Timepiece

Abstract

To improve the durability of components in a timepiece comprising an operating unit that rotates an adduction ring in only one direction while generating clicking feeling.SOLUTION: A timepiece comprises a rotation operating unit 7 having a second gear 45 that rotates synchronously with an adduction ring, and a rotation restricting member 8 that restricts the movement of the rotation operating unit 7. The rotation restricting member 8 comprises: an engagement unit 53 that engages with engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45 so as to move to a first side in a movement direction when the second gear 45 rotates counterclockwise and to move to a second side in a movement direction when the second gear 45 rotates clockwise; a restriction wall unit 55 that allows the movement on the second side while restricting the movement on the first side of the rotation restricting member 8 when it is in a restriction position; and a biasing unit 60 that biases the engagement unit 53 toward the first side when the rotation restricting member 8 is in a biasing position moved from the restriction position to the second side. The engagement unit 53 can disengage from the engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45, which rotates clockwise, when the rotation restricting member 8 is in the biasing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A timepiece is currently in use that has an inner ring that can rotate along the outer edge of the dial (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a timepiece that includes a rotatable operating member that is attached to the side of the watch case and penetrates from the outside to the inside, a gear that is attached to the inner end of the operating member located inside the watch case and rotates integrally with the operating member, a rotating ring that is rotatably attached along the inner peripheral surface of the watch case and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the gear that accompanies the rotation of the operating member, and a leaf spring-like elastic piece that is fixed to the back cover and elastically contacts the teeth of the gear. In this timepiece, when the operating member is rotated, a rotational drive force is transmitted to the rotating ring, causing the rotating ring to rotate.

[0003] Furthermore, in the timepiece described in Patent Document 1, the gear and elastic piece are configured so that when the operating member rotates in one direction, the elastic piece is elastically deformed by the teeth of the gear, allowing the operating member to rotate, and when the operating member rotates in the other direction, the elastic piece engages the teeth of the gear, preventing the operating member from rotating. As a result, when the operating member is rotated, the teeth of the gear successively ride over the elastic piece, giving the operating member a clicking sensation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-052919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the watch described in Patent Document 1, the elastic piece regulates the reverse rotation of the operating member and also gives the operating member a clicking sensation, so a large load is placed on the elastic piece and there is room for improvement in the durability of the part.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to improve the durability of components in a timepiece equipped with an operating unit that rotates an inner ring in only one direction while producing a clicking sensation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A timepiece according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a case, a dial housed in the case, an inner ring formed in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the dial and rotatable in a circumferential direction, a rotary operation unit having a head portion disposed on the outside of the case and an engaging gear arranged to be rotatable in synchronous with the inner ring, and a rotation restriction member arranged to be movable along a movement direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary operation unit and restricting the movement of the rotary operation unit, wherein the rotation restriction member rotates in a first direction of the movement direction by rotation of the engaging gear in a first rotation direction. an engaging portion that engages with a tooth of the engaging gear so as to move to the first side in the movement direction and move to the second side in the movement direction due to rotation of the engaging gear in the second rotation direction; a restricting portion that restricts movement of the rotation restricting member on the first side while allowing movement on the second side when the rotation restricting member is in a restricting position; and a biasing portion that biases the engaging portion to the first side when the rotation restricting member is in a biasing position where it has moved from the restricting position to the second side, and the engaging portion is disengageable from the tooth of the engaging gear that rotates in the second rotation direction when the rotation restricting member is in the biasing position.

