Timepiece

The timepiece addresses inaccuracies in visually impaired timepieces by using tactile indicators and regulatory protrusions to stabilize display plates, ensuring accurate time reading.

JP2025151379APending Publication Date: 2025-10-09SEIKO CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024052774
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-28
Publication Date
2025-10-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing timepieces for visually impaired individuals, when touched to check time, apply excessive torque to rotating shafts, leading to inaccuracies in time display.

Method used

A timepiece with a dial featuring tactile indicators and rotating display plates that reduce circumferential force by using tactilely identifiable projections and recesses, along with regulatory protrusions to stabilize the display plates.

Benefits of technology

Prevents time display inaccuracies by minimizing torque applied to the display plates when touched, allowing accurate time reading.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a timepiece capable of suppressing a displayed time from being out of order when a user confirms a time display by touching it with a finger.SOLUTION: A timepiece 1 includes: a dial 2 having a display area 2a which can be exposed to the outside and having a plurality of indexes 21 which can be confirmed by sense of touch formed in the display area 2a; and one or a plurality of display plates 3 and 4 rotating around a rotating shaft 5 orthogonal to the display area 2a. On the surfaces 3a and 4a of the display plates 3 and 4, displays 31 and 41 showing a time are formed by unevenness which can be confirmed by touching with fingers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] A watch for visually impaired people (e.g., people with low vision or total blindness) includes, for example, a clock mechanism with a time display (hour and minute hands) and an opening / closing cover that can open and close the time display (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this watch, the user can open the opening / closing cover to expose the hour and minute hands, and then touch the hour and minute hands with their fingers to check the displayed time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-264967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a watch, when a user touches the hour or minute hand with their finger to check the time, the hour or minute hand may be subjected to a large force in the rotation direction, which may apply excessive torque to the rotating shaft and reduce the accuracy of the displayed time.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a timepiece that can prevent the displayed time from becoming inaccurate when a user checks the time display by touching it with their finger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A watch comprising a dial having a display area that can be exposed to the outside, with multiple tactile indicators formed in the display area, and one or more display plates that rotate around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the display area, with the time displayed on the surface of the display plate using tactilely identifiable projections and recesses.

[0007] In this timepiece, the display is formed on the surface of the display plate, so when a user touches the display with their fingers, the force applied to the display plate in the circumferential direction can be reduced, thereby preventing the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming out of sync) due to excessive torque being applied to the display plate.

[0008] [2] The clock described in [1] has a plurality of display panels, each of which includes an hour display panel having an hour display indicating the hour of the time, and a minute display panel having a minute display indicating the minute of the time.

[0009] The clock allows the user to check the hour and minute of the time, thereby enabling the user to check the exact time.

[0010] [3] The timepiece according to [2], wherein the hour display and the minute display are formed within a range that can be simultaneously touched and confirmed with one finger.

[0011] With this timepiece, the hour and minute displays can be confirmed by touch at the same time, making it easy to check the time. In this watch, the hour and minute displays can be easily checked with the fingers, so the display is less likely to be subjected to circumferential force, which prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming inaccurate) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0012] [4] A timepiece described in any one of [1] to [3], in which a protrusion is formed on at least one of the dial and the display plate to regulate the tilting of the adjacent display plate.

[0013] In this watch, the tilting of the display plate can be restricted and its position can be stabilized, which prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0014] [5] A timepiece described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein at least one of the dial and the display plate has a regulating portion adjacent to the adjacent display plate that regulates the tilting of the display plate.

[0015] In this watch, the tilting of the display plate can be restricted and its position can be stabilized, which prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0016] [6] A timepiece according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein at least a portion of the pair of side surfaces of the display is inclined so as to approach each other as the protruding height increases.

[0017] In this watch, when a user touches the display with their finger, it is difficult for the user's finger to get caught. This reduces the circumferential force applied to the display. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user touches the display with their finger to check it.

[0018] [7] A watch according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the display is formed by a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions.

[0019] In this watch, when a user touches the display with their finger, it is difficult for the user's finger to get caught. This reduces the circumferential force applied to the display. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user touches the display with their finger to check it.

[0020] [8] A timepiece according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein a bearing cylinder portion through which the rotating shaft is inserted is formed protruding from the display plate.

