clock

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a timepiece excellent in securing radio wave sensitivity.SOLUTION: An apparatus (timepiece case 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case body (11) including a peripheral wall portion (111), and a case member (12) provided on one side of the peripheral wall portion (111) of the case body (11). A metallic lid frame (121) having an opening (121a), a plate-shaped lid plate (122) disposed in the opening (121a) of the lid frame (121), a metallic vibrating plate (123) disposed on the other side of the lid plate (122), and a piezoelectric ceramic plate (124) disposed on the other side of the vibrating plate (123) are provided, and an inner peripheral surface of the opening (121a) of the lid frame (121) and an outer peripheral surface of the vibrating plate (123) are separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument and a clock. [Background technology]

[0002] In various devices such as watches, a module equipped with various components such as a circuit board and a dial is housed inside a case (device). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a case device that includes an annular metal case body that houses a module and an antenna, and a glass back cover that covers the back side of the case body and the module, with the back cover fixed to the case body.

[0003] In such a case device, the receiving sensitivity of the antenna can be improved compared to when the back cover is made of metal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-8497 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a piezoelectric ceramic plate for producing sound is installed inside a back cover fixed to a metal case body as in the case of cited document 1, the metal diaphragm on which the piezoelectric ceramic plate is mounted comes into contact with the metal case body, resulting in an increase in resistance and a decrease in radio wave reception sensitivity.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and has as its object to provide an apparatus and a timepiece that are excellent in ensuring radio wave sensitivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a case body having a peripheral wall portion, a lid frame made of metal and having an opening provided on one side of the peripheral wall portion of the case body, a plate-shaped lid plate arranged in the opening of the lid frame, a diaphragm made of metal and arranged on the other side of the lid plate, and a piezoelectric ceramic plate arranged on the other side of the diaphragm, wherein the inner surface of the opening of the lid frame and the outer surface of the diaphragm are spaced apart. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a timepiece that are excellent in shock resistance and radio wave sensitivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a part of the watch case. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the back cover of the watch case. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the back cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the timepiece 1, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the watch case, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the back cover of the watch case. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the back cover. Note that in each figure, the configuration is shown schematically, enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] 1 and 2, the timepiece 1 is, for example, a wristwatch. The timepiece 1 comprises a watch case 10 as a device, a watch module 20 (module) provided inside the watch case 10, and a cover 30 that covers the front side of the watch module 20. The timepiece 1 also comprises a watch band that is connected to two locations on the outer periphery of the watch case 10, and multiple switches arranged on the outer periphery of the watch case 10.

[0012] The watch case 10 is configured in a circular shape and has a case body 11 arranged on the outer periphery of the watch module 20, a back cover part 12 arranged on the back side of the watch module 20, and an outer case 13. The case body 11 and back cover part 12 of the watch case 10 form a storage space 11a (storage part) in which the watch module 20 is placed.

[0013] In this embodiment, the back side of the watch 1 refers to the side in one direction where the main surface of the cover plate 122 constituting the bottom of the watch case 10 faces away from the watch module 20, and the front side refers to the side in the other direction where the outer surface of the cover 30, such as a crystal member, faces. For example, the back side of the watch 1 is oriented so that the main surface of the cover plate 122 opposite the watch module 20 faces the wrist on which it is worn. For example, the watch 1 is configured in a circular shape with a central axis along one direction, and the case body 11, back cover 12, exterior case 13, and cover 30 constituting the watch case 10 are each configured in a concentric or nearly concentric shape. Note that the shapes of the watch 1 and its components are not limited to circular, and may be rectangular or other shapes.

[0014] Case body 11 is made of a metal material such as titanium and has a cylindrical shape. Case body 11 has a peripheral wall 111 with an accommodation space 11a (accommodation section) inside which watch module 20 is arranged. For example, in one direction along the central axis of the circle, case body 11 has a front opening 11b on the other side, or the front side, which is the other side, which is covered by cover 30, and a back opening 11c on one side, or the back side, which is covered by back cover 12. Peripheral wall 111 is made into a cylindrical shape with an axial direction that follows one direction. Peripheral wall 111 is arranged on the outer periphery of watch module 20.

[0015] The front and back edges of peripheral wall 111 are formed with steps or recesses for engaging with case 13 and back cover 12. For example, a fastening portion 112 is formed on the back edge of the inner periphery of peripheral wall 111, where an engaging cylindrical portion 1213 of screw-back type back cover 12 is disposed. For example, fastening portion 112 has a step and an engaging structure such as a thread groove that engages with engaging cylindrical portion 1213. In addition, the corners of the front and back edges of the outer periphery of peripheral wall 111 are chamfered to form tapered surfaces that are inclined in the radial and axial directions of the circle.

