Case and timepiece

A case includes a case main body, an exterior cover formed of a synthetic resin and mounted on an upper portion and an outer circumferential portion of the case main body to cover the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion, and a reinforcement member formed of a synthetic resin harder than the exterior cover and embedded in an inner surface of the exterior cover to prevent an inner circumferential side of the exterior cover from being bent back relative to the case main body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-077571 filed on Apr. 10, 2017, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case used for electronic devices, such as wrist timepieces, mobile phones and mobile information terminals, and to a timepiece having the same.

For example, as wrist timepiece cases, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-329869, a case is known, in which an exterior cover made of soft synthetic resin is provided on an outer circumference of an upper portion of a case main body made of metal and a pressing member made of metal is arranged on the exterior cover, so that the exterior cover is fixed to the case main body by the pressing member.

In this type of wrist timepiece case, the pressing member made of metal is attached to the case main body by a plurality of screws, so that the exterior cover is pressed against the case main body by the pressing member, thereby preventing the exterior cover made of soft synthetic resin from being bent back relative to the case main body.

However, in such a wrist timepiece case, it is necessary to press the exterior cover against the case main body using the pressing member made of metal, in order to attach the exterior cover in such a manner that the exterior cover made of soft synthetic resin is prevented from being bent back relative to the case main body. As a result, the number of components as additional components is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a case and a timepiece having the case, in which it is possible to prevent an exterior cover from being bent back relative to a case main body without using additional components.

One aspect of the present invention is a case including a case main body; an exterior cover formed of a synthetic resin and mounted on an upper portion and an outer circumferential portion of the case main body to cover the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion; and a reinforcement member formed of a synthetic resin harder than the exterior cover and embedded in an inner surface of the exterior cover to prevent an inner circumferential side of the exterior cover from being bent back relative to the case main body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment, in which the present invention is applied to a wrist timepiece, will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5A and 5B.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, the wrist timepiece has a wrist timepiece case1. The wrist timepiece case1is constituted of a case main body2and an exterior cover3.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, a timepiece glass4is attached on an upper opening portion of the wrist timepiece case1, i.e., an upper opening portion of the case main body2via a glass packing4a. A back cover (not shown) is attached on a lower portion of the wrist timepiece case1, i.e., a lower portion of the case main body2. Also, a timepiece module (not shown) is provided in the inside of the wrist timepiece case1, i.e., the inside of the case main body2.

As shown inFIG. 1, band attaching portions5, to which a timepiece band (not shown) is to be attached, are respectively provided on 12 and 6 o'clock sides of the wrist timepiece case1. Also, switch portions6are respectively provided on 2, 3, 4, 8 and 10 o'clock sides of the wrist timepiece case1.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the case main body2of the wrist timepiece case1is constituted of a first case portion7and a second case portion8. The first case portion7is generally formed in a barrel shape using a metal, such stainless steel, or a hard synthetic resin. The first case portion7is configured such that the timepiece module (not shown) is arranged therein and a plurality of switch portions6(seeFIG. 1) is attached on an outer circumferential portion thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second case portion8is generally formed in a ring shape using a metal, such as stainless steel, and is attached on an upper portion of the first case portion7via a waterproof ring7a. That is, the second case portion8has a ring-shaped base portion8aconfigured to be attached on the upper portion of the first case portion7, and a ring-shaped wall portion8berected on the base portion8a.

Thus, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second case portion8has notch portions formed on inner and outer circumferential sides, respectively, of the wall portion8b. Therefore, the second case portion8is configured such that the timepiece glass4is attached on an inner circumferential surface of the notch portion located on the inner circumferential side of the wall portion8bvia the glass packing4a, and a part of an inner surface of the exterior cover3as described below is arranged in the notch portion located on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8b.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, the exterior cover3is formed by a soft synthetic resin, such as polyurethane, and is configured to be attached on the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the case main body2to cover them. That is, the exterior cover3is configured to cover a region extending from the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the second case portion8of the case main body2to an outer circumferential portion of the first case portion7. Also, in this state, the exterior cover3is configured to be attached to the second case portion8by a plurality of screws10at locations thereon located on both sides of each of the band attaching portions5.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the exterior cover3is formed such that parts thereof, which are located on both sides of each of the band attaching portions5and to which the plurality of screws10are respectively attached, a part thereof located on a 3 o'clock side and a part thereof located on a 9 o'clock side protrude toward inner and outer circumferential sides thereof. Thus, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, the exterior cover3is configured such that parts thereof protruding toward the inner circumferential side are arranged over a region extending from an edge portion of the timepiece glass4, which is located on an outer circumference thereof, to an upper surface of the timepiece glass4.

