Equipment cases and clocks
The device case design with fluorine-based buffer members between metal exterior and case components addresses the issue of shock damage, ensuring effective shock absorption and protection of internal components.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023035173
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional device cases made of metal materials are prone to damage from external shocks due to inadequate shock absorption.
The device case incorporates a first exterior member, a second exterior member, and multiple buffer members made of fluorine-based materials to absorb shocks, preventing damage to the case and its components.
The shock-absorbing structure effectively reduces impact on internal components, maintaining the luxurious appearance and functionality of the device case while protecting it from external impacts.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument case and a watch. [Background technology]
[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a second exterior member (for example, a bezel) made of a metal material or the like is provided on the upper outer periphery of a first exterior member provided on a device case or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-153724 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, if both exterior members are made of metal, there is a risk that the device case may be damaged if it receives an external shock because it is unable to fully absorb the shock.
[0005] The present invention is intended to solve these problems and provides an instrument case and a watch that can prevent breakage. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention to The equipment case is a first exterior member placed on the upper surface side of the case body; a second exterior member covering at least an upper portion of the first exterior member; a first buffer member disposed between the first exterior member and the second exterior member; a second buffer member and a third buffer member disposed between the case body and the first exterior member; Equipped with the first buffer member and the second buffer member are formed of fluorine-based rubber, the third buffer member is formed of a fluorine-based resin; Characterized by 。 [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present invention, damage to the device case can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a timepiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the main parts of the timepiece shown in FIG. 1, omitting the display and operating parts. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the timepiece in the state shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged oblique view of the main part on the 3 o'clock side of the timepiece. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged oblique view of the main part on the 9 o'clock side of the timepiece. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1(a) is a top view showing an example of a buffer member provided with a protrusion, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the buffer member shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view showing an example of an annular buffer member provided with a protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of a device case and a timepiece including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In this embodiment, the device case is a timepiece (wristwatch) case. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.
[0010] [composition] Fig. 1 is a front view of a timepiece according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the timepiece shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1. Note that Figs. 1 to 3 omit illustration of the display portion of the timepiece 100 and other various parts housed inside the device case 10.
[0011] Conventionally, in device cases such as watches, a luxurious appearance can be achieved by providing an exterior member made of metal or the like on the case body. However, when the case body to which the exterior member is attached is also made of metal, there is a risk that both members may be damaged due to contact between the metals. The following describes an instrument case and a watch that are designed to improve this situation and prevent breakage.
[0012] 1 to 4, a timepiece 100 in this embodiment includes a device case 10. The device case 10 includes a case body 1. The case body 1 is made of a metal material such as titanium, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, etc. However, the materials constituting the case body 1 are not limited to those exemplified here. The case body 1 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a hollow short column that is open at the top and bottom in the thickness direction of the watch 100. The internal hollow portion houses various parts such as the module 2 (shown by dashed lines in Figures 4, 7, and 8). The specific configuration of module 2 will not be described in detail, but if the timepiece 100 is an electronic timepiece, module 2 includes the various operating parts of the timepiece 100, a control part that controls these, a battery, etc.
[0013] The timepiece 100 may have an analog display unit with hands or the like (not shown), or may have a digital display unit with, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. For example, if watch 100 has an analog display system, the operating parts include hands, a gear train (wheel train mechanism) that rotates the hands, and a drive unit (motor, etc.). If watch 100 has a digital display system, the operating parts include a display unit including a liquid crystal display panel or the like instead of the above components, and this display unit is located on the face side (viewing side) of the watch. Note that watch 100 may also be a hybrid type that has both digital and analog systems, in which case both components are included as operating parts. The control unit is mounted on a circuit board (not shown) or the like, and controls the display operation and the like performed by the operation unit.
[0014] On the outer surface of the case body 1, on the 12 o'clock side and 6 o'clock side of the timepiece (that is, on both the top and bottom ends in FIG. 1), there are provided band attachment portions 11 to which a watch band (not shown) can be attached. In addition, various operation units 3 (push buttons, crown, etc.) that allow the user to perform various input operations are provided on the outer portion of the device case 10. The operation unit 3 includes a shaft 31 that is inserted into the case body 1 of the device case 10, and an operation head 32 that is attached to one end of the shaft 31 and is arranged outside the case body 1.
