Electronic device and electronic timepiece

Abstract

To ensure buffering to the inside while mounting a metal component on the outermost portion.SOLUTION: A timepiece 100, which is an electronic device, includes: a case 1; a metal bezel 6 as an exterior member that is made from a metal material and is externally mounted to the case 1; and a buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member that is interposed between the metal bezel 6, which is the exterior member, and the case 1. A gap C as a movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the metal bezel 6, which is the exterior member, is provided between the metal bezel 6, which is the exterior member, and the case 1. A first region in which the buffer bezel 5 as the buffer member is provided and a second region in which the case 1 is provided via the movable space are included inside the metal bezel 6, which is the exterior member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration in which an exterior member such as a bezel formed of a metal material is provided on the exterior of an electronic device such as a clock is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a bezel including a first ring made of a synthetic resin and a second ring made of a metal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a metal part such as a metal bezel is mounted on the outermost part of an electronic device, when an impact is applied to the electronic device due to a drop or the like, a direct load is applied to the case and various precision parts housed in the case from the metal part, resulting in a risk of damage or the like. In this regard, as in Patent Document 1, a bezel made of a synthetic resin is provided in addition to the bezel made of a metal, but only this cannot expect a sufficient buffering effect.

[0005] The present invention is for solving such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device and an electronic clock capable of ensuring buffering properties to the inside while mounting a metal part on the outermost part.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes a case, It is made of a metal material and includes an exterior member that is externally mounted on the case, a buffer member interposed between the exterior member and the case, and is provided with a movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member is provided between the exterior member and the case, and inside the exterior member, there are a first region where the buffer member is provided and a second region where the case is provided via the movable space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure buffering performance to the inside while mounting a metal part on the outermost part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] An embodiment of an electronic device (electronic clock) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where the electronic device (electronic clock) is a wristwatch (hereinafter simply referred to as "watch 100") used by being worn on the user's wrist will be exemplified and described. Note that, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] [Configuration] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of a watch which is an electronic device (electronic clock) in this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the main part of the watch shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part along the line III-III of the watch in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part along the line IV-IV of the watch in Fig. 2. Further, FIG. 5 is a side view of the 9 o'clock side of the clock as viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a side view of the 3 o'clock side of the clock as viewed from the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 2.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a clock 100 which is an electronic device (electronic clock) in the present embodiment has a case 1. The case 1 of the present embodiment is formed in a hollow short column shape with openings at the top and bottom, and the internal hollow portion constitutes a storage space for storing various components. The case 1 is formed of a relatively hard synthetic resin such as engineering plastic or super engineering plastic. Note that the material forming the case 1 is not limited to those exemplified herein.

[0012] On the outer surface of the case 1, a pair of band attachment portions 11 to which bands (not shown) are attached are provided at the 12 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position in the analog clock. Further, as will be described later, in the clock 100 of the present embodiment, metal buttons 7 are provided at the 2 o'clock position, 4 o'clock position, 8 o'clock position, 9 o'clock position, and 10 o'clock position in the analog clock. Through holes 17 through which the shaft portions 72 of the metal buttons 7 described later are inserted are formed at positions on the outer surface of the case 1 corresponding to the metal buttons 7.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening portion on the front side (the visible side of the clock, the upper side in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the case 1 is closed by a windshield member 14. The windshield member 14 is a transparent member (cover member) formed of, for example, a glass material or a transparent resin material, and is fixed to the case 1 by, for example, adhesion. A transparent or translucent solar panel 15 is superimposed on the windshield member 14 and is provided integrally with the windshield member 14 by, for example, adhesive fixation (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Note that the shape and the position where the solar panel 15 is disposed are not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0014] The opening on the back side of Case 1 (the non-visible side of the watch, the lower side in FIGS. 3 and 4) is closed by the back cover member 3. Note that the back cover member 3 may be integrally formed with Case 1. The back cover member 3 is formed of a hard resin such as carbon or a metal resin, for example. Thereby, the back cover member 3 can be configured to have high strength and be hardly affected even when receiving an impact. In the present embodiment, there is a recess 16 (see FIG. 9) for arranging a waterproof member such as a waterproof ring (not shown) on the end face on the back side of Case 1, and the back cover member 3 is attached to Case 1 by a screw (not shown) via the waterproof member. By attaching the back cover member 3 via the waterproof member, the opening on the back side of Case 1 (the non-visible side of the watch) can be closed while ensuring the waterproof property (airtightness) inside Case 1. That is, Case 1 is formed in a hollow column shape with both one end side and the other end side open, and the back cover member 3 is arranged on one end side of Case 1.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a piezoelectric sound generation unit 4 is arranged inside the back cover member 3 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The piezoelectric sound generation unit 4 performs various notifications to the user or the like by generating a beep sound (ringing a buzzer), and is a unimorph structure in which a piezoelectric body 41 is adhered to a diaphragm 42. The diaphragm 42 is a metal plate member (sheet metal) such as stainless steel (SUS), for example, and is a metal plate that functions as GND (this is also referred to as a "GND function part") as will be described later. The piezoelectric sound generation unit 4 is attached to the inner surface of the back cover member 3 by, for example, a double-sided tape 45 (see FIG. 12), and is connected to a circuit board (not shown). Note that the diaphragm 42 is not limited to stainless steel (SUS) and may be brass, nickel, or the like.