[0008] According to the first aspect, when torque in a first rotation direction is input to the rotation operating unit, the rotation restricting member moves to the first side to the restricting position. When the rotation restricting member is in the restricting position, the restricting member restricts movement of the rotation restricting member to the first side, thereby restricting rotation of the rotation operating unit in the first rotation direction. Therefore, rotation of the inner ring in the first direction corresponding to rotation of the rotation operating unit in the first rotation direction is prevented. When the rotation restricting member is in the restricting position, movement of the rotation restricting member toward the second side is permitted, thereby permitting rotation of the engagement gear in the second rotation direction. Therefore, when torque in the second rotation direction is input to the rotation operating unit, the rotation restricting member moves toward the second side from the restricting position to the biasing position. When the rotation restricting member is in the biasing position, the engagement portion is biased toward the first side by the biasing force of the biasing portion. When the rotation operating unit is rotated in the second rotation direction in this state, the rotation restricting member attempts to move toward the second side due to engagement between the teeth of the engagement gear and the engagement portion, while also attempting to return to the first side due to the biasing force of the biasing portion. Because the engagement portion can disengage from the teeth of the engagement gear rotating in the second rotation direction when the rotation restricting member is in the biasing position, continuing to rotate the rotation operating unit in the second rotation direction causes the rotation restricting member to repeatedly move toward the second side and the first side, repeatedly engaging and disengaging the engagement portion with the teeth of the engagement gear. As a result, the engaging portion repeatedly collides with the engaging gear, and an impact in the first rotation direction is applied to the engaging gear, so that a clicking sensation is imparted to the rotation operation part. The rotation operating unit can rotate without restriction in the second rotation direction by repeatedly engaging and disengaging the engagement gear and the engagement portion when rotated in the second rotation direction. Therefore, when torque in the second rotation direction is input to the rotation operating unit, the inner ring rotates in a second direction corresponding to the rotation of the rotation operating unit in the second rotation direction. As a result, a timepiece equipped with a rotation operating unit that can rotate the inner ring only in the second direction while producing a clicking sensation is obtained. Furthermore, since the restricting portion and the biasing portion are provided in different locations on the rotation restricting member, it is possible to avoid the load from being concentrated on a single specific location on the rotation restricting member. This improves the durability of the components.

[0009] A timepiece according to a second aspect of the present invention is the timepiece according to the first aspect above, wherein the engagement gear engages with the first end of the engagement portion when the rotation restricting member is in the biased position.

[0010] A timepiece according to a third aspect of the present invention is a timepiece according to the first or second aspect above, wherein the biasing portion contacts the engagement gear and biases the engagement gear toward the second side when the rotation restricting member is in the biasing position.

[0011] A timepiece according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a timepiece according to any one of the first to third aspects above, wherein the regulating part engages with the rotation operating part to regulate the movement of the first side of the rotation regulating member in the regulating position.

[0012] A timepiece according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the timepiece according to the fourth aspect, wherein the restriction portion may engage with the engagement gear.

[0013] A timepiece according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the timepiece according to the fifth aspect, wherein the engagement portion, the restriction portion, and the biasing portion may be in the same position relative to one another in the axial direction.

[0014] A timepiece according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a timepiece according to any one of the first to sixth aspects above, wherein the urging portion is provided with a locking protrusion that locks onto the engagement gear from the downstream side in the second rotation direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the durability of parts in a timepiece equipped with an operating unit that rotates an inner ring in only one direction while producing a clicking sensation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a timepiece 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a rotary operation unit 7 in the cross section shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a timepiece 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotation operation unit 7 and a rotation restriction member 8 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a view of a rotation operating unit 7 and a rotation restricting member 9 according to a modified example of the embodiment, as viewed from the inside in the axial direction. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a timepiece 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the timepiece 1 of the first embodiment comprises a watch case 2, a dial 3, hands 4, a movement 5, an inner ring 6, a rotation operating unit 7, and a rotation restricting member 8.

[0019] The watch case 2 (case) comprises a case body 10, a crystal 11, a bezel 12, and a back cover 13. The case body 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The crystal 11 closes one opening of the case body 10. The bezel 12 is provided at one open end of the case body 10. The bezel 12 holds the crystal 11. The back cover 13 closes the other opening of the case body 10. The watch case 2 houses a dial 3, hands 4, and a movement 5. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the direction of the axis of rotation of the hands 4 will be referred to as the up-down direction. Within the up-down direction, the direction from the back cover 13 toward the crystal 11 will be referred to as the top, and the opposite side will be referred to as the bottom.