[0015] In this embodiment, a through-hole 12 is formed in the side of the case body 1, corresponding to the position of the operation unit 3, through which the shaft 31 is inserted. The shaft 31 is inserted through the through-hole 12 from the outside to the inside of the case body 1, and at least the tip portion comes into contact with the module 2 inside the case body 1 and acts on the module 2. The operation head 32 is a part that can be operated by the user, and various operations can be performed by pushing or rotating the operation head 32. Note that the arrangement, number, shape, etc. of the operation unit 3 are not limited to those shown in the illustration.
[0016] A back cover member 4 (see Figure 6, etc.) that closes the opening on the back side is provided on the underside of the case body 1 (the back side of the watch 100). Note that the case body 1 and back cover member 4 may be molded as a single unit, with no opening provided on the underside of the case body 1.
[0017] The open end of the upper side (the viewing side, face side of the watch) of case body 1 is a rising neck portion 13 with a smaller diameter than the lower portion. In other words, case body 1 includes a cylindrical portion 14 and a rising neck portion 13 that is formed on the upper side of this cylindrical portion 14 (the viewing side, face side of the watch) and rises upward, continuing to the inner diameter side. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the outer peripheral surface (rising surface 131) of the rising neck portion 13 and the upper end surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14 form a substantially L-shape in cross section.
[0018] A windshield member 5 is attached to the inside of the rising neck portion 13 via a waterproof ring 51 or the like. By interposing the waterproof ring 51 or the like between the opening of the case body 1 and the windshield member 5, the upper opening of the case body 1 is closed while ensuring airtightness. The windshield member 5 is a transparent member (cover member) made of, for example, a glass material or a transparent resin material.
[0019] On the upper surface side of the case body 1, a bezel 6 is placed as a "first exterior member." As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the bezel 6 of this embodiment is a substantially annular member, and is disposed so as to cover the upper end surface of the rising neck portion 13 and the upper end surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14. The bezel 6 is made of a metal material such as titanium, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, etc. Note that the material for the bezel 6 is not limited to those exemplified here. The bezel 6 may be made of the same material as the case body 1, or may be made of a different material.
[0020] The device case 10 also includes a guard member 7 as a "second exterior member" that covers the outer peripheral side surface of the case body 1 from above the bezel 6 as a "first exterior member." The guard member 7 is made of a metal material such as titanium, stainless steel (SUS), or aluminum. Note that the material for the guard member 7 is not limited to those exemplified here. The guard member 7 may be made of the same material as the bezel 6 or a different material.
[0021] The guard members 7 cover at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the case body 1 from above the bezel 6 to the outer peripheral side surface of the case body 1, and in this embodiment are arranged corresponding to the portions on the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock sides of the timepiece where the operating unit 3 is provided. That is, the device case 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a guard member 7 arranged on the 3 o'clock side of the timepiece 100 (referred to as the "first guard member 7a") and a guard member 7 arranged on the 9 o'clock side of the timepiece 100 (referred to as the "second guard member 7b"). Note that, hereinafter, when simply referring to the "guard member 7," this includes both the "first guard member 7a" and the "second guard member 7b." Note that the range, arrangement, number, shape, etc. of the guard members 7 are not limited to those shown in the illustrations.
