Electronic clock

Abstract

To provide an electronic timepiece that can receive electric waves with an excellent antenna gain and can also attain a simple configuration by making the bezel, which is located in the outermost position than the other components, function as an antenna.SOLUTION: The electronic timepiece includes: a cylindrical external case 1 containing a circuit board 71; and a bezel 2 made of a metal material arranged above the outside of the external case 1, the bezel and the circuit board 71 being electrically connected together. The bezel 2 resonates with an electric wave of a desired frequency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic clock, and more particularly to an electronic clock having a radio wave receiving function.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an electronic clock such as a wristwatch, there is known one that can receive satellite radio waves in order to obtain accurate time information, position information, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the electronic clock described in Patent Document 1, an annular antenna is arranged around a dial plate housed in an outer case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the antenna described in Patent Document 1 is arranged around the dial plate housed in the outer case, the gain characteristics of the antenna are likely to be affected by the material of the outer case. In addition, the antenna is not intended to appear on the exterior, and it is covered with a ring-shaped member so as not to be exposed. As a result, the gain characteristics of the antenna also depend on the material of the member covering the antenna. In Patent Document 1, in order to prevent a decrease in the gain characteristics of the antenna, a ring-shaped member made of a ceramic such as zirconia or alumina is adopted as the member covering the antenna.

[0005] For this reason, there is a problem that there are restrictions on the materials for forming the outer case and the ring-shaped member covering the antenna, and the degree of freedom in design, design selection, etc. is reduced.

[0006] In addition, since a member for covering the antenna without exposing it is required, the number of parts may increase, and the thickness and size of the entire electronic clock may also increase.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic clock that can receive radio waves with good antenna gain while having a simple configuration by making a bezel disposed outside other components function as an antenna.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an electronic clock according to the present invention includes a cylindrical exterior case that houses a substrate inside, formed of a metal material, disposed at the upper outer part of the exterior case, and electrically connected to the substrate Annular antenna element and Windshield member or nameplate and is provided with the Antenna element is configured to resonate with radio waves of a desired frequency Teori and It has at least one stage of flange projecting from its inner surface toward the annular center, and the windshield member or nameplate is placed on the at least one stage of flange is characterized by this.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is an effect that radio waves can be received with good antenna gain while having a simple configuration by making a bezel disposed outside other components function as an antenna.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0011] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the electronic clock according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the electronic clock is a wristwatch equipped with a bezel as an exterior member having an antenna function will be described as an example. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the electronic clock in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic clock 100 includes a main body case (hereinafter referred to as “exterior case 1”). The exterior case 1 is formed of a hard resin such as, for example, ABS resin. Note that the material forming the exterior case 1 is not limited to resin, and for example, metals such as stainless steel and titanium, ceramics, and various other materials can be applied. Note that, as will be described later, in this embodiment, since the bezel 2 that functions as an antenna is attached to the upper part of the exterior case 1, when the exterior case 1 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal material, it has insulation, a relative permittivity of a certain degree with low loss, and a resin or the like that does not significantly change the frequency characteristics of the bezel 2 as an antenna is preferably interposed between the exterior case 1 and the bezel 2 to insulate the exterior case 1 and the bezel 2. Also, even when the exterior case 1 is formed of a resin material, a reinforcing material may be mixed into the resin material to provide strength. In this case, it is preferable to use a non-conductive material such as glass fiber as the reinforcing material.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior case 1, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the electronic clock in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior case 1 is a substantially cylindrical case. The inside of the exterior case 1 is hollow with openings at the top and bottom in the thickness direction (top and bottom in FIG. 3), and this hollow portion serves as a storage space for storing various components. At both ends of the exterior case 1 in the up and down direction in FIG. 1 (the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side in an analog clock), band attachment portions 11 are formed, and a clock band (not shown) is attached to each band attachment portion 11. Also, as will be described later, the bezel 2 and the buffer members 4 (4a to 4c) are fixed to the exterior case 1 with screws or the like, and hole portions 13 are formed at positions corresponding to the screw insertion positions in the exterior case 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0014] Furthermore, on the outer peripheral portion of the exterior case 1, a plurality of operation buttons 12 (operation buttons 12a, 12b) for inputting various operation instructions such as time setting instructions are provided, and through holes 14 penetrating inside and outside the exterior case 1 are formed at positions corresponding to each operation button 12. FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial exploded perspective views showing the configuration of the operation button 12. As shown in FIG. 4, in the electronic timepiece 100 of the present embodiment, push-button type operation buttons 12a are provided at positions corresponding approximately to 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, and 10 o'clock in an analog clock. The push-button type operation button 12a includes a button body 121 which is a part operated by a user's finger, a buffer member 122 serving as a cushion for absorbing impact during operation, a button pipe 123 for holding the button body 121 in a state of being housed therein, and the like. The tip of the button pipe 123 is inserted into the exterior case 1 from the through-hole 14, and when the button body 121 of the operation button 12a is operated, the operation is transmitted to a clock module or the like inside the exterior case 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the electronic timepiece 100 of the present embodiment, a faucet type operation button 12b is provided at a position corresponding approximately to 3 o'clock in an analog clock. The faucet type operation button 12b includes a button body 124, a spacer 125, a buffer member 126 serving as a cushion for absorbing impact during operation, and the like. The button body 124 is composed of a shaft portion 124a whose one end side is inserted into the exterior case 1 from the through-hole 14, and a head portion 124b provided on the other end side of the shaft portion 124a and operated by a user's finger. When the button body 124 of the operation button 12b is rotationally operated by a user, the operation is transmitted to a clock module or the like inside the exterior case 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, in the storage space inside the exterior case 1, there are provided a housing 7 in which a battery (electric cell) 74 and the like are disposed, a substrate (circuit board 71) disposed on the upper surface of the housing 7, a presser plate 73 for suppressing rattling of members such as the circuit board 71, a liquid crystal panel 55 as a display unit, and various modules (clock modules) for the electronic timepiece 100 to function as a clock. The housing 7, the circuit board 71, and the like are fixed by screws 75 in order to prevent rattling and displacement inside the exterior case 1.

