Switch mechanism, timepiece movement and timepiece
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024051774
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-09
Smart Images
Figure 2025150728000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a switch mechanism, a timepiece movement, and a timepiece. [Background technology]
[0002] Some conventional electronic watches adjust the time by rotating the crown, just like mechanical watches. This type of electronic watch determines the direction and speed of rotation of the crown and winding stem by using a cam attached to the winding stem to swing a switch lever, causing the lever to contact and separate from a contact on a circuit block, and controls the motor that drives the clock hands, etc. (See, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.) Also, a method has been developed that detects the rotation of the winding stem by irradiating light from an optical sensor onto a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the winding stem (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 58-038504 [Patent Document 2] Jpn. Jpn. Appl. KOKAI Publication No. 60-025595 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7096383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in conventional mechanisms that use a cam to swing a switch lever, the switch lever must be positioned so that it engages with the cam, which limits the placement of the switch lever. This leaves room for improvement in the degree of freedom in the layout of components near the winding stem. Furthermore, in systems that use an optical sensor to detect the rotation of the winding stem, the optical sensor must be positioned so that it overlaps with the rotating body in a plan view, which tends to make the movement thicker.
[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a switch mechanism that can improve the freedom of component layout near the winding stem while preventing the timepiece movement from becoming thicker, as well as a timepiece movement and timepiece equipped with this switch mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A switch mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a winding stem supported on a main plate, a first gear that is rotatable relative to the main plate, has a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction of the watch, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the winding stem, a circuit block having a first contact and a second contact, a lever that releasably engages with the teeth of the first gear and is formed to be able to swing in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear, swinging from a predetermined central position to a first side to contact the first contact and swinging from the central position to a second side to contact the second contact, and a return spring that urges the lever toward the central position.
[0007] According to the first aspect, when forming a switch mechanism so that the lever swings in response to the rotation of the first gear, it is sufficient to engage the lever with the teeth of the first gear. This makes it possible to position the lever at any position around the rotation axis of the first gear without changing the shape of the lever. This improves the flexibility of component layout near the winding stem. Furthermore, since the lever is positioned offset in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the timepiece to releasably engage the lever with the teeth of the first gear, the thickness of the timepiece movement due to the provision of the switch mechanism can be prevented from increasing. As a result, a switch mechanism can be provided that improves the flexibility of component layout near the winding stem while preventing the timepiece movement from becoming thicker. Furthermore, because the switch mechanism is compatible with multiple component layout patterns near the winding stem, the switch mechanism can be installed in timepiece movements of various models. This allows the components of the switch mechanism to be shared across multiple timepiece movements, reducing the manufacturing costs of timepiece movements.
[0008] A switch mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention may be the switch mechanism according to the first aspect, further comprising a second gear that is arranged coaxially with the winding stem and is formed so as to be rotatable integrally with the winding stem while meshing with the first gear.
[0009] According to the second aspect, the first gear can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the winding stem, thereby providing a switch mechanism that achieves the above-described effects.
[0010] A switch mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is a switch mechanism according to the first or second aspect, which includes an engagement portion in which the tooth and the lever engage with each other, and the lever is formed to be able to swing around a swing axis extending in the front-to-back direction of the watch, and the distance between the rotation axis and the engagement portion may be greater than the distance between the swing axis and the engagement portion.
[0011] According to the third aspect, the swing angle of the lever when the first gear rotates by one tooth can be made larger than when the distance between the rotation axis and the engagement portion is equal to or less than the distance between the swing axis and the engagement portion. This makes it possible to greatly displace the portion of the lever that comes into contact with the contact point of the circuit block when the lever is swung without increasing the size of the lever, allowing the lever to reliably come into contact with and separate from the contact point. This prevents the lever from becoming too large, improving the flexibility of the layout of components near the winding stem.
[0012] A switch mechanism according to a fourth aspect of the present invention may be a switch mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a wheel support arranged on the opposite side of the base plate across the first gear, and the circuit block may be arranged on the opposite side of the base plate across the lever so as not to protrude further than the wheel support on the opposite side of the base plate in the direction of the front and back of the watch.
[0013] According to the fourth aspect, by using a member for the wheel support that is thinner in the front-to-back direction of the timepiece than the circuit block, the timepiece movement can be made thinner compared to a configuration in which the circuit block is located on the opposite side of the main plate across the first gear, thereby preventing the timepiece movement from becoming thicker.