[0022] Each guard member 7 has an upper surface portion 71 that covers the upper part of the bezel 6. Toke The side surface portion 72 covers the outer peripheral side surface of the base body 1. and have 。 figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, etc., on the bezel 6 On the surface A recess 61 is formed in the portion that comes into contact with the guard member 7, and a buffer member 9 is disposed within this recess 61. The depression The buffer member 9 ("first buffer member") arranged in the portion 61 is referred to as a "first buffer member 91." The "first buffer member 91" which is the "first buffer member" is made of, for example, fluorine-based rubber. Note that the material for the "first buffer member 91" is not limited to this. 。 BookIn the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, one "first buffer member 91" is provided corresponding to the "first guard member 7a," and two "first buffer members 91" are provided corresponding to the "second guard member 7b." The method for fixing the "first buffer member 91" is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be fixed by double-sided tape 101. Note that the "first buffer member 91" itself may have an adhesive surface, and may be configured so that it can be attached and fixed to an object by simply peeling off a release paper or the like that protects the adhesive surface. 。
[0023] The position, range, size, shape, etc. of the "first buffer member 91" are not limited to those shown in the illustration. For example, two "first buffer members 91" may be provided between the "first guard member 7a" and the bezel 6 in correspondence with the "first guard member 7a." Furthermore, the place where the "first buffer member 91" is housed is not limited to the recess 61 formed on the top surface of the bezel 6. It is preferable that at least a portion of the "first buffer member 91" is housed in a recess formed in at least one of the bezel 6, which is the "first exterior member," or the guard member 7, which is the "second exterior member." For example, a recess that houses at least a portion of the "first buffer member 91" may be formed on the guard member 7 side. Furthermore, recesses that are half or less the thickness of the "first buffer member 91" may be provided in corresponding positions on both the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, so that the "first buffer member 91" is sandwiched between both recesses.
[0024] Furthermore, the side surface portion 72 of each guard member 7 is provided with a hole 721 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) or a notch 722 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) in a portion corresponding to the operating unit 3. There are no particular limitations on whether a hole or a notch is provided in the portion corresponding to the operating unit 3, and any of the guard members 7 may be provided with a hole or a notch. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the timepiece, showing the 3 o'clock side, and Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the timepiece, showing the 9 o'clock side. Note that the bezel 6 is not shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, etc., three operating units 3 are provided on the 3 o'clock side of the watch, and as mentioned above, a through hole 12 is formed on the side surface on the 3 o'clock side of the case main body 1 to allow these operating units 3 to pass through. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the guard member 7 arranged on the 3 o'clock side (the "first guard member 7a") has holes 721 formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 12 of the case body 1. The first guard member 7a is fixed to the side of the case body 1 with screws, double-sided tape, or the like (not shown). By fixing the first guard member 7a to the case body 1, the bezel 6 is pressed down from above by the upper surface portion 71, and the bezel 6, which is the "first exterior member," is held between the case body 1 and the first guard member 7a (the upper surface portion 71 of the first guard member 7a). When the first guard member 7a is fixed with screws, it is preferable to leave some slack in the joint formed by the screws so that it can move slightly when an external impact is applied.
[0026] As shown in Figure 1, etc., two operating units 3 are provided on the 9 o'clock side of the watch, and as mentioned above, a through hole 12 is formed on the 9 o'clock side of the case main body 1 to allow these operating units 3 to pass through. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the guard member 7 arranged on the 9 o'clock side (the "second guard member 7b") has cutout portions 722 formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 12 of the case body 1.
[0027] Furthermore, a screw hole 723 is formed in the side surface portion 72 of the second guard member 7b at a position that avoids the notch portion 722. A screw hole 15 is formed in the side surface of the case body 1 at a position corresponding to the screw hole 723. The second guard member 7b is screwed to the side surface of the case body 1 by inserting a screw 8 from the outside through the screw hole 723 and the screw hole 15. When the second guard member 7b is fixed to the case body 1, the bezel 6 is pressed from above by the top surface portion 71, and the bezel 6, which is the "first exterior member," is held between the case body 1 and the second guard member 7b (the top surface portion 71 of the second guard member 7b). It is preferable to leave a small amount of slack in the joint portion of the screw 8 that fixes the second guard member 7b, so that it can move slightly when an external impact is applied.
[0028] In addition, the device case 10 of this embodiment is provided with a "first buffer member 91" as a buffer member 9 ("one buffer member") between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, and is also provided with a buffer member 9 (hereinafter referred to as "another buffer member") that is arranged in a position different from the "first buffer member 91" which is the "one buffer member". Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 1. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, for example, a buffer member 9 (second buffer member 92) formed in a substantially annular shape is arranged between the case body 1 and the bezel 6 (in the illustrated example, between the upper end surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14 and the bezel 6). The second buffer member 92 is an "other buffer member" arranged so as to contact the upper surface of the case body 1. The "second buffer member 92" is made of, for example, fluororubber. Note that the material for forming the "second buffer member 92" is not limited to this.
