HK1198721B - Switch device and timepiece including the same - Google Patents

Description

Switch device and timepiece provided with the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a switch device for a timepiece such as a wristwatch and a timepiece including the switch device.

Background

For example, as described in patent document 1 (japanese patent application laid-open No. 2006-194834), there is known a wristwatch provided with a switch device in which an operation member such as a handle is provided on a wristwatch case so as to be able to be pulled out.

Such a switch device is configured to correct the time by pulling out an operation member protruding from a watch case to the outside and rotating the operation member in this state.

In such a switch device, a winding stem pipe is attached to a through hole of a watch case, a shaft portion of an operating member is inserted into the winding stem pipe, an outer end portion of the winding stem is attached to the shaft portion of the operating member, and the winding stem slides and rotates in accordance with an operation of the outer end portion of the operating member.

In this case, a ring member having a plurality of engaging protrusions is attached to the operating member.

The winding stem pipe has a small diameter portion fitted to the through hole of the wristwatch case and a large diameter portion protruding outside the wristwatch case, and a plurality of locking groove portions with which the locking convex portions of the ring member can be locked in an engaged/disengaged manner are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion.

The plurality of locking groove portions include: a guide groove for dismounting and mounting, which guides the engagement convex part of the opposite ring part in the axial direction of the upper handle shaft tube in a detachable way; a locking groove for limiting the axial movement of the engagement convex part of the ring component and locking the engagement convex part; and a communication groove for guiding the engagement convex portion of the ring member to either one of the guide groove and the lock groove.

Therefore, in this switch device, when the operation member is locked, the engagement convex portion of the ring member is inserted into the guide groove and pushed in, and the operation member is rotated in this state, the engagement convex portion of the ring member moves from the guide groove to the lock groove via the communication groove, and the axial movement of the engagement convex portion in the winding stem pipe is restricted by the lock groove, whereby the operation member is locked in the pushed-in state.

In this switch device, when the operation member is unlocked, the operation member is pushed in and rotated to cause the engaging convex portions of the ring members located in the lock grooves to enter the guide grooves from the lock grooves via the communication grooves, and the locking of the engaging convex portions by the lock grooves is unlocked.

However, in such a switch device, when the operation member is unlocked, the engagement convex portion of the ring member located in the lock groove cannot be disengaged from the lock groove if the operation member is not pushed in and rotated at the same time, and therefore, in addition to the problem that the operability of the operation member is poor, there is a problem that when the outer end portion of the operation member hits an article and is inadvertently rotated in a state where the operation member is locked, the locking of the operation member is released, and there is a possibility that malfunction may occur.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that can easily perform a lock release operation and can prevent an operation member from being inadvertently rotated in a locked state, and a timepiece including the switch device.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a switchgear including: a housing having a through hole; a cylindrical member fitted in the through hole of the housing; an operating member having an operating portion inserted into the shaft portion and the outer end portion of the cylindrical member; and a lock member fixed in the operation portion of the operation member, sliding and rotating along an outer periphery of the cylindrical member together with the operation portion, the cylindrical member being provided with an engagement protrusion protruding toward an inner peripheral surface of the lock member, the lock member including: an elastic support portion that is provided with a gap from an inner peripheral surface of the operation portion and elastically deforms in a radial direction; and a locking part which is arranged on the elastic supporting part and elastically engaged with the engaging protrusion part when the operating part is pushed in and rotated.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a timepiece including: a clock module; a timepiece case configured with the timepiece module; and a switch device disposed in the timepiece case and configured to operate the timepiece module, the switch device including: a housing having a through hole; a cylindrical member fitted in the through hole of the housing; an operating member having an operating portion inserted into the shaft portion and the outer end portion of the cylindrical member; and a lock member fixed in the operation portion of the operation member, sliding and rotating along an outer periphery of the cylindrical member together with the operation portion, the cylindrical member being provided with an engagement protrusion protruding toward an inner peripheral surface of the lock member, the lock member including: an elastic support portion that is provided with a gap from an inner peripheral surface of the operation portion and elastically deforms in a radial direction; and a locking part which is arranged on the elastic supporting part and elastically engaged with the engaging protrusion part when the operating part is pushed in and rotated.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a wristwatch showing a first embodiment in which a switch device according to the present invention is applied to the wristwatch.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion of the wristwatch shown in fig. 1 viewed from a-a direction.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion showing a state where the locking member is unlocked and the operating member is pushed out in the switch device shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cylindrical member of the switchgear shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 5A to 5B show the cylinder member shown in fig. 4, fig. 5A being an enlarged side view thereof, and fig. 5B being an enlarged sectional view thereof.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing an operating member of the switch device shown in fig. 2 and a locking member provided inside thereof.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which the engagement protrusion of the cylindrical member is engaged with the lock portion of the lock member to lock the lock member in the switch device shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing a state where the lock member shown in fig. 8 is rotated so that the engagement protrusion of the cylindrical member is separated from the lock portion of the lock member to release the lock.