[0014] A switch mechanism according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the switch mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lever and the return spring are formed separately from each other.
[0015] According to the fifth aspect, the lever and the return spring can be made of different materials. This allows, for example, the return spring to be made of stainless steel with a high Young's modulus, while the lever can be made of a material that is easier to process than the material of the return spring. This makes it easier to impart desired performance to the switch mechanism.
[0016] A switch mechanism according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the switch mechanism according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the lever and the return spring may be formed integrally with each other.
[0017] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and lower the manufacturing cost compared to a configuration in which the lever and the return spring are formed separately from each other.
[0018] A timepiece movement according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises a switch mechanism according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
[0019] According to the seventh aspect, a timepiece movement suitable for thin timepieces can be provided, since it is equipped with a switch mechanism that can prevent the timepiece movement from becoming thicker. Also, since the switch mechanism can be installed in many different types of timepiece movements, the parts cost of the switch mechanism can be reduced, thereby providing a timepiece movement with reduced manufacturing costs.
[0020] A timepiece according to an eighth aspect of the present invention comprises the timepiece movement according to the seventh aspect.
[0021] According to the eighth aspect, a thin and inexpensive timepiece can be provided. [Effects of the Invention]
[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch mechanism that can improve the degree of freedom in the layout of parts near the winding stem while preventing the timepiece movement from becoming thicker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the movement of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the movement of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the movement of the first embodiment, showing a cross section at a position corresponding to line VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of a movement equipped with the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of a movement equipped with the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of a movement equipped with the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a movement of a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a movement of a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a movement according to a second embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch mechanism of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch mechanism of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a movement according to a fourth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.
[0025] First, a timepiece according to an embodiment will be described. In the embodiment described below, an analog electronic timepiece will be used as an example of a timepiece. Generally, the mechanical body that includes the driving parts of a watch is called the "movement." When the dial and hands are attached to this movement and it is placed inside the watch case to complete the product, the watch is called "complete." The direction of the axis of rotation of the hands is called the up-down direction (the direction from the front to the back of the watch). Within the up-down direction, the direction from the base plate, which is the base of the watch, towards the case back will be described as the top, and the opposite side will be described as the bottom. The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction will be called the planar direction.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an external view of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the complete timepiece 1 of this embodiment includes a movement 3 (timepiece movement), a dial 4, and hands including an hour hand 5, a minute hand 6, and a second hand 7, all housed within a watch case 2. The dial 4 has markings and the like that indicate at least information about the time.
[0027] The watch case 2 comprises a case body 10, a case back (not shown), and a crystal 11. A crown 15 is provided at the 3 o'clock position on the side of the case body 10. The crown 15 is used to operate the movement 3 from outside the case body 10. The crown 15 is fixed to a winding stem 50 inserted inside the case body 10.
[0028] [First embodiment] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the movement of the first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the movement of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the movement 3 of the first embodiment includes a main plate 20 and a switch mechanism 25 supported by the main plate 20. The main plate 20 constitutes the base of the movement 3. The main plate 20 is made of, for example, a metal material or a resin material. The main plate 20 has a circular shape in a plan view seen from the top and bottom. The dial 4 described above is disposed below the main plate 20. The switch mechanism 25 is disposed above the main plate 20.
[0029] The switch mechanism 25 includes a train wheel holder 30, a wheel holder 40, a circuit block 35, a circuit block retainer 45, a winding stem 50, a winding stem side gear 55 (second gear), a lever side gear 60 (first gear), a switch lever 70, and a return spring 80.
[0030] The train wheel bridge 30 is a member that extends in a planar direction. The train wheel bridge 30 is disposed above the main plate 20 with its front and back surfaces facing up and down.
[0031] The circuit block 35 is a printed circuit board. The circuit block 35 is disposed above the main plate 20 with its front and back surfaces facing up and down. The circuit block 35 is disposed on the opposite side of the main plate 20 in the up and down direction, with the train wheel holder 30 sandwiched between them. The circuit block 35 is formed with a window 36 that penetrates it in the up and down direction. A first contact 37, a second contact 38, and a third contact 39 are formed on the underside of the circuit block 35 (see Figure 4). The positions of these contacts 37, 38, and 39 will be described later.