[0016] Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, inside Case 1 (the above-described storage space), a control unit, an operation unit, a battery, and the like of the watch 100, which is an electronic device, are accommodated. The operation unit is a component for the clock 100 to perform various displays. For example, in FIG. 1 and the like, when the clock 100 is a digital display method including a display unit 12 such as a liquid crystal display panel as the operation unit, this case is illustrated. Note that the operation unit is not limited to the display unit 12 including a liquid crystal display panel or the like. For example, when the clock 100 is an analog display method, as the operation unit, instead of the above-described components, there are a pointer, a gear train (wheel train mechanism) for rotating the pointer, a drive unit (motor, etc.), and the like. Note that the clock 100 may be a hybrid type having both a digital method and an analog method. In this case, both components are included as the operation unit. The control unit is mounted on a circuit board (not shown) or the like and controls the display operation and the like by the operation unit.

[0017] Also, an antenna 13 is disposed inside the case 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the antenna 13 is formed in a substantially annular shape and is disposed below the windshield member 14 described above (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Note that the shape of the antenna 13 and the position where the antenna 13 is provided are not limited to the illustrated example. In the present embodiment, the antenna 13 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). The GPS satellite is equipped with an atomic clock and transmits data including time information by this atomic clock. By receiving GNSS (GPS) signals and the like transmitted from the GPS satellite by the antenna 13, extremely accurate time information can be obtained at any receiving point on the ground.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a buffer bezel 5 is provided outside the case 1 of the present embodiment. The buffer bezel 5 is a buffer member that covers substantially the entire side surface of the case 1. Specifically, the buffer bezel 5 is provided so as to surround the opening portion on the surface side (the visual recognition side in the clock) of the case 1 and covers substantially the entire side surface of the case 1. On the buffer bezel 5, a covering portion 51 is provided at a position corresponding to the band attachment portion 11 of the case 1 so as to cover the band attachment portion 11. Further, on the buffer bezel 5, an insertion hole 52 penetrating inside and outside is formed corresponding to the position where the metal button 7 described later is attached. The material forming the buffer bezel 5 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed of a resin such as urethane. Note that the buffer bezel 5 may be formed of a material having a buffering effect and capable of restoring to its original shape even when pressed and deformed, and is not limited to the case of being formed of a resin such as urethane.

[0019] Further, on the case 1, a plurality of metal parts made of a metal material are externally mounted. In the present embodiment, the metal parts include a metal bezel 6, a metal button 7, and a metal button pipe 75. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 to 7(a), and 7(b), the metal bezel 6 is provided so as to cover the side portions of the case 1 on the 3 o'clock side and the 9 o'clock side in the analog type clock from the outside of the buffer bezel 5. By disposing the metal bezel 6 partially from the outside of the buffer bezel 5, the appearance design of the clock 100 can be improved and a high-class feeling can be produced. Note that the specific shape of the metal bezel 6, the position and range where the metal bezel 6 is disposed, etc. are not limited to the illustrated example, and the metal bezel 6 may be disposed over a wider range.

[0020] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view showing the metal bezel. In FIG. 8(a), the metal bezel 6 disposed on the 3 o'clock side in the analog type clock is illustrated as an example. In the illustrated example, the metal bezel 6 is screwed at two locations, and screw holes 61 are formed at the screwed locations. As will be described later, the metal bezel 6 of the present embodiment is locked to the case 1 by a stepped screw 63 (see FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b)). As shown in FIG. 8(a), a butting surface 62 against which the first step portion 632 of the stepped screw 63 abuts is provided in the screw hole 61 formed in the metal bezel 6. Note that the buffer bezel 5 (buffer member) is disposed between the metal bezel 6 (exterior member) and the back cover member 3.

