Patent ID: 12228887

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment applied in a wristwatch will hereinafter be described with reference toFIG.1toFIG.3.

This wristwatch has a wristwatch case1, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3. The wristwatch case1includes a case member2and a cover member3, and the case member2is constituted by a main body case4and an exterior case5.

The main body case4is formed of metal or a hard synthetic resin such as that acquired by carbon fiber or glass fiber being mixed into polyamide resin so as to achieve high rigidity. This main body case4is formed in a substantially ring shape, and a metal reinforcement section4ais mounted in the inner upper part of the main body case4, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3.

To the upper opening of the main body case4, a watch glass6is attached via a glass packing6a, and a ring-shaped parting member7is arranged under this watch glass6so as to be positioned in the main body case4, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3. Also, to the lower part of the main body case4, a back cover8is attached by a plurality of first screws8bvia a waterproof ring8a. This back cover8is provided with a plurality of first screw insertion holes8cinto which a plurality of first screws8bare inserted.

Inside the main body case4, a timepiece module10is arranged via a buffer sheet9, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3. This timepiece module10includes various electronic components required for a timepiece function, such as a timepiece movement (not shown) for indicating and displaying clock time by moving pointers11, a display section (not shown) for electrooptically displaying information such as time and date, a circuit board12for driving and controlling these sections, and a battery13for supplying electric power to the circuit board12.

On the 2 o'clock side, 4 o'clock side, 6 o'clock side, 8 o'clock side, and 10 o'clock side of the outer circumference of the main body case4, button attachment sections15for press button switches14are provided, respectively, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2. Each of these button attachment sections15includes a cylindrical section15aprojecting toward the outside of the main body case4, and a through hole15bpenetrating through the main body case4at the center of the cylindrical section15a.

Also, each of the press button switches14includes an operation shaft14athat is slidably inserted into the corresponding through hole15b, and a button head14bthat is provided on the outer end of the operation shaft14aand arranged in the corresponding cylindrical section15a, as shown inFIG.2. Each push button switch14is structured such that, when the button head14bis pressed from the outside of the main body case4, the operation shaft14ais slid in the through hole15b, and the inner end of the operation shaft14ais pushed into the main body case4and presses a contact section (not shown) of the timepiece module10so that the contact section performs a switch operation.

On the other hand, the exterior case5is formed using a soft synthetic resin such as urethane resin and has a ring shape that covers the upper outer circumference of the main body case4, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3. This exterior case5is attached to the upper part of the main body case4by double-sided adhesive tape16while covering the upper outer circumference of the main body case4. In outer circumferential portions of the exterior case5, a plurality of arc-shaped first notch sections5aare provided corresponding to the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the button attachment sections15on the main body case4.

Each of these first notch sections5ais formed in an arc shape whose lower portion is open, as shown inFIG.2. That is, the exterior case5is structured such that, when it is arranged on the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4, the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the button attachment sections15on the main body case4are positioned in the plurality of first notch sections5a, respectively. On the upper surface of the exterior case5, a plurality of decorative pieces5bare provided.

The cover member3includes a cover main body17that is arranged on the undersurface of the back cover8, an outer circumferential cover section18that is arranged on outer circumferential portions of the main body case4, and band attachment sections19provided on the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side of the outer circumferential cover section18, and these sections are integrally formed using synthetic resin, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3.

More specifically, the cover member3is formed of a hard synthetic resin such as that acquired by carbon fiber or glass fiber being mixed into polyamide resin so as to achieve high rigidity, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3. The cover main body17of the cover member3is formed in a disk shape and structured to be attached to the back cover8by a plurality of second screws20.

This cover main body17is provided with a plurality of second screw insertion holes17ainto which the plurality of second screws20is inserted through a plurality of ring-shaped buffer members21, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3. Each of these buffer members21is structured to be pressed against the undersurface of the cover main body17by the head section20bof the corresponding second screw20when the screw sections20aof the plurality of second screws20are inserted and screwed into the back cover8.