[0016] The liquid crystal panel 55 is placed on the panel placement portion 17 formed inside the exterior case 1 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 71 via a wiring member 56 composed of a flexible printed circuit board or the like. The liquid crystal panel 55 is configured to display various information such as time, date, day of the week, and position information. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 55 is exposed to the viewing side via the annular dial 5 described later and can be viewed through the windshield member 3. Note that the display unit is not limited to being composed of the liquid crystal panel 55. For example, various display units composed of organic EL or the like can be applied as the display unit.

[0017] In addition, the circuit board 71 is a circuit for receiving radio waves by an antenna and is mounted with a functional component group 72 composed of various circuits and electronic components including an antenna circuit (not shown). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exterior case 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the back side (non-viewing side, the lower side in FIG. 3) with the back side turned over. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, at the peripheral portion of the exterior case 1, at a position corresponding to or in the vicinity of the antenna circuit mounted on the circuit board 71, a notch portion 150 for inserting a connection member 25 for electrically connecting the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 described later and a circuit connection hole portion 15 are provided. The shape and position of the notch portion 150, the number and arrangement of the circuit connection hole portions 15 provided are not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, at a position corresponding to 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock in the analog clock, a substantially arc-shaped notch portion 150 is formed along the peripheral shape of the exterior case 1, and four circuit connection hole portions 15 are formed side by side along the outer peripheral side of the exterior case 1 of this notch portion 150. In addition, at the peripheral portion of the exterior case 1, at a position different from the notch portion 150 and the circuit connection hole portion 15, a notch portion 160 for inserting a ground terminal (not shown) for connecting the bezel 2 to the ground and a ground connection hole portion 16 are provided. The shape, position of the notch portion 160, the number of ground connection hole portions 16 provided, and their arrangement are not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, a substantially arc-shaped notch portion 160 is formed along the peripheral shape of the outer case 1 at a position corresponding to 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock on the analog clock, and five ground connection hole portions 16 are formed side by side along the outer peripheral side of the outer case 1 of this notch portion 160.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, on the lower side of the outer case 1 (the lower side in FIG. 3, the non-visible side), a back cover member 8 as a closing member for closing the opening on the lower side of the outer case 1 is attached via a waterproof ring 81. The back cover member 8 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or titanium, for example. Note that the material forming the back cover member 8 is not limited to those exemplified here. For example, various resin materials such as ABS resin may be applied. The back cover member 8 is fixed to the outer case 1 by screws 82.