Fig. 10 is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing a state where the lock member shown in fig. 9 is pushed out.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cylindrical member of the switch device in a second embodiment in which the switch device of the present invention is applied to a wristwatch.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing a lock member engaged by the engagement protrusion of the cylindrical member shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which the engagement protrusion of the cylindrical member is engaged with the lock portion of the lock member to lock the lock member in the switch device shown in fig. 11 and 12.

Fig. 14 is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the lock member shown in fig. 13 is rotated so that the engagement protrusion of the cylindrical member is separated from the lock portion of the lock member, thereby releasing the lock.

Fig. 15 is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the lock member shown in fig. 14 is pushed out. Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

A first embodiment in which the switch device of the present invention is applied to a wristwatch will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 10.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the wristwatch includes a wristwatch case 1. The wristwatch case 1 includes a case body 2, a bezel 3, and a decorative plate 4.

The case body 2 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in fig. 2 and 3, a metal reinforcing member 2a is embedded therein.

The bezel 3 is made of synthetic resin such as urethane resin and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the case main body 2. The decorative plate 4 is made of a metal plate and is attached to the upper surface of the case main body 2 by a pressing ring 5.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a watch glass 6 is attached to the upper opening of the case body 2 of the wristwatch case 1 via a spacer 6 a.

A back cover 7 is attached to a lower portion of the case body 2 of the wristwatch case 1 via a waterproof ring 7 a.

A timepiece module 8 is provided inside the wristwatch case 1 in a state pressed by the interface plate 9 and the pressing ring 10.

The timepiece module 8 includes various components (not shown) necessary for a timepiece.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, a switch device 11 is provided on a side portion of the wristwatch case 1 located on the 3 o' clock side.

The switch device 11 is used for switching the mode, correcting the time, and the like of the timepiece module 8, and includes a winding stem 12, a cylindrical member 13, an operation member 14, and a lock member 15.

In this case, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, a through hole 16 penetrating the inside and outside of the wristwatch case 1 is provided in a side portion of the wristwatch case 1 located on the 3 o' clock side.

The through hole 16 has a small-diameter hole 16a of a rectangular shape located inside the wristwatch case 1 and a large-diameter hole 16b of a circular shape located outside the wristwatch case 1, and is formed in a step shape as a whole.

The cylindrical member 13 of the switch device 11 is fitted into the through hole 16.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the cylindrical member 13 includes a small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a attached to the small-diameter hole portion 16a of the through hole 16 and protruding into the wristwatch case 1, a middle-diameter cylindrical portion 13b attached to the large-diameter hole portion 16b of the through hole 16, and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c protruding outside the wristwatch case 1.

The small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical member 13 is formed in a quadrangular shape at a portion disposed in the small-diameter hole portion 16a of the through hole 16, so that the cylindrical member 13 does not rotate in the through hole 16.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a of the cylindrical member 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape at a portion protruding into the wristwatch case 1.

A ring attachment groove 17 is provided in a cylindrical portion of the small-diameter cylinder portion 13a, and a slip-off preventing ring 18 such as an E-ring is attached to the ring attachment groove 17.

Thus, the cylindrical member 13 is attached to the through hole 16 of the wristwatch case 1 without being detached to the outside of the wristwatch case 1 by the detachment prevention ring 18.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, 5A, and 5B, a plurality of gasket grooves 19 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate diameter cylindrical portion 13B of the cylindrical member 13.

Waterproof gaskets 20 are attached to the gasket grooves 19 so as to be in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter hole 16b in the through hole 16 of the wristwatch case 1.

The large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13 is provided with a flange portion 21 that abuts the outer end surface of the wristwatch case 1, a plurality of engaging projections 22 that project in the radial direction, and a groove portion 23 that abuts the plurality of engaging projections 22.

In this case, as shown in fig. 2 to 4, 5A, and 5B, the flange portion 21 is provided on the outer periphery of the end portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13 on the wristwatch case 1 side.