That is, in the back cover8, a plurality of screw holes8dinto which the plurality of second screws20is screwed is provided corresponding to the plurality of second screw insertion holes17aof the cover main body17, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3. As a result, the cover main body17is structured such that it is attached to the back cover8by the plurality of second screws20being inserted into the plurality of second screw insertion holes17athrough the ring-shaped buffer members21and screwed into the plurality of screw holes8dof the back cover8so as to be fastened to the back cover8.

On the other hand, the outer circumferential cover section18, which is formed in a substantially ring shape, is provided on and covers the outer circumferential portion of the cover main body17, as shown inFIG.2. In this outer circumferential cover section18, a plurality of arc-shaped second notch sections18ais provided corresponding to the lower parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the button attachment sections15on the main body case4.

That is, the outer circumferential cover section18is structured such that, when it is arranged on the outer circumferential portion of the main body case4, the lower parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the button attachment portions15on the main body case4are housed in the plurality of second notch sections18a, respectively, as shown inFIG.2. In addition, the outer circumferential cover section18is structured to be arranged with its upper rim being close to or in contact with the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5attached to the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4.

Note that the outer circumferential cover section18may be structured such that, when the cover main body17is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8and arranged on the outer circumferential portion of the main body case4, the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18is positioned near or comes in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, or a space equivalent to the later-described space S1between each band attachment section19and the main body case4is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18and the main body case4.

As a result, the outer circumferential cover section18is structured to perform impact buffering when the wristwatch case1receives an external impact with the cover main body17being attached to the undersurface of the back cover8and arranged on the outer circumferential portion of the main body case4, as shown inFIG.3. Note that the outer circumferential cover section18should preferably be structured to perform impact buffering by being flexurally deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4by use of the space between the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4.

The band attachment sections19are to attach the watch bands23to the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side of the wristwatch case1, and each of which includes a pair of attachment projections24and a band reception section25, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2. The pair of attachment projections24is provided projecting diagonally downward from the outer circumferential cover section18.

Also, each attachment projection24is provided to be inclined diagonally downward such that its inner end surface on the main body case4side is arranged close to the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, and a lower portion of its outer end is positioned lower than the undersurface of the cover main body17, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2.

Also, in an area between the inner end surface of each attachment projection24on the main body case4side and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, the space S1is formed, as shown inFIG.3. This space S1is provided so that, when the pair of attachment projections24receives an impact from below, their inner end portions are flexurally deformed to come close to the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4.

Also, each attachment projection24is arranged such that its upper inner end is close to or in contact with the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5provided on the upper outer circumference portion of the main body case4, as shown inFIG.3. That is, each attachment projection24is structured to be flexurally deformed such that its inner end portion approaches the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4when its lower outer end is pressed upward.

Also, each band attachment section19is structured such that an end portion of the corresponding watch band23can be rotatably attached by a connection pin26with this end portion being arranged between the pair of attachment projections24, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2. That is, in each pair of attachment projections24, a pair of attachment holes24ainto which the end portions of the corresponding coupling pin26are inserted for attachment is coaxially provided opposing each other.

This coupling pin26is a spring rod, and is inserted into a pin insertion hole23aprovided in the end portion of each watch band23, as shown inFIG.2. Both ends of this coupling pin26protrude from the pin insertion hole23ato the outside, and are retractably inserted into the attachment holes24aof the corresponding pair of attachment projections24, so that the end portion of the watch band23is rotatably attached with it being arranged between the pair of attachment projections24.

Each band reception section25is to receive the undersurface of the end portion of the corresponding watch band23arranged between the pair of attachment projections24, and is provided on a lower portion between the pair of attachment projections24with it being inclined diagonally downward as with the pair of attachment projections24, as shown inFIG.2.

Also, each band reception section25is formed such that its length in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding watch band23is shorter than the projection length of the corresponding pair of attachment projections24, as shown inFIG.2. As a result, each watch band23is structured to be rotated around the corresponding coupling pin26with it being attached between the corresponding pair of attachment projections24by the coupling pin26.

That is, each band attachment section19is structured such that, when the corresponding coupling pin26that is a spring rod is to be arranged between the pair of attachment projections24after it is inserted into the pin insertion hole23ain the end portion of the corresponding watch band23and its both end portions protrude from the sides of the pin insertion hole23a, the end portions of the protruding coupling pin26are pressed into the inner side of the coupling pin26, whereby the end portion of the watch band23is arranged between the pair of attachment projections24, as shown inFIG.2.