[0021] In addition, in the clock 100 of the present embodiment, metal buttons 7 are provided at the 2 o'clock position, 4 o'clock position, 8 o'clock position, 9 o'clock position, and 10 o'clock position of the analog clock. Each metal button 7 includes a metal button pipe 75 which is a metal part. FIG. 8(b) is an exploded perspective view of the metal button, and FIG. 8(c) is a perspective view of the metal button pipe. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the metal button 7 includes a button head 71 and a shaft portion 72. The button head 71 is exposed outside the clock 100 and is a part that receives the operation of the user. One end side of the shaft portion 72 is connected to the button head 71, and the other end side is inserted into the insertion hole 77 (see FIG. 8(c)) of the metal button pipe 75 in a state of being inserted through the coil spring member 73. Further, the other end side of the shaft portion 72 is inserted into the case 1 through the insertion hole 52 of the buffer bezel 5 and the through hole 17 of the case 1. In the present embodiment, in addition to the metal button pipe 75, the button head 71 and the shaft portion 72 are also metal parts formed of a metal material.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the metal button pipe 75 is a bottomed substantially cylindrical member and has an insertion hole 77 at substantially the center of the bottom portion. A cylindrical portion 76 that is substantially concentric with the insertion hole 77 in plan view stands upright from the bottom portion into the metal button pipe 75 around the insertion hole 77. When the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 is inserted into the insertion hole 77, one end side of the coil spring member 73 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 76. A recess 711 is formed around the shaft portion 72 on the back surface side of the button head 71 of the metal button 7 (see FIG. 9 etc.), and the other end side of the coil spring member 73 is disposed in the recess 711. Thereby, the button head 71 of the metal button 7 and the metal button pipe 75 are connected and electrically conducted via the coil spring member 73. In addition, a screw hole 78 is formed near the insertion hole 77 at the bottom of the metal button pipe 75, and the metal button pipe 75 is fastened to the case 1 by inserting a screw 74 which is a fastening member into the screw hole 78.

[0023] Furthermore, the clock 100 has a terminal board (hereinafter referred to as "external terminal board 8") that is connected to a plurality of metal parts on the outside of the case 1. The metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75, which are a plurality of metal parts, are attached to the case 1 via the external terminal board 8. Specifically, the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75 are appropriately arranged from the outside of the buffer bezel 5 attached to cover the outside of the case 1 via the external terminal board 8, and are fastened to the case 1 by fastening members (the stepped screw 63 that is the fastening member for fastening the metal bezel 6 and the screw 74 that is the fastening member for fastening the metal button pipe 75).

[0024] The external terminal board 8 is formed of a metal material, and as shown in FIG. 1, it has a component receiving portion 81 that is a planar portion for receiving the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75, and a connecting arm portion 82 that connects the component receiving portions 81. The component receiving portion 81 is provided with screw holes 83 through which the stepped screw 63 for fixing the metal bezel 6 and the screw 74 for fixing the metal button pipe 75 are inserted.

[0025] The stepped screw 63 and the screw 74 fix the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75 to the case 1 via the external terminal board 8. That is, both the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75 are fastened together with the external terminal board 8 to the case 1. By fastening together the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75, which are a plurality of metal parts, with the external terminal board 8, conduction is achieved between the members (i.e., the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75) fastened via the same external terminal board 8. Also, in this embodiment, as described above, the button head 71 of the metal button 7 also contacts the metal button pipe 75 via the coil spring member 73. Therefore, when the button head 71 is also a metal part formed of a metal material, conduction is achieved between the button head 71 and other metal parts fastened via the same external terminal board 8. In this way, the metal button 7 is electrically connected to the external terminal board 8 via the coil spring member 73 and the metal button pipe 75.

[0026] In FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2, the metal buttons 7 at the 4 o'clock position and the 10 o'clock position are shown enclosed by a dashed line. In FIG. 4, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2, the metal buttons 7 at the 2 o'clock position and the 8 o'clock position are shown enclosed by a dashed line. In each figure, the metal button 7 enclosed by the dashed line and its surrounding configuration are substantially common. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the IX portion enclosed by the dashed line in FIG. 3 among these.

[0027] The metal button 7 shown in FIG. 9 and the like is a push button in which the shaft portion 72 is pushed in and operates when the user presses the button head 71. The button head 71 is movable along the axis of the shaft portion 72 within the metal button pipe 75. Since the coil spring member 73 is disposed between the button head 71 and the metal button pipe 75 as described above, when the button head 71 is pressed, the coil spring member 73 is compressed. Then, when the pressing force is released, it is pushed back by the restoring force of the coil spring member 73 and the button head 71 returns to its original position. As shown in FIG. 9, a groove portion 721 is formed in a portion of the shaft portion 72 that is inserted into the case 1, and a waterproof ring 722 is attached in the groove portion 721. The number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the waterproof rings 722 are not limited to the illustrated examples. The outer peripheral surfaces of the waterproof rings 722 are in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 17 formed in the case 1 and slide within the through hole 17 according to the operation of the metal button 7. Thereby, waterproofing between the shaft portion 72 and the through hole 17 is achieved.

[0028] Also, a groove portion 723 is formed around the axis in the vicinity of the tip of the shaft portion 72. When the shaft portion 72 is inserted through the through hole 17, at least the tip side of the shaft portion 72 is disposed to protrude into the case 1. A retaining member 79 is attached to the groove portion 723. The shape and the like of the retaining member 79 are not limited to the illustrated examples, but for example, an E-ring or the like is applied as the retaining member 79 fitted into the groove portion 723. The retaining member 79 fitted into the groove portion 723 is detachably abutted against the inner peripheral surface of the case 1. When the retaining member 79 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the case 1, the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 is configured such that the portion on the tip side of the groove portion 723 where the retaining member 79 is attached does not protrude outside the case 1.