[0029] In the upper end surface 141, a recess 142 is formed in which the second buffer member 92 can be fitted at the arrangement position of the second buffer member 92. When the second buffer member 92 is arranged in the recess 142 and then the bezel 6 is placed on top of it and fixed, the second buffer member 92 is fixed between the upper end surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14 and the bezel 6. The second buffer member 92 may be in a state where it is crushed and expanded within the recess 142. The recess in which the second buffer member 92 is disposed is not limited to being provided on the case main body 1 side (the upper end surface 141 in this embodiment). For example, a recess may be formed on the bezel 6 side, or recesses each having a thickness equal to or less than half the thickness of the "second buffer member 92" may be provided at corresponding positions on both the case main body 1 and the bezel 6, with the "second buffer member 92" sandwiched between both recesses.
[0030] Additionally, a buffer member 9 (third buffer member 93) formed, for example, in a substantially annular shape is disposed between the outer peripheral surface (rising surface 131) of the rising neck portion 13 and the bezel 6. The third buffer member 93 is an "other buffer member" disposed so as to contact the side surface of the case body 1 when the bezel 6 and the case body 1 are fitted radially on the thickness-direction surface (side surface) of the device case 10. Since the "third buffer member 93" is disposed along the rising surface 131, which is the thickness-direction surface, it is required not only to provide a buffering effect but also to prevent twisting or the like during assembly. For this reason, a certain degree of hardness, smoothness, and fit are required. From these viewpoints, a fluororesin is preferably used as the material for the "third buffer member 93." However, the material for the "third buffer member 93" is not limited to this. To facilitate fitting, the "third buffer member 93" is formed with a chamfered lower corner on the inside, which is on the side of the rising neck portion 13 of the case body 1. In addition, the "third buffer member 93" is also formed with a chamfered upper corner on the outside, which is on the side of the bezel 6 (first exterior member).
[0031] A recess 62 into which the third buffer member 93 can be fitted is formed on the inner surface of the bezel 6 in a portion corresponding to the position where the third buffer member 93 is to be disposed. When the third buffer member 93 is disposed in 62 and the bezel 6 is attached to the case body 1 in this state and fixed, the third buffer member 93 is crushed and spread out within the recess 62. The recess in which the third buffer member 93 is disposed is not limited to being provided on the bezel 6 side. For example, a recess may be formed on the rising surface 131 side of the rising neck portion 13, or recesses having a thickness equal to or less than half the thickness of the "third buffer member 93" may be provided in corresponding positions on both the case body 1 and the bezel 6, so that the "third buffer member 93" is sandwiched between both recesses.
[0032] As described above, the rising surface 131 of the rising neck portion 13 and the upper end surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14 are approximately L-shaped in cross section, and the second buffer member 92 arranged along the upper end surface 141 and the third buffer member 93 arranged along the rising surface 131 may be a single buffer member having an approximately L-shaped cross section. Furthermore, the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93 are not limited to being formed in an annular shape. For example, they may be buffer members that are partially arranged along the circumferential direction of the case body 1. In this case, too, the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93 may be provided in corresponding ranges, and the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93 may be formed as a continuous buffer member having a substantially L-shaped cross section. In this way, when the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93 are made into a single continuous buffer member, it is preferable to form the buffer member from, for example, a fluorine-based resin, with emphasis on hardness and smoothness.
[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, on the 3 o'clock side of the watch 100 where the "first guard member 7a" is provided in this embodiment, a fourth buffer member 94 is provided on the outer surface of the case body 1 (cylindrical portion 14 of the case body 1) as "another buffer member" and is arranged between the case body 1 and the "first guard member 7a" (side portion 72 of the first guard member 7a). The fourth buffer member 94 is made of, for example, fluorine-based rubber.