[0021] In this timepiece, the friction between the rotating shaft and the display plate can be increased. This increases the strength of the attachment of the display plate to the rotating shaft. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0022] [9] A timepiece described in any one of [1] to [8], wherein the rotating shaft has a non-circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the display panel has a fitting hole into which the rotating shaft is fitted by press-fitting.

[0023] In this timepiece, the strength of the attachment of the display plate to the rotating shaft can be increased, which prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0024]

[10] The timepiece according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the display plate is formed in a circular plate shape concentric with the rotation axis.

[0025] In the timepiece, when the user touches the display with his / her fingers to check it, the force applied in the circumferential direction to the display plate can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the displayed time from becoming inaccurate when the user checks the time display by touching it with his or her finger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial and display panel of a timepiece according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a timepiece according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial and display panel of a timepiece according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a first example of a first restriction protrusion. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second example of a first restriction protrusion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial and display panel of a timepiece according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are plan and side views of a display board having a first example of a display; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of a display board having a second example of a display. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a display board having a third example of a display. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a display board having a fourth example of a display. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial and display panel of a timepiece according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the dial and display panel of a timepiece according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a method for assembling the dial and display plates of a timepiece according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] [Watch] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a dial 2 and display plates 3 and 4 of the timepiece 1.

[0030] The vertical orientation of the watch 1 will be provisionally defined in accordance with Figure 2. In Figure 2, the rotating shaft 5 protrudes upward from the dial 2. The minute display board 4 is positioned above the hour display board 3. The upper side of the watch 1 is the side from which the user views the watch 1, and is also referred to as the front side. The lower side of the watch 1 is also referred to as the back side. The central axis C of the rotating shaft 5 is parallel to the vertical direction. The orientation of the watch 1 defined here does not limit the orientation of the watch 1 when in use. The "circumferential direction" is the direction around the central axis C. The "radial direction" is the direction perpendicular to the central axis C and passing through the central axis C. A "plan view" is a view from the vertical direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the timepiece 1 comprises a dial 2, an hour display 3 (display), a minute display 4 (display), a rotating shaft 5 (see Figure 2), a case 6, and a movement 7 (see Figure 2).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the case 6 comprises a case body 61, a crystal 62 (lid), and two band attachment portions 63 (see FIG. 1). The case body 61 is, for example, cylindrical with a bottom. The crystal 62 is hingedly connected to the case body 61 via a hinge portion 64. The crystal 62 closes an upper end opening 61a of the case body 61 so that it can be opened and closed freely. The crystal 62 is transparent. The dial 2, hour indicator 3, and minute indicator 4 are visible through the crystal 62.

[0033] The case 6 houses the dial 2, the hour indicator 3, the minute indicator 4, the pivot 5, and the movement 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the band 8 is attached to the band attachment portion 63.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the dial 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disk concentric with the rotary shaft 5. The upper surface (front surface) of the dial 2 is the display area 2a. The display area 2a can be exposed to the outside. For example, the display area 2a is exposed to the outside by opening the crystal 62.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of indices 21 (indexes) are formed in the display area 2a. The indices 21 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In a plan view, the indices 21 are formed in an annular area of ​​the display area 2a that is outside the hour display plate 3. The indices 21 can be touched by a user with their fingers. The indices 21 are visible in a plan view.

[0036] The indicator 21 is formed in the display area 2a by unevenness that can be confirmed by touch. "Unevenness" refers to at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion. The indicator 21 is formed, for example, by a convex portion that protrudes upward from the display area 2a. "Confirmable by touch" means that the indicator can be confirmed by touching it with a user's finger. The shape of the indicator 21 may be, for example, a linear shape along the radial direction, a dot shape, or the like.

[0037] In this embodiment, twelve indices 21 are formed in the display area 2a at equal intervals (30° intervals) in the circumferential direction. The twelve indices 21 are formed, for example, at the 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock positions, respectively. The indices 21 formed at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions have larger radial dimensions than the other indices 21.

[0038] 2, the rotation axis 5 protrudes upward from the center of the display area 2a of the dial 2. The central axis C of the rotation axis 5 is perpendicular to the display area 2a. The rotation shaft 5 includes a first rotation shaft 51 and a second rotation shaft 52. The first rotation shaft 51 protrudes upward from the display area 2a. The first rotation shaft 51 is, for example, cylindrical. The first rotation shaft 51 rotates around a central axis C by the movement 7.