[0019] Also, a bezel 2 is disposed on the upper outer side (the upper side in FIG. 3, the visible side, the front side) of the outer case 1. In this embodiment, the bezel 2 is configured to resonate with radio waves of a desired frequency and functions as an antenna. It is preferable that the radio waves of a desired frequency that can be received by the bezel 2 functioning as an antenna include radio waves transmitted from a satellite. For example, the frequency of radio waves transmitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and QZSS, a quasi-zenith satellite in Japan, is 1575.42 MHz, and the radio waves transmitted from GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) are in a frequency band centered on 1602.5625 MHz. In this embodiment, by appropriately setting the size, shape, forming material, etc. of the bezel 2, the bezel 2 is made to function as an antenna capable of receiving radio waves of a desired frequency. For example, if the bezel 2 is configured to be able to resonate with radio waves of a frequency of 1575.42 MHz corresponding to the above GPS, etc., or radio waves of a frequency of 1602.5625 MHz corresponding to GLONASS, it becomes possible to receive radio waves transmitted from GPS or GLONASS, and it becomes possible to utilize the time information and position information contained in these radio waves in the electronic clock 100. Note that the radio waves of a desired frequency that can be received by the bezel 2 functioning as an antenna are not limited to the radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites or the like.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the bezel 2 is formed in a ring shape from a metal material such as SUS316 (stainless steel 316), for example. Note that the material forming the bezel 2 is not limited to SUS316. However, in the present embodiment, the bezel 2 is configured to function as an antenna that resonates with radio waves of a desired frequency as described above. In this regard, when the conductivity of the forming material is low (when the resistivity is high), it is considered that sufficient antenna gain cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to make the bezel 2 function as an antenna having good antenna gain, as the material for forming the bezel 2, it is preferable to use a metal material having a conductivity of a certain level or more (that is, a resistivity of a certain level or less) and a permeability of a certain level or less. From such a viewpoint, as the material for forming the bezel 2 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above SUS316 (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 74), for example, SUS304 (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 72), silver (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 1.62), copper (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 1.72), titanium (Ti) (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 55), nichrome (an alloy of Ni, Fe, Cr) (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 109), 64 titanium (Ti) (resistivity [μΩ·cm] 166), and other metal materials can be applied. Note that the permeability (relative permeability) of the metal materials exemplified here is generally "1" in all cases. Note that the material for forming the bezel 2 should be appropriately set according to the frequency of the radio wave to be received by the bezel 2 as an antenna and various other conditions, and is not limited to those exemplified herein.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bezel and its peripheral members. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the bezel and the members arranged inside the bezel. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bezel 2 includes an inward flange portion 21 that projects from its annular inner surface toward the annular center. The inward flange portion 21 of the present embodiment includes a first-stage flange 21a and a second-stage flange 21b that is formed below the first-stage flange 21a (lower side in FIG. 8) and projects further toward the annular center than the first-stage flange 21a. The outer peripheral edge of the nameplate 5 is placed on the upper surface (upper surface in FIG. 8) of the second-stage flange 21b. The nameplate 5 of the present embodiment is composed of an upper nameplate 51 and a lower nameplate 52, and is adhesively fixed and integrated so as not to shift by an adhesive member 53 composed of, for example, double-sided tape or the like. The nameplate 5 is fixed so as not to shift by adhering its lower surface (the back surface side of the lower nameplate 52) to the upper surface of the second-stage flange 21b with an adhesive member 54 composed of, for example, double-sided tape or the like.