[0034] In this embodiment, recesses 16 are formed on the 3 o'clock side surface of the case body 1 near the through-holes 12 through which the shafts 31 of the operating unit 3 are inserted (between adjacent through-holes 12 in the illustrated example), and a fourth buffer member 94 is disposed in each recess 16. As shown in FIG. 7, when the "first guard member 7a" is assembled to the case body 1, a recess 724 is also formed at a position corresponding to the fourth buffer member 94. As a result, the fourth buffer member 94 is sandwiched between the recesses 16 and 724 and is interposed between the case body 1 and the "first guard member 7a." The recess for disposing the fourth buffer member 94 is not limited to being provided in both the case body 1 and the "first guard member 7a," and may be provided only on the case body 1 side or only on the "first guard member 7a."
[0035] Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, on the 9 o'clock side of the watch 100 where the "second guard member 7b" is provided in this embodiment, a fifth buffer member 95 is provided on the outer surface of the case body 1 (cylindrical portion 14 of the case body 1) as "another buffer member" and is arranged between the case body 1 and the "second guard member 7b" (side portion 72 of the second guard member 7b). The fifth buffer member 95 is made of, for example, fluorine-based rubber.
[0036] In this embodiment, screw holes 15, through which screws 8 are inserted, are formed on the 9 o'clock side surface of the case body 1 near the through holes 12 through which the shafts 31 of the operating unit 3 are inserted (adjacent to the through holes 12 in the illustrated example). Around each screw hole 15, a recess 17 is formed, which is dug deeper than the other portions, and a fifth buffer member 95 is disposed within this recess 17. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the second guard member 7b is assembled to the case body 1, a recess 725 is also formed at a position corresponding to the fifth buffer member 95. As a result, the fifth buffer member 95 is sandwiched between the recess 17 and the recess 725 and is interposed between the case body 1 and the second guard member 7b. The recess for disposing the fifth buffer member 95 is not limited to being provided in both the case body 1 and the second guard member 7b, but may be provided only on the case body 1 side or only on the second guard member 7b.
[0037] The method for fixing each of these buffer members 9 (the "other buffer members" being the "second buffer member 92," "third buffer member 93," "fourth buffer member 94," and "fifth buffer member 95") is not particularly limited. For example, similar to the "first buffer member 91," the buffer member 9 may be configured to be able to be attached and fixed to an object using double-sided tape 102 or an adhesive surface provided on the buffer member 9 itself. Furthermore, the cushioning members 9 ("other cushioning members") that are placed at positions different from the "one cushioning member" (first cushioning member 91) are not limited to those shown here. In addition, "other cushioning members" may be placed in various locations between the case body 1 and the bezel 6, and between the case body 1 and the guard member 7.
[0038] [Effect] Next, the operation of the device case 10 according to this embodiment and the timepiece 100 equipped with the same will be described. When assembling the device case 10 of this embodiment and the watch 100 equipped with it, the module 2 is housed in the case body 1, the opening on the visible side is closed with a crystal member, and the opening on the non-visible side is closed with a back cover member. In addition, a bezel 6 serving as a "first exterior member" is placed on the top side (visible side) of the case body 1.
[0039] Furthermore, a guard member 7, which is a "second exterior member," is arranged on at least a portion of the periphery of the case body 1, covering from above the bezel 6 to the outer circumferential side of the case body 1. In this embodiment, a first guard member 7a is arranged on the 3 o'clock side of the timepiece, and a second guard member 7b is arranged on the 9 o'clock side. The guard member 7 is then fixed to the case body 1 to hold the bezel 6 in place.
[0040] At this time, a "first buffer member 91" which is a "first buffer member" as the buffer member 9 is disposed between the bezel 6 and the guard member . Furthermore, between the case body 1 and the bezel 6, a "second buffer member 92" and a "third buffer member 93" which are "other buffer members" are appropriately arranged as the buffer members 9. Furthermore, between the case body 1 and the guard member 7, a "fourth buffer member 94" and a "fifth buffer member 95" which are "other buffer members" are appropriately arranged as the buffer members 9.
[0041] Then, operating parts 3 such as a push button and a crown are attached to the side of the case body 1 from the outside of the guard member 7. In this embodiment, the second guard member 7b, which is provided on the 9 o'clock side, is fastened to the side of the case body 1 by inserting screws 8 from the outside of the second guard member 7b through the screw holes 723 and 15. This completes the timepiece 100 equipped with the device case 10 of this embodiment.