In this case, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the parts of the exterior cover3located on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides are formed such that radial lengths thereof are longer than radial lengths of the parts thereof on both sides of each of the band attaching portions5. Also, a notch portion3bis provided in an inner circumferential portion of each of the parts of the exterior cover3located on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides, except both side portions3athereof in the radial direction.

Since the parts of the exterior cover3located on both sides of each of the band attaching portions5are fixed by the screws10as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior cover3is attached such that inner circumferential portions of the parts located on both sides of each of the band attaching portions5are prevented from being bent back relative to the timepiece glass4. Also, the exterior cover3is configured such that the inner circumferential portions of the parts located on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides tend to be bent back relative to the timepiece glass4.

Therefore, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the exterior cover3has reinforcement members11respectively embedded in inner circumferential surfaces of the parts located on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides in order to prevent the inner circumferential portions thereof from being bent back. That is, each of the reinforcement members11is integrally formed with the exterior cover3using a synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, harder and more rigid than the exterior cover3. Further, each reinforcement member11includes first to third reinforcing portions12to14.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the first reinforcing portion12is an upper horizontal plate portion and is arranged on a lower surface of the exterior cover3, which is located on the inner circumferential portion thereof. Therefore, the first reinforcing portion12is configured to correspond to an upper end portion of the wall portion8bof the second case portion8of the case main body2and the outer circumferential portion of the timepiece glass4. Also, the first reinforcing portion12is formed such that an inner circumferential portion thereof has the same shape as that of the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3.

That is, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 5A and 5B, the first reinforcing portion12is formed such that the inner circumferential portion thereof has a shape corresponding to both side portions3a, in the radial direction, of the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3and the notch portion3bprovided therebetween. Thus, the first reinforcing portion12is configured such that edge portions of the inner circumferential portion and also of both side portions thereof are exposed to the outside on the inner circumferential side of the exterior cover3. Also, the first reinforcing portion12is provide with a plurality of first circular biting holes12aarranged at predetermined intervals along the radial direction (length direction) and configured to allow the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the second reinforcing portion13is a vertical plate portion and is arranged on an inner surface of the exterior cover3. Therefore, the second reinforcing portion13is configured to correspond to an outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8of the case main body2. The second reinforcing portion13is integrally formed with the first reinforcing portion12to extend from an outer circumferential end portion of the first reinforcing portion12to an upper surface of the base portion8aalong the outer circumferential surface8aof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8. The second reinforcing portion is provide with a plurality of second quadrilateral biting holes13aarranged at predetermined intervals along the radial direction and configured to allow the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the third reinforcing portion14is a lower horizontal plate portion and is arranged on a lower surface of the exterior cover3, which is located on the outer circumferential side thereof. Therefore, the third reinforcing portion14is configured to correspond to an upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8of the case main body2, which is located on the notch portion provided on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof.

That is, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the third reinforcing portion14is integrally formed with the second reinforcing portion13to extend from a lower end portion of the second reinforcing portion13to an outer circumferential end portion of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the notch portion provided on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof. The third reinforcing portion14is provide with a plurality of third circular biting holes14aarranged at predetermined intervals along the radial direction and configured to allow the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto.