[0022] Also, the outer peripheral edge of the windshield member 3 is placed on the upper surface (upper surface in FIG. 8) of the first-stage flange 21a via a spacer 32. When the member (the nameplate 5 in the present embodiment) on the lower surface side of the windshield member 3 is not sufficiently fixed, there is a risk of contacting or adhering to the lower surface of the windshield member 3. The spacer 32 receives the outer peripheral edge of the windshield member 3 to prevent this. It is preferable to apply glass printing or the like to the spacer 32 so that it is not visible from the outside. The spacer 32 is formed of, for example, PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate), polyethylene terephthalate resin, or the like. The forming method is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of punching out from a PET sheet can be used. Note that the material and forming method for forming the spacer 32 are not particularly limited. For example, a double-sided tape with some hardness, a molded part molded from an ABS resin, a polycarbonate resin (PC), or the like, or a member formed of various metal materials can also be applied as the spacer 32.

[0023] A waterproof ring 31 is disposed inside the bezel 2 (in this embodiment, the first-stage flange 21a of the bezel 2). By press-fitting the windshield member 3 inside the bezel 2 through this waterproof ring 31, the windshield member 3 is fitted and fixed inside the annular bezel 2 and is supported by the inward flange portion 21 (in this embodiment, the first-stage flange 21a). Note that the configuration of the inward flange portion 21 is not limited to the example shown here. For example, a support portion for supporting the dial 5 may be provided on the side of the outer case 1, and the inward flange portion 21 may be configured to have only one stage of a flange portion (a portion corresponding to the first-stage flange 21a in this embodiment) for supporting the windshield member 3.

[0024] The windshield member 3 is formed of a transparent material and is a cover glass that covers the viewing side of the electronic clock 100. As the transparent material for forming the windshield member 3, for example, various glasses such as whiteboard glass, sapphire (transparent artificial sapphire), acrylic glass made of a resin material, or the like can be applied. Note that the material for forming the windshield member 3 is preferably a dielectric such as whiteboard glass or sapphire. That is, in this embodiment, the bezel 2 functions as an antenna. For this reason, by using a dielectric as the material for forming the windshield member 3 close to this bezel 2, an improvement in the antenna gain of the bezel 2 as an antenna can be expected.

[0025] Here, the configuration of the electrical connection between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 (antenna circuit mounted on the circuit board 71) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c). FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connection portion between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view of the connecting member for connecting the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, and FIG. 9(c) is a plan view of the main part seen from the viewing side with the connecting member inserted into the circuit connection hole portion of the exterior case. As shown in FIG. 9(a), a connecting member 25 is disposed between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 of the present embodiment. The connecting member 25 is a terminal plate formed of a material having conductivity such as various metal materials. By interposing the connecting member 25 between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 are electrically connected.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the connecting member 25 includes a connecting tongue piece 252 having a bezel-side connecting portion 251 connected to the bezel 2 side at one end side, and a connecting leg portion 254 having a board-side connecting portion 253 connected to the circuit board 71 side at the other end side. Further, the connecting member 25 includes hook portions 255 that bend toward the side of the connecting leg portion 254 on both side portions of the connecting tongue piece 252. The connecting member 25 is formed by, for example, punching a thin metal plate and then performing bending processing to form each part of the bezel-side connecting portion 251, the connecting tongue piece 252, the board-side connecting portion 253, the connecting leg portion 254, and the hook portion 255, and the whole has spring properties. As shown in FIG. 9(c), the connecting member 25 is inserted into the notch portion 150 of the exterior case 1, and is set by inserting a pair of hook portions 255 from above (upper side in FIG. 9, bezel 2 side) into any one of the circuit connection hole portions 15. Then, by placing the bezel 2 from above the exterior case 1, the connecting member 25 is sandwiched between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, and its position is fixed.

[0027] In addition, in FIG. 9(a), the connection member 25 in a state where no external force is applied is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the state where the connection member 25 is sandwiched between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 and is pressed in the vertical direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 9, the thickness direction of the exterior case 1) is shown by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the connection member 25 is disposed between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 in a state where the whole is compressed, and the bezel-side connection portion 251 is pressed against the back surface (the lower surface in FIG. 9) of the bezel 2, and the board-side connection portion 253 is pressed against the front surface (the upper surface in FIG. 9) of the circuit board 71.