[0042] In the device case 10 of this embodiment, the case body 1, bezel 6, and guard member 7 are all made of metal. This gives the timepiece 100 a luxurious feel and an excellent exterior design. Additionally, buffer members 9 are placed at each point where the metal members come into contact or interfere with each other. Therefore, if the device case 10 and the watch 100 equipped with it are subjected to an impact due to being dropped or the like, the buffer members 9 absorb the impact, preventing it from affecting the module 2 and other components housed inside the device case 10.
[0043] That is, for example, if the watch 100 is dropped from the viewing side, the impact is first absorbed by the "first buffer member 91" provided between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, and then the "second buffer member 92" and "third buffer member 93" located between the bezel 6 and the case body 1 absorb the impact. Furthermore, even if the watch 100 receives an impact from the side, for example, the impact is absorbed by the "fourth buffer member 94" and "fifth buffer member 95" located between the case body 1 and the guard member 7. In this way, because it has a double or triple shock absorption structure, it effectively absorbs shock whether it is received from the viewing side or the side, and the impact on the module 2, including the precision parts housed inside, is alleviated and reduced, making it possible to prevent damage to the case body 1 and the module 2 housed within the case body 1.
[0044] [effect] As described above, the device case 10 in this embodiment comprises a bezel 6, which is a "first exterior member" placed on the upper surface side of the case body 1; a guard member 7, which is a "second exterior member" that covers at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the case body 1 from above the bezel 6 to the outer peripheral side surface of the case body 1 and is fixed to the case body 1 to hold the bezel 6; and a first buffer member 91 ("first buffer member") as a buffer member 9 arranged between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7. In this way, by disposing the buffer member 9 between components that come into contact with and interfere with each other, it is possible to effectively absorb external impacts, thereby preventing the impact from reaching components such as the module 2 housed inside the case body 1 and preventing damage to the components.
[0045] In this embodiment, the case body, the bezel 6 as the first exterior member, and the guard member 7 as the second exterior member are made of metal materials. This allows the device case 10 to have a luxurious appearance. Even when metal exterior members (bezel 6 as the first exterior member and guard member 7 as the second exterior member) are attached to metal case body 1 in this way, shock absorbers 9 arranged between the metal members can absorb external shocks and protect components such as module 2 housed inside case body 1 from shocks, just as in the case where a resin exterior member is provided. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent metal parts from directly interfering with each other, it is also possible to prevent the parts from being damaged.
[0046] In addition, in this embodiment, at least one of the bezel 6 as the first exterior member and the guard member 7 as the second exterior member has a recess formed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the first buffer member 91 ("first buffer member"). As a result, the first buffer member 91 is accommodated in the recess, and is less likely to shift position even when an impact is applied. Furthermore, the recessed portion serves as a guide when assembling the first buffer member 91. This allows the assembling work to be carried out efficiently. Furthermore, even if the buffer member 9 is disposed between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, a gap is prevented from being formed between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, thereby realizing a good appearance.
[0047] Furthermore, "other buffer members" (second buffer member 92, third buffer member 93) are provided as buffer member 9 between case body 1 of this embodiment and bezel 6, which is the first exterior member. This allows shock to be absorbed between the case body 1 and the bezel 6, reducing the impact on the inside of the case body 1.
[0048] Furthermore, the "other buffer members" (second buffer member 92, third buffer member 93) of this embodiment are arranged so as to come into contact with at least one of the top surface and the side surface of the case body 1. This allows for efficient absorption of impacts from the top surface or side surface, which is the visible side of the case body 1, and improves impact resistance.
[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, at least one of the case body 1 or the bezel 6, which is the first exterior member, has a recess formed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the ``other buffer member'' (second buffer member 92, third buffer member 93). As a result, the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93 are housed within the recessed portions, and are less likely to shift in position when an impact is applied. Furthermore, the recessed portions serve as guides when assembling the second buffer member 92 and the third buffer member 93. This allows the assembling work to be carried out efficiently. Furthermore, even if the buffer member 9 is disposed between the case body 1 and the bezel 6, a gap is prevented from being formed between the case body 1 and the bezel 6, thereby realizing a good appearance.