Also, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the reinforcement member11has a shock releasing portion15for releasing a shock from the outside. The shock releasing portion15is a plate-shaped portion elongated in the radial direction and is located on and integrally formed with an upper end portion of the second reinforcing portion13to protrude upward from an upper surface of the first reinforcing portion12.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the shock releasing portion15is also provided with a plurality of fourth circular biting holes15aarranged at predetermined intervals along the radial direction and configured to allow the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto. Thus, the shock releasing portion15is configured such that when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, the shock is dispersed and released to the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3and also the shock is absorbed by the plurality of fourth biting holes15a.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, the reinforcement member11has a defamation restriction portion16for restricting deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15. The defamation restriction portion16includes the third reinforcing portion14, which is a first restricting portion, and a plurality of second restricting portions17. The third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is a lower horizontal plate portion and is arranged on the lower surface of the exterior cover3, which is located on the outer circumferential side thereof. Therefore, the third reinforcing portion14is configured to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8of the case main body2, which is located on the notch portion provided on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof.

As shown inFIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the plurality of second restricting portions17are triangular beam portions bridged between an outer circumferential surface of the second reinforcing portion13and an upper surface of the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and are integrally formed with the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14. That is, the plurality of second restricting portions17are provided on both side portions of the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14in the radial direction and also at locations, which are located between the side portions and also between the plurality of third biting holes14aof the third reinforcing portion14, and thus are configured to restrict deformation of the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14relative to each other.

Also, on both side portions of the reinforcement member11in the radial direction (length direction), decorative portions18are respectively integrally formed therewith as shown inFIGS. 2, 5A and 5B. The decorative portions18are collar-shaped portion extending from both side portions, in the length direction, of the first reinforcing portion12to the second restricting portions17by way of both side portions, in the length direction, of the second reinforcing portion13. Like the first reinforcing portion12, the decorative portions18are configured such that edge portions of both side portions thereof are exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3.

In this case, the reinforcement member11may have the same color as that of the exterior cover3, but preferably has a color different from that of the exterior cover3as shown inFIG. 2. Thus, since edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18are exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3with a color different from that of the exterior cover3, the reinforcement member11is configured to become an accent on design.

Next, the effects of the wrist timepiece case1will be described.

The exterior cover3and the reinforcement member11of the wrist timepiece case1are integrally formed with each other by two-color molding. Therefore, when the exterior cover3and the reinforcement member11are formed by two-color molding, the reinforcement member11is first molded by a first mold.

In this case, the first mold includes an upper die and a lower die. The reinforcement member11is molded using the upper die and the lower die. Then, when the upper die and the lower die are separated from each other, only the upper die is separated and removed with the molded reinforcement member11left in the lower die. Thereafter, the exterior cover3is molded using a second mold.

When the exterior cover3is molded using the second mold, an upper die of the second mold is superimposed on the lower die of the first mold, in which the reinforcement member11is left, and in this state, the exterior cover3is molded. Thus, the reinforcement member11and the exterior cover3are integrally formed with each other in a state where the reinforcement member11is embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the exterior cover3. At this time, the exterior cover3is formed to bite into the first to fourth biting holes12ato15aprovided in the reinforcement member11.

When the exterior cover3with the reinforcement member11integrally formed as described above is attached to the case main body2, the exterior cover3is mounted on a region extending from the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the second case portion8of the case main body2to the outer circumferential portion of the first case portion7. In this state, the parts of the exterior cover3located on both side portions of each of the band attaching portions5are attached to the second case portion8by the plurality of screws10. As a result, the wrist timepiece case1is assembled.

According to the wrist timepiece case1assembled as described above, the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member11embedded in the exterior cover3is arranged to correspond to the upper end portion of the wall portion8bof the second case portion8, and the second reinforcing portion13is arranged to correspond to the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8. Also, the third reinforcing portion14, which also serves as the first restricting portion of the defamation restriction portion16, is arranged to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof.

At this time, the edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18in the reinforcement member11are arranged to be exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3. Therefore, by forming the reinforcement member11to have a color different from that of the exterior cover3, the edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18are exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3with a color different from that of the exterior cover3. Thus, the reinforcement member11becomes an accent on design, thereby enhancing designability.

In this state, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3of the wrist timepiece case1to be bent back is exerted thereon, the reinforcement member11prevents the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back, since the reinforcement member11is integrally formed with the exterior cover3using a synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, having a higher rigidity and also the exterior cover3bites and is fixed to the first to fourth biting holes12ato15aprovided in the reinforcement member11.