[0028] Also, a ground terminal (not shown) is inserted into the ground connection hole portion 16, and the bezel 2 is connected to the ground. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 71 functions as a ground, and one end side of the ground terminal is in contact with the bezel 2 and the other end side is in contact with the circuit board 71. Note that the member functioning as the ground is not limited to the circuit board 71. When there is another member functioning as the ground, the ground terminal is arranged such that the other end side of the ground terminal is in contact with the member serving as the ground.

[0029] In this way, by electrically connecting the bezel 2 formed of a metal material to the circuit board 71 (antenna circuit mounted on the circuit board 71) and also connecting it to the ground, the bezel 2 can be made to function as an antenna. When the frequency of the desired radio wave is low, settings such as increasing the size of the bezel 2 are made so that the bezel 2 functions as an antenna in a resonant state with the low-frequency radio wave. When the frequency of the desired radio wave is high, settings such as decreasing the size of the bezel 2 are made so that the bezel 2 functions as an antenna in a resonant state with the high-frequency radio wave. Thus, the bezel 2 can receive radio waves of a desired frequency.

[0030] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like, the electronic timepiece 100 of the present embodiment further includes a buffer member 4 that covers part or all of the bezel 2. The buffer member 4 can be formed of various resins such as urethane resin. As described above, in this embodiment, since the bezel 2 functions as an antenna, the buffer member 4 in contact with the bezel 2 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material with low loss (dielectric loss (tanδ)) so as not to inhibit the function of the bezel 2 as an antenna.

[0031] The electronic clock 100 of this embodiment includes, as the buffer member 4, a first buffer member 4a that covers portions corresponding to the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side in the analog clock of the bezel 2, a second buffer member 4b that covers the portion corresponding to the 3 o'clock side, and a third buffer member 4c that covers the portion corresponding to the 9 o'clock side. The first buffer member 4a is formed with two screw holes 42 each for passing a screw 41 on the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side in the analog clock. As shown in FIG. 3, by inserting the screw 41 from the screw hole 42 formed in the first buffer member 4a through the screw hole 22 formed in the bezel 2 to the hole 13 formed in the exterior case 1, the bezel 2 and the buffer member 4 (the first buffer member 4a in this embodiment) are screwed and fixed to the exterior case 1. In addition, a hole 43 for inserting the operation button 12 (12a) into the interior of the exterior case 1 is formed in the first buffer member 4a at the position where the operation button 12 (12a) is provided.

[0032] Also, a hole (not shown) for inserting the operation button 12 (12b) into the interior of the exterior case 1 is formed in the second buffer member 4b at the position where the operation button 12 (12b) is provided. Furthermore, the second buffer member 4b and the third buffer member 4c are screwed and fixed to the exterior case 1 by screws 45, and screw holes (not shown) are formed at the positions where the screws 45 are inserted. Note that the configuration of the buffer member 4 is not limited to that exemplified here. For example, the buffer member 4 may be formed integrally without being divided. Also, the buffer member 4 may cover the entire circumference of the bezel 2.

[0033] Next, the operation of the electronic clock 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, when assembling the electronic clock 100, the dial 5 is arranged so that the outer peripheral edge is placed on the second-stage flange 21b of the inward flange portion 21 of the bezel 2, and is fixed by an adhesive member 54 such as double-sided tape. Also, a waterproof ring 31 is arranged along the inner surface inside the first-stage flange 21a of the inward flange portion 21 of the bezel 2, and a spacer 32 is arranged on the upper surface of the first-stage flange 21a, and the windshield member 3 is press-fitted from above. Furthermore, a first buffer member 4a, a second buffer member 4b, and a third buffer member 4c are attached to the outside of the bezel, and the first buffer member 4a and the bezel 2 are fixed to the outer case 1 with screws 41. Also, the second buffer member 4b and the third buffer member 4c are fixed to the outer case 1 with screws 45. Also, the operation buttons 12(12a, 12b) are attached by inserting through the hole portion 43 of the first buffer member 4a and the through hole 14 of the outer case 1. Furthermore, a connection member 25 is arranged in the notch portion 150, the hook portion 255 of this connection member 25 is locked to the circuit connection hole portion 15, a ground terminal is arranged in the notch portion 160, and this ground terminal is locked to the ground connection hole portion 16. Then, a housing 7 mounted with a battery 74 etc., a circuit board 71, a liquid crystal panel 55 etc. are arranged inside the outer case 1, and the opening on the back surface side of the outer case 1 is closed by a back cover member 8. Thereby, the electronic clock 100 is completed.