[0050] In this embodiment, the first buffer member 91 ("first buffer member") and the second buffer member 92 of the "other buffer members" are formed from fluororubber, and the third buffer member 93 of the "other buffer members" is formed from fluororesin. By forming the first buffer member 91 and the second buffer member 92 from fluororubber, a high buffer effect can be expected. On the other hand, the third buffer member 93 is arranged along the rising surface 131, which is the surface in the thickness direction, and therefore is required not only to have a buffer effect but also to avoid twisting during assembly. For this reason, a certain degree of hardness, smoothness, and fit are required, and from these points of view, a fluororesin is preferably used as the material for forming the third buffer member 93.
[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the third buffer member 93 is formed with chamfered lower corners on the case main body 1 side and upper corners on the bezel 6 side, which is the first exterior member, to make it easier to fit.
[0052] Furthermore, when the device case 10 of this embodiment is applied to a timepiece 100, a shock-resistant structure can be achieved.
[0053] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, a "first buffer member 91" is provided as the buffer member 9 ("first buffer member") between the bezel 6 and the guard member 7, and a "second buffer member 92," a "third buffer member 93," a "fourth buffer member 94," and a "fifth buffer member 95" are provided as buffer members 9 ("other buffer members") that are arranged in positions different from the first buffer member 91. In the present embodiment, only the "third buffer member 93" is formed from a fluororesin, and the other buffer members 9 are formed from a fluororubber. However, the materials for forming the "first buffer member" ("first buffer member 91") and the "other buffer members" ("second buffer member 92," "third buffer member 93," "fourth buffer member 94," and "fifth buffer member 95") are not limited to these.
[0055] For example, the "first buffer member" ("first buffer member 91") and the "other buffer members" ("second buffer member 92," "third buffer member 93," "fourth buffer member 94," and "fifth buffer member 95") may be made of different materials. For example, even if rubber is used, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber (e.g., NBR; nitrile butadiene rubber), butyl rubber, silicone rubber, etc. may be used as appropriate depending on the location of placement, etc. The "first buffer member 91" to the "fifth buffer member 95" may all be made of the same material, or different materials may be used. This allows the appropriate material to be applied depending on the location, etc.
[0056] Furthermore, even if the same rubber is used, the hardness of the "first cushioning member" ("first cushioning member 91") and the "other cushioning members" ("second cushioning member 92," "third cushioning member 93," "fourth cushioning member 94," and "fifth cushioning member 95") may differ from each other. For example, a hard member with a high hardness (e.g., JIS hardness 90 degrees) may be used for the cushioning members 9 arranged closer to the outside of the device case 10, and a soft member with a low hardness (e.g., JIS hardness 70 degrees) may be used for those arranged closer to the inside. Note that the hardness of each buffer member 9 is not limited to this. Conversely to the above, a buffer member 9 with high hardness may be used for the buffer member 9 arranged inside the device case 10, and a buffer member with low hardness may be used for the buffer member 9 arranged outside. The harder the material, the greater the repulsive force, and the softer the material, the smaller the repulsive force. Therefore, by appropriately using and combining materials with different hardnesses depending on where each cushioning member 9 is placed, it is expected that the overall cushioning performance will be improved.
[0057] Furthermore, even if the rubber is the same, the thickness of the "first cushioning member" ("first cushioning member 91") and the "other cushioning members" ("second cushioning member 92," "third cushioning member 93," "fourth cushioning member 94," "fifth cushioning member 95") may differ from each other. For example, thick cushioning members 9 are used in areas where space for them can be secured, and thin cushioning members 9 are used in areas where only thin ones can be placed. Furthermore, the thickness, hardness, quality, etc. of the material forming the buffer member 9 of each part may be combined so as to more effectively enhance the buffer effect depending on the arrangement space, etc.