[0020] The dial 3 is formed in a circular disk shape and can be seen through the crystal 11. The hands 4 are arranged between the dial 3 and the crystal 11. The hands 4 are attached to a rotating shaft 14 of the movement 5. The movement 5 is arranged between the dial 3 and the case back 13. The movement 5 includes a drive source for driving the rotating shaft 14.

[0021] The adductor ring 6 is formed in a circular ring shape along the outer periphery of the dial 3. The adductor ring 6 is formed in a circular ring shape centered on an axis extending in the vertical direction. The adductor ring 6 is rotatable in a first circumferential direction. The "first circumferential direction" is the direction of rotation around the central axis of the adductor ring 6. The central axis of the adductor ring 6 coincides with the center of the rotation shaft 14.

[0022] The inner ring 6 has an information display surface 6a. The information display surface 6a is a region of the upper surface of the inner ring 6 that includes the inner peripheral edge. The information display surface 6a is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the inside in the main radial direction. The "main radial direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the first circumferential direction. Information can be displayed on the information display surface 6a using letters, symbols, figures, etc. In this embodiment, the inner ring 6 is a unidirectional rotating bezel that is provided on a so-called diver's watch or the like.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the rotary operation unit 7 in the cross section shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of teeth 6b are formed on the lower surface (surface on the back cover 13 side) of the inner ring 6. The teeth 6b protrude downward from the lower surface of the inner ring 6.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the timepiece 1 according to the embodiment, showing the rotary operating unit 7 in an unfolded state. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the case body 10 is formed with an operation hole portion 10a and a holding recess 20. The operation hole portion 10a penetrates the case body 10 along the main radial direction. A support cylinder 16 is provided within the operation hole portion 10a. The holding recess 20 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the case body 10 and is continuous with the inner end of the operation hole portion 10a in the main radial direction. The holding recess 20 is formed below the inner ring 6. The holding recess 20 has a lower surface 21 facing upward and a pair of side surfaces 22 extending upward from both ends of the lower surface 21 in the first circumferential direction. The lower surface 21 is a flat surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The side surfaces 22 are flat surfaces extending in the up-down direction.

[0025] The rotary operation unit 7 includes a rotary shaft portion 30 , a head portion 31 , and a drive transmission gear 32 . The rotating shaft portion 30 is inserted into the support tube 16. The rotating shaft portion 30 is rotatable around an axis C along the main radial direction. The direction of rotation of the rotating shaft portion 30 around the axis C is referred to as the "second circumferential direction." The axial direction of the rotating shaft portion 30 is simply referred to as the "axial direction."

[0026] The head portion 31 is formed at the outer end of the rotary shaft portion 30. The head portion 31 is formed integrally with the rotary shaft portion 30. The outer diameter of the head portion 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the rotary shaft portion 30. The head portion 31 is located outside the case body 10 and is formed so as to be rotatable by the user. Note that the head portion may be provided separately from the rotary shaft portion as long as it can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft portion.

[0027] The drive transmission gear 32 is disposed inside the case body 10. The drive transmission gear 32 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft portion 30. The drive transmission gear 32 is attached to the rotating shaft portion 30 by an attachment member 33 such as a C-ring so as to be immovable relative to the rotating shaft portion 30. The drive transmission gear 32 includes a first gear 40 and a second gear 45 (engagement gear).

[0028] The first gear 40 has a plurality of drive teeth 41 arranged at equal intervals in the second circumferential direction. The drive teeth 41 mesh with the toothed portions 6b of the adductor ring 6. Due to the meshing of the drive teeth 41 with the toothed portions 6b, the first gear 40 transmits the rotation of the rotation operation unit 7 to the adductor ring 6, causing the adductor ring 6 to rotate in the first circumferential direction.

