Patent ID: 12197172

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary Embodiment 1

Overview of Watch

FIG.1is a plan view of a watch according to the present exemplary embodiment, viewed from front.

A watch100of the present exemplary embodiment is an analog wristwatch including a waterproof function, and is a so-called diver's watch.

The watch100is an electronic mechanical watch that has a rotary weight (not illustrated) built-in, charges electric power generated by rotation of the rotary weight to an electric condenser such as a capacitor to use as driving power, generates a reference clock in an oscillation circuit including an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and drives a hand based on the reference clock. The watch100includes the power reserve display unit50a, and shows drivable time until the watch stops while the watch100is left alone. In a suitable example, the watch100has drive performance of about one month in a state of being left alone, when fully charged.

Note that, the present disclosure is not limited to an electronic mechanical watch that uses a rotary weight as a power source to generate electricity for driving, it is sufficient to use a watch including the power reserve display unit50a, or for example, a watch that generates electricity for driving using a power spring or the like as a power source may be used, a watch that generates electricity for driving by applying stress to a piezoelectric element, a watch that generates electricity for driving by utilizing an electrostatic induction phenomenon, or a watch including a solar cell may be used. Alternatively, a mechanical watch may be used.

The watch100is configured with a case body20, a dial10, a bezel21, a crown30, and the like. Note that, a rear face of the case body20is provided with a case back, but illustration is omitted.

The case body20is a case, and is formed of titanium in the suitable example. Note that, the material is not limited to titanium, and it is sufficient to use a hard material, or for example, metal such as stainless steel or a ceramic may be used.

The dial10is a watch dial having a circular shape, and an insertion hole (not illustrated) through which a hand shaft passes is provided in a center thereof. Note that, the shape of the dial10is not limited to a circular shape, and it is sufficient to use a shape in accordance with a design, or for example, an ellipse may be used, or a polygon such as a quadrangular shape may be used. An hour hand2, a minute hand3, and a seconds hand4are mounted to the hand shaft inserted through the insertion hole of the dial10. The hour hand2indicates hours, the minute hand3indicates seconds, and the seconds hand4indicates seconds.

The dial10is provided with a date window5, a second graduation11, an time graduation12, an time graduation13, an time graduation14, a power reserve display unit50a, and the like. In other words, the dial10has a plurality of the time graduations indicating time by being pointed by the hour hand2and the minute hand3.

The date window5is a window frame for showing date provided in a vicinity of a 3.5 o'clock position, and a date is shown therein. The second graduation11is a second graduation provided at an outermost periphery of the dial.

The time graduations12are hour graduations, and are classified into an time graduation12aand an time graduation12b. The time graduation12ais provided inside the second graduation11, and is arranged at each of 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 11 o'clock positions, in the suitable example.

The time graduation12bis a pointing graduation, and is arranged at an 8 o'clock position inside the second graduation11. Each of the time graduation12aand the time graduation12bis a bar index having a rectangular shape, the same shape and size. Note that, the time graduation12, the time graduation13, and the time graduation14are also referred to as hour characters, or hour markers.

The time graduation13is an hour graduation that is one size larger than the time graduation12, and is arranged at each of 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions in the suitable example. In other words, the time graduation12bis planarly rectangular, and each of another time graduation12aand the time graduation13also has the same shape as that of the time graduation12b.

The time graduation14is an hour graduation arranged at a 12 o'clock position, has a pentagonal shape, and has a larger size than that of the time graduation13in the suitable example.

In this way, there are variations in size and shape of similar time graduations, based on a design concept for improving visibility in a dark environment such as under water. Specifically, the time graduation14at the 12 o'clock position is made greatest in order to clarify an orientation of the watch100, and the shape is also different from those of the other time graduations. Also, by increasing the size of each of the time graduation13at the 6 o'clock position in an extension direction of 12 o'clock, and the time graduations13at the respective 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions in a direction intersecting the extension direction, time is easily recognized. In addition, in order to improve visibility in a dark environment, a fluorescent paint is applied to a surface of each of the time graduation12, the time graduation13, and the time graduation14. Similarly, a fluorescent paint is also applied to a surface of each of the hour hand2, the minute hand3, and the seconds hand4.

The power reserve display unit50ais provided at the 8 o'clock position, and is configured with a fan-like dial plate7a, the time graduation12bas the pointing graduation, and the like. Note that, the arrangement is not limited to the 8 o'clock position, and the power reserve display unit50amay be provided at a position of another corresponding time graduation depending on a design.

The bezel21is an annular rotary bezel surrounding the dial10, and numbers indicating elapsed time are engraved on a surface thereof. The bezel21includes a reverse-rotation prevention mechanism (not illustrated) that prevents clockwise rotation.

