficiency hardly deteriorates compared to the state where the shield member 51 is not mounted.
[0069] In addition, by arranging the shield member 51 at the position shown in Fig. 16, the shield member 51 does not overlap with the device case 1 either when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the antenna 6 and the shield member 51 from being capacitively coupled. Note that the upper surface of the shield member 51, which is a protective member, may be shaped such that at least a part thereof is inclined with respect to the circuit board 5. For example, when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view, by configuring the height of the upper surface of the shield member 51 to decrease as the distance from the center (annular center cp) of the antenna 6 (the antenna element portion of the antenna 6) increases, it becomes difficult for the antenna 6 and the shield member 51 to cause capacitive coupling.
[0070] Therefore, when providing the shield member 51 on the circuit board 5, at the design stage, the shape of the shield member 51 is made not to cover the antenna 6, or in a location where the shield member 51 must be arranged due to reasons such as the presence of circuit elements that need to be protected anyway, the antenna 6 is notched into a shape that avoids the arrangement position of the shield member 51 (for example, the portion overlapping the shield member 51 is notched when viewed from the first direction I in a plan view), etc. It is preferable to perform such adjustments.
[0071] [Operation] As described above, in the timepiece 100 which is an electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment, an antenna 6, a solar panel 4, etc. are housed inside the device case 1, and a bezel 2 including a first bezel 21 and a second bezel 22 formed of a resin material such as urethane is provided as an exterior member on the visible side of the device case 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the functions of components such as the antenna 6 housed inside the device case 1 from being inhibited, and to improve the impact resistance of the entire timepiece 100. In addition, since the resin bezel 2 is lighter than a metal one, it does not impose a burden on the user in wearable devices such as sports watches. Also, since various processing can be easily performed, the degree of freedom in shape and the like is improved.
[0072] And the bezel 2 of the present embodiment has a first region α in which a surface with discontinuous metal vapor deposition is exposed on the surface. Therefore, by using this bezel 2 for the exterior of the timepiece 100, an appearance with a metallic high-class feeling can be produced.
[0073] [Effect] As described above, the timepiece 100 which is an electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment includes a bezel 2 having at least a first region α on the surface of a base material containing a resin material and having a surface with discontinuous metal vapor deposition. Thereby, it is possible to produce an appearance with a metallic high-class feeling without impairing the performance of electronic components such as the antenna 6 housed inside the device case 1. Also, the bezel 2 can be lightened, and it does not impose a burden on the user who wears an electronic timepiece such as the timepiece 100 to which the bezel 2 is applied on the wrist or the like, and has excellent usability.
[0074] In addition, the bezel 2 of the timepiece 100 has a second region β formed including a resin material, and the height of the upper surface of this second region β is formed to be higher than the height of the upper surface of the first region α where the surface subjected to metallic processing is exposed. Therefore, the portion where discontinuous vapor deposition of metal or the like is performed is less likely to be scratched or peeled, and physical damage from the outside to the clock 100 or the like can be suppressed. As a result, a metallic appearance with excellent design can be maintained for a long time.
[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the antenna 6 is disposed below the bezel 2 including the first region α. Since the bezel 2 is made of resin while having a metallic appearance, it does not affect the performance of electronic components such as the antenna 6 housed in the device case 1. Therefore, it is possible to produce an appearance with a high-class feeling while maintaining the quality in terms of the function of the electronic clock such as the clock 100 having the antenna 6 or the like inside.
[0076] Further, if the second region β is dispersedly arranged at a plurality of locations such as the 3 o'clock position, 6 o'clock position, 9 o'clock position, 12 o'clock position, etc. in the analog clock along the circumferential direction of the bezel 2, for example, a natural appearance can be realized as the bezel 2 of the electronic clock such as the clock 100. And if the height, width, etc. of such a second region β are made larger than the height, width, etc. of the first region α, the first region α subjected to metallic processing can be effectively protected from external impacts and the like.
[0077] Also, in the present embodiment, the first bezel 21 which is a member constituting the second region β and the second bezel 22 which is a member constituting the first region α are separate members. Therefore, when forming the bezel 2, it is possible to manufacture relatively easily by performing metallic processing only on the second bezel 22 and assembling this to the first bezel 21.
[0078] Also, in the first region α, if discontinuous vapor deposition of metal is not performed on the surface (portion not visible) covered by the back surface 223 or the first bezel 21 and not exposed to the outside, the metal material to be vapor-deposited can be saved. Furthermore, by providing a surface such as the back surface 223 where discontinuous vapor deposition is not performed, vapor deposition work can be carried out with the back surface 223 etc. facing down and the second bezel 22 placed on a table or the like, simplifying the working process.
[0079] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof.
[0080] For example, in this embodiment, the case where the electronic clock is the clock 100 is illustrated, but the electronic clock is not limited thereto. It can be widely applied to any device incorporating the antenna 6. For example, in addition to various smartwatches and sports watches, it can be used for electronic clocks that record various data along with the time, such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors.
[0081] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0082] 1 Equipment case 2 Bezel 21 First bezel 22 Second bezel 211 Protruding formation part 212 Main body part 3 Windshield member 4 Solar panel 40a Outer periphery 40b Inner periphery 45 Contact part 46 Substrate - panel contact member (panel contact member) 5 Circuit board 51 Shield member 56 Substrate - antenna contact member (antenna contact member) 6 Antenna 60a Outer periphery 60b Inner periphery 61-day face 62-side face 63-fastening part 64-first notch 67-notch 601-notch (third notch) 602-notch (third notch) 603-notch (second notch) 7-LCD panel unit 100-clock (electronic clock, electronic device) cp-circular center I-first direction (viewing direction) II-second direction (sideway) α-first region β-second region
Claims
An electronic clock comprising a bezel having a first region formed by discontinuously depositing a metal material on a base material and a second region formed without discontinuously depositing the metal material on the base material. Characterized in that. Claim 2 The second region is formed such that the height of the upper surface of the second region is higher than the height of the upper surface of the first region. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that. Claim 3 The first region and the second region are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the bezel. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that. Claim 4 The second region is arranged at the 3 o'clock position, 6 o'clock position, 9 o'clock position, and 12 o'clock position in an analog clock along the circumferential direction of the bezel, respectively. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that. Claim 5 The member constituting the first region and the member constituting the second region are separate members. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that.