[0032] The wheel support 40 is a flat plate-like member that extends in the planar direction. The wheel support 40 is formed thinner than the substrate of the circuit block 35. The wheel support 40 is arranged above the main plate 20 with its front and back surfaces facing up and down. The wheel support 40 is arranged on the opposite side of the main plate 20 in the vertical direction, sandwiching the gear train support 30 therebetween. The entire wheel support 40 is arranged inside the window portion 36 of the circuit block 35 in a planar view. The top surface of the wheel support 40 is located above the top surface of the circuit block 35. As a result, the circuit block 35 is arranged so as not to protrude beyond the wheel support 40 to the opposite side of the main plate 20 (i.e., upward) in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the wheel support 40 is arranged within the thickness range of the substrate of the circuit block 35 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the circuit block 35 in the planar direction.
[0033] Circuit block retainer 45 is a plate-shaped member. Circuit block retainer 45 is arranged on the opposite side of main plate 20, with circuit block 35 sandwiched between them in the vertical direction. Circuit block retainer 45 is arranged so as to overlap circuit block 35 and wheel support 40 from above. The case back of watch case 2 is arranged above circuit block retainer 45 so as to directly face circuit block retainer 45.
[0034] The circuit block retainer 45 is provided with a winding stem contact portion 46 that comes into contact with the winding stem 50. The winding stem contact portion 46 extends downward from the outer edge of the circuit block retainer 45 in a plan view. A through hole through which the winding stem 50 is inserted is formed in the winding stem contact portion 46 (see FIG. 5). The winding stem contact portion 46 comes into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the winding stem 50, and generates a clicking sensation when the winding stem 50 is displaced in the direction of the axis L.
[0035] The winding stem 50 is inserted into a winding stem guide hole 21 formed in the main plate 20. The winding stem 50 is rotatable around axis L relative to the main plate 20 and is movable in the direction of axis L. The crown 15 is connected to the winding stem 50 on the outside of the watch case 2 shown in FIG. 1. The winding stem 50 is movable in the direction of axis L as the crown 15 is pulled out. In this embodiment, the winding stem 50 is movable between two positions: a normal position where it is retracted most deeply into the movement 3, and an operating position where it is pulled out from the normal position. An engagement shaft 51 having a non-circular cross section is formed on the winding stem 50. The engagement shaft 51 is a prism extending in the axial direction of the winding stem 50. The engagement shaft 51 has a square cross section.
[0036] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the movement of the first embodiment, showing a cross-section at a position corresponding to line VV in Fig. 4. Note that Fig. 4 shows a state in which parts overlapping with the movable parts of the switch mechanism have been removed (the same applies to the other plan views). Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows contacts 37, 38, and 39 of circuit block 35 with imaginary lines. 4 and 5, the winding stem side gear 55 is extrapolated onto the winding stem 50 and arranged coaxially with the axis L. The winding stem side gear 55 is separated from the engagement shaft portion 51 of the winding stem 50 when it is in the normal position, and is rotatable relative to the winding stem 50. The winding stem side gear 55 engages with the engagement shaft portion 51 of the winding stem 50 when it is in the operating position, and is rotatable integrally with the winding stem 50.
[0037] The lever side gear 60 is disposed above the main plate 20. The lever side gear 60 is rotatably provided relative to the main plate 20. The lever side gear 60 has a first rotation axis C1 extending in the vertical direction. The first rotation axis C1 is perpendicular to the axis L of the winding stem 50. The lever side gear 60 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the wheel receiver 40. In this embodiment, the lever side gear 60 is disposed between the train wheel bridge 30 and the wheel receiver 40 and is rotatably supported by the train wheel bridge 30. The upper surface of the lever side gear 60 directly faces the lower surface of the wheel receiver 40. The upper surface of the lever side gear 60 is located below the upper surface of the circuit board of the circuit block 35. At least a portion of the lever side gear 60 is disposed within the thickness range of the circuit board of the circuit block 35 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the circuit block 35 in the planar direction. The lever side gear 60 is disposed closer to the center of the movement 3 than the winding stem side gear 55. The lever-side gear 60 meshes with the winding stem-side gear 55. This allows the lever-side gear 60 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the winding stem 50.
[0038] The switch lever 70 is disposed above the base plate 20. The switch lever 70 is disposed so as to be swingable in a planar direction around an axis C2 (swing axis) extending in the up-down direction relative to the base plate 20. The switch lever 70 is disposed so as to be swingable in two directions from a predetermined swing center position shown in FIG. 4. The switch lever 70 rotates from the swing center position to a first swing end position on the first side. The switch lever 70 rotates from the swing center position to a second swing end position on the second side. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the switch lever 70 is assumed to be located at the predetermined swing center position.