[0039] The second rotation shaft 52 protrudes upward from the display area 2a. The second rotation shaft 52 is, for example, cylindrical and coaxial with the first rotation shaft 51. The outer diameter of the second rotation shaft 52 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first rotation shaft 51. The second rotation shaft 52 rotates around the central axis C by the movement 7. The protruding height of the second rotation shaft 52 is greater than the protruding height of the first rotation shaft 51.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the hour indicator 3 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disk concentric with the rotation axis 5. The hour indicator 3 is arranged parallel to the display area 2a. The hour indicator 3 is provided at a position above and spaced apart from the dial 2. The outer diameter of the hour indicator 3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the dial 2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the hour indicator 3 has a fitting hole 3b into which the first rotating shaft 51 fits. The hour indicator 3 is attached to the first rotating shaft 51 by fitting the first rotating shaft 51 into the fitting hole 3b. The hour indicator 3 rotates in the circumferential direction as the first rotating shaft 51 is driven to rotate.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, hour displays 31 are formed on the surface 3a (top surface, front side surface) of the hour display plate 3. At least a portion of the hour displays 31 is formed in an annular area of ​​the surface 3a outside the minute display plate 4 in a plan view. The hour displays 31 can be touched by the user with their fingers. The hour displays 31 are visible in a plan view. The hour display 31 may be formed integrally with the hour display plate 3. The hour display 31 may be a separate body from the hour display plate 3 and attached to the surface 3a by adhesive or the like.

[0043] The hour display 31 is formed on the surface 3a by unevenness that can be recognized by touch (see FIG. 8). The hour display 31 is formed, for example, by a convex portion that protrudes upward from the surface 3a. The shape of the hour display 31 may be, for example, a linear shape along the radial direction or a dot shape. In this embodiment, the hour display 31 is a convex portion that extends linearly along the radial direction. The radial outer edge of the hour display 31 reaches the outer peripheral edge of the hour display plate 3. The radial inner edge of the hour display 31 is located close to the outer peripheral edge of the minute display plate 4 in a plan view.

[0044] The hour display 31 indicates the time. More specifically, the hour display 31 indicates the hour of the time. The hour display plate 3 rotates once every 12 hours, for example. The hour display 31 moves 30° in the circumferential direction every hour.

[0045] The minute indicator 4 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disk concentric with the rotation axis 5. The minute indicator 4 is arranged parallel to the display area 2a. The minute indicator 4 is provided at a position spaced apart above the hour indicator 3. The outer diameter of the minute indicator 4 is smaller than the outer diameter of the hour indicator 3.

[0046] 2, minute indicator plate 4 has a fitting hole 4b into which second rotating shaft 52 fits. Minute indicator plate 4 is attached to second rotating shaft 52 by fitting second rotating shaft 52 into fitting hole 4b. Minute indicator plate 4 rotates in the circumferential direction as second rotating shaft 52 is driven to rotate.

[0047] 1, a minute display 41 is formed on the surface 4a (upper surface, front surface) of the minute display plate 4. The minute display 41 can be touched by a user with a finger. The minute display 41 is visible in a plan view. The minute display 41 may be formed integrally with the minute display plate 4. The minute display 41 may be a separate body from the minute display plate 4 and attached to the surface 4a by adhesive or the like.

[0048] The minute indicator 41 is formed on the surface 4a with unevenness that can be confirmed by touch. The minute indicator 41 is formed, for example, by a convex portion that protrudes upward from the surface 4a. The shape of the minute indicator 41 may be, for example, a linear shape along the radial direction or a dot shape. In this embodiment, the minute indicator 41 is a convex portion that extends linearly along the radial direction. The radially outer edge of the minute indicator 41 reaches the outer periphery of the minute indicator plate 4. The radially inner edge of the minute indicator 41 is at the center of the minute indicator plate 4 in a plan view.

[0049] The minute display 41 indicates the time. More specifically, the minute display 41 indicates the minutes of the time. The minute display plate 4 rotates once every 60 minutes, for example. The minute display 41 moves 30° in the circumferential direction every 5 minutes.

[0050] [How to use the watch] As shown in FIG. 2, the crystal 62 (lid) is opened to expose the dial 2, hour display 3, and minute display 4 to the outside. This makes the index 21, hour display 31, and minute display 41 tactile. The user can touch the index 21, hour display 31, and minute display 41 with their fingers and confirm their circumferential positions. The user can determine the time (e.g., the current time) by comparing the positions of the hour display 31 and minute display 41 with the position of the index 21.