That is, if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member11is going to be pushed up due to the external force, but the second reinforcing portion13abuts against the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8so that the first reinforcing portion12is prevented from being pushed up. Therefore, the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3is not bent back.

Also, at this time, deformation of the first reinforcing portion12and the second reinforcing portion13can be prevented by the deformation restriction portion16. That is, in the defamation restriction portion16, the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, abuts against the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the notch portion on the outer circumferential side thereof, and the plurality of second restricting portions17are bridged between the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the second reinforcing portion13.

Therefore, in the state where the second reinforcing portion13abuts against the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8, when the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12is going to be pushed up, deformation of the second reinforcing portion13toward the outer circumferential side is blocked by the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the second restricting portions17of the deformation restriction portion16, thereby preventing the first reinforcing portion12from being pushed up.

Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon and thus the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member11is going to be pushed up due to the external force, the second and third reinforcing portions13,14and the deformation restriction portion16blocks the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12from being pushed up, thereby reliably preventing the exterior cover3from being bent back.

Further, when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, the exterior cover3can be elastically deformed to absorb the shock and also the shock releasing portion15of the reinforcement member11can disperse and release the shock to the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3. Also at this time, deformation of the second reinforcing portion13toward the outer circumferential side can be reliably blocked by the defamation restriction portion16, thereby ensuring that the shock releasing portion15can well disperse and release the shock to the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3. Further, when the exterior cover3is elastically deformed to absorb the shock, the shock can be also absorbed by the plurality of fourth biting holes15aprovided in the shock releasing portion15.

As described above, the wrist timepiece case1includes the case main body2formed of a hard material; the exterior cover3formed of a soft synthetic resin and mounted on the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the case main body2to cover them; and the reinforcement member11formed of a hard synthetic resin and embedded in the inner surface of the exterior cover3to prevent the inner circumferential side of the exterior cover3from being bent back relative to the case main body2. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the exterior cover3from being bent back relative to the case main body2without using additional components, such as a pressing member, thereby ensuring that the exterior cover3can be well attached to the case main body2.

That is, in the wrist timepiece case1, the reinforcement member11is formed of a hard synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, having a higher rigidity, and is embedded in the inner surface of the exterior cover3. Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the reinforcement member11can reliably prevent the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back.

In this case, the reinforcement member11includes the first reinforcing portion12arranged on the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the upper end portion of the second case portion8of the case main body2; the second reinforcing portion13arranged on the inner surface of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8; and the third reinforcing portion15arranged on the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8corresponding to the notch portion located on the outer circumferential side thereof. Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the first to third reinforcing portions12to14of the reinforcement member11can reliably prevent the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back.

That is, according to the reinforcement member11, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12is going to be pushed up due to the external force, but the second reinforcing portion13abuts against the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8, thereby reliably preventing the first reinforcing portion12from being pushed up Also, at this time, the third reinforcing portion14abuts against of the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8located on the outer circumferential side thereof, thereby inhibiting deformation of the second reinforcing portion13toward the outer circumferential side.

Also, the reinforcement member11has the shock releasing portion15for releasing a shock when the shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above. Therefore, if the shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, the exterior cover3can absorb the shock by elastic deformation thereof and also the shock releasing portion15can disperse and release the shock from the above toward the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3. As a result, it is possible to efficiently and satisfactorily absorb the shock from the outside.

In this case, the reinforcement member11has the deformation restriction portion16for restricting deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15can be reliably prevented by the deformation restriction portion16.

That is, the defamation restriction portion16includes the third reinforcing portion15, which is the first restricting portion, arranged on the inner surface of the exterior cover3located on the outer circumferential portion side thereof and configured to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8corresponding to the notch portion located on the outer circumferential side thereof, and the second restricting portions17bridged between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and configured to restrict deformation of the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14relative to each other. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15due to the external force or the shock can be reliably prevented.

In this case, the defamation restriction portion16is configured such that the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is pressed against the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8and also the second restricting portions17are bridged between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, it is possible to reliably prevent the second reinforcing portion13from being deformed toward the outer circumferential side due to the external force or the shock, thereby preventing a bending deformation of the shock releasing portion15.