[0016] Peripheral wall 111 houses watch module 20 in housing space 11a provided in the center. A portion of the front side (inner peripheral side) of peripheral wall 111 is covered by exterior case 13, and a portion of the back side (inner peripheral side) of peripheral wall 111 is covered by back cover 12. A cover 30 is attached to the inner peripheral side of exterior case 13, which is disposed on the front side of peripheral wall 111, via waterproof member 101 such as packing.

[0017] 1 to 5, the back cover 12 includes a cover frame 121, a cover plate 122, a diaphragm 123, a piezoelectric ceramic plate 124, and a cover plate 125. The back cover 12 also includes a first bonding member 126 and a second bonding member 127 provided between the cover frame 121 and the cover plate 122, a third bonding member 128 provided between the diaphragm 123 and the cover plate 122, and a fourth bonding member 129 provided between the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 and the cover plate 125.

[0018] For example, the cover 30, case body 11, lid frame 121, lid plate 122, diaphragm 123, piezoelectric ceramic plate 124, cover plate 125, and other components are concentric or, in the case of a rectangular shape such as an octagon, are shaped to conform to the outer shapes of the components to which they are attached. For example, the outer shape of cover 30 conforms to the shape of front opening 11b of exterior case 13, which is located above peripheral wall 111. Note that the outer shape of cover 30 may be rectangular or circular. Furthermore, the outer shape of the front side of back cover 12 (the outer shape of engagement cylindrical portion 1213, described later) conforms to the shape of back opening 11c of peripheral wall 111. Furthermore, lid plate 122 conforms to the inner circumferential surface of lid frame 121 and has a small diameter, leaving a small gap G1 between them. Furthermore, the diaphragm 123 is configured to have a small diameter with a small gap G3 between it and the inner peripheral surface of the inner flange portion 1212 .

[0019] The lid frame 121 is made of metal and has a circular frame shape with an opening 121a in the center.

[0020] For example, the lid frame 121 integrally comprises an annular frame base 1211 arranged on the outer periphery of the lid plate 122, an inner flange portion 1212 protruding inward from the front end of the frame base 1211 toward the opening, and an engaging tube portion 1213 erected on the front side from the frame base 1211.

[0021] The frame base 1211 is provided on the back surface side of the peripheral wall portion 111 and is configured in a circular ring shape. The frame base 1211 has an opening 121a which is a through hole in which the cover plate 122 is disposed. The inner peripheral surface of the frame base 1211 is disposed opposite the outer peripheral surface of the cover plate 122 and supports the outer periphery of the cover plate 122. An outer peripheral edge portion 1214 of the frame base 1211 extends in the outer periphery direction from the base end of the engagement cylindrical portion 1213 and is disposed opposite the back surface of the peripheral wall portion 111, for example.

[0022] Inner flange portion 1212 is formed in the shape of a thin plate. Inner flange portion 1212 is provided around the entire periphery of a portion of the opening of frame base 1211, and is disposed facing and overlapping the front surface of the outer periphery of cover plate 122 with a predetermined gap between them. Specifically, the periphery of cover plate 122 is adhered to the back surface of inner flange portion 1212 via second bonding member 127 such as double-sided adhesive tape. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner diameter of inner flange portion 1212 is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of diaphragm 123, and a gap G3 is formed between the inner periphery of inner flange portion 1212 and the outer periphery of diaphragm 123.

[0023] A recess 121b, which is a circumferential groove formed along the circumferential direction, is formed in a corner portion (angular portion) at the base end of the inner flange portion 1212. The recess 121b serves as a relief portion where a packing or adhesive can be placed.

[0024] The engaging cylindrical portion 1213 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the frame base 1211 to the front side. For example, the engaging cylindrical portion 1213 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The engaging cylindrical portion 1213 has a fastening portion 121c that is fastened to the peripheral wall portion 111 of the case body 11. The fastening portion 121c has, for example, a threaded portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the engaging cylindrical portion. The engaging cylindrical portion 1213 is inserted into the back opening 11c of the case body 11 and fastened to the case body 11.

[0025] The cover plate 122 is a plate-like member that covers the back side of the case body 11 and the watch module 20. The cover plate 122 is made of a material that has higher magnetic transparency than the cover frame 121. For example, the cover plate 122 is made of translucent sapphire glass, and forms the bottom of the watch case 10. A light-shielding layer may be formed on the outer surface of the cover plate 122 by a process such as vapor deposition.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the lid plate 122 is circular and has a pair of front and back circular main surfaces 122a and 122b and a circular outer peripheral surface 122c. The lid plate 122 has a uniform thickness, for example. The outer peripheral surface 122c faces the inner peripheral surface of the opening 121a via a first joining member 126. For example, the outer diameter of the lid plate 122 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 121a of the lid frame 121, and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 121a of the lid frame 121 is spaced from the outer peripheral surface 122c of the lid plate 122, forming a gap G1 through which the first joining member 126 is disposed. The first joining member 126 is disposed in this gap G1, and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the opening 121a of the lid frame 121 and the outer peripheral surface 122c of the lid plate 122 is sealed by the first joining member 126. The first joining member 126 is, for example, a packing member or adhesive material formed in a ring shape from rubber or elastic resin.