Also, each band attachment section19is structured such that, when the end portion of the corresponding watch band23is arranged between the pair of attachment projections24with both end portions of the corresponding coupling pin26being pressed inward, the undersurface of the end portion of the watch band23is pressed against the band reception section25and, in this state, the end portions of the coupling pin26are inserted into the respective attachment holes24aof the pair of attachment projections24, as shown inFIG.2. As a result, the end portion of the watch band23is rotatably attached to the band attachment section19.

In addition, each band attachment section19is structured such that, if the wristwatch case1is dropped face up and the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24projecting below the cover main body17come in contact with a contact surface T, the lower outer end portions of these attachment projections24are deformed to be pressed upward, and the inner end portions thereof are flexurally deformed to approach the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, whereby the impact is mitigated, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3.

Next, the mechanism of this wristwatch is described.

In the assembly of this wristwatch, first, the case member2is assembled. Here, the ring-shaped parting member7is arranged on the upper opening of the main body case4, the watch glass6and the glass packing6aare attached thereto in this state, and the parting member7is pressed against and fixed to the main body case4by the watch glass6.

In this state, the exterior case5is attached to the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4by the double-sided adhesive tape16. Here, the plurality of arc-shaped first notch sections5aprovided in the exterior case5are positioned corresponding to the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the plural button attachment sections15on the main body case4, respectively, and the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the plurality of cylindrical sections15aare arranged in the plurality of first notch sections5a, respectively. As a result, the case member2is assembled.

Then, the watch module10is inserted into the main body case4from below and housed therein. In this state, the plurality of press button switches14are attached to the plurality of button attachment sections15provided on the 2 o'clock side, 4 o'clock side, 6 o'clock side, 8 o'clock side, and 10 o'clock side of the outer peripheral portion of the main body case4.

Here, the operation shafts14aof the plurality of press button switches14are inserted from the outside of the main body case4into the through holes15bof the main body case4at the centers of the cylindrical sections15aof the plurality of button attachment sections15, respectively, and the button heads14bof the plurality of press button switches14are arranged in the cylindrical sections15aof the plurality of button attachment sections15, respectively.

Then, the inner end portions of the operation shafts14aof the plurality of press button switches14are pushed into the main body case4and arranged corresponding to the plurality of contact sections (not shown) of the timepiece module10in the main body case4, respectively. As a result, the plurality of press button switches14are attached to the plurality of button attachment sections15of the main body case4with the plurality of contact sections of the timepiece module10being operable.

Subsequently, the buffer sheet9is arranged under the timepiece module10, and the back cover8and the waterproof ring8aare attached to the undersurface of the main body case4by the plurality of first screws8b. Here, the plurality of first screws8bare inserted into the plurality of first screw insertion holes8cof the back cover8, respectively, and screwed into the lower part of the main body case4so as to be tightened. As a result, the back cover8is attached to the undersurface of the main body case4.

Then, the cover member3is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8. Here, the cover main body17of the cover member3is arranged on the undersurface of the back cover8, the outer circumferential cover section18is arranged corresponding to the outer circumference of the main body case4, and the band attachment sections19are arranged corresponding to the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side of the main body case4, respectively.

Here, the plurality of second notch sections18aprovided in the outer circumferential cover section18are positioned corresponding to the lower parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the plurality of button attachment sections15on the main body case4, and the lower parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the plurality of button attachment sections15are housed in the plurality of second notch sections18a, respectively.

As a result, the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4and the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18are arranged close to or in contact with each other, or the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4and the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18are arranged with the space (not shown) equivalent to the space S1for each band attachment section19therebetween. In this state, the upper rim of the outer circumferential cover section18is arranged close to or in contact with the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5attached to the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4. Accordingly, the outer circumferential portion of the main body case4is covered by the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5and the outer circumferential cover section18of the cover member3.

Also, here, the band attachment sections19are arranged on the outer circumferential portions of the main body case4on the 12 o'clock side and the 6 o'clock side. In addition, the space S1is formed between the inner end surfaces of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, and the upper inner ends of each pair of attachment projections24are arranged close to or in contact with the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5attached to the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4.