Further, the reinforcement member11has the first to fourth biting holes12ato15aallowing the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto. Therefore, when the reinforcement member11is embedded in the exterior cover3, the exterior cover3can bite into the first to fourth biting holes12ato15a, thereby reliably and firmly fixing the reinforcement member11to the exterior cover3.

Therefore, according to the reinforcement member11, the exterior cover3can be firmly fixed to the first reinforcing portion12, thereby reliably preventing the exterior cover3from being bent back even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon. Also, when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, the shock can not only be absorbed by the exterior cover3but also be absorbed by the first to fourth biting holes12ato15a.

Further, according to the wrist timepiece case1, the edge portion of the inner circumferential side of the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member11is exposed to the outside of the inner circumferential side of the exterior cover3, so that the edge portion of the inner circumferential side of the first reinforcing portion12can be visible from the outside of the exterior cover3, thereby enhancing designability. That is, by forming the reinforcement member11and the exterior cover3to have different colors from each other, exposure of the edge portion of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12to the outside of the exterior cover3can become an accent on design, thereby enhancing designability.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment, in which the present invention is applied to a wrist timepiece, will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9A and 9B. Meanwhile, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 5Aand5B are designated by the same reference numerals.

This wrist timepiece has substantially the same structure as that of the first embodiment, except that as shown inFIGS. 6 to 9A and 9B, a deformation restriction portion21of a reinforcement member20of a wrist timepiece case1thereof has a structure different from that of the first embodiment.

That is, like the first embodiment, the reinforcement member20is integrally formed with an exterior cover3using a synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, having a higher rigidity. As shown inFIGS. 6 to 9A and 9B, the reinforcement member20has first to third reinforcing portions12to14, a shock releasing portion15, and decorative portions18. Also, the deformation restriction portion21for restricting deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15is integrally formed with the reinforcement member20.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9A and 9B, the defamation restriction portion21includes the third reinforcing portion14, which is a first restricting portion, and a plurality of second restricting portions22. Like the first embodiment, the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is a lower horizontal plate portion and is arranged on the lower surface of the exterior cover3, which is located on the outer circumferential side thereof. Therefore, the third reinforcing portion14is configured to correspond to an upper surface of a base portion8aof a second case portion8of a case main body2, which is located on a notch portion provided on an outer circumferential side of a wall portion8bthereof.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9A and 9B, like the first embodiment, the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is integrally formed with the second reinforcing portion13to extend from a lower end portion of the second reinforcing portion13to an outer circumferential end portion of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the notch portion provided on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof. The third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is provide with a plurality of third circular biting holes14aarranged at predetermined intervals along the radial direction and configured to allow the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, the plurality of second restricting portions22are square-rod-shaped beam portions bridged between an outer circumferential surface of the second reinforcing portion13and an upper surface of the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and are provided between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14at equal intervals along the radial direction (length direction). Therefore, in the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, a plurality of third biting holes14aare provided to be positioned between the plurality of second restricting portions22.

Also, as shown inFIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, second triangular biting holes22aare provided between a corner, which is located between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the plurality of second restricting portions22corresponding thereto. Further, since the plurality of second restricting portions22are provided at predetermined intervals in the second reinforcing portion13, no biting hole is provided in the second reinforcing portion13.

Also in the case, as shown inFIG. 6, the reinforcement member20is preferably formed to have a color different from that of the exterior cover3. Thus, like the first embodiment, edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18are exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3with a color different from that of the exterior cover3. As a result, the reinforcement member20is configured to become an accent on design.

Next, the effects of the wrist timepiece case1will be described.

The exterior cover3and the reinforcement member20of the wrist timepiece case1are integrally formed with each other by two-color molding. Therefore, when the exterior cover3and the reinforcement member11are formed by two-color molding, the reinforcement member11is first molded by a first mold like the first embodiment.