[0027] The outer peripheral edge of the main surface 122a on the front side of the lid plate 122 is supported on the back surface of the inner flange portion 1212 via a second bonding member 127 formed in an annular shape. That is, the main surface 122a of the lid plate 122 and the back surface of the inner flange portion 1212 are spaced apart, forming a gap G2 through which the second bonding member 127 is interposed. An annular double-sided adhesive tape, for example, is disposed as the second bonding member 127 in this gap G2, and the gap between the main surface 122a of the lid plate 122 and the back surface of the inner flange portion 1212 is sealed by the second bonding member 127. The second bonding member 127 is, for example, an annular double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive disposed in an annular shape. The gap G2 is formed continuous with the gap G1. Furthermore, the second bonding member 127 and the first bonding member 126 may be disposed continuous with each other within the continuous gaps G1 and G2, with some of them overlapping or contacting each other.

[0028] Diaphragm 123 is disposed on the surface side of cover plate 122. Diaphragm 123 is a circular plate made of metal such as SUS. Diaphragm 123 has the same shape as the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange portion, but is configured with a smaller diameter than the inner peripheral edge of inner flange portion 1212. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outer peripheral surface of diaphragm 123 and the inner peripheral surface of inner flange portion 1212 are slightly separated in the radial direction, forming gap G3. Gap G3 is formed continuous with gap G2 on the inner peripheral side.

[0029] The outer periphery of diaphragm 123 is joined to the surface of lid plate 122 by third joining member 128, which is formed, for example, from a ring-shaped double-sided adhesive tape. Since diaphragm 123 and lid plate 122 are bonded together via ring-shaped third joining member 128, they are slightly spaced apart in the axial direction. Therefore, a gap G4 is formed between diaphragm 123 and lid plate 122, the entire periphery of which is surrounded by third joining member 128. In other words, the central vibration area of ​​diaphragm 123 is floating above lid plate 122.

[0030] The third joining member 128 is a circular double-sided adhesive tape, and is disposed between the front main surface 122a of the cover plate 122 and the rear main surface of the diaphragm 123, for example. The outer diameter of the third joint member 128 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular second joint member 127, and the second joint member 127 and the third joint member 128 are arranged to be spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0031] The piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 is provided on the main surface of the diaphragm 123. For example, the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 is provided in the central vibration area of ​​the diaphragm 123, inside the portion where the third bonding material is attached, in a region corresponding to the opening of the annular third bonding material. That is, the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 is configured in a circular shape with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the third bonding material. For example, the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 is attached with an adhesive to the central vibration area of ​​the diaphragm 123. The piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 includes a piezoelectric element and is connected to, for example, a spring provided in the watch module 20. The piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 vibrates in response to a signal (current) from the watch module 20, thereby generating sound. A cover plate 125 is attached to the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 via a fourth bonding material 129.

[0032] In this way, piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 provided on the main surface of diaphragm 123 is disposed inside cover plate 122. However, unlike this configuration, there is also a known configuration in which the diaphragm is not disposed inside the cover plate, but is disposed in the position where the cover plate would normally be located, without any cover plate at all. However, this diaphragm is configured to vibrate with minimal power consumption by placing a motor directly on the diaphragm, and is simply a component that transmits vibrations, so it is different from a piezoelectric ceramic plate that produces sound. In the case of a piezoelectric ceramic plate, it is required to place it inside the back cover to prevent it from breaking in the event of an impact.

[0033] The cover plate 125 is a metal plate made of, for example, SUS or the like. The cover plate 125 is formed in the same circular shape as the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 so as to cover the front side of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124. By covering the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124, the cover plate 125 rotates when the screw-back type lid frame 121 is attached to the case body 11, and this prevents the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 from being worn down due to friction between the spring in contact with the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 and the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124.

[0034] 5 is, for example, a conductive adhesive tape. The fourth bonding member 129 is provided between the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 and the cover plate 125, and electrically conductively bonds and supports the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 and the cover plate 125.

[0035] The exterior case 13 is configured in a circular ring shape and is disposed inside the edge of the front side of the outer wall, in a circular region on the front side of the peripheral wall 111. For example, the exterior case 13 protects various components such as the cover 30 and supports the cover 30. The exterior case 13 is fixed to the case body 11, for example, by adhesive or by various fastening members.

[0036] The timepiece module 20 includes various components necessary for timepiece functions, such as a display unit that displays information such as the time and date, a movement that operates the display unit, a circuit board equipped with electronic components such as an IC and an antenna, a battery, etc. For example, the display unit may be a digital display unit having a liquid crystal display panel with a digital display function, or an analog display unit having a dial and hands, etc. It may also include multiple display units.