[0039] The switch lever 70 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the wheel receiver 40 and the circuit block 35. In this embodiment, the switch lever 70 is disposed from between the wheel train receiver 30 and the wheel receiver 40 to between the wheel train receiver 30 and the circuit block 35. The switch lever 70 is disposed offset in the planar direction relative to the lever side gear 60 so that the entire switch lever 70 does not overlap with the lever side gear 60 in a plan view. The switch lever 70 is supported by a lever shaft 23 held by the wheel train receiver 30. The switch lever 70 is formed from a conductive material such as metal.
[0040] The switch lever 70 includes a base 71 supported by the lever shaft 23, an engagement pawl 72 protruding from the base 71 toward the lever side gear 60 and engaging with a tooth 61 of the lever side gear 60, and a first arm 73 and a second arm 74 extending in a planar direction from the base 71. The base 71 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends in a planar direction. The base 71 is disposed with its front and back surfaces facing up and down. The entire base 71 is disposed within the thickness range of the lever side gear 60 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the lever side gear 60 in the planar direction. At least a portion of the base 71 is disposed within the thickness range of the circuit block 35 board in the vertical direction so as to overlap the circuit block 35 in the planar direction. The engagement pawl 72 fits into a tooth groove of the lever side gear 60.
[0041] The first arm 73 extends from the base 71 in a direction away from the lever-side gear 60 in a plan view. The first arm 73 bends downward from the base 71 and extends to the space below the circuit block 35. The tip of the first arm 73 is in sliding contact with the underside of the circuit block 35. The tip of the first arm 73 contacts the first contact 37 when the switch lever 70 is at the first swing end position. The tip of the first arm 73 moves away from the first contact 37 when the switch lever 70 moves from the first swing end position toward the swing center position. The tip of the first arm 73 contacts the second contact 38 when the switch lever 70 is at the second swing end position. The tip of the first arm 73 moves away from the second contact 38 when the switch lever 70 moves from the second swing end position toward the swing center position.
[0042] The second arm 74 is offset in a planar direction relative to the first arm 73. The second arm 74 extends from the base 71 in a direction away from the lever-side gear 60 in a plan view. The second arm 74 bends downward from the base 71 and extends to the space below the circuit block 35. Note that in the illustrated example, the second arm 74 is U-shaped in a plan view, but the shape of the second arm 74 is not particularly limited. The tip of the second arm 74 is in sliding contact with the underside of the circuit block 35. The tip of the second arm 74 contacts the third contact 39 when the switch lever 70 is in the first swing end position and when it is in the second swing end position. In this embodiment, the tip of the second arm 74 contacts the third contact 39 when the switch lever 70 is in any position between the first swing end position and the second swing end position. In this case, the third contact 39 extends continuously in a circumferential direction around the lever shaft 23 in a plan view.
[0043] The switch lever 70 is formed with an engaged portion 75 with which the return spring 80 engages. In this embodiment, the engaged portion 75 is a notch formed on the side surface of the base portion 71. The engaged portion 75 is formed at a location on the base portion 71 facing the opposite side from the lever-side gear 60.
[0044] Here, the location where the tooth 61 of the lever-side gear 60 and the engagement pawl 72 of the switch lever 70 engage with each other is referred to as an engagement portion 85. The distance between the first rotation axis C1 and the engagement portion 85 is greater than the distance between the axis C2 and the engagement portion 85. In addition, the distance between the axis C2 and the engagement portion 85 is smaller than the distance between the axis C2 and the tip of the first arm 73.
[0045] The return spring 80 engages with the engaged portion 75 of the switch lever 70 so as to bias the switch lever 70 toward the swing center position. The return spring 80 includes a spring base 81 fixed to the main plate 20, and a spring portion 82 that interconnects the spring base 81 and the switch lever 70. The spring base 81 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the gear train bridge 30. The spring base 81 is disposed on the opposite side of the lever-side gear 60 across the base 71 of the switch lever 70 in a plan view.