In this case, a slide core for forming the second triangular biting holes22abetween the corner, which is located between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the plurality of second restricting portions22corresponding thereto is arranged in a lower die of the first mold. Also, the reinforcement member20is formed by upper and lower dies of the first mold, and then only the upper die is separated and removed with the molded reinforcement member20and the slide core left in the lower die.

Thereafter, like the first embodiment, an upper die of a second mold is superimposed on the lower die of the first mold, in which the reinforcement member20is left, and in this state, the exterior cover3is molded. Then, in the state where the molded reinforcement member20and the slide core are left in the lower die of the first mold, the upper die of the second mold is separated therefrom. In this state, the slide core provided in the lower die of the first mold is slid and withdrawn therefrom, thereby allowing the molded reinforcement member20to be demolded from the lower die of the first mold.

Thus, the reinforcement member20having the second triangular biting holes22aformed between the corner of the reinforcement member20, which is located between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the plurality of second restricting portions22corresponding thereto is embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the exterior cover3, and in this state the reinforcement member20and the exterior cover3are integrally formed with each other. At this time, the exterior cover3is formed to bite into the first to fourth biting holes12a,22a,14a,15aprovided in the reinforcement member20.

When the exterior cover3with the reinforcement member20integrally formed as described above is attached to the case main body2, the exterior cover3is mounted on a region extending from the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the second case portion8of the case main body2to the outer circumferential portion of the first case portion7like the first embodiment. In this state, the parts of the exterior cover3located on both side portions of each of the band attaching portions5are attached to the second case portion8by the plurality of screws10. As a result, the wrist timepiece case1is assembled.

Like the first embodiment, according to the wrist timepiece case1as described above, the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member20embedded in the exterior cover3is arranged to correspond to the upper end portion of the wall portion8bof the second case portion8, and the second reinforcing portion13is arranged to correspond to the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion8bof the second case portion8. Also, the third reinforcing portion14, which also serves as the first restricting portion of the defamation restriction portion21, is arranged to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the outer circumferential side of the wall portion8bthereof.

At this time, the edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18in the reinforcement member20are arranged to be exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3. Therefore, by forming the reinforcement member20to have a color different from that of the exterior cover3, the edge portions of the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12and also of both side portions of the decorative portions18are exposed to the outside of the exterior cover3with a color different from that of the exterior cover3. Thus, the reinforcement member20becomes an accent on design, thereby enhancing designability.

In this state, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3of the wrist timepiece case1to be bent back is exerted thereon, like the first embodiment, the reinforcement member20prevents the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back, since the reinforcement member20is integrally formed with the exterior cover3using a synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, having a higher rigidity and also the exterior cover3bites and is fixed to the first to fourth biting holes12a,22a,14a,15aprovided in the reinforcement member20.

That is, if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, like the first embodiment, the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member20is going to be pushed up due to the external force, but the second reinforcing portion13abuts against the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8so that the first reinforcing portion12is prevented from being pushed up. Therefore, the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3is not bent back.

Also, at this time, deformation of the first reinforcing portion12and the second reinforcing portion13can be prevented by the deformation restriction portion21. That is, in the defamation restriction portion21, the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, abuts against the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8, which is located on the notch portion on the outer circumferential side thereof, and the plurality of second restricting portions22are bridged between the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the second reinforcing portion13.

Therefore, in the state where the second reinforcing portion13abuts against the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8, when the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12is going to be pushed up, deformation of the second reinforcing portion13toward the outer circumferential side is blocked by the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and the second restricting portions22of the deformation restriction portion21, thereby preventing the first reinforcing portion12from being pushed up.

Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon and thus the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12of the reinforcement member20is going to be pushed up due to the external force, the second and third reinforcing portions13,14and the deformation restriction portion21block the inner circumferential portion of the first reinforcing portion12from being pushed up, thereby reliably preventing the exterior cover3from being bent back.

Further, when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, the exterior cover3can be elastically deformed to absorb the shock and also the shock releasing portion15of the reinforcement member20can disperse and release the shock to the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3. Also at this time, deformation of the second reinforcing portion13toward the outer circumferential side can be reliably blocked by the defamation restriction portion21, thereby ensuring that the shock releasing portion15can well disperse and release the shock to the inner and outer circumferential sides of the exterior cover3. Further, when the exterior cover3is elastically deformed to absorb the shock, the shock can be also absorbed by the plurality of fourth biting holes15aprovided in the shock releasing portion15.