[0029] The second gear 45 is provided on the first gear 40 so as not to rotate relative to it, and rotates synchronously with the inner ring 6. The second gear 45 is disposed on the outside of the first gear 40. The second gear 45 is disposed on the inside of the retaining recess 20. The second gear 45 is formed with a smaller diameter than the first gear 40. The second gear 45 has a plurality of engagement teeth 46 arranged at equal intervals in the second circumferential direction. For example, the number of engagement teeth 46 is the same as the number of drive teeth 41.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rotation operation unit 7 and the rotation restricting member 8 according to the embodiment, with the first gear 40 and the mounting member 33 removed. As shown in Figure 4, the rotation restricting member 8 is disposed inside the holding recess 20. The rotation restricting member 8 is a flat plate having a thickness in the axial direction. The rotation restricting member 8 includes a base 50, a restricting wall 55, and a biasing portion 60. The base 50, the restricting wall 55, and the biasing portion 60 are all located at the same positions in the axial direction.

[0031] The base 50 is disposed between the second gear 45 and the lower surface 21 of the holding recess 20. The base 50 is slidably disposed on the lower surface 21 of the holding recess 20. The rotation restricting member 8 is movable along the lower surface 21 of the holding recess 20 in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the axial direction is referred to as the "movement direction." The direction corresponding to the clockwise direction when viewed from above is referred to as the first side, and the opposite side is referred to as the second side. The base 50 has a length in the movement direction. The base 50 has a first end 51 and a second end 52 in the movement direction, and an engagement portion 53 protruding upward from the upper edge of the base 50. The first end 51 is the end of the base 50 on the first side in the movement direction. The engagement portion 53 is provided between the first end 51 and the second end 52. The engagement portion 53 disengageably meshes with the engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45. In the illustrated example, two engagement portions 53 are lined up in the movement direction. The second gear 45 and base 50 form a rack-and-pinion mechanism through the meshing of the engagement teeth 46 and engagement portions 53. The base 50 moves to the second side in the movement direction when the second gear 45 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the inside in the axial direction, and moves to the first side in the movement direction when the second gear 45 is rotated counterclockwise. The position of the end of the engagement portion 53 on the first side in the movement direction is set to a position that allows the operation of the timepiece 1, which will be described later, to be realized.

[0032] The restricting wall portion 55 is connected to the second end portion 52 of the base portion 50. The restricting wall portion 55 extends upward from the base portion 50. The restricting wall portion 55 overlaps with the second gear 45 when viewed from the movement direction. The restricting wall portion 55 has a restricting protrusion 56 that protrudes toward the second gear 45 from the edge of the restricting wall portion 55 on the second gear 45 side. The restricting protrusion 56 engages with the outer periphery of the second gear 45 when the restricting wall portion 55 is close to the second gear 45 in the movement direction. For example, the restricting protrusion 56 engages with the second gear 45 by fitting into a tooth groove of the second gear 45 or by coming into contact with an engaging tooth 46.

[0033] The biasing portion 60 is connected to the first end 51 of the base portion 50. The biasing portion 60 extends upward from the base portion 50. The biasing portion 60 includes a base end 61 connected to the base portion 50 and a tip end 62 spaced apart from the base portion 50. The biasing portion 60 extends in a U-shape that is open downward between the base end 61 and the tip end 62 when viewed in the main radial direction. The biasing portion 60 includes a sliding contact portion 63 that forms a portion between the base end 61 and the tip end 62. The sliding contact portion 63 extends upward from the tip end 62. The sliding contact portion 63 directly faces the second gear 45 in the movement direction. The sliding contact portion 63 can slide against the second gear 45 from the opposite side of the regulating wall portion 55. The biasing portion 60 biases the second gear 45 toward the restricting wall portion 55 (the second side in the moving direction) when the sliding contact portion 63 is pressed by the second gear 45 toward the opposite side of the restricting wall portion 55. A locking protrusion 64 that protrudes toward the second gear 45 is formed on the tip end portion 62. The locking protrusion 64 is locked to the engaging teeth 46 of the rotating second gear 45 so as to be able to climb over them.