[0034] In the assembled state, the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 are electrically connected via the connection member 25. At this time, since the connection member 25 having spring properties is in a state of being compressed between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, a sufficient contact pressure can be ensured, and the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 can be reliably connected. Also, in the assembled state, the bezel 2 is connected to the circuit board 71 that functions as a ground in the present embodiment via the ground terminal. As a result, the bezel 2 formed of a metal material functions as an antenna. Also, for example, when it is desired to receive a signal from a GPS satellite, the size, forming material, etc. of the bezel 2 are set so as to be able to resonate with radio waves of a predetermined frequency such as 1575.42 MHz. Thus, the bezel 2 functioning as an antenna can receive radio waves of a desired frequency. And by receiving radio waves of a desired frequency in this way, accurate time information, position information, etc. can be obtained, and the time displayed on the electronic clock 100 can be appropriately corrected to the correct one.

[0035] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic clock 100 includes a cylindrical exterior case 1 that houses a circuit board 71 on which an antenna circuit is formed therein, and a bezel 2 formed of a metal material that is disposed at the upper outer part of the exterior case 1 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 71. The bezel 2 is configured to have a size that resonates with radio waves of a desired frequency. In this way, by making the bezel 2, which is disposed outside other components constituting the electronic clock 100 such as the exterior case 1, function as an antenna, it becomes easier to receive radio waves with good antenna gain with little dependence on the material forming the exterior case 1, etc. Also, since the bezel 2 itself, which is an exterior member assumed to be visible, functions as an antenna, a simpler configuration can be achieved compared to the case of covering so as not to expose the member functioning as an antenna, which also contributes to miniaturization of the entire electronic clock 100. Further, when providing a member for covering the antenna, it is necessary to use a non-conductive member such as ceramic that is less likely to affect the antenna characteristics. However, since ceramic, etc. is vulnerable to impact, it may be easily damaged and difficult to maintain a beautiful appearance. In this regard, if the bezel 2 itself, which is an exterior member, functions as an antenna, there is no need to provide such a non-conductive member vulnerable to impact, and the strength can be maintained. By appropriately setting the size, shape, forming material, etc. of the bezel 2, the bezel 2 is configured to function as an antenna that resonates with radio waves of a desired frequency. Therefore, the bezel 2, which is an antenna, can receive radio waves of a desired frequency, and an electronic clock 100 that can acquire accurate time information and position information can be realized.

[0036] Further, in the present embodiment, a buffer member 4 formed of a non-conductive material and covering part or all of the bezel 2 is further provided. Thereby, when an external force is applied to the electronic clock 100, such as when the electronic clock 100 drops or hits something, the impact can be absorbed by the buffer member 4. When an impact is applied to the electronic clock 100, the bezel 2 may be damaged, or scratches, distortions, deformations, etc. may occur. Damage to the bezel 2 not only impairs the appearance of the electronic clock 100 but also may cause displacement of the contact between the bezel 2 functioning as an antenna and the circuit board 71, poor contact, and changes in the coupling state. In this regard, if a structure is provided with the buffer member 4 to absorb the impact, damage and deformation of the bezel 2, displacement of the contact position between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71, poor contact, etc. can be prevented, the design property of the appearance of the electronic clock 100 can be maintained, and changes in antenna characteristics and gain due to the impact can be prevented, and deterioration of antenna performance, etc. can be prevented.

[0037] Further, the bezel 2 of the present embodiment is connected to the circuit board 71 via a connecting member 25. In this way, by directly connecting the bezel 2 functioning as an antenna to the circuit board 71 by the connecting member 25, the connection state is more stable compared to the case where the antenna and the circuit board are indirectly connected by capacitive coupling, and the antenna characteristics can be kept good.

[0038] Further, in the present embodiment, the bezel 2 and the buffer member 4 are fixed to the exterior case 1 by screws. This can prevent the displacement of the bezel 2 that functions as an antenna in the present embodiment, and the buffer member 4 can reliably protect the bezel 2.