As described above, the wrist timepiece case1includes the case main body2formed of a hard material; the exterior cover3formed of a soft synthetic resin and mounted on the upper portion and the outer circumferential portion of the case main body2to cover them; and the reinforcement member20formed of a hard synthetic resin and embedded in the inner surface of the exterior cover3to prevent the exterior cover3from being bent back relative to the case main body2. Accordingly, like the first embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent the exterior cover3from being bent back relative to the case main body2without using additional components, such as a pressing member, thereby ensuring that the exterior cover3can be well attached to the case main body2.

That is, according to the wrist timepiece case1, like the first embodiment, the reinforcement member20is also formed of a hard synthetic resin, such as polyamide or polycarbonate, having a higher rigidity, and is embedded in the inner surface of the exterior cover3. Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the reinforcement member20can reliably prevent the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back.

Also in this case, the reinforcement member20includes the first reinforcing portion12arranged on the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the upper end portion of the second case portion8of the case main body2; the second reinforcing portion13arranged on the inner surface of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the outer circumferential surface8cof the wall portion8bof the second case portion8; and the third reinforcing portion15arranged on the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8corresponding to the notch portion located on the outer circumferential side thereof. Accordingly, even if an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon, the first to third reinforcing portions12to14of the reinforcement member20can reliably prevent the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3from being bent back.

In this case, the reinforcement member20has the deformation restriction portion21for restricting deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15due to the external force or the shock can be reliably prevented.

That is, the defamation restriction portion21includes the third reinforcing portion15, which is the first restricting portion, arranged on the outer circumferential side of the exterior cover3and configured to correspond to the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8corresponding to the notch portion located on the outer circumferential side thereof; and the second restricting portions22bridged between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, and configured to restrict deformation of them relative to each other. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, deformation of the first to third reinforcing portions12to14and the shock releasing portion15due to the external force or the shock can be reliably prevented.

In this case, the defamation restriction portion21is configured such that the third reinforcing portion14, which is the first restricting portion, is pressed against the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8and also the second restricting portions22are bridged between the second reinforcing portion13and the third reinforcing portion14. Therefore, when an external force causing the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back is exerted thereon or when a shock is exerted on the exterior cover3from above, it is possible to reliably prevent the second reinforcing portion13from being deformed toward the outer circumferential side due to the external force or the shock.

Further, the reinforcement member20has the first to fourth biting holes12a,22a,14a,15aallowing the exterior cover3to bite and be fixed thereto. Therefore, like the first embodiment, when the reinforcement member20is embedded in the exterior cover3, the exterior cover3can bite into the first to fourth biting holes12a,22a,14a,15a. As a result, it is possible to reliably and firmly fix the reinforcement member20to the exterior cover3and thus to reliably prevent the inner circumferential portion of the exterior cover3to be bent back.

Meanwhile, although the case where the case main body2is constituted of the first case portion7and the second case portion8and the notch portion is provided on the outer circumference of the upper portion of the second case portion8has been described in the foregoing first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the case main body may be formed as a single body and the notch portion may be provided on an outer circumference of an upper portion thereof.

Also, although the case where the third reinforcing portion14, which also serves as the first restricting portion of the deformation restriction portion16,21, directly abuts against the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8has been described in the foregoing first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third reinforcing portion14, which also serves as the first restricting portion, may be embedded in the exterior cover3in such a manner that a part of the exterior cover3is arranged between the third reinforcing portion,14which also serves as the first restricting portion, and the upper surface of the base portion8aof the second case portion8.

Further, although the case where the present invention is applied to the wrist timepiece has been described in the foregoing first and second embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the wrist timepiece, but may be applied to various timepieces, such as travel timepieces, alarm clocks, table clocks and wall clocks. Further, the present invention is not necessarily limited to timepieces, but may be applied to electronic devices, such as mobile phones and mobile information terminals.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, but is intended to encompass the inventions as set forth in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.