The crown30is a winding knob provided on the 3 o'clock position side in the case body20, and is formed of a material similar to that of the case body20.

Configuration of Power Reserve Display Unit

FIG.2is a perspective view of a periphery of the dial.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along a line b-b inFIG.2, and illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of the power reserve display unit.

Here, the configuration of the power reserve display unit50awill be described usingFIG.2andFIG.3.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the power reserve display unit50aincludes the time graduation12bas the pointing graduation, the dial plate7aprovided above the time graduation12b, and the like. In other words, the time graduation12bis provided between the dial10and the dial plate7a.

The time graduation12bis a type made of resin that is set on the dial10. Note that, the time graduation12bmay be made of metal.

The dial plate7ais a transmissive plate member planarly having a fan shape, and a surface thereof is provided with a graduation71indicating power reserve information, and a symbol72. The dial plate7ais formed of a transmissive resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, for example, and the graduation71and the symbol72are formed by printing. As a printing method, for example, tampo printing, screen printing, ink jet printing, and the like can be used.

A rotary shaft17that rotates the dial plate7ais mounted to a vicinity of a center of the fan shape of the dial plate7a. The dial plate7arotates about the rotary shaft17in parallel with the dial10.

The graduations of the dial plate7ainclude a plurality of the graduations71, a symbol72ato a symbol72d, and the like along a circular arc of the fan shape.

The Symbol72ais “0” indicating that remaining energy is zero. The Symbol72bis “D” indicating that remaining energy corresponds to about one day. The Symbol72cis “W” indicating that remaining energy corresponds to about one week. The Symbol72cis “M” indicating that remaining energy corresponds to about one month.

The dial plate7ais provided above the time graduation12b, and the remaining energy is shown by the graduation71at a part of the dial plate7aoverlapping with the time graduation12bthat is seen through and observed. For example, in the case ofFIG.2, the time graduation12boverlaps with the time graduation71to which the symbol72bof “D” is assigned, thus it can be seen that the remaining energy corresponds to about one day. Also, the hour hand2, the minute hand3, and the seconds hand4rotate above the dial plate7a.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the rotary shaft17of the dial plate7ais provided so as to passing through the time graduation12b. The rotary shaft17is mechanically joined to a train wheel mechanism of a movement (not illustrated) housed in a rear face of the dial10, and is driven in accordance with the remaining energy.

In other words, the dial plate7ais supported by the rotary shaft17, and includes the graduation71for power reserve information as predetermined information different from time. Then, the dial plate7aoverlaps with the time graduation12bas the pointing graduation, which is one of the time graduations, and the power reserve information is indicated by the graduation71at a part where the time graduation12band the dial plate7aoverlap. That is, the time graduation12bsupported by the dial10points a graduation of the dial plate7ato show the predetermined information different from time.

As described above, according to the watch100of the present exemplary embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained.

The watch100includes the hour hand2and the minute hand3, the dial10including the plurality of time graduations indicating time by being pointed by the hour hand2and the minute hand3, and the dial plate7ahaving the graduation71for the power reserve information as the predetermined information different from time, and supported by the rotary shaft17, at least part of the dial plate7aoverlaps with the time graduation12bas the pointing graduation, which is one of the time graduations, and the graduation71at a part where the time graduation12band the dial plate7aoverlap indicates the power reserve information. In other words, in plan view from a normal direction of the dial10, the rotary shaft17overlaps with the time graduation12bas the pointing graduation that is one of the time graduations.

With this, since the transmissive dial plate7ais configured to overlap with the time graduation12b, unlike an existing watch where an time graduation is absent due to presence of the power reserve display unit, the time graduation12bcan be visually recognized via the dial plate.

Thus, all the time graduations including the time graduation12bcan be recognized, and thus time is easily recognized. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the watch100that is provided with the power reserve display unit50aand with which time is easily recognized.

Further, the time graduation12bis provided between the dial10and the dial plate7a, and the dial plate7ais transmissive.

This makes it possible to recognize the time graduation12bvia the transmissive dial plate7a.

Additionally, the rotary shaft17is provided so as to pass through the time graduation12b, the dial plate7aplanarly has a fan shape, and the rotary shaft17is provided in the vicinity of the center of the fan shape.

With this, the power reserve information can be indicated by the graduation71of the dial plate7aat the part overlapping with the time graduation12b.

In addition, the time graduation12bis planarly rectangular, and each of the other time graduation12aand time graduation13also has the same shape as that of the time graduation12b. Then, the time graduation14at the 12 o'clock position has a pentagonal shape, and has a larger size than that of the time graduation13.