[0029] As described above, the metal button pipe 75 is fastened together with the external terminal board 8 to the case 1 by the screw 74 with the external terminal board 8 sandwiched between the metal button pipe 75 and the outer peripheral surface of the case 1. Although only the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal board 8 appears in the cross section shown in FIG. 9, as described above, the external terminal board 8 is connected to a plurality of metal components by connecting a plurality of component receiving portions 81 by the connecting arm portion 82. One end side of an internal terminal board 9 described later is in contact with the portion on the tip side of the groove portion 723 of the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7. As described above, a plurality of metal components (the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7, and the metal button pipe 75 in FIG. 1) are connected to the external terminal board 8. Any one of the plurality of metal components (the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7, and the metal button pipe 75 in FIG. 1) is electrically connected to (directly or indirectly contacts) the internal terminal board 9. When the other end side of the internal terminal board 9 contacts the diaphragm 42 as the GND functional portion, all of the plurality of metal components (the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7, and the metal button pipe 75 in FIG. 1) connected to the external terminal board 8 are electrically connected to GND, and the potential difference from GND becomes zero. The configuration in which the metal button 7 including the metal button pipe 75, which is a metal component, indirectly contacts the diaphragm 42 as the GND functional portion will be described in detail later.

[0030] Also, in the timepiece 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the metal bezel 6 is provided on the outermost surface at the 3 o'clock side and the 9 o'clock side. For this reason, although it is excellent in appearance design, if a large impact is applied from the 3 o'clock side and the 9 o'clock side due to the dropping of the timepiece 100 or the like, the impact directly acts on the case 1 and various precision components inside the case, which may have an adverse effect. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following impact absorbing structure is provided at the portion where the metal bezel 6 is provided. Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the X portion enclosed by the dashed-dotted line in Figure 7(a). Note that the shock absorption structure in the portion where the metal bezel 6 is provided is the same on the 3 o'clock side (i.e., the side shown in Figure 7(b)). Also, the configuration of the metal button 7 in the portion where the metal bezel 6 is provided is the same as that described with respect to Figure 9, except that the shaft portion 72 is inserted into the insertion hole 67 of the metal bezel 6 instead of the insertion hole 77 of the metal button pipe 75 and then inserted into the case 1. For this reason, illustration is omitted here and the description is omitted.

[0031] Figure 10(a) shows a state where no load is applied to the metal bezel. As described above, the metal bezel 6 is fastened to the case 1 by the stepped screw 63. Specifically, a butting surface 62 against which the first stepped portion 632 of the stepped screw 63 abuts is provided in the screw hole 61 of the metal bezel 6. When the stepped screw 63 is fastened, the lower surface (the right side surface in Figure 10(a)) of the first stepped portion 632 abuts against the upper surface (the left side surface in Figure 10(a)) of the butting surface 62. Thereby, the metal bezel 6 is electrically connected to the stepped screw 63.

[0032] Also, the second stepped portion 633 of the stepped screw 63 is in contact with the external terminal board 8 (the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal board 8). The stepped screw 63 fastens the metal bezel 6 and the external terminal board 8 to the case 1 as fastening members with the external terminal board 8 (the component receiving portion 81 of the external terminal board 8) sandwiched between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1. In this embodiment, a buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member is disposed between the case 1 and the metal bezel 6. As shown in Figure 10(a), the thickness of the buffer bezel 5 in a state where no load is applied to the metal bezel 6 is defined as "thickness t1". Also, at this time, a gap C is provided as a movable space capable of absorbing the displacement of the metal bezel 6 between the metal bezel 6, which is an exterior member, and the case 1. The "thickness t1" of the buffer bezel 5 and the gap C as the movable space can be set as appropriate.

[0033] In contrast, Fig. 10(b) shows a state where a load is applied to the metal bezel. When an impact is applied to the metal bezel 6, which is an exterior member, due to the dropping of the clock 100 or the like, the metal bezel 6 is pushed toward the case 1 and displaced. At this time, the metal bezel 6 can move by the amount of the gap C, and as the metal bezel 6 moves, the buffer bezel 5 is crushed. For this reason, in a state where a load is applied to the metal bezel 6, the thickness of the buffer bezel 5 becomes "thickness t2", which is thinner than the "thickness t1" when no load is applied. Also, the gap C becomes smaller according to the amount of movement of the metal bezel 6. In the illustrated example, a state is shown where the metal bezel 6 has moved to such an extent that the gap C has almost disappeared. As described above, inside the metal bezel 6 (exterior member), there are a first region where the buffer bezel 5 (buffer member) is provided, and a second region where the case 1 is provided via the gap C (movable space).