[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, each buffer member 9 (i.e., the "first buffer member 91," "second buffer member 92," "third buffer member 93," "fourth buffer member 94," and "fifth buffer member 95") may have a convex portion 90 formed on at least a portion (e.g., the front or back surface). 9(a) and 9(b) show examples in which convex portions 90 are provided on the surface of a buffer member 9 (buffer member 9a) that is partially arranged, such as the "first buffer member 91," "fourth buffer member 94," and "fifth buffer member 95" in this embodiment. Fig. 9(a) is a top view showing the surface of buffer member 9a, and Fig. 9(b) is a side view of buffer member 9a shown in Fig. 9(a). FIG. 10 also shows an example in which a convex portion 90 is provided on the surface of a buffer member 9 (buffer member 9b) formed in a ring shape, such as the "second buffer member 92" and the "third buffer member 93" in this embodiment.
[0059] 9(a), 9(b), and 10 illustrate the case where the convex portions 90 are provided on the surface of the cushioning member 9, but the convex portions may be provided on the back surface of the cushioning member 9. Also, the convex portions 90 may be provided on both the front and back surfaces of the cushioning member 9. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the height of the protrusions 90, the number (density) of the protrusions 90 provided on a surface, etc. The size, height, etc. of the protrusions 90 may also be adjusted depending on the quality, hardness, thickness, etc. of the material forming the buffer member 9. In this way, by providing the convex portions 90 on the cushioning member 9, the cushioning member 9 can be brought into point contact between the components that are sandwiched between the cushioning member 9. This provides a higher cushioning effect, and is expected to effectively absorb external shocks.
[0060] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the device case 10 is applied to the watch 100, but the device case 10 is not limited to a watch case. The device case 10 of this embodiment may be widely applied to device cases that house components that are susceptible to damage due to impact inside the case body 1. For example, the present invention can be applied to electronic devices such as various smart watches and sports watches, as well as wearable devices that acquire biometric information such as heart rate and blood flow information in addition to the time.
[0061] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]
[0062] 1 case body 2 Modules 6 Bezel (first exterior member) 7 Guard member (second exterior member) 9. Cushioning material 91 first buffer member 92 Second buffer member 93 Third buffer member 94 Fourth buffer member 95 Fifth buffer member 10 Equipment Case 100 Clocks
Claims
1. a first exterior member placed on the upper surface side of the case body; a second exterior member covering at least an upper portion of the first exterior member; a first buffer member disposed between the first exterior member and the second exterior member; a second buffer member and a third buffer member disposed between the case body and the first exterior member; Equipped with the first buffer member and the second buffer member are formed of fluorine-based rubber, the third buffer member is formed of a fluorine-based resin; An equipment case characterized by:
2. the second buffer member is disposed so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the case body, the third buffer member is disposed so as to contact a side surface of the case body, The device case according to claim 1 , wherein the second buffer member and the third buffer member are arranged spaced apart from each other.
3. the first exterior member has an inclined surface on an upper surface side, The device case according to claim 1 , wherein the first buffer member is disposed on the inclined surface of the first exterior member.
4. the second exterior member covers at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the case body from above the first exterior member to the outer peripheral side surface of the case body and is fixed to the case body; The device case according to claim 1 .
5. the case body, the first exterior member, and the second exterior member are formed of a metal material; The device case according to claim 1 .
6. At least one of the first exterior member and the second exterior member has a recess formed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the first buffer member. The device case according to claim 1 .
7. The second buffer member and the third buffer member have different hardnesses and / or are made of different materials. The device case according to claim 1 .
8. a recess for accommodating at least a portion of the second buffer member is formed in at least one of the case body and the first exterior member; The device case according to claim 1 .
9. a convex portion is formed on at least a part of any of the first buffer member, the second buffer member, and the third buffer member; The device case according to claim 1 .
10. the first buffering member and the second buffering member or the third buffering member have different hardnesses from each other; The device case according to claim 1 .
11. The first buffer member and the second buffer member or the third buffer member are made of different materials. The device case according to claim 1 .
12. the third buffer member is formed by chamfering a lower corner portion on the case main body side and an upper corner portion on the first exterior member side; The device case according to claim 1 .
13. The first buffer member and the second buffer member or the third buffer member have different thicknesses. The device case according to claim 1 .
14. a fourth buffer member is provided between the case body and the second exterior member; The device case according to claim 1 .
15. The device case according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is provided. A watch characterized by
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