[0039] Further, in the present embodiment, the radio waves received by the bezel 2 that functions as an antenna include the radio waves transmitted from satellites as the desired frequency radio waves that can be received. Thereby, by appropriately setting the size, shape, forming material, etc. of the bezel 2, if the bezel 2 is configured to be able to resonate with radio waves of, for example, a frequency of 1575.42 MHz, it is possible to receive radio waves transmitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites or radio waves transmitted from QZSS, which is a quasi-zenith satellite in Japan, and it is possible to use the time information and position information included in these radio waves in the electronic clock 100.

[0040] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0041] For example, the connection configuration between the bezel 2 and the circuit board 71 is not limited to that exemplified in the above embodiment, and a coaxial cable or a power supply pin may be used.

[0042] Further, the electronic clock may be provided with a solar panel. In this case, since the solar panel will also be arranged at a position relatively close to the bezel 2 that functions as an antenna, it is preferable to consider the relative dielectric constant of the material forming the solar panel according to the frequency of the desired radio waves to be received by the bezel 2.

[0043] Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the circuit board 71 serves as the ground is exemplified, but the ground to which the bezel 2 that functions as an antenna is connected is not limited to the circuit board 71. For example, when the dial 5 is formed of a metal material or the like, the dial may function as a ground. In this case, one end side of the ground terminal is connected to the bezel 2, and the other end side is connected to the dial. Also, when the electronic clock includes a solar panel as described above, the solar panel may function as a ground.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the electronic clock 100 includes a digital display unit configured by a liquid crystal panel 55 or the like. However, the display unit provided in the electronic clock 100 is not limited to a digital type. For example, it may be an analog display unit having hands or the like, or a display unit having both an analog type and a digital type.

[0045] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the electronic clock 100 is a wristwatch has been described. However, the electronic clock can be widely applied as long as it is a device that can be used as a clock, and is not limited to a wristwatch. For example, the electronic clock of the present invention may be applied to various devices such as a pedometer, an altimeter, and a barometer.

[0046] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. The invention described in the claims first attached to the application of this application is appended below. The claim numbers described in the appendix are as in the claims first attached to the application of this application. 〔Appendix〕 <Claim 1> A cylindrical exterior case that houses a substrate inside, A bezel formed of a metal material, disposed on the outer upper part of the exterior case, and electrically connected to the substrate, Comprising, The bezel is configured to resonate with an electric wave of a desired frequency. An electronic clock characterized by this. <Claim 2> The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer member formed of a non-conductive material and covering part or all of the bezel. <Claim 3> The electronic timepiece according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bezel is connected to the substrate via a connecting member. <Claim 4> The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bezel and the buffer member are fixed to the exterior case by screwing. <Claim 5> The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radio wave of the desired frequency includes a radio wave transmitted from a satellite.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0047] 1 Exterior case 2 Bezel 3 Windshield member 4 Buffer member 21 Inward flange portion 25 Connecting member 32 Spacer 41 Screw 71 Circuit board 100 Electronic timepiece

Claims

1. A cylindrical exterior case that houses the substrate; an annular antenna element made of a metal material, disposed on an outer upper portion of the exterior case, and electrically connected to the substrate; A windshield member or a dial, The antenna element is configured to resonate with radio waves of a desired frequency, has at least one flange step extending from its inner surface toward the annular center, and the crystal member or the dial is placed on the at least one flange step.

2. An electronic watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that the crystal member is formed from a dielectric.

3. An electronic watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that the crystal member is placed on the upper surface of the at least one stage of flange via a spacer.

4. An electronic watch as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the antenna element further has a second-stage flange, and the dial is placed on the second-stage flange.

5. Further comprising a ground member that functions as a ground, 4. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element is electrically connected to the ground member via a connection member.

6. An electronic watch as described in Claim 5, characterized in that the substrate also serves as the ground member.

7. The exterior case accommodates the dial therein, 6. An electronic timepiece according to claim 5, wherein the dial is the ground member.

8. The exterior case houses a solar panel therein, 6. The electronic timepiece according to claim 5, wherein the solar panel is the ground member.

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