[0034] Next, the operation of the timepiece 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams explaining the operation of the timepiece 1 according to this embodiment, and are views of the rotary operating unit 7 and rotation restricting member 8 from the inside in the axial direction.

[0035] In the timepiece 1 of this embodiment, when the rotation operating unit 7 is rotated, the torque is transmitted to the adduction ring 6 through the meshing of the drive teeth 41 of the first gear 40 of the drive transmission gear 32 with the teeth 6b of the adduction ring 6. In the following explanation, the direction of rotation of the rotation operating unit 7 and the drive transmission gear 32 is the direction seen from the inside in the axial direction. When left-handed torque is input to the rotation operating unit 7, the adduction ring 6 tries to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. When right-handed torque is input to the rotation operating unit 7, the adduction ring 6 tries to rotate clockwise when viewed from above.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the restricting wall portion 55 is close to the second gear 45. When counterclockwise torque is input to the rotation operation unit 7, the rotation restricting member 8 moves in the first direction of movement until the restricting wall portion 55 is close to the second gear 45. As shown in FIG. 5, when the restricting wall portion 55 is close to the second gear 45, the restricting protrusion 56 fits into a tooth groove of the second gear 45, thereby engaging the restricting wall portion 55 with the second gear 45 and restricting counterclockwise rotation (first rotation direction) of the second gear 45. Therefore, counterclockwise rotation of the rotation operation unit 7 and movement of the rotation restricting member 8 in the first direction of movement are restricted, and counterclockwise rotation of the adductor ring 6 is prevented. The position of the rotation restricting member 8 in this state in which the counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45 is restricted by the restricting wall portion 55 is referred to as the restricting position. When the rotation restricting member 8 is in the restricting position, the clockwise rotation (second rotation direction) of the second gear 45 and the movement of the rotation restricting member 8 in the second movement direction are permitted.

[0037] When clockwise torque is input to the rotation operation unit 7 with the restriction wall portion 55 in close proximity to the second gear 45, the second gear 45 rotates clockwise, and the engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45 mesh with the engagement portion 53 of the rotation restriction member 8, causing the rotation restriction member 8 to move from the restriction position toward the second side in the movement direction. At this time, the restriction wall portion 55 moves away from the second gear 45, and the biasing portion 60 moves closer to the second gear 45. As the restriction wall portion 55 moves away from the second gear 45, the restriction protrusion 56 releases its engagement with the second gear 45.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the biasing portion 60 comes into contact with the second gear 45 as the rotation restricting member 8 moves in the second direction of movement. As shown in FIG. 6, as the second gear 45 rotates clockwise, the rotation restricting member 8 moves in the second direction of movement, and the sliding portion 63 of the biasing portion 60 comes into contact with the second gear 45. In this state, the meshing between the second gear 45 and the engagement portion 53 is maintained. If the rotation operating unit 7 is further rotated clockwise while the sliding portion 63 of the biasing portion 60 is in contact with the second gear 45, the second gear 45 further moves the base 50 of the rotation restricting member 8 in the second direction of movement. By moving the base 50 in the second direction of movement, the second gear 45 presses the sliding portion 63 toward the first direction of movement relative to the base 50 while increasing the elastic deformation of the biasing portion 60. At this time, the locking protrusion 64 of the biasing portion 60 is locked by the engagement tooth 46 from the downstream side in the clockwise direction, making it difficult for the sliding contact portion 63 to displace away from the second gear 45, and the second gear 45 can effectively press the sliding contact portion 63. The second gear 45 is biased in the second direction of movement by the elastic restoring force of the biasing portion 60.