[0034] When the metal bezel 6 is displaced toward the case 1 side, the abutting surface 62 of the metal bezel 6 separates from the first step portion 632 of the stepped screw 63. Therefore, while they are separated, the metal bezel 6 is in a non-conductive state. However, when the state where a load is applied to the metal bezel 6 stops (that is, when the impact subsides), the buffer bezel 5 restores to its original shape. As a result, the metal bezel 6 is pushed up to its original position, the first step portion 632 of the stepped screw 63 abuts against the abutting surface 62 of the metal bezel 6 again, and the conductive state is restored.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a plan view of the back cover member in the embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view of the back cover member shown in Fig. 11. As described above, the piezoelectric sound emitting unit 4 is adhered to the inner surface of the back cover member 3 by a double-sided tape 45 or the like. Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of the piezoelectric sound emitting unit. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 42 of the piezoelectric sound emitting unit 4 is a metal plate (GND function portion) that functions as GND. As shown in Fig. 13, the diaphragm 42 has a spring-shaped portion 43 at all or part of the position corresponding to the internal terminal plate 9.

[0036] The spring-shaped portion 43 is formed by bending a part of the diaphragm 42 substantially L-shaped toward the back surface to form a leaf spring shape. An elastic body 44 is disposed on the back surface side of the spring-shaped portion 43 (between the back cover member 3 and the spring-shaped portion 43). The elastic body 44 is an auxiliary member that generates the necessary load in the spring-shaped portion 43. That is, the spring-shaped portion 43 is provided to stably receive the end of the internal terminal board 9 when the internal terminal board 9 is disposed. The elastic body 44 ensures the necessary contact pressure and stabilizes the contact resistance with the internal terminal board 9.

[0037] The elastic body 44 is adhered to the back surface of the spring-shaped portion 43 with a double-sided tape or the like. As the elastic body 44, for example, a high-functional urethane foam such as a microcell polymer sheet (e.g., "PORON" (registered trademark) manufactured by Rogers Inoaak Co., Ltd.) is preferably used. Note that the elastic body 44 may be any material as long as it can stabilize the load of the leaf spring-shaped portion 43, and its material is not particularly limited. For example, the elastic body 44 may be a coil spring or the like. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part along the line XIV-XIV of the back cover in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 14 and the like, a recess 31 for disposing the elastic body 44 provided on the back surface of the spring-shaped portion 43 is formed at a position on the inner surface of the back cover member 3 corresponding to the spring-shaped portion 43, and the elastic body 44 is stably disposed.

[0038] Note that the spring-shaped portions 43 are preferably provided corresponding to the positions of the respective metal buttons 7. Thereby, the internal terminal board 9 that contacts the shaft portion 72 of each metal button 7 can be surely brought into contact with and electrically connected to the diaphragm 42 as the GND functional portion. However, although the internal terminal board 9 is provided corresponding to the metal button 7, there may be a case where the spring-shaped portion 43 cannot be provided at a position corresponding to the internal terminal board 9 due to the arrangement status of various components housed in the case 1 or the like.

[0039] In this regard, in the present embodiment, a plurality of metal parts (metal bezel 6 and metal button pipe 75) are connected to one external terminal board 8 and are clamped together with respect to the case 1. Therefore, for example, even if there is a location where the spring-shaped portion 43 cannot be arranged at a position corresponding to the internal terminal board 9, if at least one of the internal terminal boards 9 corresponding to other metal parts connected to the same external terminal board 8 is surely connected to the diaphragm 42, all the metal parts connected to the external terminal board 8 can be electrically connected to the diaphragm 42 as the GND functional portion, and the potential difference from GND can be set to zero. The clock 100 of the present embodiment is provided with five metal buttons 7, and internal terminal boards 9 are provided corresponding to each of them. However, in FIGS. 12 and 13, a case is illustrated in which spring-shaped portions 43 are provided at four locations on the diaphragm 42 corresponding to four of the internal terminal boards 9.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the internal terminal board in the embodiment. The internal terminal board 9 is for connecting and electrically connecting a metal bezel 6 and a metal button pipe 75, which are metal parts, to a diaphragm 42, which is a metal plate functioning as GND. As shown in FIG. 15, the internal terminal board 9 of the present embodiment has a first portion 91 connected to a metal part and a second portion 92 bent in a first direction α (see FIG. 16) from the lower end side of the first portion 91, and is formed in a substantially L shape in side view. As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the first direction α is a direction from the inside to the outside of the case 1.

[0041] A curved portion 911 is formed at the upper end (free end) of the first part 91, and is configured to receive and contact the tip of the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7. Further, the second part 92 is in surface contact with the diaphragm 42, which is a metal plate (specifically, the spring-shaped portion 43 formed integrally with the diaphragm 42). At this time, at the location where the spring-shaped portion 43 is provided, since the spring-shaped portion 43 is pushed up by the elastic body 44, it contacts the second part 92 so as to face it from the diaphragm 42 side, and the internal terminal plate 9 and the diaphragm 42 can stably contact each other. Also, a double-sided tape 94 is disposed on the first part 91 of the internal terminal plate 9, and the first part 91 of the internal terminal plate 9 is attached to the case 1 via the double-sided tape 94.