With this, the design concept can be satisfied without impairing a sense of unity in the design. Specifically, the most eye-catching time graduations14makes it easy to recognize the orientation of the watch100, and by increasing the size of each of the time graduation13at the 6 o'clock position in the extension direction of 12 o'clock, and the time graduations13at the respective 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions in a direction intersecting the extension direction, time is easily recognized. These improve visibility of time in dark environments such as under water.

Furthermore, the predetermined information is the power reserve information, and the graduation71of the dial plate7ais the graduation for indicating drivable time.

With this, it is possible to provide the watch100that is provided with the power reserve display unit50aand with which time is easily recognized.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

Different Aspect of Power Reserve Display Unit—1

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of a power reserve display unit according to the present exemplary embodiment, and corresponds toFIG.3.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of an time graduation at the 7 o'clock position, and corresponds toFIG.4.

Here, a configuration of a power reserve display unit50bof the present exemplary embodiment will be described referring mainly toFIG.4, and toFIG.5and the like as appropriate.

In the power reserve display unit50bof the present exemplary embodiment, a position of a dial plate7bin a thickness direction is different from that of the dial plate7aof Exemplary Embodiment 1. Specifically, the dial plate7bis provided between the dial10and an time graduation12cas a pointing graduation. Accordingly, a notch portion19for preventing interference with the dial plate7bis provided at a lower part of the time graduation12c. Hereinafter, the same constituents as those in Exemplary Embodiment 1 are given the same reference signs, and redundant description of these constituents will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the dial plate7bis provided between the dial10and the time graduation12c. The time graduation12cis fixed to the dial10by a leg31and a leg33at respective two locations. In other words, the time graduation12cis set to the dial10by the leg31and the leg33at the respective two locations. Here, as illustrated in a comparative view inFIG.5, an interval between the leg31and the leg33in the time graduation12cis shorter than an interval between the leg31and the leg32at respective two locations in another time graduation12a. This is to provide the notch portion19for preventing interference with the dial plate7bat the lower part of the time graduation12c.

Note that, the notch portion19is formed at the lower part of the time graduation12c, but an upper part is the same as that of the other time graduation12a, and is visually observed in the same manner.

Further, since the time graduation12cis not configured to be visually recognized through the dial plate7b, a material of the dial plate7bneed not be a transparent member, and for example, a metal plate may be used, or a colored resin plate may be used. Additionally, the rotary shaft17overlaps with the time graduation12c.

FIG.6is a plan view of the power reserve display unit50b, and corresponds toFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIG.6, according to the power reserve display unit50b, power reserve information is indicated by the graduation71of the dial plate7bin an extension direction of the time graduation12c.

In the case ofFIG.6, the extension direction of the time graduation12cpoints the graduation71to which the symbol72cof “W” is assigned, thus it can be seen that remaining energy corresponds to about one week.

As described above, according to the watch100including the power reserve display unit50bof the present exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects in Exemplary Embodiment 1.

The watch100includes the hour hand2and the minute hand3, the dial10including the plurality of time graduations indicating time by being pointed by the hour hand2and the minute hand3, and the dial plate7bhaving the graduation71for the power reserve information as the predetermined information different from time, and supported by the rotary shaft17, wherein in plan view from a normal direction of the dial10, the rotary shaft17overlaps with the time graduation12cas the pointing graduation, which is one of the time graduations, and the graduation71of the dial plate7bin the extension direction of the time graduation12cindicates the power reserve information.

With this, since the graduation71of the dial plate7bin the extension direction of the time graduation12cis configured to indicate the power reserve information, unlike an existing watch where an time graduation is absent due to presence of a power reserve display unit, the time graduation12ccan be recognized equivalently to the other time graduation12a. Thus, all the time graduations including the time graduation12ccan be recognized, and thus time is easily recognized. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the watch100that is provided with the power reserve display unit50band with which time is easily recognized.

Additionally, the dial plate7bis provided between the dial10and the time graduation12b.

With this, since the dial plate7bis located directly below the time graduation12b, it is easy to recognize the graduation71of the dial plate7bpointed by the time graduation12b.

In addition, the time graduation12cis fixed to the dial10by the leg31and the leg33at the respective two locations, and the interval between the leg31and the leg33at the respective two locations is shorter than the interval between the leg31and the leg32at respective two locations in the other time graduation12a.

This makes it possible to ensure a space into which a part of the dial plate7bslides below the time graduation12c.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

Different Aspect of Power Reserve Display Unit—2

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of a power reserve display unit according to the present exemplary embodiment, and corresponds toFIG.3andFIG.4.FIG.8is a plan view of a power reserve display unit50c, and corresponds toFIG.1andFIG.6. Here, a configuration of the power reserve display unit50cof the present exemplary embodiment will be described referring mainly toFIG.7, and toFIG.8and the like as appropriate.