[0039] The rotation restricting member 8 is biased toward the first movement direction by a reaction force from the biasing portion 60 acting on the second gear 45 in the second movement direction. The position of the rotation restricting member 8 in this state where the biasing portion 60 biases the rotation restricting member 8 (particularly the base 50) toward the first movement direction is referred to as the biasing position. Note that the biasing position is a position of the rotation restricting member 8 corresponding to all states in which the biasing portion 60 biases the base 50 toward the first movement direction, and is a region having a size in the movement direction. When the rotation operating unit 7 is rotated clockwise with the rotation restricting member 8 in the biasing position, the rotation restricting member 8 attempts to move toward the second movement direction due to the engagement between the engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45 and the engagement portion 53, but also attempts to return to the first movement direction due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 60.

[0040] Here, the engagement portion 53 located closest to the first side in the movement direction is referred to as the engagement / disengagement portion 53A. As the second gear 45 rotates clockwise and presses the sliding contact portion 63 toward the first side in the movement direction, the engagement / disengagement portion 53A disengageably engages with the engagement / disengagement portion 53A. As the rotation operation unit 7 continues to rotate clockwise, the engagement / disengagement portion 53A rides over the engagement tooth 46 of the second gear 45 and disengages from the engagement tooth 46. The engagement tooth 46 that the engagement / disengagement portion 53A has ridden over at this time is referred to as the first engagement tooth 46A. Note that when the engagement / disengagement portion 53A rides over the first engagement tooth 46A, it is desirable that the locking protrusion 64 of the biasing portion 60 ride over the engagement tooth 46. When the engagement / disengagement portion 53A disengages from the first engagement tooth 46A as the second gear 45 rotates clockwise, the engagement / disengagement portion 53A has room to move along the tooth groove adjacent to the first engagement tooth 46A of the second gear 45 toward the first side in the movement direction.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the engagement / disengagement portion 53A collides with the second engagement tooth 46B adjacent to the first engagement tooth 46A. As shown in FIG. 7 , the biasing force of the biasing portion 60 acts on the base 50 in the first direction of movement. Therefore, when the engagement / disengagement portion 53A overcomes the first engagement tooth 46A, the base 50 moves in the first direction of movement until the engagement / disengagement portion 53A collides with the second engagement tooth 46B adjacent to the first engagement tooth 46A. This collision between the engagement / disengagement portion 53A and the second engagement tooth 46B applies a counterclockwise impact to the second gear 45, imparting a clicking sensation to the rotation operation unit 7. The engagement / disengagement portion 53A then releasably engages with the second engagement tooth 46B. Therefore, by continuing to rotate the rotation operation unit 7 clockwise, the rotation limiting member 8 repeatedly moves toward the second side and the first side in the direction of movement, repeatedly engaging and disengaging the engagement portion 53A with the engagement tooth 46. As a result, the engaging portion 53 repeatedly collides with the second gear 45, applying a counterclockwise impact to the second gear 45, and periodically providing a clicking sensation to the rotation operation unit 7. In the illustrated example, the second gear 45 and the biasing portion 60 are separated from each other when the engaging / disengaging portion 53A collides with the second engagement tooth 46B, but the second gear 45 may also be in contact with the biasing portion 60 and biased by the biasing portion 60 when the engaging / disengaging portion 53A collides with the second engagement tooth 46B.

[0042] When the rotation operation unit 7 rotates clockwise, the second gear 45 and the engagement portion 53 are repeatedly engaged and disengaged, allowing the rotation operation unit 7 to rotate clockwise without restriction. Therefore, when clockwise torque is input to the rotation operation unit 7, the adductor ring 6 is rotated clockwise via the first gear 40.

[0043] 8 shows a state in which the rotation restricting member 8 moves from the biasing position toward the restricting position as the second gear 45 rotates counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 8, when the rotation restricting member 8 is rotated counterclockwise, the engagement teeth 46 of the second gear 45 mesh with the engagement portion 53 of the rotation restricting member 8, causing the rotation restricting member 8 to move in the first movement direction toward the restricting position. At this time, the biasing portion 60 of the rotation restricting member 8 moves away from the second gear 45, and the restricting wall portion 55 moves closer to the second gear 45.