[0046] The spring portion 82 extends from the spring base portion 81 toward the switch lever 70. The spring portion 82 is formed in a rod shape with a width sufficiently small compared to its overall length, and is capable of bending and deforming in a planar direction. The spring portion 82 extends in a planar direction on the base plate 20 side (lower side) of the switch lever 70 in the up-down direction. The spring portion 82 is arranged so as to overlap with the swing trajectory of the switch lever 70 in a planar view. The spring portion 82 passes below the second arm 74 of the switch lever 70. The tip of the spring portion 82 is bent upward and engages with the engaged portion 75 of the switch lever 70.
[0047] The operation of the switch mechanism 25 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the switch mechanism of the first embodiment. When the winding stem 50 in the operating position is rotated in a first direction, the lever-side gear 60 rotates in the A1 direction as shown in FIG. 6. When the lever-side gear 60 is rotated in the A1 direction, the switch lever 70, which has an engagement pawl 72 that meshes with the lever-side gear 60, rotates in the B1 direction from the swing center position against the biasing force of the return spring 80. As the lever-side gear 60 continues to rotate in the A1 direction, the engagement pawl 72 climbs over the teeth 61 of the lever-side gear 60, and the switch lever 70 rotates in the B2 direction, opposite to the B1 direction, toward the swing center position due to the elastic restoring force of the return spring 80. In this way, when the winding stem 50 in the operating position is rotated in the first direction, the switch lever 70 swings back and forth between the swing center position and the first swing end position.
[0048] When the winding stem 50 in the operating position is rotated in the second direction, the lever-side gear 60 rotates in the A2 direction. When the lever-side gear 60 is rotated in the A2 direction, the switch lever 70, which has an engagement pawl 72 that meshes with the lever-side gear 60, rotates in the B2 direction from the swing center position against the biasing force of the return spring 80. As the rotation of the lever-side gear 60 in the A2 direction progresses, the engagement pawl 72 climbs over the tooth 61 of the lever-side gear 60, and the switch lever 70 rotates in the B1 direction toward the swing center position due to the elastic restoring force of the return spring 80. In this way, when the winding stem 50 in the operating position is rotated in the second direction, the switch lever 70 swings back and forth between the swing center position and the second swing end position.
[0049] When the switch lever 70 is in the first swing end position, the tip of the first arm 73 of the switch lever 70 comes into contact with the first contact 37, bringing the first contact 37 and the third contact 39 into conduction via the switch lever 70. When the switch lever 70 is in the second swing end position, the tip of the first arm 73 of the switch lever 70 comes into contact with the second contact 38, bringing the second contact 38 and the third contact 39 into conduction via the switch lever 70. Then, by rotating the winding stem 50 in the operating position in the first direction, the tip of the first arm 73 of the switch lever 70 comes into contact with and separates from the first contact 37 in a cycle corresponding to the rotational speed of the winding stem 50, and the first contact 37 and the third contact 39 are repeatedly made conductive and isolated in a cycle corresponding to the rotational speed of the winding stem 50. Furthermore, by rotating the winding stem 50 in the operating position in the second direction, the tip of the first arm 73 of the switch lever 70 comes into contact with and separates from the second contact 38 at a period corresponding to the rotation speed of the winding stem 50, and the second contact 38 and the third contact 39 repeatedly become conductive and insulated at a period corresponding to the rotation speed of the winding stem 50.
[0050] As described above, the switch mechanism 25 of this embodiment includes the lever-side gear 60 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the setting stem 50, the circuit block 35 having the first contact 37 and the second contact 38, the switch lever 70 that is releasably engaged with the tooth 61 of the lever-side gear 60 and is formed to be able to swing with the rotation of the lever-side gear 60, swinging in the B1 direction from the swing center position to contact the first contact 37 and swinging in the B2 direction from the swing center position to contact the second contact 38, and the return spring 80 that urges the switch lever 70 toward the swing center position. According to this configuration, when forming the switch mechanism 25 so that the switch lever 70 swings with the rotation of the lever-side gear 60, it is sufficient to engage the switch lever 70 with the tooth 61 of the lever-side gear 60, and therefore it is possible to arrange the switch lever 70 at any position around the first rotation axis C1 around the lever-side gear 60 without changing the shape of the switch lever 70.
[0051] For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the main plate 20A is non-circular and has a smaller outer shape than the main plate 20 of the first embodiment, the switch lever 70 and the return spring 80 can be positioned closer to the center of the movement 3 so as to avoid the outer lines of the main plate 20A in a planar view.
[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the button 90 is provided adjacent to the winding stem 50, the switch lever 70 and the return spring 80 can be positioned closer to the center of the movement 3 to avoid the switch spring 91 and other components that form contact points with the button 90.
[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the battery 92 is positioned adjacent to the winding stem 50 in a plan view, the switch lever 70 and the return spring 80 can be positioned on the opposite side of the battery 92 across the winding stem 50 so as to avoid the battery 92.
[0054] This improves the degree of freedom in the layout of parts near the winding stem 50. Moreover, since the switch lever 70 is disposed offset in the planar direction relative to the lever side gear 60 in order to releasably engage the switch lever 70 with the teeth 61 of the lever side gear 60, it is possible to prevent the provision of the switch mechanism 25 from increasing the thickness of the movement 3. As described above, it is possible to provide a switch mechanism 25 that improves the degree of freedom in the layout of parts near the winding stem 50 while preventing the movement 3 from becoming thicker.
[0055] Furthermore, because the switch mechanism 25 is compatible with multiple patterns of component layouts near the winding stem 50, the switch mechanism 25 can be mounted on many different models of movements 3. This allows the components of the switch mechanism 25 to be standardized across multiple models of movements 3, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the movements 3.
[0056] The switch mechanism 25 further includes a winding stem side gear 55 that is disposed coaxially with the winding stem 50 and is formed so as to be rotatable integrally with the winding stem 50 while meshing with the winding stem side gear 60. According to this configuration, the lever side gear 60 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the winding stem 50. Therefore, a switch mechanism 25 that exhibits the above-described effects can be obtained.
[0057] The switch mechanism 25 includes an engagement portion 85 where the teeth 61 of the lever-side gear 60 and the switch lever 70 are engaged with each other. The distance between the first rotation axis C1 of the lever-side gear 60 and the engagement portion 85 is greater than the distance between the axis C2 of the switch lever 70 and the engagement portion 85. This configuration allows for a larger swing angle of the switch lever 70 when the lever-side gear 60 rotates by one tooth, compared to when the distance between the first rotation axis C1 and the engagement portion 85 is equal to or less than the distance between the axis C2 and the engagement portion 85. This allows for a large displacement of the portion of the switch lever 70 that contacts the contacts 37 and 38 of the circuit block 35 (the tip of the first arm 73) when the switch lever 70 is swung, without increasing the size of the switch lever 70. This allows the switch lever 70 to reliably contact and separate from the contacts 37 and 38. This prevents the switch lever 70 from becoming too large, improving the flexibility of the layout of components near the winding stem 50.
[0058] The switch mechanism 25 further includes a wheel receiver 40 arranged on the opposite side of the main plate 20 with the lever-side gear 60 in between. The circuit block 35 is arranged on the opposite side of the main plate 20 with the switch lever 70 in between so as not to protrude in the vertical direction beyond the wheel receiver 40 toward the opposite side of the main plate 20. According to this configuration, by using a member that is thinner in the vertical direction than the circuit block 35 as the wheel receiver 40, the movement 3 can be made thinner compared to a configuration in which the circuit block 35 is arranged on the opposite side of the main plate 20 with the lever-side gear 60 in between. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the movement 3 from increasing.
[0059] The switch lever 70 and the return spring 80 are formed separately from each other. With this configuration, the switch lever 70 and the return spring 80 can be formed from different materials. This makes it possible to use, for example, stainless steel with a high Young's modulus for the return spring 80, and to use a material for the switch lever 70 that is easier to process than the material for the return spring 80. This makes it easier to impart desired performance to the switch mechanism 25.
[0060] The movement 3 of this embodiment is equipped with the above-mentioned switch mechanism 25, making it suitable for use in a thin timepiece 1. Furthermore, because the switch mechanism 25 can be installed in many different types of movements 3, the cost of the parts for the switch mechanism 25 is reduced, making it possible to provide a movement 3 with reduced manufacturing costs.
[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the switch mechanism 125 does not include the train wheel holder 30 and wheel holder 40 of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0062] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the movement of the second embodiment, and Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the movement of the second embodiment. 10 and 11, the switch mechanism 125 includes a spring receiver 130 and a circuit block 135 instead of the wheel train receiver 30, wheel receiver 40, and circuit block 35 of the first embodiment. The spring receiver 130 and the circuit block 135 are disposed above the main plate 20. The circuit block 135 is disposed on the opposite side of the main plate 20 in the vertical direction, with the spring receiver 130 sandwiched between them. As in the first embodiment, a circuit block holder (not shown) may overlap the circuit block 135 from above.