[0051] Clock 1 allows the displayed time to be read by touch, so it is suitable for visually impaired people (for example, people with low vision or total blindness) as users.

[0052] [Effects of the watch according to the embodiment] The timepiece 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with display plates 3, 4 (hour display plate 3 and minute display plate 4). Display plates 3, 4 have displays 31, 41 (hour display plate 31 and minute display plate 41) that show the time formed on surfaces 3a, 4a, respectively. Because displays 31, 41 are formed on surfaces 3a, 4a of display plates 3, 4, the circumferential force applied to display plates 3, 4 can be reduced when a user touches display 31, 41 with their fingers to check it. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming out of sync) due to excessive torque being applied to display plates 3, 4. In contrast, in watches that display the time using hour and minute hands, when the user touches the hour and minute hands with their fingers to check the time, a large circumferential force is applied to the hour and minute hands, which can reduce the accuracy of the displayed time.

[0053] The timepiece 1 has an hour display plate 3 with an hour display 31 and a minute display plate 4 with a minute display 41. This allows the hour and minute of the time to be confirmed, and therefore the exact time to be confirmed.

[0054] Since the display plates 3, 4 (hour display plate 3 and minute display plate 4) are disk-shaped, the force applied to the display plates 3, 4 in the circumferential direction can be reduced when the user touches and checks the displays 31, 41 with their fingers.

[0055] [Watch] (Second embodiment) 3 is a schematic diagram of a timepiece 101 according to the second embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described further. As shown in Fig. 3, timepiece 101 differs from timepiece 1 (see Fig. 1) according to the first embodiment in that it uses hour indicator 103 instead of hour indicator 3, and minute indicator 104 instead of minute indicator 4. Other than hour indicator 103 and minute indicator 104, timepiece 101 may have the same configuration as timepiece 1 (see Fig. 1).

[0056] An hour display 131 is formed on a surface 103a (upper surface, front surface) of the hour display plate 103. The hour display 131 is formed with projections and depressions that can be confirmed by touch. The outer diameter ratio of the hour indicator 103 (the ratio of the outer diameter of the hour indicator 103 to the outer diameter of the dial 2) is smaller than the outer diameter ratio of the hour indicator 3 in the timepiece 1 (see FIG. 1). The outer diameter ratio of the hour indicator 103 is, for example, 50% or less.

[0057] A minute display 141 is formed on a surface 104a (upper surface, front surface) of the minute display plate 104. The minute display 141 is formed by projections and depressions that can be confirmed by touch. The outer diameter ratio of the minute indicator 104 (the ratio of the outer diameter of the minute indicator 104 to the outer diameter of the dial 2) is smaller than the outer diameter ratio of the minute indicator 4 in the timepiece 1 (see FIG. 1). The outer diameter ratio of the minute indicator 104 is, for example, 30% or less.

[0058] The hour display 131 and the minute display 141 are formed in an area that can be touched and confirmed simultaneously with one of the user's fingers F. More specifically, the hour display 131 and the minute display 141 are included in an area that can be touched simultaneously with the finger F.

[0059] [Effects of the watch according to the embodiment] The timepiece 101 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in timepiece 101, hour display 131 and minute display 141 are formed in an area that can be simultaneously touched and confirmed with one finger F of the user. Therefore, hour display 131 and minute display 141 can be simultaneously touched and confirmed, making it easy to check the time.

[0060] In timepiece 101, hour display 131 and minute display 141 can be easily confirmed with finger F, and therefore circumferential force is less likely to be applied to display plates 103, 104. Therefore, when a user checks the display by touching it with their finger, it is possible to prevent the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time from becoming incorrect).

[0061] [Watch] (Third embodiment) Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial 202 and display plates 203, 4 of a timepiece 201 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a first example of the first restriction protrusion 222. Fig. 6 is a plan view of a second example of the first restriction protrusion 222. Components common to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 4, timepiece 201 differs from timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 2) in that a first restriction protrusion 222 (protrusion) is formed in display area 2a of dial 202, and in that a second restriction protrusion 232 (protrusion) is formed on surface 3a of hour display plate 203. Other than the first restriction protrusion 222 and second restriction protrusion 232, timepiece 201 may have the same configuration as timepiece 1 (see Fig. 2).