Thus, the flange portion 21 abuts against the outer end surface of the wristwatch case 1, and the slip-off preventing ring 18 of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a abuts against the inner end surface of the wristwatch case 1, thereby restricting the position of the cylindrical member 13 in the direction of movement with respect to the wristwatch case 1.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, 5A, and 5B, the depth of the groove portion 23, that is, the diameter of the bottom portion is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the intermediate diameter tube portion 13B.

Three of the plurality of engaging projections 22 are provided at intervals of 120 degrees at the outer end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13.

The length of the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 protruding in the radial direction is formed to be substantially the same as the depth of the groove portion 23.

Thus, the outer peripheral ends of the plurality of engaging projections 22 are formed to have the same size as the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13 c.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 2, 3 and 6, the operating member 14 includes an operating shaft portion 24 inserted into the cylindrical member 13, and a cap-shaped operating head portion 25 provided at an outer end portion of the operating shaft portion 24.

In this case, as shown in fig. 5B, a small-diameter hole 26a and a large-diameter hole 26B are provided in the cylindrical member 13, the small-diameter hole 26a is provided in the small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a protrudes into the wristwatch case 1, and the large-diameter hole 26B is provided from the small-diameter cylindrical portion 13a located in the through hole 16 of the wristwatch case 1 to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13 c.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, and 6, the axial length of the operation shaft portion 24 of the operation member 14 is formed to be substantially the same as the length of the large diameter hole 26b of the cylindrical member 13.

Thus, the operation shaft portion 24 is inserted into the large-diameter hole 26b of the cylindrical member 13, and the plurality of waterproof rings 27 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter hole 26b of the cylindrical member 13 are configured to rotate and slide in this state by being elastically brought into contact with the inserted outer peripheral surface.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, and 6, a shaft hole 28 is provided continuously from the end portion on the wristwatch case 1 side to a middle portion in the operation head portion 25 in the operation shaft portion 24.

The shaft hole 28 of the operation shaft portion 24 is configured to: the watch has a square hole 28a of a rectangular shape located on the watch case 1 side and a circular hole 28b located on the operation head 25 side, and the circular hole 28b is inscribed in the square hole 28 a.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the operation shaft portion 24 is coupled to the winding stem 12 by a coupling shaft 30 inserted into the shaft hole 28.

That is, the coupling shaft 30 is attached to the outer end portion of the winding stem 12, and in this state, passes through the small-diameter hole 26a of the cylindrical member 13 and is inserted into the shaft hole 28 of the operation shaft portion 24 in the large-diameter hole 26b, thereby coupling the winding stem 12 and the operation shaft portion 24.

In this case, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, a flange portion 30a and a washer 30b that move in a square hole portion 28a in the shaft hole 28 of the operation shaft portion 24 are provided in the intermediate portion of the coupling shaft 30.

The washer 30b is a flat plate having an outer shape formed in a quadrangular shape similar to the square hole portion 28a of the operation shaft portion 24, and is configured such that: the center portion thereof is attached to the coupling shaft 30, slides in the square hole portion 28a of the operation shaft portion 24 in this state, and transmits the rotation of the operation shaft portion 24 to the coupling shaft 30, thereby rotating the coupling shaft 30.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a coil spring 31 is disposed in the shaft hole 28 of the operation shaft portion 24.

The coil spring 31 is configured such that: is disposed between the flange portion 30a of the coupling shaft 30 and a rear portion (right end portion in fig. 2) located outside the circular hole 28b of the shaft hole 28, and urges the operation shaft portion 24 in a direction of pushing out from the large-diameter hole 26b of the cylindrical member 13 to the outside of the wristwatch case 1.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 2, 3 and 6, the operation head portion 25 of the operation member 14 is formed in a substantially cover shape as a whole, and is formed integrally with the outer end portion of the operation shaft portion 24.

The inner diameter of the operation head 25 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13 and to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion 21 of the cylindrical member 13.

The inner axial length of the operation head 25 is formed to be equal to or slightly longer than the axial length of the large diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, 6, and 7, a lock member 15 is fixed inside the operation head 25. The lock member 15 includes a ring portion 32 fitted in the operation head portion 25, a plurality of elastic support portions 33 provided at outer end portions of the ring portion 32, and a plurality of lock portions 34 provided at the plurality of elastic support portions 33, respectively.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 32 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the operation head portion 25 by press fitting or adhesion, and is integrated with the operation head portion 25.

The ring portion 32 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13, and is configured to rotate and slide along the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13 c.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the plurality of elastic support portions 33 are configured to: an end surface on the outer side (upper side in fig. 7) of the ring portion 32, that is, an outer end surface located on the outer side of the wristwatch case 1 is provided so as to protrude in the axial direction of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13, and is elastically deformed in the radial direction in this state.