[0044] 9 shows a state in which the restriction wall portion 55 is closest to the second gear 45. When the restriction wall portion 55 approaches the second gear 45, the restriction protrusion 56 enters into the tooth groove of the second gear 45. As a result, the restriction protrusion 56 fits into the tooth groove of the second gear 45 and restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45. Note that the restriction protrusion 56 may come into contact with the engagement tooth 46 of the second gear 45 to restrict the counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45.

[0045] As a result, a timepiece 1 is obtained that is equipped with a rotation operating unit 7 that can rotate the inner ring 6 only clockwise while producing a clicking sensation. Furthermore, because the restriction wall portion 55 and the biasing portion 60 are provided in different locations on the rotation restriction member 8, it is possible to avoid the load being concentrated on just one specific location on the rotation restriction member 8. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the parts.

[0046] Furthermore, the biasing force of the biasing portion 60 can be adjusted by changing the shape of the biasing portion 60, and therefore the clicking sensation can be easily improved.

[0047] When the rotation restricting member 8 is in the biased position, the second gear 45 engages with the engaging / disengaging portion 53A located at the end of the engaging portion 53 on the second side in the movement direction. This results in a configuration in which the engaging / disengaging portion 53A is repeatedly engaged with and disengaged from the engagement teeth 46 as the rotation restricting member 8 repeatedly moves toward the second side and the first side in the movement direction.

[0048] The restricting wall portion 55 engages with the second gear 45 of the rotation operation unit 7. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a portion of the rotation operation unit 7 that engages with the restricting wall portion 55 other than the second gear 45, so that the structure of the rotation operation unit 7 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0049] The engagement portion 53, the restriction wall portion 55, and the biasing portion 60 are all in the same position in the axial direction. With this configuration, the points of the rotation operating unit 7 that come into contact with the restriction wall portion 55 and the biasing portion 60 can be set to the second gear 45 that comes into contact with the engagement portion 53. As a result, it is not necessary to provide any points on the rotation operating unit 7 that engage with the restriction wall portion 55 other than the second gear 45, and the structure of the rotation operating unit 7 can be kept from becoming complicated. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which any two or more of the engagement portion 53, the restriction wall portion 55, and the biasing portion 60 are positioned axially offset from one another, the rotation restricting member 8 can be made smaller in the axial direction. This prevents the timepiece 1 from becoming larger.

[0050] The urging portion 60 has a locking protrusion 64 that locks onto the second gear 45 from the downstream side in the clockwise direction. With this configuration, when the second gear 45 presses the urging portion 60 while rotating clockwise, the sliding contact portion 63 of the urging portion 60 is less likely to be displaced so as to escape from the second gear 45. Therefore, the second gear 45 can press the sliding contact portion 63 effectively.