[0042] In particular, the diaphragm 42 of the piezoelectric sound emitting unit 4 has a relatively thin plate thickness for the purpose of vibrating the piezoelectric body 41, and it is difficult to generate a desired load only by providing the spring-shaped portion 43 in the form of a leaf spring. Further, when the piezoelectric sound emitting unit 4 is provided on the back cover member 3 as in the present embodiment, it is likely to cause a contact failure due to repeated opening and closing operations, and even if contact is made and conduction is achieved, the contact resistance value is not stable (easily changed). In this regard, by providing the elastic body 44 on the back surface of the spring-shaped portion 43 and pushing it up by the elastic body 44, it is possible to ensure the necessary contact pressure with the internal terminal plate 9, and the internal terminal plate 9 and the diaphragm 42 can be surely electrically connected. Also, even when the opening and closing operations are repeated, the spring-shaped portion 43 is less likely to wear, and a long-term stable contact resistance can be maintained. Thereby, the resistance value of GND can be stabilized, and GND strengthening can be achieved.

[0043] Also, the internal terminal plate 9 in the embodiment has a bent portion 93 that projects in a substantially reverse L shape in side view by bending the lower end side of the first part 91 in the second direction β (see FIG. 16), which is opposite to the first direction α, and the second part 92 is formed by bending from the lower end side of the bent portion 93 in the first direction α. By once bending the internal terminal board 9 in the second direction β, bulging it in the inner direction of the case 1, and then bending it in the first direction α to form the second part 92, the length of the second part 92 in the first direction α can be increased. Therefore, even considering the bending radius R or the like when bending in the first direction α, the length of the second part 92 can be ensured sufficiently, the contact area between the internal terminal board 9 and the diaphragm 42 can be widened, and they can be made to contact more stably and conduct electricity.

[0044] Note that the configuration of the internal terminal board 9 is not limited to what is illustrated here. For example, the internal terminal board may not have the bent portion 93 bent in the second direction β, and as shown in FIG. 17, it may be an internal terminal board 9a composed of a first part 91a and a second part 92a bent in the first direction α from the lower end side of the first part 91a and formed in a substantially L shape in side view. Also in this case, since the internal terminal board 9a is bent in the first direction α at the lower end side of the first part 91a to form the second part 92a, an R shape (bending radius R) is formed at the bending angle between the first part 91a and the second part 92a by bending, which is a sheet metal processing using the ductility of the metal. For this reason, the internal terminal board 9a is separated from the case 1 by the amount of this bending radius R, but by giving thickness to the double-sided tape 94 that attaches the first part 91a to the case 1, it is adjusted to fill the gap generated between the first part 91a and the case 1 by the amount of the bending radius R.

[0045] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the XVI portion surrounded by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 16, the first part 91 of the internal terminal board 9 is disposed at a position in contact with the tip side of the shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7. Also, the internal terminal board 9 is once bent in the second direction β at the lower end side and then bent in the first direction α to form the second part 92, and this second part 92 is in surface contact with the diaphragm 42 (the spring-shaped portion 43 of the diaphragm 42). More specifically, the second part 92 is in surface contact with the spring-shaped portion 43 integrally formed with the diaphragm 42. Thereby, the internal terminal board 9 stably conducts electricity with the diaphragm 42 which is a metal plate.

[0046] The shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 is in direct or indirect contact with the metal button pipe 75 which is a metal component. By bringing the internal terminal plate 9 in contact with the diaphragm 42 which functions as GND and which contacts the shaft portion 72, a conduction path to GND is secured for the metal button pipe 75 and a plurality of metal components connected to the same external terminal plate 8 as this metal button pipe 75, and they can be collectively conducted to GND. Thereby, the strengthening of GND can be achieved. Note that the case 1 has a recess 16 for arranging a waterproof member at the end face on the back side. However, as shown in Fig. 16, both the internal terminal plate 9 and the diaphragm 42 which is a metal plate are arranged in a region that does not overlap with this recess 16 (a region inside the case 1 rather than the recess 16). For this reason, the waterproof property between the back cover member 3 and the case 1 is not impaired either.

[0047] [Operation] When assembling the timepiece 100 of the present embodiment, the movement is housed in the case 1 and the opening portion on the visual recognition side is closed with the windproof member 14. Further, a buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member is arranged so as to cover the outer portion of the case 1, and a metal bezel 6 and a metal button pipe 75 (the metal button 7 assembled to the metal button pipe 75) which are metal components are attached from the outside via the external terminal plate 8. At this time, the metal bezel 6 is attached to the case 1 by a stepped screw 63, and the metal button pipe 75 is attached to the case 1 by a screw 74. By screwing in such a state that the external terminal plate 8 is sandwiched between the plurality of metal components and the case 1, the external terminal plate 8 and the plurality of metal components are clamped together with respect to the case 1.