Then, the plurality of second screw insertion holes17aprovided in the cover main body17is positioned corresponding to the plurality of screw holes8dprovided in the back cover8. In this state, the plurality of second screws20is respectively inserted into the plurality of ring-shaped buffer members21, so that these buffer members21are attached to the plurality of second screws20.

Here, the plurality of second screws20to which the plurality of buffer members21has been attached are inserted into the plurality of second screw insertion holes17aof the cover main body17, respectively, and screwed into the plurality of screw holes8dof the back cover8. As a result, the cover member3is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8with the plurality of buffer members21being resiliently pressed against the undersurface of the cover main body17of the cover member3by the head sections20bof the plurality of second screws20.

As a result, the assembly of the wristwatch case1is completed with the back cover8on the undersurface of the main body case4being covered by the cover main body17, the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4being covered by the exterior case5, and the outer circumference of the main body case4being covered by the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5and the outer circumferential cover section18of the cover member3.

Then, the watch bands23are attached to the band attachment sections19of the cover member3. Here, first, each coupling pin26is inserted into the pin insertion hole23ain the end portion of the corresponding watch band23, and both ends of the coupling pin26are protruded from both sides of the pin insertion hole23a. In this state, when the end portion of the watch band23is to be arranged between the corresponding pair of attachment projections24, both ends of the protruding coupling pin26are pushed inward and then the end portion of the watch band23is arranged between the pair of attachment projections24.

Here, the undersurface of the end portion of the watchband23arranged between the pair of attachment projections24is arranged on the band reception section25, and the ends of the coupling pin26are positioned corresponding to the pair of attachment holes24aprovided in the pair of attachment projections24. Then, both ends of the coupling pin26are pushed outward from both sides of the end portion of the watch band23and inserted into the pair of attachment holes24a, respectively. As a result, the end portion of each watch band23is rotatably attached to the corresponding band attachment section19of the cover member3, and the assembly of the wristwatch is completed.

In this wristwatch, the cover member3is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8while covering the outer circumferential portion of the case member2. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact from the outer circumference side, this impact is mitigated by the cover member3. As a result, the case member2is favorably protected by the cover member3, or in other words, the impact resistance is increased.

That is, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact from the back surface side, the cover member3protects the back cover8and the main body case4from the impact on the back surface side by the cover main body17arranged on the undersurface of the back cover8. When the wristwatch case1receives an impact from the outer circumference side, the main body case4is protected from this impact by the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5, the outer circumferential cover section18arranged around the outer circumference of the main body case4, and the band attachment sections19.

When the wristwatch is dropped face up and comes in contact with the contact surface T of a floor or the like, the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19on the cover member3come in contact with the contact surface T, and the band attachment sections19receive the impact. Here, the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19is flexurally deformed such that the inner end portions thereof approach the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, whereby the impact is absorbed.

That is, the space S1has been formed between the inner end surfaces of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, and the upper inner ends of the pair of attachment projections24have been arranged close to or in contact with the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5attached to the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4. Therefore, when the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19come in contact with the contact surface T, these lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24are pressed upward.

Along with this movement, the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19is flexurally deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4with the lower portion of the outer circumferential cover section18on the outer circumferential portion of the cover main body17as a fulcrum. As a result of this structure, since the pairs of attachment projections24are flexurally deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, impacts due to the drop of the wristwatch case1are mitigated. Accordingly, the watch module10in the watch case1is prevented from being affected by the impacts.

In such a case, when the pairs of attachment projections24are flexurally deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, and the cover main body17of the cover member3is pressed against the contact surface T, the impact is mitigated by the plurality of buffer members21pressed against the undersurface of the back cover8by the head sections20bof the plurality of second screws20.

Also, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact from above, since the exterior case5provided on the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4is made of a soft synthetic resin such as urethane resin, this impact from above is mitigated by the exterior case5, whereby the main body case4is prevented from directly receiving the impact.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the wristwatch having high impact resistance can be provided by including the case member2whose undersurface that is the back surface has the back cover8attached thereto, and the cover member3which is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8while covering the outer circumferential portion of the case member2and on which the band attachment sections19are provided corresponding to the outer circumference of the case member2.