In the power reserve display unit50cof the present exemplary embodiment, an opening portion41is provided in the dial10, and the dial plate7cis configured to be exposed from the opening portion41. Points other than the above are the same as those of the power reserve display unit50aof Exemplary Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same constituents as those in Exemplary Embodiment 1 are given the same reference signs, and redundant description of these constituents will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the opening portion41is formed in the dial10in the present exemplary embodiment. The opening portion41is formed from a vicinity of an end portion of an time graduation12das a pointing graduation toward a center of the dial10. A dial plate7cis arranged below the dial10. The rotary shaft17of the dial plate7cis arranged at a position overlapping with the time graduation12d.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the opening portion41planarly has a substantially fan-shaped opening shape centered on the rotary shaft17on a rear face side of the time graduation12d. Specifically, the shape of the opening portion41has a size such that the graduation71and the symbol72of the dial plate7care observable from the opening portion41in a rotational range of the dial plate7c.

Furthermore, the time graduation12dhas the same configuration as that of another time graduation12a(FIG.5). The dial plate7cneed not be transmissive, and a material similar to that of the dial plate7bof Exemplary Embodiment 2 can be used.

In other words, the power reserve display unit50cis configured such that, the dial10has the opening portion41, and the dial plate7cis provided below the dial10, and the graduation71and the symbol72of the dial plate7care exposed from the opening portion41.

As illustrated inFIG.8, according to the power reserve display unit50c, power reserve information is indicated by the graduation71of the dial plate7cin an extension direction of the time graduation12d. In other words, the time graduation12dsupported by the dial10points the graduation71of the dial plate7c.

In the case ofFIG.8, the extension direction of the time graduation12dpoints the graduation71to which the symbol72cof “W” is assigned, thus it can be seen that remaining energy corresponds to about one week.

As described above, according to the watch100including the power reserve display unit50cof the present exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects in the above exemplary embodiment.

The watch100includes the hour hand2and the minute hand3, the dial10including the plurality of time graduations indicating time by being pointed by the hour hand2and the minute hand3, and the dial plate7chaving the graduation71for the power reserve information as the predetermined information different from time, and supported by the rotary shaft17, wherein, the rotary shaft17overlaps with the time graduation12das the pointing graduation, which is one of the time graduations, and the graduation71of the dial plate7cin the extension direction of the time graduation12dindicates the power reserve information.

With this, since the graduation71of the dial plate7cin the extension direction of the time graduation12dis configured to indicate the power reserve information, unlike an existing watch where an time graduation is absent due to presence of a power reserve display unit, the time graduation12dcan be recognized equivalently to the other time graduation12a. Thus, all the time graduations including the time graduation12dcan be recognized, and thus time is easily recognized. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the watch100that is provided with the power reserve display unit50cand with which time is easily recognized.

In addition, according to the power reserve display unit50c, a configuration is adopted such that, the dial10has the opening portion41, the dial plate7cis provided below the dial10, and the graduation71and the symbol72of the dial plate7care exposed from the opening portion41.

With this, the exposed portion is defined by the opening portion41, and thus an outer shape of the dial plate7c, and the rotary shaft17are hidden, and a design integrated with the dial10can be achieved.

Modification Example

Modification Example

Description will be given usingFIG.1.

In the above, the watch100has been described as including the bezel21, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured without a bezel.

Further, the description has been given in which the time graduation12and the time graduation13have the different sizes, respectively, and the time graduation12and the time graduation14have the different shapes, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be changed in accordance with the design. For example, all the time graduations may be the same, or only the shape of the time graduation14may be different.

Additionally, although the predetermined information has been described to be the power reserve information, but is not limited thereto, may be a day of the week, or may be other information such as temperature or altitude.

Further, the time graduation12band the time graduation12ahave the same shape, but need not be completely the same. An end portion of the time graduation12bon a center direction side of the dial may have an acute angle portion for further clarifying a pointing position of the dial plate7a. Note that, the same shape here means a congruent geometric shape. Even with such a configuration, the same action and effect to those of the above exemplary embodiment may be obtained.

InFIG.7of Exemplary Embodiment 3, the dial10is configured to support an entire surface of the time graduation12d, but is not limited thereto. An end face of the time graduation12don the dial plate7cside may be configured to protrude toward the dial plate7cside from an end face of the dial10on the dial plate7cside. With this configuration, a relationship between the time graduation12dand the graduation of the dial plate7cbecomes clearer, and thus visibility of an end portion of the time graduation12dis improved. At this time, the leg31and the leg32of the time graduation12dmay be arranged differently from the other time graduations as illustrated inFIG.4andFIG.5of Example 2.