[0048] The shaft portion 72 of the metal button 7 inserted through the insertion hole 77 of the metal button pipe 75 is inserted into the through hole 17 of the case 1, and the tip portion is arranged inside the case 1. A retaining member 79 is attached to the tip portion of the shaft portion 72 arranged inside the case 1 so that the shaft portion 72 does not come out of the case 1 and become detached. Further, the internal terminal plate 9 is arranged so as to contact a first portion 91 at the tip portion of the shaft portion 72.

[0049] When the components of each part are mounted, the opening on the non-visible side is closed by the back cover member 3. At this time, a prevention member is arranged in the recess 16 of the case 1 to ensure waterproofing between the back cover member 3 and the case 1, and the back cover member 3 is screwed to the case 1. In the state where the back cover member 3 is attached, below the second part 92 of the internal terminal board 9, the spring-shaped part 43 of the diaphragm 42 is arranged, and the second part 92 of the internal terminal board 9 is surely in surface contact with the spring-shaped part 43 pushed up by the elastic body 44 and conducts electricity. By making contact in this way, stable contact and conduction can be achieved without being affected by displacement or the like. Note that in a location where the spring-shaped part 43 is not provided, the load may not be stable and it may be difficult to surely conduct to GND. However, a plurality of metal parts are clamped together with the external terminal board 8 outside the case 1 and conduct electricity with each other. Therefore, if even one of the plurality of metal parts in contact with one external terminal board 8 contacts the spring-shaped part 43, all the metal parts in contact with the external terminal board 8 can be collectively conducted to GND, and GND can be strengthened.

[0050] As a result, a conduction path from the plurality of externally mounted metal parts (such as the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7, and the metal button pipe 75) to the GND inside the case 1 (the diaphragm 42 functioning as GND) is secured, and the plurality of metal parts can be surely dropped to GND. And by conducting the metal parts to GND, it is possible to prevent the sensitivity (performance) of the antenna 13 provided inside the clock 100 from being affected by the metal parts, and a highly reliable clock 100 for time correction or the like using the antenna 13 can be realized.

[0051] Also, a metal bezel 6 as an exterior member is attached to the case 1 using a stepped screw 63, and a gap C is provided as a movable space that allows movement of the metal bezel 6 between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1. Thereby, even when the metal bezel 6 is pushed in by an impact such as a drop, the displacement of the metal bezel 6 can be absorbed in the gap C. For this reason, it is possible to prevent an impact from being directly transmitted to the case 1 or precision parts inside the case. Furthermore, by disposing a buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1, the impact can be absorbed and alleviated. For this reason, it is not necessary to add various additives to the case 1 itself for strengthening, and there is no influence on the antenna performance due to the additives.

[0052] [Effect] As described above, the clock 100 which is an electronic device in the present embodiment includes a case 1, a metal bezel 6 made of a metal material and serving as an exterior member that is externally mounted on the case 1, and a buffer bezel 5 serving as a buffer member interposed between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1. A gap C is provided between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1 as a movable space capable of absorbing the displacement of the metal bezel 6 which is an exterior member. Inside the metal bezel 6 which is an exterior member, there are a first region provided with a buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member, and a second region provided with the case 1 via the movable space. When metal parts (such as the metal bezel 6) are provided on the exterior of the case 1, if an impact is applied due to a drop of the clock 100 or the like, there is a risk that the internal case 1 and various precision parts inside the case 1 may be damaged.

[0053] In this regard, as in the present embodiment, by interposing the buffer bezel 5 between the metal bezel 6 and the case 1 to provide a buffering effect and configuring to absorb the displacement of the metal bezel 6 due to an impact in the gap C, it is possible to prevent a direct impact from being applied to the case 1 or the parts inside the case 1. As a method for improving the impact resistance of Case 1, for example, it is conceivable to strengthen Case 1 itself by adding additives or the like. However, in this method, for example, when Antenna 13 is provided inside Case 1, the antenna sensitivity is affected due to the additives. In this regard, in the present embodiment, even when using metal parts for the exterior, it is not necessary to strengthen Case 1 itself by adding additives or the like. Thus, especially when the timepiece 100 has such a configuration as in the present embodiment, by externally mounting various metal parts on the outermost part of the device or the like, an elegant appearance design can be realized. And while realizing an elegant appearance, it is possible to ensure the buffering property inside Case 1 and avoid the influence on the sensitivity (performance) of the internal antenna, and realize high-precision radio wave reception, accurate time correction by the received radio wave, etc.

[0054] Also, in the present embodiment, Case 1 is covered by a metal bezel 6 which is an exterior member or a buffer bezel 5 which is a buffer member over the entire side surface. Thereby, the appearance design of the timepiece 100 which is an electronic device can be improved. Also in this case, by providing a gap C for absorbing the displacement of the buffer bezel 5 which is a buffer member and the metal bezel 6, the influence on Case 1 and various precision parts inside the case can be suppressed.