That is, in this wristwatch, the cover member3is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8while covering the outer circumferential portion of the case member2. Accordingly, even if the wristwatch case1receives an external impact, this impact can be mitigated by the cover member3, whereby the case member2can be favorably protected. That is, products having high impact resistance can be provided.

Also, in this wristwatch, the space S1is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the case member2and the inner end portions of the band attachment sections19of the cover member3corresponding thereto. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1receives an external impact, the band attachment sections19are favorably deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the case member2by the space S1between the outer circumferential surface of the case member2and the inner end surfaces of the band attachment sections19. As a result, the impact received by the wristwatch case1is favorably mitigated by the band attachment sections19of the cover member3.

Moreover, in this wristwatch, the case member2includes the hard body case4and the soft exterior case5provided on the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact from above, this impact can be mitigated by the soft exterior case5. That is, the hard body case4can be favorably protected by the soft exterior case5. By this structure as well, the impact resistance can be ensured.

Furthermore, in this wristwatch, the space S1is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4and the inner end surfaces of the band attachment sections19of the cover member3corresponding thereto, that is, the inner end surfaces of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1receives an external impact, the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19is deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the case member2by using the space S1between the outer circumferential surface of the case member2and the inner end surfaces of the pair of attachment projections24, whereby the impact received by the wristwatch case1can be reliably and favorably mitigated by the band attachment sections19.

Still further, in this wristwatch, the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19on the cover member3are provided to project below the undersurface of the cover main body17of the cover member3. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1is dropped face up and the lower outer end portions of each pair of attachment projections24come in contact with the contact surface T of a floor or the like, these attachment projections24can be deformed such that the lower outer end portions are pressed upward.

In addition, in this wristwatch, each pair of attachment projections24pressed upward by a drop impact can be flexurally deformed such that their inner end portions approach the outer circumferential surface of the case member2. Accordingly, the impact received by the wristwatch case1being dropped can be reliably and favorably mitigated by the band attachment sections19.

Also, in this wristwatch, the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5is arranged close to or in contact with the upper end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19on the cover member3. Accordingly, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact by being dropped, the pair of band attachment sections19of each band attachment section19is unfailingly and favorably deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the case member2without being blocked by the exterior case5, and the impact received by the wristwatch case1being dropped can be reliably and favorably mitigated by the band attachment sections19.

Moreover, in this wristwatch, the cover member3is attached to the back cover8by the plurality of second screws20via the plurality of buffer members21. Accordingly, when the cover member3receives an impact from its back surface side, this impact can be mitigated by the plurality of buffer members21. That is, when the cover main body17of the cover member3is pressed against the contact surface T, the impact can be favorably mitigated by the plurality of buffer members21pressed against the undersurface of the back cover8by the head sections20bof the plurality of second screws20.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment applied in a wristwatch is described with reference toFIG.4. Sections that are the same as those of the first embodiment shown inFIG.1toFIG.3are described using the same reference numerals.

This wristwatch has a substantially same structure as that of the first embodiment except that its exterior case30has a structure different from that of the first embodiment, as shown inFIG.4.

That is, this exterior case30is formed in a ring shape by a soft synthetic resin such as urethane resin in the same manner as that in the first embodiment, as shown inFIG.4. In this case as well, the exterior case30is attached to the upper part of the main body case4by the double-sided adhesive tape16while covering the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4.

In the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case30, the plurality of first notch sections5aare provided corresponding to the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the plural button attachment sections15on the main body case4, as with the first embodiment. Each of these first notch sections5ais formed in an arc shape that is open to the lower side. As a result, the exterior case30is structured such that, when this exterior case30is arranged on the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4, the outer peripheries of the upper parts of the cylindrical sections15aof the plural button attachment sections15on the main body case4are arranged in the plurality of first notch sections5a, respectively.

Also, this exterior case30is formed such that at least portions of its outer circumferential portion covering the upper outer circumferential portion of the main body case4which correspond to the band attachment sections19of the cover member3have a vertical length longer than that of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5of the first embodiment, as shown inFIG.4. As a result, the exterior case is structured such that the lower rim of its outer circumferential portion is arranged to be interposed between the inner end portions of the band attachment sections19and the main body case4.