[0037] The cover 30 is a transparent member made of inorganic glass such as SiO2 glass. For example, the cover 30 is a transparent, disc-shaped watch crystal that is placed on the front side of the watch module 20 and covers the watch module 20. For example, the cover 30 is supported on the inner peripheral edge of the front opening of the case body 11. A packing is interposed between the outer periphery of the cover 30 and the inner peripheral edge of the case body 11.

[0038] The assembly process for the back cover 12 involves, for example, applying double-sided adhesive tape to the back surface of the inner flange 1212 of the cover frame 121, and then press-fitting the cover plate 122, to which the first joining member 126 such as a packing member is attached, into the cover frame 121 to secure it in place.

[0039] Double-sided adhesive tape is applied to the lid plate 122, and the diaphragm 123 is attached thereto. Furthermore, the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 is adhesively fixed onto the diaphragm 123, and then the cover plate 125 is attached thereto via a fourth bonding member 129.

[0040] The watch 1 and watch case 10 configured as described above have a back cover 12 that combines a cover frame 121 with a central opening 121a and a cover plate 122 positioned in the opening 121a, thereby improving radio wave sensitivity. Specifically, by constructing the back cover 12 from multiple components and assembling them with joining members to seal the gaps, radio wave sensitivity is improved compared to a one-piece metal configuration. Furthermore, fastening the components via first joining member 126 and second joining member 127 ensures airtightness and waterproof performance while improving impact resistance. For example, a structure in which a joining member such as a packing is attached only to the outer periphery makes it difficult to restrict vertical movement. However, by attaching a second joining member such as double-sided adhesive tape to the opposing surface, movement can be restricted while maintaining radio wave sensitivity, improving impact resistance. Furthermore, a configuration in which the outer periphery is sealed with a packing and double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the end face can improve airtightness and radio wave sensitivity without compromising assembly.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a gap is provided between the metal lid frame 121 and the metal diaphragm 123, preventing electrical conduction between the lid frame 121 and the diaphragm 123. This avoids the problem of resistance increasing when the lid frame 121 and the diaphragm 123 are integrated, reducing the radio wave reception sensitivity of the radio-controlled watch. Also, if the metal lid frame 121 and the metal diaphragm 123 were integrated into one piece, the thickness of the watch 1 would increase if the diaphragm 123 were placed above the lid frame 121, but this problem can be avoided.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, by attaching the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 via the diaphragm 123 rather than directly attaching it to the cover plate 122, the vibration characteristics of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 124 can be ensured and the sound pressure can be maintained.

[0043] Furthermore, a gap G4 is formed between the vibration plate 123 and the cover plate 122, the gap being surrounded on all sides by the annular third joining member 128, and the central vibration area of ​​the vibration plate 123 is raised above the cover plate 122, thereby improving the vibration characteristics.

[0044] Furthermore, by using sapphire glass for the cover plate 122, the module's breaking strength against a drop impact is increased, and impact resistance can be improved.

[0045] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] For example, although the lid frame has been shown as having a screw-back structure that is fastened to the case body 11, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lid frame 121 may be configured to be fastened to the case body 11 with screws. Also, although sapphire glass is used as the lid plate 122 in one example, it may be made of glass other than sapphire, or may be made of metal.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the watch case 10 is used as an example of an apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to various devices such as wristwatches that do not have a timekeeping function.

[0048] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is encompassed within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Clock 10...Watch case 11...Case body 111…Peripheral wall part 11a...Containment space 11b…front opening 11c...Back opening 12...Back cover 121...lid frame 122...Lid plate 123...Diaphragm 124...Piezoelectric ceramic plate 125...Cover plate 126...first joining member 127...Second joining member 128...Third joining member 129...Fourth joining member 13...Outer case 20...Clock module 30...Cover

Claims

1. A case body having an opening formed therein, A lid plate positioned in the opening of the case body, A sound output device is arranged on the inner surface side of the aforementioned lid plate, Clock module and, An elastic member provided in the clock module, A clock comprising a cover plate interposed between the sound-producing device and the elastic member.

2. The sound output device includes a diaphragm and a pressure electromagnetic plate, The clock according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate is interposed between the pressure electromagnetic plate and the elastic member.

3. The watch according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate comprises a conductive material.

4. The watch according to claim 1, wherein the lid plate is screwed and fixed to the case body.

5. The clock according to claim 1, further comprising a lid frame interposed between the case body and the lid plate.

6. The clock according to claim 5, wherein the lid plate is fixed to the case body with a connecting member interposed between it and the lid frame.

7. The clock according to claim 6, wherein the cover plate is fixed to the sound output device using a conductive member.

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