[0063] The first restriction protrusion 222 protrudes upward from the display area 2a of the dial 202. The cross section of the first restriction protrusion 222 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, rectangular. In a plan view, the first restriction protrusion 222 may be annular in shape and concentric with the dial 202 (see FIG. 5). The first restriction protrusion 222 may also be formed by a plurality of protrusions 223 arranged in an annular shape (see FIG. 6).

[0064] The first restriction protrusion 222 is formed at a position that overlaps with the hour indicator 203 in a plan view. The protrusion height of the first restriction protrusion 222 from the display area 2a is set to a level that does not reach the hour indicator 203. When the hour indicator 203 tilts, the hour indicator 203 hits the first restriction protrusion 222. Therefore, the first restriction protrusion 222 can restrict the tilting of the hour indicator 203.

[0065] The second restricting protrusion 232 protrudes upward from the surface 3a of the hour indicator plate 203. The cross section of the second restricting protrusion 232 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, rectangular. In plan view, the second restricting protrusion 232 may be formed in the shape of a ring concentric with the hour indicator plate 203, or may be formed by multiple protrusions arranged in a ring shape.

[0066] The second restricting protrusion 232 is formed at a position that overlaps with the minute display plate 4 in a plan view. The protrusion height of the second restricting protrusion 232 from the surface 3a is set to a level that does not reach the minute display plate 4. When the minute display plate 4 tilts, the minute display plate 4 comes into contact with the second restricting protrusion 232. Therefore, the second restricting protrusion 232 can restrict the tilting of the minute display plate 4.

[0067] [Effects of the watch according to the embodiment] The timepiece 201 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in timepiece 201, first restricting protrusion 222 can restrict tilting of hour display plate 203. Second restricting protrusion 232 can restrict tilting of minute display plate 4. This makes it possible to stabilize the positions of hour display plate 203 and minute display plate 4. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time from becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0068] In the timepiece 201 shown in Fig. 4, a restricting protrusion is formed on each of the dial 202 and the hour indicator 203, but it is sufficient that the restricting protrusion is formed on at least one of the dial and the indicator. The restricting protrusion is formed, for example, on the upper side (front side) of the dial 202 or the hour indicator 203 so as to restrict the tilting of the adjacent indicator.

[0069] [Watch] (Fourth embodiment) 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a dial 302 and display plates 303 and 4 of a timepiece 301 according to a fourth embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, timepiece 301 differs from timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 2) in that a first restriction portion 322 (restriction portion) is formed on dial 302, and a second restriction portion 332 (restriction portion) is formed on hour display panel 303. Apart from first restriction portion 322 and second restriction portion 332, timepiece 301 may have the same configuration as timepiece 1 (see Figure 2).

[0071] The first restriction portion 322 is formed at a position that overlaps with the hour indicator 303 in a plan view. The height of the first restriction portion 322 is set so that it does not reach the hour indicator 303. When the hour indicator 303 tilts, the hour indicator 303 comes into contact with the first restriction portion 322. Therefore, the first restriction portion 322 can restrict the tilting of the hour indicator 303.

[0072] The second restriction portion 332 is formed at a position overlapping the minute indicator plate 4 in a plan view. The height of the second restriction portion 332 is set so as not to reach the minute indicator plate 4. The second restriction portion 332 is located close to the outer periphery of the minute indicator plate 4. When the minute indicator plate 4 tilts, the minute indicator plate 4 comes into contact with the second restriction portion 332. Therefore, the second restriction portion 332 can restrict the tilting of the minute indicator plate 4.

[0073] [Effects of the watch according to the embodiment] The timepiece 301 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in timepiece 301, first restriction member 322 can restrict tilting of hour display plate 303. Second restriction member 332 can restrict tilting of minute display plate 4. This allows the positions of hour display plate 303 and minute display plate 4 to be maintained stably. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time from becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0074] In the timepiece 301 shown in Figure 7, a restriction portion is formed on each of the dial 302 and the hour indicator 303, but it is sufficient that a restriction portion is formed on at least one of the dial and the indicator. The restriction portion is formed, for example, on the upper side (front side) of the dial 302 or the hour indicator 303 so as to restrict the tilting of the indicator adjacent to it.

[0075] [Display] (First example) 8(A) is a plan view of the hour display board 3, 4 having first examples of the displays 31, 41. FIG. 8(B) is a side view of the hour display board 3. 8(A) and 8(B), the hour display 31 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the length direction, and the minute display 41 is also formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the length direction.

[0076] The hour display 31 and minute display 41 are rectangular, so the angle between the top and side is small, which has the advantage that they are easy to check by touching with your fingers.

[0077] [Display] (Second example) 9 is a side view of an hour display plate 403 having an hour display 431 which is a second example of the hour display 31. Components common to other examples are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0078] 9, hour display 431 is formed in a trapezoidal shape (more specifically, an isosceles trapezoidal shape) that gradually narrows in width in the protruding direction when viewed in the length direction. A pair of side surfaces 431a of hour display 431 are inclined so that they approach each other as the protruding height increases. Side surfaces 431a can be said to be formed in a chamfered shape.

[0079] Because side surface 431a of hour display 431 is inclined, when a user touches hour display 431 with their finger, it is difficult for the user's finger to get caught on it. This reduces the circumferential force applied to hour display plate 403. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user touches the display with their finger to check it.

[0080] [Display] (Third example) 10 is a side view of an hour display plate 503 having an hour display 531 which is a third example of the hour display 31. Components common to the other examples are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0081] 10, hour display 531 has a semicircular shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction. Parts of a pair of side surfaces 531a of hour display 531 are inclined so that they approach each other as the protruding height increases. Side surfaces 531a can be said to be chamfered.

[0082] Because side surface 531a of hour display 531 is inclined, when a user touches hour display 531 with their finger, it is difficult for the user's finger to get caught on it. This reduces the circumferential force applied to hour display plate 503. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user touches the display with their finger to check it.

[0083] [Display] (Example 4) 11 is a plan view of display boards 603 and 604 having displays 631 and 641 which are fourth examples of the displays 31 and 41. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the other examples, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, the hour display 631 has a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions 632 arranged in the radial direction. The minute display 641 has a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions 642 arranged in the radial direction.

[0085] Since the displays 631, 641 are formed by a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions 632, 642, when a user touches the displays 631, 641 with their fingers, the fingers are less likely to get caught. This reduces the circumferential force applied to the display plates 603, 604. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming out of sync) when the user touches the display with their fingers to check it.

[0086] [Watch] (Fifth embodiment) 12 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the dial 2 and display plates 703, 704 of a timepiece 701 according to a fifth embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0087] 12, in timepiece 701, a bearing cylinder portion 732 into which first rotating shaft 51 is inserted is formed on hour display plate 703. Bearing cylinder portion 732 protrudes downward from the underside of hour display plate 703. The inner diameter of bearing cylinder portion 732 is equal to the inner diameter of fitting hole 3b. A bearing cylinder 742 into which the second rotary shaft 52 is inserted is formed on the minute display plate 704. The bearing cylinder 742 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the minute display plate 704. The inner diameter of the bearing cylinder 742 is equal to the inner diameter of the fitting hole 4b.

[0088] In timepiece 701, bearing tube portion 732 is formed on hour plate 703, which increases the frictional force between first rotating shaft 51 and hour plate 703. Bearing tube portion 742 is formed on minute plate 704, which increases the frictional force between second rotating shaft 52 and minute plate 704. This increases the attachment strength of hour plate 703 and minute plate 704 to rotating shaft 5. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0089] [Watch] (Sixth embodiment) 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the dial 2 and display plates 803, 804 of a timepiece 801 according to a sixth embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 13, in a timepiece 801 , a rotating shaft 805 includes a first rotating shaft 851 and a second rotating shaft 852 . The first rotating shaft 851 has, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape. The second rotating shaft 852 has, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape coaxial with the first rotating shaft 851. The first rotating shaft 851 and the second rotating shaft 852 have non-circular cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first rotating shaft 851 and the second rotating shaft 852 are rectangular.

[0091] The first rotating shaft 851 fits into a fitting hole 803b of the hour indicator plate 803. In a plan view, the fitting hole 803b has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the first rotating shaft 851. The second rotating shaft 852 fits into a fitting hole 804b of the minute indicator plate 804. In a plan view, the fitting hole 804b has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the second rotating shaft 852.