[0063] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the movement of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 12, the lever-side gear 60 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the circuit block 135 and is rotatably supported by the main plate 20. The upper surface of the lever-side gear 60 directly faces the lower surface of the circuit block 135. The switch lever 70 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the circuit block 135 and is supported by a lever shaft 23 held by the main plate 20. The spring base 81 of the return spring 80 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the spring receiver 130.
[0064] This embodiment provides the same effects as those of Embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the circuit block 135 is disposed on the opposite side of the main plate 20 with the lever-side gear 60 in between, so that a receiving member (wheel receiving member) for the lever-side gear 60 can be omitted, reducing the number of parts and the manufacturing cost.
[0065] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the switch mechanism 225 includes multiple switch levers 70. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13 , the switch mechanism 225 includes two switch levers 70 and the same number of return springs 80 as the switch levers 70. The two switch levers 70 are arranged offset from each other in the planar direction around the lever-side gear 60. The engagement pawls 72 of the two switch levers 70 are arranged at positions offset from each other by (n + 0.5) teeth on the tip circle of the lever-side gear 60, where n is an arbitrary natural number less than the number of teeth of the lever-side gear 60. Each switch lever 70 is engaged with a return spring 80. Two first contacts 37, two second contacts 38, and two third contacts 39 are provided on the underside of the circuit block 35, one for each switch lever 70. In the following description, one of the two switch levers 70 will be referred to as the first switch lever 70A, and the other as the second switch lever 70B.
[0067] The operation of the switch mechanism 225 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In the following description, the description of operations common to the operation of the switch mechanism 225 of the first embodiment may be omitted or simplified.
[0068] 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the switch mechanism of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the lever-side gear 60 is rotated in the A1 direction, the two switch levers 70 swing back and forth between the swing center position and the first swing end position, similar to the switch levers 70 of the first embodiment. The two switch levers 70 swing back and forth once every time the lever-side gear 60 rotates by one tooth in the A1 direction. Here, the engagement pawls 72 of the two switch levers 70 are positioned at positions offset from each other by (n+0.5) teeth, so they alternately climb over the teeth 61 of the lever-side gear 60. Therefore, the two switch levers 70 alternately reach the first swing end position, causing the tip of the first arm 73 to contact the first contact 37 of the circuit block 35. Therefore, by rotating the winding stem 50 in the operating position in the first direction, the first contact 37 and the third contact 39 alternately become conductive and insulated at half the cycle of the first embodiment.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 15 , when the lever side gear 60 is rotated in the A2 direction, the two switch levers 70 swing back and forth between the swing center position and the second swing end position, similar to the switch levers 70 of the first embodiment. The two switch levers 70 swing back and forth once every time the lever side gear 60 rotates one tooth in the A2 direction. The engaging pawls 72 of the two switch levers 70 alternately climb over the teeth 61 of the lever side gear 60, similar to when the lever side gear 60 is rotated in the A1 direction. Therefore, the two switch levers 70 alternately reach the second swing end position, causing the tip of the first arm 73 to contact the second contact 38 of the circuit block 35. Therefore, by rotating the winding stem 50 in the operating position in the second direction, the second contact 38 and the third contact 39 alternately become conductive and insulated in half the cycle of the first embodiment.
[0070] This embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, this embodiment can increase the number of times the switch lever 70 comes into contact with the contacts 37, 38 of the circuit block 35 when the winding stem 50 is rotated. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the rotation of the winding stem 50 can be improved.
[0071] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the lever-side gear 163 is provided on a two-stage gear. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the second embodiment.
[0072] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the movement of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to Fig. 5. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a switch mechanism 325 includes an intermediate gear 165 and a lever side wheel 160 instead of the lever side gear 60 of the first embodiment.
[0073] The intermediate gear 165 is disposed above the main plate 20. The intermediate gear 165 is rotatably provided relative to the main plate 20. The intermediate gear 165 has a second rotation axis C3 that extends in the vertical direction. The second rotation axis C3 is perpendicular to the axis L of the winding stem 50. The intermediate gear 165 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the circuit block 135, and is rotatably supported by the main plate 20. The intermediate gear 165 meshes with the winding stem-side gear 55.