[0055] Also, in the present embodiment, Case 1 is formed in a hollow column shape with one end side and the other end side open. A back cover member 3 is disposed on one end side of Case 1, and a buffer bezel 5 which is a buffer member is disposed between a metal bezel 6 which is an exterior member and the back cover member 3. Thereby, it is possible to ensure buffering property even against an impact from one end side of Case 1 where the back cover member 3 is disposed.

[0056] Also, the exterior member in the present embodiment is a metal bezel 6. Thereby, the appearance design of an electronic device such as the timepiece 100 can be improved to make it elegant. And even in this case, the electronic device can be made highly impact-resistant.

[0057] Moreover, the buffer member of this embodiment is a resin bezel. As a result, a structure excellent in shock absorbency and resistant to external shocks can be realized.

[0058] Also, in this embodiment, an antenna 13 is provided inside the case 1. When the metal bezel 6 is mounted on the outside of an electronic device such as a clock 100, if an impact is applied due to dropping or the like, there is a risk that the internal case 1 and various precision parts inside the case 1 may be damaged. On the other hand, in the method of adding additives or the like to the case 1 itself for strengthening, the antenna sensitivity (performance) is affected due to the additives. In this regard, in this embodiment, even if metal parts are used for the exterior, it is not necessary to add additives or the like to the case 1 itself to enhance the shock resistance of the case 1. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the shock resistance while maintaining the antenna sensitivity (performance).

[0059] [Modification Example] 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.

[0060] For example, in this embodiment, the case where the buffer bezel 5 as a buffer member covers substantially the entire case 1 and the metal bezel 6 is arranged at the 3 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position in the analog clock has been illustrated. However, the positions and ranges where the buffer bezel 5 and the metal bezel 6 are provided are not limited to those shown in the embodiment. Also, although the entire metal bezel 6 of this embodiment overlaps with the buffer bezel 5, a part of the metal bezel 6 may overlap with the buffer bezel 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, the external terminal board 8 is disposed at the 3 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position in the analog clock, and is shown to be fastened together with at least one metal bezel 6 and the case 1, respectively. However, the position and range where the external terminal board 8 is provided, and the number and types of metal components connected to one external terminal board 8 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. More metal bezels 6 and metal button pipes 75 may be connected to one external terminal board 8. Even in this case, if any one of the metal components connected by the external terminal board 8 is made conductive to GND, all the metal components connected to the external terminal board 8 can be made conductive to GND. In this embodiment, the metal components are assumed to include the metal bezel 6, the metal button 7, and the metal button pipe 75. However, the metal components may include the metal bezel 6 and the metal button pipe 75, and instead of the metal button 7, an operation button formed of a material different from metal may be used.

[0062] In this embodiment, the case where the diaphragm 42 of the piezoelectric sound emitting unit 4 functions as a GND functional part is exemplified. However, the GND functional part may be a metal member provided inside the case 1 and indirectly connected to the external terminal board 8, and is not limited to the diaphragm 42.

[0063] In this embodiment, the case where the electronic device is a wristwatch-type clock 100 is exemplified, but the electronic device is not limited thereto. For example, it can be widely applied to various electronic devices such as smartwatches and sports watches, and wearable devices that acquire biological information such as heart rate and blood flow information in addition to time.

[0064] Some embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, 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

[0065] 1 Case 13 Antenna 14 Windshield Member 17 Through-Hole 3 Rear cover member 31 Recess 4 Piezoelectric sound unit 42 Diaphragm (GND functional part, metal plate functioning as GND) 43 Spring-shaped part 44 Elastomer 5 Buffer bezel (buffer member) 6 Metal bezel (metal part) 62 Contact surface 63 Step screw (fastening member) 7 Metal button (metal part) 72 Shaft part 74 Screw (fastening member) 75 Metal button pipe (metal part) 8 External terminal board 81 Component receiving part 9 Internal terminal board 91 First part 92 First part 100 Watch (electronic device) C Gap (movable space)

Claims

1. A case, An exterior member made of a metal material and externally mounted on the case, A buffer member interposed between the exterior member and the case, Characterized by comprising A movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member is provided between the exterior member and the case, Inside the exterior member, there are a first region where the buffer member is provided and a second region where the case is provided via the movable space. An electronic device characterized by the above.

2. The entire side surface of the case is covered by the exterior member or the buffer member. The electronic device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The case is formed in a hollow column shape with one end side and the other end side open, A back cover member is arranged on the one end side of the case, The buffer member is arranged between the exterior member and the back cover member. The electronic device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The exterior member is a metal bezel. The electronic device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The buffer member is a resin bezel. The electronic device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. An antenna is provided inside the case. The electronic device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. A case, An exterior member made of a metal material and externally mounted on the case, A buffer member interposed between the exterior member and the case, Characterized by comprising A movable space capable of absorbing displacement of the exterior member is provided between the exterior member and the case. An electronic timepiece characterized by the above.

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