[0092] [How to assemble the watch] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a method for assembling the display panels 803 and 804 of the watch 801. As shown in Fig. 14, first rotating shaft 851 is inserted into and fitted into circular fitting hole 803c of hour display plate 803 by press fitting. The inner diameter of fitting hole 803c is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of first rotating shaft 851. When first rotating shaft 851 is fitted into fitting hole 803c, it becomes rectangular fitting hole 803b (see Fig. 13) that conforms to first rotating shaft 851. The second rotating shaft 852 is inserted into and fitted into a circular fitting hole 804c of the minute display plate 804 by press fitting. The inner diameter of the fitting hole 804c is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the second rotating shaft 852. When the second rotating shaft 852 is fitted into the fitting hole 804c, it becomes a rectangular fitting hole 804b (see FIG. 13) that conforms to the second rotating shaft 852.

[0093] In timepiece 801, display plate 803 has rotating shaft 851 with a non-circular cross section that fits into fitting hole 803b by press-fitting, which increases the attachment strength of hour display plate 803 to first rotating shaft 851. In display plate 804, rotating shaft 852 with a non-circular cross section that fits into fitting hole 804b by press-fitting, which increases the attachment strength of minute display plate 804 to second rotating shaft 852. This prevents the displayed time from becoming inaccurate (i.e., the displayed time becoming incorrect) when the user checks the display by touching it with their fingers.

[0094] 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 timepiece has an hour display and a minute display, but the number of display plates is not particularly limited. For example, the number of display plates may be one or more (any number greater than or equal to two).

[0095] In the embodiment (see FIG. 1), the indicators 21, hour display 31, and minute display 41 are formed by convex portions, but the indicators, hour display, and minute display may be formed by at least one of convex portions and concave portions. For example, the indicators, hour display, and minute display may be formed by concave portions, or may be formed by a combination of convex portions and concave portions. In the above embodiment, the hour indicator, minute indicator, and display area are provided separately above and below, but the hour indicator may be adjacent to the display area, and the minute indicator may be adjacent to the hour indicator. In the embodiment described above (see FIG. 13), the rotary shafts 851 and 852 have a rectangular cross section, but the cross section of the rotary shafts 851 and 852 may be non-circular. The cross section of the rotary shafts 851 and 852 may also be elliptical or polygonal (such as triangular).

[0096] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1,101,201,301,701,801…Hour meter, 2a…Display area, 2,202,302…Number plate, 3,103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803…Hour display plate (display plate), 3a,103a…Surface, 3b,4b,803b,804b…Fitting hole, 21…Index, 4,104,204,604,704,804…Minute display plate (display plate), 4 a…Surface, 5,805…Rotation axis, 31,131,431,531,631…Hour indication (indication), 41,141,641…Minute indication (indication), 222…First regulatory protrusion (protrusion), 232…Second regulatory protrusion (protrusion), 322…First regulatory portion (regulatory portion), 332…Second regulatory portion (regulatory portion), 431a,531a…Side, 632,642…Protrusion, 732,742…Shaft-bearing cylindrical portion

Claims

1. a dial having a display area that can be exposed to the outside, and a plurality of tactile indicators formed in the display area; one or more display plates that rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the display area; A display showing the time is formed on the surface of the display plate by means of tactilely recognizable unevenness. clock.

2. The display board is provided in plurality, The plurality of display boards include: an hour display plate having an hour display indicating the hour of the time as the display; a minute display plate having a minute display indicating the minutes of the time as the display; Including, 2. The watch according to claim 1.

3. The hour display and the minute display are formed in a range that can be simultaneously confirmed by touching with one finger.

3. The watch according to claim 2.

4. At least one of the dial and the display plate is formed with a protrusion that restricts tilting of the adjacent display plate.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

5. At least one of the dial and the display plate has a restricting portion adjacent to the adjacent display plate for restricting tilting of the display plate.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

6. At least a part of the pair of side surfaces of the indicia is inclined so as to approach each other as the protruding height increases.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

7. The display is formed by a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

8. A bearing tube portion through which the rotation shaft is inserted is formed protruding from the display plate.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

9. the rotating shaft has a non-circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, The display plate has a fitting hole into which the rotation shaft is press-fitted.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

10. The display plate is formed in a circular plate shape concentric with the rotation axis.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Touch sense watch with openable cover

    JP1997264967A