[0074] The lever side wheel 160 is disposed between the main plate 20 and the circuit block 135, and is rotatably supported by the main plate 20. The lever side wheel 160 is a two-stage gear. The lever side wheel 160 includes a pinion 162 that meshes with the intermediate gear 165, and a lever side gear 163 that has a greater number of teeth than the pinion 162. The lever side gear 163 is disposed on the main plate 20 side of the pinion 162. The lever side gear 163 overlaps with the base 71 of the switch lever 70 in the planar direction. The teeth 161 of the lever side gear 163 are engaged with the engagement pawl 72 of the switch lever 70.
[0075] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the second embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the lever-side gear directly meshes with the winding stem-side gear 55, the number of times that the engagement pawl 72 of the switch lever 70 rides over the teeth 161 of the lever-side gear 163 when the winding stem 50 is rotated increases. This makes it possible to increase the number of times that the switch lever 70 comes into contact with the contacts 37, 38 of the circuit block 135 when the winding stem 50 is rotated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the rotation of the winding stem 50.
[0076] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a return spring is provided in the switch lever 170 itself. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a part of the switch mechanism of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , the switch mechanism 425 includes a switch lever 170 instead of the switch lever 70 and return spring 80 of the first embodiment. The second arm 174 of the switch lever 170 extends from the base 71 in a direction away from the lever-side gear 60 in a plan view. The second arm 174 extends linearly along the radial direction of the lever shaft 23 in a plan view. The second arm 174 is formed in a rod shape with a width sufficiently small compared to its overall length, and is capable of bending and deforming in the planar direction. The tip of the second arm 174 contacts the third contact 39 of the circuit block 35, and its displacement in the circumferential direction around the lever shaft 23 relative to the base plate 20 is restricted. As a result, the second arm 174 acts as a return spring to bias the base 71 and first arm 73 of the switch lever 170 toward the swing center position.
[0078] This embodiment provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, this embodiment can reduce the number of parts and manufacturing costs compared to a configuration in which the switch lever and the return spring are formed separately.
[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an analog electronic timepiece, but is not limited to this configuration, and the present invention may also be applied to, for example, a digital electronic timepiece.
[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the winding stem side gear is a spur gear, but the winding stem side gear may be, for example, a so-called crown gear. In the above embodiment, the switch mechanism is configured to be activated by rotating the winding stem from the normal position to the operating position where it is pulled out, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the switch mechanism may be activated by rotating the winding stem from its fully depressed state.
[0081] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]
[0082] 1...Clock 3...Movement (clock movement) 20, 20A...Main plate 25, 125, 225, 325, 425...Switch mechanism 35, 135...Circuit block 37...First contact 38...Second contact 40...Pulse support 50...Winding stem 55...Winding stem side gear (second gear) 60, 163...Lever side gear (first gear) 61, 161...Teeth 70, 170...Switch lever (lever) 80...Return spring 85...Engagement part C1...First rotation axis (rotation axis) C2...Axis (oscillation axis)
Claims
1. The stem is supported by the base plate, a first gear that is rotatably provided with respect to the main plate, has a rotation axis that extends in the front-to-back direction of the timepiece, and rotates in conjunction with rotation of the winding stem; a circuit block having a first contact and a second contact; a lever that is releasably engaged with a tooth of the first gear and is formed to be swingable in association with the rotation of the first gear, swinging from a predetermined center position to a first side to contact the first contact point, and swinging from the center position to a second side to contact the second contact point; a return spring that biases the lever toward the center position; A switch mechanism comprising:
2. 2. The switch mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a second gear that is arranged coaxially with the winding stem and that is formed so as to be rotatable integrally with the winding stem while meshing with the first gear.
3. The tooth and the lever have an engagement portion where they engage with each other, The lever is formed to be swingable around a swing axis extending in the front-to-back direction of the timepiece, The distance between the rotation axis and the engaging portion is greater than the distance between the swing axis and the engaging portion. The switch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.
4. a wheel support disposed on the opposite side of the main plate with the first gear therebetween, The circuit block is disposed on the opposite side of the main plate across the lever so as not to protrude beyond the wheel support toward the opposite side of the main plate in the front-to-back direction of the timepiece. The switch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.
5. The lever and the return spring are formed separately from each other. The switch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.
6. The lever and the return spring are integrally formed with each other. The switch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.
7. A timepiece movement comprising the switch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.
8. A timepiece equipped with the timepiece movement according to claim 7.
Citation Information
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