That is, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the plurality of elastic support portions 33 are configured to: a gap S is provided between the outer side surface and the inner peripheral surface of the operation head 25, and is elastically deformed in the radial direction by the gap S.

In addition, the plurality of elastic support portions 33 are provided at intervals of 120 degrees at three locations in the end surface on the outer side of the ring portion 32.

The plurality of elastic support portions 33 are configured to: the inner surface of which rotates and slides along the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13.

As shown in fig. 6 to 10, the plurality of locking portions 34 are provided on the inner surfaces of the plurality of elastic support portions 33, respectively.

The lock portion 34 includes a rotation restricting portion 35 that restricts rotation of the lock member 15 when engaging with the outer end portion of the engaging projection 22 of the cylindrical member 13, and a slide restricting portion 36 that restricts sliding of the lock member 15 when abutting with the side surface of the engaging projection 22, that is, the side surface (lower surface in fig. 9) of the engaging projection 22 located on the wristwatch case 1 side.

As shown in fig. 6 to 10, the rotation restricting portion 35 includes: a first protrusion 37 that the engagement protrusion 22 elastically deforms the elastic support 33 to straddle when the lock member 15 rotates in one direction (clockwise direction in fig. 9); an engaging recess 38 for engaging with the engaging projection 22 across the first projection 37; and a second protrusion 39 that prevents the lock member 15 from further rotating in one direction (clockwise direction) in a state where the engagement protrusion 22 is engaged with the engagement recess 38.

In this case, as shown in fig. 7, the first projecting portion 37 of the rotation restricting portion 35 is formed in a gently inclined mountain shape, and the protruding length in the radial direction thereof is formed shorter than the elastic deformation amount of the elastic support portion 33, that is, the gap S in which the elastic support portion 33 is pushed and expanded and displaced in the radial direction.

Thus, the first protrusion 37 is configured to: when the engagement projection 22 abuts and moves in the rotational direction, the elastic support portion 33 is elastically deformed so as to straddle the first projection 37.

As shown in fig. 7, the engagement recess 38 of the rotation restricting portion 35 is a recess continuous with the first protrusion 37 and is formed in a recess having substantially the same shape as the engagement protrusion 22.

Thus, the engagement recess 38 is configured to: when the engaging protrusion 22 rides over the first protrusion 37 and the elastic support 33 elastically returns to the original position, the engaging protrusion 22 elastically engages with the engaging recess 38.

As shown in fig. 7, the second protrusion 39 of the rotation restricting portion 35 is formed in a mountain shape having a steeper inclination than the first protrusion 37, and the radial protrusion length thereof is formed longer than the displacement length of the elastic support portion 33 in the radial direction, that is, the gap S.

Thus, the second protrusion 39 is configured to: even if the elastic support portion 33 is elastically deformed by the engagement protrusion 22 abutting against the second protrusion 39, the distal end of the second protrusion 39 is positioned on the rotational movement locus relative to the engagement protrusion 22, and the engagement protrusion 22 cannot ride over the second protrusion 39.

As shown in fig. 7 to 10, a slide restricting portion 36 for restricting the slide of the lock member 15 is provided at a portion of the rotation restricting portion 35 on the wristwatch case 1 side.

The slide restricting portion 36 is configured to: before the engagement protrusion 22 straddles the first protrusion 37 of the rotation restricting portion 35 and engages with the engagement recess 38, an axial side surface (lower surface in fig. 9) of the engagement protrusion 22 abuts against the slide restricting portion 36.

Thus, the slide restricting portion 36 is configured to: the locking member 15 is prevented from sliding towards the outside of the watch case 1.

However, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the winding stem 12 coupled to the operating member 14 is slidably disposed in the timepiece module 8 in the wristwatch case 1.

As shown in fig. 2, the winding stem 12 is configured to: when the operation head 25 of the operation member 14 is pushed against the elastic force of the coil spring 31 and the operation head 25 is locked by the lock member 15 in this state, the winding stem 12 does not perform the sliding operation but maintains the normal timepiece mode in which the opening and closing operation is not performed.

As shown in fig. 3, winding stem 12 is configured to: when the lock of the operation head 25 of the operation member 14 by the lock member 15 is released and the operation head 25 is pushed out to the outside of the timepiece case 1 by the elastic force of the coil spring 31, the winding stem 12 does not perform the sliding operation, but maintains the normal timepiece mode in which the opening and closing operation is not performed.

As shown in fig. 3, winding stem 12 is configured to: when the operation head 25 is further pulled out to the outside of the wristwatch case 1 as shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 3 in a state where the lock of the operation head 25 of the operation member 14 by the lock member 15 is released and the operation head 25 is pushed out to the outside of the wristwatch case 1 by the elastic force of the coil spring 31, the winding stem 12 slides and the normal timepiece mode is switched to the time correction mode, and in this state, the operation head 25 rotates, and the winding stem 12 rotates along with the rotation to correct the time.

Next, the operation of the switch device 11 of the wristwatch will be described.

When the switch device 11 is used, the operation head 25 of the operation member 14 is rotated counterclockwise in the state shown in fig. 2 and 8.

Then, the lock member 15 rotates counterclockwise with the rotation of the operation head 25, and the lock of the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 by the lock member 15 is released.

That is, as shown in fig. 2 and 8, the engagement projection 22 of the cylindrical member 13 is engaged (fitted) with the rotation restricting portion 35 of the lock portion 34 of the lock member 15, and the rotation of the lock member 15 is restricted, and the side surface (lower surface in fig. 8) of the engagement projection 22 of the cylindrical member 13 abuts against the slide restricting portion 36 of the lock portion 34, and the slide of the lock member 15 is restricted.

Thereby, the operation head 25 of the operation member 14 is locked by the locking member 15 in a pushed-in state.

When the operation head 25 is rotated counterclockwise by 60 degrees in this state, the rotation restricting portion 35 and the slide restricting portion 36 of the lock portion 34 rotate 60 degrees with respect to the engaging protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 in accordance with the rotation of the lock member 15 by 60 degrees in the same direction.

At this time, the engagement protrusion 22 moves relatively from the engagement recess 38 of the rotation restricting portion 35 to the first protrusion 37, and the engagement protrusion 22 abuts against the first protrusion 37.

Then, the elastic support portion 33 is pressed by the engagement projection 22, is pressed and expanded in the radial direction, and is elastically deformed.

As a result, the engagement projection 22 relatively rides over the first projection 37 as the lock member 15 rotates, and the side surface (lower surface in fig. 8) of the engagement projection 22 rotationally moves along the slide restricting portion 36, so that the engagement projection 22 is disengaged from the rotation restricting portion 35 and the slide restricting portion 36, and the lock of the engagement projection 22 by the lock member 15 is released, as shown in fig. 9.

When the lock of the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 by the lock member 15 is released, the operation head 25 is pushed toward the outside of the wristwatch case 1 together with the lock member 15 by the elastic force of the coil spring 31, as shown in fig. 3 and 10.

At this time, the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 are separated from the plurality of locking portions 34 of the lock member 15 and positioned between the plurality of elastic support portions 33, and in this state, the lock member 15 is pushed out together with the operation head portion 25 by the elastic force of the coil spring 31.

At this time, as shown in fig. 3, the connection shaft portion 24 of the operation member 14 slides in the cylindrical member 13, but the connection shaft 30 inserted into the operation shaft portion 24 does not slide.

Thus, winding stem 12 coupled to coupling shaft 30 does not slip, and the normal timepiece mode is maintained.

In this state, as shown in fig. 10, the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 approach the ring portion 32 of the lock member 15 and are separated from the plurality of lock members 34 toward the wristwatch case 1, so that the lock member 15 is in a rotatable state.

Therefore, even if winding stem 12 is rotated by rotating operation head 25, the opening and closing operation is not performed.

Then, in this state, as shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 3, when the operation head portion 25 is further pulled out, the coupling shaft 30 is moved outward of the wristwatch case 1 by the operation shaft portion 24, and the winding stem 12 is pulled out in accordance with the movement of the coupling shaft 30.

Thereby, the mode of the timepiece module 8 is switched to the time adjustment mode.

In this state, when the operation head 25 is rotated, the winding stem 12 is rotated in accordance with the rotation thereof, and the timing is corrected in accordance with the rotation of the winding stem 12.

On the other hand, when the switch device 11 is not used, the operation member 14 is first pushed in together with the lock member 15.

At this time, as shown in fig. 3, the operation head 25 compresses the coil spring 31 in the operation shaft 24, moves the coupling shaft 30 toward the wristwatch case 1, and pushes the winding stem 12 in.

Thereby, the mode of the timepiece module 8 is switched from the time adjustment mode to the normal timepiece mode.

In this state, the operating member 14 is pushed in further together with the locking member 15.

At this time, the engagement projection 22 of the cylindrical member 13 abuts on the lock portion 34 of the lock member 15, and when the operation head portion 25 cannot be pushed in, the operation head portion 25 is rotated by 60 degrees, and as shown in fig. 10, the lock portion 34 of the lock member 15 is separated from the engagement projection 22 of the cylindrical member 13.

Then, when the operation head 25 moves toward the wristwatch case 1 together with the lock member 15, the ring portion 32 of the lock member 15 abuts against the flange portion 21 of the cylindrical member 13 as shown in fig. 2 and 9.

In this state, when the operation head 25 is rotated 60 degrees in the clockwise direction, the lock portion 34 of the lock member 15 moves toward the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13, and the engagement protrusion 22 engages with the rotation restricting portion 35 and the slide restricting portion 36 of the lock portion 34 to be restricted in position.

That is, at this time, the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 abut against the respective first protrusions 37 of the plurality of rotation restricting portions 35 and press and expand the respective elastic support portions 33 in the radial direction and straddle the respective first protrusions 37, and the side surfaces (lower surfaces in fig. 9) of the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 rotationally move while contacting the slide restricting portions 36.

Then, when the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 straddle the respective first protrusions 37, the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 engage with the respective engaging recesses 38 of the plurality of rotation restricting portions 35.

Thereby, the positions of the plurality of engagement protrusions 22 in the rotational direction are restricted by the plurality of rotation restricting portions 35, the positions of the plurality of engagement protrusions 22 in the sliding direction are restricted by the plurality of slide restricting portions 36, and the lock member 15 is locked with respect to the cylindrical member 13.

In this state, even if the operation head portion 25 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the plurality of engagement protrusions 22 abut against the second protrusions 39 of the plurality of rotation restricting portions 35, and the lock member 15 does not rotate, so the operation head portion 25 does not rotate.

That is, when the operation head portion 25 is rotated in the clockwise direction and the plurality of engagement protrusions 22 abut against the respective second protrusions 39 of the plurality of rotation restricting portions 35, even if the elastic support portion 33 is pushed and expanded in the radial direction and abuts against the inner surface of the operation head portion 25, the tip end portions of the respective second protrusions 39 are positioned on the rotational movement locus relative to the respective engagement protrusions 22.

Thus, the plurality of engaging protrusions 22 do not straddle the plurality of second protrusions 39.

Thereby, the operation head 25 is not rotated in the clockwise direction, and is locked by the locking member 15.

As described above, according to the switch device 11 of the wristwatch, the cylindrical member 13 attached to the through hole 16 of the wristwatch case 1, the operating member 14 having the operating head 25 inserted into the operating shaft 24 and the outer end of the cylindrical member 13, and the lock member 15 fixed in the operating head 25 and sliding and rotating along the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 13 together with the operating head 25 are provided, the engaging protrusion 22 is provided on the cylindrical member 13, and the lock member 15 has the elastic support portion 33 provided with the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the operating head 25 and elastically deforming in the radial direction, and the lock portion 34 elastically engaging with the engaging protrusion 22, so that the lock releasing operation is facilitated, and the unintentional rotation of the operating member 14 in the locked state can be prevented.

That is, in the switch device 11, when the operation member 14 is locked, the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 can elastically deform the elastic support portion 33 of the lock member 15 by pushing and rotating the operation member 14, and therefore the lock portion 34 can lock the engagement protrusion 22 by the elastic deformation of the elastic support portion 33, and thereby the inadvertent rotation of the operation member 14 in the locked state can be prevented.

When the operation member 14 is unlocked, the operation member 14 is rotated against the elastic restricting force of the lock portion 34 against the engaging protrusion 22, and the lock of the lock portion 34 against the engaging protrusion 22 can be easily released.

In this case, since the lock portion 34 of the operation member 14 includes the rotation restricting portion 35 and the slide restricting portion 36, the rotation restricting portion 35 engages with the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 to restrict the rotation of the lock member 15, and the slide restricting portion 36 abuts against the engagement protrusion 22 to restrict the slide of the lock member 15, when the elastic support portion 33 of the lock member 15 is elastically deformed by the engagement protrusion 22, the rotation of the lock member 15 can be restricted by the engagement protrusion 22 by engaging with the rotation restricting portion 35, and the slide of the lock member 15 can be restricted by the engagement protrusion 22 by abutting against the slide restricting portion 36 by the engagement protrusion 22, whereby the operation member 14 can be reliably and favorably locked.

Further, the rotation restricting portion 35 includes: a first protrusion 37 that the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 elastically deforms the elastic support portion 33 to straddle when the lock member 15 rotates in one direction, for example, clockwise; an engaging recess 38 for engaging with the engaging projection 22 across the first projection 37; and a second protrusion 39 that prevents the lock member 15 from further rotating in one direction in a state where the engagement protrusion 22 is engaged with the engagement recess 38, so that the engagement protrusion 22 of the cylindrical member 13 can be reliably and satisfactorily locked by the elastic force of the elastic support portion 33.

That is, after the engagement protrusion 22 presses and expands the elastic support portion 33 in the radial direction to straddle the first protrusion 37, the engagement protrusion 22 can be engaged with the engagement recess 38, and the rotation restricting portion 35 can restrict the position of the engagement protrusion 22 in the rotational direction.

In this state, when the operation head 25 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the engagement protrusion 22 abuts against the second protrusion 39, and even if the elastic support portion 33 is pushed and expanded in the radial direction, the distal end portion of the second protrusion 39 protrudes on the rotational movement locus with respect to the engagement protrusion 22, so that the engagement protrusion 22 does not straddle over the second protrusion 39.

This can reliably prevent the operation head 25 from rotating in the clockwise direction, and thus can reliably lock the operation head 25.

In this case, by providing three engaging projections 22 at 120-degree intervals at the outer end of the cylindrical member 13 and three elastic support portions 33 at 120-degree intervals at the outer end of the lock member 15, the plurality of engaging projections 22 can be reliably and satisfactorily engaged with and disengaged from the lock portions 34 provided on the plurality of elastic support portions 33 every time the operation head portion 25 is rotated by 60 degrees, and thus the operability of the operation head portion 25 can be improved.

(second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment in which the switch device of the present invention is applied to a wristwatch will be described with reference to fig. 11 to 15.

The same components as those in the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the switch device 40 of the wristwatch has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the engaging protrusion 41 and the lock member 42 of the cylindrical member 13 are different from those of the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, this switch device 40 is provided on the side of the wristwatch case 1 on the 3 o' clock side.

The switch device 40 is used for switching the mode of the timepiece module 8, correcting the time, and the like provided in the wristwatch case 1, and includes a winding stem 12, a cylindrical member 13, an operating member 14, and a lock member 15, as in the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 11, the engaging projection 41 of the cylindrical member 13 is provided so as to project radially outward from the outer end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13, that is, the outer end located on the outer side of the wristwatch case 1.

Six engaging projections 41 are provided at 60-degree intervals at the outer end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13.

In this case, as shown in fig. 11, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13c of the cylindrical member 13 is provided with the groove portions 23 adjacent to the plurality of engaging protrusions 41.

As in the first embodiment, the depth of the groove portion 23, that is, the diameter of the bottom portion is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the intermediate diameter tube portion 13 b.

Thus, the length of the plurality of engaging protrusions 41 protruding in the radial direction is set to be the same as the depth of the groove 23.

Thus, the outer peripheral ends of the plurality of engaging projections 41 are formed to have the same size as the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 13 c.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 12, the lock member 15 has a ring portion 32, the ring portion 32 being fitted in the operation head portion 25 of the operation member 14, a plurality of elastic support portions 43 provided at an end portion of the ring portion 32, and a plurality of lock portions 44 provided on respective inner surfaces of the plurality of elastic support portions 43.

In this case, as in the first embodiment, three elastic support portions 43 are provided at 120-degree intervals at the outer end portion of the ring portion 32.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the plurality of lock portions 44 include a rotation restricting portion 45 that restricts rotation of the lock member 15 when engaging with the outer end portion of the engaging projection portion 41 of the cylindrical member 13, and a slide restricting portion 46 that restricts sliding of the lock member 15 when abutting against the side surface of the engaging projection portion 41, that is, the side surface of the engaging projection portion 41 located on the wristwatch case 1 side.

As in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting portion 45 includes: a first protrusion 37 that the engagement protrusion 41 elastically deforms the elastic support 33 to straddle when the lock member 15 rotates in one direction (clockwise in fig. 14); an engaging recess 38 for engaging with the engaging projection 41 across the first projection 37; and a second protrusion 39 that prevents the lock member 15 from further rotating in one direction (clockwise direction) in a state where the engagement protrusion 41 is engaged with the engagement recess 38.

As shown in fig. 12 to 15, the slide restricting portion 46 is formed in a substantially triangular column shape having the same shape as the shape between the plurality of engaging protrusions 41 of the cylindrical member 13.

Accordingly, the overall shape of the plurality of locking portions 44 is formed in a substantially triangular shape that is the same as the shape between the plurality of engaging protrusions 41.

The circumferential length of the plurality of elastic support portions 43 is formed to be substantially the same as the length between the distal end portions of the plurality of engaging protrusions 41.

According to the switch device 40 of the wristwatch, in addition to the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment, since the six engaging protrusions 41 are provided at the outer end of the cylindrical member 13 at intervals of 60 degrees and the three elastic support portions 33 are provided at the outer end of the lock member 15 at intervals of 120 degrees, the plurality of engaging protrusions 41 can be efficiently engaged with and disengaged from each of the lock portions 34 provided in the plurality of elastic support portions 33 every time the operation head 25 is rotated by 30 degrees, and thus the operability of the operation head 25 can be further improved as compared with the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where three or six engaging protrusions 22 and 41 are provided at 120-degree intervals at the outer end of the cylindrical member 13 or at 60-degree intervals has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, one engaging protrusion may be provided, two engaging protrusions may be provided at 180-degree intervals, four engaging protrusions may be provided at 90-degree intervals, or five engaging protrusions may be provided at 72-degree intervals.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where three elastic support portions 33 are provided at the outer end portion of the lock member 15 at intervals of 120 degrees has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, only one elastic support portion may be provided, two elastic support portions may be provided at intervals of 180 degrees, four elastic support portions may be provided at intervals of 90 degrees, five elastic support portions may be provided at intervals of 72 degrees, and six elastic support portions may be provided at intervals of 60 degrees.

In addition, although the above-described first and second embodiments have been described as applied to a wristwatch, the present invention is not necessarily applicable to a wristwatch and can be widely applied to various timepieces such as a travel wristwatch, an alarm clock, a sitting clock, and a wall clock.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and includes the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (6)

1. A switch device is characterized by comprising:

a housing having a through hole;

a cylindrical member fitted in the through hole of the housing;

an operating member having an operating portion inserted into the shaft portion and the outer end portion of the cylindrical member; and

a lock member fixed in the operation portion of the operation member and sliding and rotating along an outer periphery of the cylindrical member together with the operation portion,

the cylindrical member is provided with an engaging projection projecting toward an inner peripheral surface of the lock member,

the locking member has: an elastic support portion that is provided with a gap from an inner peripheral surface of the operation portion and elastically deforms in a radial direction; and a locking part arranged on the elastic supporting part and elastically engaged with the engaging protrusion part when the operating part is pushed in and rotated,

the locking portion has a rotation restricting portion that engages with the engaging projection portion to restrict rotation of the locking member,

the rotation restricting portion includes: a first protrusion that the engagement protrusion elastically deforms the elastic support portion to straddle when the lock member is rotated in one direction; an engaging recess portion that straddles the engaging projection portion of the first projection portion and is engaged with; and a second protrusion that prevents the lock member from further rotating in the one direction in a state where the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement recess.

2. The switching device according to claim 1,

the locking portion has a slide restricting portion that abuts against the engagement projection portion to restrict sliding of the locking member.

3. The switching device according to claim 1,

the first protrusion is formed to have a radial protrusion length shorter than the gap, and the second protrusion is formed to have a radial protrusion length longer than the gap.

4. The switching device according to claim 1,

the three engaging protrusions are provided at 120-degree intervals at the outer end of the cylindrical member, and the three elastic support portions are provided at 120-degree intervals at the outer end of the lock member.

5. The switching device according to claim 1,

six of the engaging projections are provided at the outer end of the cylindrical member at 60-degree intervals, and three of the elastic support portions are provided at the outer end of the lock member at 120-degree intervals.

6. A timepiece is characterized by comprising:

a clock module;

a timepiece case configured with the timepiece module; and

a switching device arranged in the timepiece housing for operating the timepiece module,

the switch device is provided with:

a housing having a through hole;

a cylindrical member fitted in the through hole of the housing;

an operating member having an operating portion inserted into the shaft portion and the outer end portion of the cylindrical member; and

a lock member fixed in the operation portion of the operation member and sliding and rotating along an outer periphery of the cylindrical member together with the operation portion,

the cylindrical member is provided with an engaging projection projecting toward an inner peripheral surface of the lock member,

the locking member has: an elastic support portion that is provided with a gap from an inner peripheral surface of the operation portion and elastically deforms in a radial direction; and a locking part arranged on the elastic supporting part and elastically engaged with the engaging protrusion part when the operating part is pushed in and rotated,

the locking portion has a rotation restricting portion that engages with the engaging projection portion to restrict rotation of the locking member,

the rotation restricting portion includes: a first protrusion that the engagement protrusion elastically deforms the elastic support portion to straddle when the lock member is rotated in one direction; an engaging recess portion that straddles the engaging projection portion of the first projection portion and is engaged with; and a second protrusion that prevents the lock member from further rotating in the one direction in a state where the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement recess.