[0051] 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 restricting protrusion 56 engages with the engaging teeth 46 of the second gear 45, thereby causing the restricting wall portion 55 to restrict the counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45. However, this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the restricting wall portion may be configured not to have a restricting protrusion, and the wall surface of the restricting wall portion may be configured to contact the second gear 45 when the restricting wall portion is closest to the second gear 45. With this configuration, even if counterclockwise torque is input to the rotation operation unit 7 while the second gear 45 is in contact with the restricting wall portion, the contact between the second gear 45 and the restricting wall portion restricts the movement of the rotation restricting member toward the first movement direction, thereby restricting the counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0052] Furthermore, the rotation restricting member does not have to have a restricting wall portion that engages with the second gear 45. As shown in Fig. 10, a rotation restricting member 9 according to a modified embodiment may have a restricting protrusion 57 that protrudes upward from the base 50. The restricting protrusion 57 is configured to come into contact with the engagement teeth 46 from below when the second gear 45 is engaged with the engagement portion 53. With this configuration, the restricting protrusion 57 engages with the second gear 45 to restrict counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 45 while allowing clockwise rotation, thereby achieving the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0053] The rotation restricting member may have a portion that engages with a location on the rotation operating unit 7 other than the second gear 45, as a restricting portion that engages with the rotation operating unit 7 when the rotation restricting member is in the restricting position and allows only one-way rotation of the second gear 45. For example, the restricting portion of the rotation restricting member may be configured to engage with the first gear 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the regulating portion of the rotation regulating member does not have to have a portion that engages with the rotation operating portion. For example, the regulating portion of the rotation regulating member may be configured to regulate movement of the rotation regulating member in the first direction of movement without engaging with the rotation operating portion. As an example, the rotation regulating member may have a regulating portion that regulates movement of the rotation regulating member in the first direction of movement when in the regulated position by abutting against a side surface 22 facing the second direction of movement of the holding recess 20 of the watch case 2. In this case, because movement of the rotation regulating member in the first direction of movement is regulated, the regulating portion can regulate counterclockwise rotation of the second gear, achieving the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the biasing portion 60 of the rotation restricting member 8 biases the second gear 45 in the second direction of movement, and receives the reaction force to bias the base 50 in the first direction of movement, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the biasing portion may be configured to bias the base of the rotation restricting member in the biased position in the first direction of movement by contacting the side surface 22 of the holding recess 20 of the watch case 2 that faces the first direction of movement and elastically deforming.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the drive transmission gear 32 has the first gear 40 and the second gear 45 provided separately from each other, but is not limited to this configuration. The drive transmission gear may be a two-stage gear having the first gear and the second gear integrally formed. Also, the drive transmission gear may be a single-stage gear that engages with the engaging portions of the inner ring and the rotation restricting member.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the adductor ring 6 is configured to rotate only clockwise by rotation of the rotation operating unit 7, but is not limited to this configuration. In other words, the adductor ring may be configured to rotate only counterclockwise.

[0058] 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 their variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...watch 2...watch case (case) 3...dial 6...inner ring 7...rotation operation part 8, 9...rotation restriction member 31...head part 45...second gear (engagement gear) 46...engagement tooth (teeth) 53...engagement part 55...restriction wall part (restriction part) 57...restriction protrusion (restriction part) 60...urging part 64...locking protrusion

Claims

1. Case and a dial housed in the case; an inner ring formed in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the dial and rotatable in a circumferential direction; a head portion disposed outside the case and a rotary operation portion having an engagement gear provided so as to be synchronously rotatable with the inner ring; a rotation restricting member that is movable along a movement direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation operating unit and restricts the movement of the rotation operating unit; Equipped with The rotation restricting member is an engagement portion that engages with teeth of the engagement gear so as to move to a first side in the movement direction when the engagement gear rotates in a first rotational direction, and to move to a second side in the movement direction when the engagement gear rotates in a second rotational direction; a restricting portion that restricts movement of the first side of the rotation restricting member when the rotation restricting member is in a restricting position while allowing movement of the second side; a biasing portion that biases the engaging portion toward the first side when the rotation restricting member is at a biasing position where the rotation restricting member has moved from the restricting position toward the second side; Equipped with the engagement portion is disengageable from the teeth of the engagement gear rotating in the second rotation direction when the rotation restricting member is in the urging position. clock.

2. the engagement gear engages with the first end of the engagement portion when the rotation restricting member is in the biased position; 2. The watch according to claim 1.

3. the biasing portion contacts the engagement gear and biases the engagement gear toward the second side when the rotation restricting member is in the biasing position.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the restricting portion restricts movement of the rotation restricting member, which is in the restricting position, to the first side by engaging with the rotation operating portion; 3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The restriction portion engages with the engagement gear.

5. The timepiece according to claim 4.

6. the engaging portion, the restricting portion, and the biasing portion are located at the same positions as one another in the axial direction; 6. The watch according to claim 5.

7. the biasing portion includes a locking protrusion that is locked to the engagement gear from the downstream side in the second rotation direction.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2.

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