That is, the exterior case30is structured such that the lower rim of its outer circumferential portion is arranged to be fitted into an upper area of the space S1between the inner end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumference surface of the main body case4and interposed therebetween, as shown inFIG.4. The remaining area of the space S1is located under the lower rim of the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case30.

In this wristwatch, since the cover member3is attached to the undersurface of the back cover8while covering the outer circumferential portion of the case member2, external impacts received by the wristwatch case1are mitigated by the cover member3, as with the first embodiment. As a result of this structure, the case member2is favorably protected by the cover member3, or in other words, the impact resistance is increased.

That is, when the wristwatch case1receives an impact from the back surface side, the cover member3protects the back cover8and the main body case4from the impact on the back surface side by the cover main body17arranged on the undersurface of the back cover8, as with the first embodiment. When the wristwatch case1receives an impact from the outer circumference side, the main body case4is protected from this impact by the outer circumferential portion of the exterior case5, the outer circumferential cover section18arranged around the outer circumference of the main body case4, and the band attachment sections19.

In this case as well, when the wristwatch is dropped face up and the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19on the cover member3come in contact with the contact surface T of a floor or the like, the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24are pressed upward by the drop impact and the pair of attachment projections24is flexurally deformed such that the inner end portions thereof approach the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4.

Here, since the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30has been arranged to be fitted into the upper area of the space S1between the inner end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumference surface of the main body case4and interposed therebetween, and the space S1has been formed under the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30, the pair of attachment projections24is flexurally deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4with the lower portion of the outer circumferential cover section18on the outer circumferential portion of the cover main body17as a fulcrum.

That is, since the exterior case30is made of a soft synthetic resin such as urethane resin, and the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30is interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover section18of the cover member3and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4, impacts due to the drop of the wristwatch case1are mitigated by the resilience of the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30, whereby the watch module10in the wristwatch case1can be prevented from being affected by the impacts.

As described above, in this embodiment, the same advantageous effect as the first embodiment can be acquired, and impacts due to the drop of the wristwatch case1can be mitigated by the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30because of the structure where the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30has been arranged to be fitted into the upper area of the space S1formed between the outer peripheral surface of the main body case4and the inner end surfaces of the band attachment sections19of the cover member3.

That is, in this wristwatch, since the exterior case30is made of a soft synthetic resin such as urethane resin, and the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30is interposed between the upper inner end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumference surface of the main body case4, impacts due to the drop of the wristwatch case1can be mitigated by the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30. As a result, the watch module10in the wristwatch case1can be prevented from being affected by the impacts, and the impact resistance can be increased.

In the above-described second embodiment, the structure has been described in which the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30is arranged to be fitted into the upper area of the space S1formed between the inner end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the lower rim of the outer circumference portion of the exterior case30is arranged to be fitted into the entire area of the space S1formed between the inner end surfaces of the pairs of attachment projections24and the outer circumferential surface of the main body case4.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case has been described in which the wristwatch is dropped face up and comes in contact with the contact surface T of a floor or the like. However, with the present invention, the same advantageous effect as the first and second embodiments can be acquired even when, for example, the wristwatch case1receives an impact from above with it being arranged on a placement surface of a table or the like and the lower outer end portions of the pair of attachment projections24of each band attachment section19of the cover member3being in contact with the placement surface.

Moreover, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case member2is constituted by the hard body case4and the soft exterior case5or30. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the case member2may be constituted by the hard body case and a hard exterior case, or may be constituted by only the hard body case.

Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the coupling pin26is a spring rod. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the coupling pin26may be a screw member in which one rod-shaped member is provided with a male screw section and the other rod-shaped member is provided with a female screw section, or may be a simple rod-shaped member.

Still further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the present invention has been applied in a wristwatch. However, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied in a wristwatch. For example, the present invention may be applied in various types of timepieces such as a travel watch, an alarm clock, a table clock, and a wall clock. Also, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied in a timepiece. For example, the present invention may be applied in an electronic device such as a portable communication device or a portable terminal device.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is intended that the invention be not limited by any of the details of the description therein but includes all the embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims.