JP2005106469A - Method for testing waterproofness - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for testing waterproofness, which is compatible with testing the waterproofness in a liquid such as water and lightening the correction work at the time that the bad waterproofness is detected. <P>SOLUTION: After a watch is subjected to a waterproofness test while holding it in a pressurized air, and the results that there is no defect in the waterproofness (no air leak) is obtained, the watch is subjected to the pressurized water proof test in the water while holding it in the water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof test method for testing the waterproof property of a waterproof device such as a watch.

  Conventionally, for a waterproof test of a wristwatch or the like, an air pressure waterproof test (for example, refer to Non-Patent Document 1) in which a watch to be tested is held in pressurized air to test the waterproof property, or immersed in water. One of underwater pressurized waterproof tests (for example, see Non-Patent Document 2) for testing the waterproof property is adopted. For example, in the air pressure waterproof test, a method is adopted in which the air around the timepiece is pressurized, and when the distortion of the timepiece cover glass or the like at that time is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, it is determined that the waterproof is defective.

The underwater pressurized waterproof test is a test in which a watch is immersed in water to check whether water has actually entered the watch. For example, the watch to be tested is immersed in high-pressure water for a predetermined time. There are known a first underwater pressurized waterproof test and a second underwater pressurized waterproof test immersed in relatively low pressure water.
Japanese Industrial Standard JISB7021, 1989 Japanese Industrial Standard JISB7023, 1993

By the way, this type of waterproof test is performed in the state of a finished product in which a clock machine body (hand movement mechanism, etc.) or a clock module is incorporated in the exterior case. After reassembling by changing the case, etc., the same waterproof test is performed again.
However, in the case of poor water resistance in the underwater pressure waterproof test, the watch machine body and the watch module will be submerged, which requires disassembly, cleaning, replacement of parts, etc., and reassembly takes time, parts costs and labor. End up.

  On the other hand, the air pressure waterproof test does not require cleaning or replacement of the watch module at the time of reassembly, but is not a sufficient waterproof test because the test is performed in an environment different from underwater. In particular, for a waterproof device such as a diving watch that requires high waterproof performance, the waterproof test may be insufficient only by the result of the air pressure waterproof test. Also, in the air pressure waterproof test, if the watch has a thick cover glass or back cover, the variation in distortion of the cover glass or back cover during the test will increase. There is a risk that.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a waterproof test that can achieve both a waterproof test in a liquid such as water and a reduction in correction work when a waterproof failure is detected. It aims to provide a method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a waterproof test method for a waterproof device, wherein a gas pressure waterproof test is performed to test the waterproof property by holding the waterproof device in a pressurized gas. After obtaining the result that there is no waterproof failure, a waterproof pressurization test in liquid is performed in which the waterproof device is immersed in a pressurized liquid to test the waterproof property. According to this configuration, since the waterproof pressurization test in the liquid is performed after the result that the waterproof device has no waterproof failure by the gas pressurization waterproof test, before performing the pressurization waterproof test in the liquid, The waterproof device can be extracted to some extent, and the frequency with which it is determined as waterproof failure in the pressurized waterproof test in liquid can be reduced.

  In this configuration, the gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is equal to or lower than the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressure waterproof test, more preferably in the liquid. It is preferable that the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the pressure waterproof test is in the range of approximately equal to half. In this case, it is possible to avoid deformation of the packing of the waterproof device or damage due to sag in the gas pressure waterproof test. Furthermore, deformation of the outer case of the waterproof device can be prevented.

  In addition, if the gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is lower than the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressurized waterproof test, in order to fully detect the waterproof failure in the gas pressure waterproof test The holding time for holding the waterproof device in the pressurized gas waterproofing test in the pressurized gas may be substantially equal to or longer than the holding time for holding the waterproof device in the liquid pressurized waterproofing test. preferable. Here, the gas pressurization waterproof test is a test that is performed preliminarily before the liquid pressurization waterproof test in order to lower the waterproof failure rate detected in the liquid pressurization waterproof test, and is used for packing and exterior case members. It is beneficial to make the gas pressure smaller than the liquid pressure from the viewpoint of stably securing waterproofness by preventing deformation and damage. When the gas pressure is lower than the liquid pressure, it tends to be difficult to detect defective waterproof products in the gas pressure waterproof test, so the test time for the gas pressure waterproof test should be longer than the pressure waterproof test in liquid. This makes it easy to detect a waterproof failure. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the waterproof failure rate detected in the subsequent pressurized waterproof test in liquid.

  In addition, if the gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is approximately the same as the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressure waterproof test, in order to fully detect the waterproof failure in the gas pressure waterproof test It is preferable that the holding time for holding the waterproof device in the pressurized gas in the gas pressure waterproofing test is shorter than the holding time for holding the waterproof device in the liquid pressure waterproofing test. In this case, the test time of the gas pressure waterproof test can be shortened, and the time required for the waterproof test can be shortened.

  In the pressurized waterproof test in liquid, after the waterproof device is immersed in a pressurized liquid set to a predetermined first pressure and tested for waterproofness, the waterproof device is set to a pressure lower than the first pressure. It is preferable to test the waterproof property by dipping in a set pressurized liquid. In addition, when the waterproof device is a watch, in the gas pressure waterproof test, the distortion of the cover glass or back cover of the watch held in the pressurized gas is measured in order to check whether the gas has entered the watch. Preferably, after holding the timepiece in the pressurized gas, it is preferable to immerse it in a liquid whose pressure is lower than that of the pressurized gas in order to check whether the gas has entered the timepiece. The gas used in the gas pressure waterproof test is preferably air, and the liquid used in the liquid pressure waterproof test is preferably water.

  In the waterproof test of the present invention, the gas pressure waterproof test is performed, and after the result that there is no waterproof failure is obtained in this test, the liquid pressure waterproof test is performed. Can extract a certain amount of waterproofing. Thereby, the frequency determined as a waterproof failure in the pressurized waterproof test in liquid can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the case where the waterproof test method of the present invention is applied to a waterproof test of a watch will be described. However, the device to be tested is not limited to a watch and can be applied to various waterproof devices. .

(1) 1st Embodiment FIG. 1: is principal part sectional drawing which shows an example of the waterproof structure of the timepiece to which the waterproof test method concerning this embodiment is applied, FIG. 2 is an example of the other waterproof structure of a timepiece. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the timepiece 1 has a movement (clock module, timepiece machine body) 1B housed in an outer case 1A. The outer case 1A includes a case (body) 2, a back cover 3, a bezel ( Edge) 4 and a cover glass 5. A winding stem pipe 6 is fitted and fixed in the case 2, and a shaft portion 71 of a crown 7 is rotatably inserted into the winding stem pipe 6. The case 2, the back cover 3, and the winding stem pipe 6 are each formed of a copper-based alloy such as stainless steel, brass, or white or a metal material such as a noble metal such as titanium, gold, or silver.

  In the timepiece 1, a plastic packing 8 is disposed between the case 2 and the bezel 4, and the plastic packing 8 prevents water and dust from entering between the case 2 and the bezel 4. A plastic packing 9 is also disposed between the bezel 4 and the cover glass 5 so that water and dust do not enter between the bezel 4 and the cover glass 5. The back cover 3 is fitted (or screwed) into the case 2, and a ring-shaped rubber packing (back cover packing) 20 is inserted between the back cover 3 and the case 2 in a compressed state. Thereby, it is comprised so that water and dust may not penetrate | invade between between the back cover 3 and the case 2. FIG. Further, a groove 72 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 71 of the crown 7, and a ring-shaped rubber packing (crown packing) 30 is disposed in the groove 72, and the rubber packing 30 is connected to the winding stem pipe. 6 is configured to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of 6 and compressed between the inner peripheral surface and the inner surface of the groove 72 so that water and dust do not enter between the crown 7 and the winding stem pipe 6. Yes. As described above, the timepiece 1 prevents water from entering by disposing a plastic or rubber packing between components.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a timepiece having a waterproof function simply by bonding and fixing each component. Specifically, in the timepiece 40, the entire periphery of the cover glass 41 is adhered to the case 42 of the exterior case with an adhesive (indicated by a symbol α). As a result, there is no gap between the cover glass 41 and the body 42 of the outer case, and intrusion of water and dust is prevented. In this timepiece 40, 43 is a hand such as an hour hand, a minute hand, 44 is a dial, 45 is a movement (including a part of a timepiece module and a timepiece machine body), and 46 is a back cover. 47 are rubber packings for eliminating a gap between the back cover 46 and the copper 42.

  The waterproof test method according to the present embodiment is performed in the inspection process after assembling the timepieces 1 and 40, and hereinafter, a case where the timepiece 1 is tested will be described as an example. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a waterproof test according to the first embodiment. The waterproof test according to the first embodiment is a waterproof test particularly suitable for a general-purpose waterproof portable watch defined by Japanese Industrial Standards. The waterproof test according to the present embodiment roughly includes a gas pressurized waterproof test and a liquid pressurized waterproof test. First, the gas pressurized waterproof test is performed (steps S1 to S3). The waterproof test may be performed by an operator, but all or part of the waterproof test may be performed by computer control or arithmetic processing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test apparatus used for the gas pressure waterproof test. The test apparatus 60 includes a sealed container 61 in which the timepiece 1 to be tested can be placed, a pressurizing facility (not shown) that sends compressed air into the sealed container 61 to pressurize the air in the sealed container 61. The strain gauge 62 for measuring the strain of the timepiece 1 in the sealed container 61 and the pressure gauge 63 for measuring the gas pressure in the sealed container 61 are roughly configured.

  This gas pressure waterproof test is a test for holding a watch 1 in a pressurized gas to test the waterproof property. In this embodiment, a strain test for detecting a strain when the surrounding gas of the watch 1 is pressurized. Is adopted. When performing a gas pressure waterproofing test, first, the tip of the strain gauge 62 is brought into contact with the cover glass 5 of the timepiece 1 when the air pressure in the sealed container 61 of the test apparatus 60 is an initially set atmospheric pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure). Thereafter, compressed air is sent and pressurized by the pressure gauge 63 until the air in the sealed container 61 reaches a predetermined atmospheric pressure value (gas pressure value), and the timepiece 1 is held in the pressurized gas (step S1). .

  Next, the value of the strain gauge 62 at the time when the holding time has passed in advance (pressurization holding time) is read, and the strain of the cover glass 5 due to pressurization is determined from the difference between the values of the strain gauge 62 before and after pressurization. get. Then, an air leak test is performed by comparing this distortion with a predetermined threshold value (step S2). Specifically, if the distortion is equal to or less than the threshold value, it can be determined that the cover glass 5 is hardly distorted because air has entered the inside of the timepiece 1, and therefore it is determined that there is an air leak.

  Here, the gas pressure value and pressurization holding time at the time of the gas pressure waterproof test are values determined according to the specifications of the timepiece 1 (for example, how many meters the water depth is waterproof). If the water pressure is 2.4 atm, the gas pressure value is set to a value of 2.4 atm or less (for example, 2.4 atm). If the watch 1 is 5 atm water resistant, the gas pressure value is a value of 5 atm or less. (For example, 5 atmospheres) If the timepiece 1 is 10 atmospheres waterproof, the value is set to 10 atmospheres or less (5 atmospheres) (see Examples 1 to 3 in FIG. 11). Further, the pressurization holding time may be set to 3 minutes or different (see Examples 1 to 4 in FIG. 11).

  In this air leak inspection, when it is determined that there is an air leak (step S3: YES), relatively simple measures against waterproof failure (hereinafter referred to as the first) After taking measures against water-proof failure (step S4), the gas pressure waterproof test is performed again. Usually, if the first countermeasure against waterproofing is taken, it is determined that there is no air leak in the next gas pressure waterproofing test. However, if it is determined that there is an air leak (step S3: YES), the first waterproof failure is again performed. After the countermeasure is taken (step S4), the gas pressure waterproof test is performed. That is, in the gas pressure waterproof test, if it is determined that there is an air leak, that is, there is a waterproof failure, the first countermeasure against the waterproof failure is repeatedly performed.

  Next, when it is determined that there is no air leak (step S3: NO), a pressurized waterproof test in liquid is performed (steps S5 to S7). Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test apparatus for the pressurized waterproof test in liquid. The pressurized waterproof test in liquid is to test the waterproof property by immersing the watch 1 in a pressurized liquid. The test apparatus 80 includes a sealed container 81 filled with approximately half of water, and the sealed container 81. A pressurization facility (not shown) for sending compressed air inside to pressurize the water in the sealed container 81 and a pressure gauge 82 for measuring the pressure in the sealed container 81 are roughly configured.

In the pressurized pressure waterproof test in the present embodiment, the timepiece 1 is immersed in water in the sealed container 81 and compressed by the pressure gauge 82 until the atmospheric pressure in the sealed container 81 reaches a predetermined pressure value (liquid pressure value). The timepiece 1 is held in high-pressure water by sending air to increase the water pressure (step S5).
Next, after a predetermined time (pressurized holding time) has elapsed in the high-pressure water, the inside of the sealed container 81 is depressurized to a set atmospheric pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure), and the timepiece 1 is taken out. A water immersion test is performed to determine whether or not water has been immersed in the interior (step S6). Here, the liquid pressure value and the pressurization holding time at the time of the pressure pressurization waterproof test in the liquid depend on the specifications of the watch 1 (for example, the waterproof specification of how many meters in water depth) as in the gas pressurization waterproof test. It is a determined value. For example, the liquid pressure value is set to the maximum pressure resistance of the specification of the timepiece 1, and the pressurization holding time is set to a longer time than that in the gas pressure waterproof test. Specifically, if the timepiece 1 is 2.4 atm water resistant, the liquid pressure value is set to 2.4 atm and the pressurization holding time is set to 5 minutes. If the timepiece 1 is 5 atm water resistant, the liquid pressure value is set. Is set to 5 atm and the pressure holding time is set to 10 minutes (see Examples 1 and 2 in FIG. 11).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection apparatus for water immersion inspection. The water immersion inspection device 90 includes a hot plate 92 that can be heated by a heater 91. When performing the water immersion inspection, the timepiece 1 is placed on the hot plate 92 heated to about 45 ° C., and the cover glass 5 of the timepiece 1 is placed. It is confirmed whether water droplets or cloudiness has occurred in the interior, or whether water droplets or cloudiness has occurred due to condensation when the watch 1 is cooled with a wet cloth or the like. That is, if there is water in the watch 1, water droplets or fogging occurs in the cover glass 5 of the watch 1, and therefore it is determined that there is water (poor waterproof).

  If it is determined that there is water immersion (waterproof failure) (step S7: YES), the electrical components inside the watch 1 are wet and cannot be used, so the watch 1 is disassembled and the electrical components such as the watch module are replaced. Then, detailed countermeasures against waterproof failure (hereinafter, second countermeasure against waterproofing) such as alcohol cleaning and drying of parts, packing replacement and reassembly are performed (step S8). After taking this second measure against waterproof failure, the process proceeds to step S1, and the gas pressure waterproof test is performed again. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no water drop or cloudiness in the cover glass 5 of the timepiece 1 and there is no water immersion (step S7: NO), the waterproof test of the timepiece 1 is finished as a non-defective product.

As described above, in the waterproof test according to the present embodiment, the gas pressure waterproof test is performed, and after this test results that there is no waterproof failure (no air leak), the watch 1 is held in the liquid. Then, since the pressurized waterproof test in liquid for testing the waterproof property is performed, the waterproof watch 1 can be extracted to some extent before performing the pressurized waterproof test in liquid.
For this reason, in the gas pressure waterproof test before the liquid pressure waterproof test, if it is determined that the waterproof is poor, the waterproof is poor only by simple measures such as replacement of the packing or the outer case 1A without replacing the movement 1B. Can be corrected.

  Therefore, if the waterproof failure is completely corrected by this measure, only the watch 1 that has passed the pressurized pressure waterproof test in liquid and remains in the waterproof waterproof test is defective in the pressurized pressure waterproof test in liquid. Is detected, and measures against poor waterproofing are taken. Thereby, the frequency (so-called waterproof failure rate) of the timepiece 1 determined to be waterproof failure in the pressurized pressure waterproof test in liquid can be reduced, and complicated when the waterproof failure is detected in the pressurized pressure waterproof test in liquid. It is possible to reduce the time required for the correction work (cleaning, replacement of electrical parts, etc.), parts cost, and labor.

In addition, since this waterproof test inspects the actual waterproofing performance in water with the pressurized waterproof test in liquid, there is a risk that the gas pressurized waterproof test alone may pass (whether water penetrates the waterproof packing) Can also be inspected.
In other words, the waterproof test according to the present embodiment is performed by preliminarily performing the gas pressure waterproof test before performing the liquid pressure waterproof test for testing the waterproof performance in actual water, so It is possible to reduce the frequency of the timepiece 1 that is determined to be waterproof failure in the test, to reduce the frequency of replacement of the movement 1B and the like, and to sufficiently inspect the waterproof performance.

  Here, with respect to the gas pressure value during the gas pressure waterproof test, in the waterproof test of this embodiment, the waterproof performance can be sufficiently inspected in the liquid pressure waterproof test, so the liquid pressure value during the liquid pressure waterproof test It is preferable that the liquid pressure value is approximately equal to or lower than the liquid pressure value during the pressurized waterproof test in liquid. In this case, in the gas pressure waterproof test, deformation of the waterproof packing, damage due to sag can be avoided, and the pressurization equipment of the test apparatus can be reduced in capacity. Play. Furthermore, deformation of the exterior case 1A of the timepiece 1 can be prevented.

  In addition, when the gas pressure value during the gas pressure waterproof test is lower than the liquid pressure value during the liquid pressure waterproof test, the pressure retention time during the gas pressure waterproof test is the same as during the liquid pressure waterproof test. By making it equal to or longer than the pressurization holding time (see Example 4 in FIG. 11), it is possible to sufficiently find a waterproof failure in the gas pressure waterproof test. Further, if a long-term gas pressure waterproof test is performed, it becomes easy to find an unstable phenomenon of waterproof performance under a long-term high pressure. On the other hand, when the gas pressure value during the gas pressure waterproof test is approximately the same as the liquid pressure value during the liquid pressure waterproof test, the pressure retention time during the gas pressure waterproof test is By shortening the pressurization holding time at the time of the test, it is possible to shorten the test time while sufficiently discovering a waterproof failure in the gas pressurization waterproof test.

(2) Second Embodiment The waterproof test method according to the second embodiment differs in that the test is performed at different liquid pressures (water pressures) during the pressurized waterproof test in liquid. This is the same as the waterproof test according to the embodiment. For this reason, hereinafter, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a waterproof test according to the second embodiment. In this flow, the gas pressure waterproofing test is the same as the gas pressure waterproofing test of the first embodiment. Therefore, the liquid pressure waterproofing test is performed when it is determined that there is no air leak in the gas pressure waterproofing test. Explain from the test. The waterproof test according to the second embodiment may be applied to a waterproof test for a general waterproof portable watch, but is particularly a waterproof test suitable for a submerged portable watch defined by Japanese Industrial Standards.

  In the pressurized waterproof test in liquid of the present embodiment, in FIG. 5, first, the timepiece 1 is immersed in the water in the sealed container 81 of the test apparatus 80, and the atmospheric pressure in the sealed container 81 is relatively high by the pressure gauge 82. The compressed air is sent until the first pressure value (liquid pressure value) is reached, and the water pressure is set to the first pressure (step S5A). Next, after a predetermined time (first pressurization holding time) has elapsed after being held in water, the air pressure in the sealed container 81 is set to a second pressure value (liquid pressure value) lower than the first pressure value. ) And the timepiece 1 is held in water at a relatively low pressure (step S5B). Next, when a predetermined time with respect to the time kept in water has passed for a second pressure holding time that is approximately equal to or longer than the first pressure holding time, the inside of the sealed container 81 is set to a set atmospheric pressure (for example, a large pressure). The timepiece 1 is taken out after the pressure is reduced to (atmospheric pressure), and a water immersion test is performed to determine whether water has submerged in the timepiece 1 (step S6).

  In this case, for example, if the watch 1 is waterproofed to 10 atm, the first pressure value is set to 10 atm, the second pressure value is set to 10 atm or less (3 atm), and the first pressure value is set. If the pressure holding time is set to 10 minutes, the second pressure holding time is set to 30 minutes, and the watch 1 is waterproofed to 20 atm, the first pressure value is set to 25 atm, and the second pressure value is set to 25 A value equal to or lower than the atmospheric pressure (0.3 atm) is set, the first pressure holding time is set to 60 minutes, and the second pressure holding time is set to 60 minutes (see Examples 5 and 6 in FIG. 11). If it is determined that there is flooding (waterproof failure) by this waterlogging inspection (step S7: YES), the process proceeds to step S8, and after taking the second countermeasure against the watertight defect, the process proceeds to step S1 and the gas is again discharged. While the pressurized waterproof test is performed, if it is determined that there is no water immersion (waterproof non-defective product) (step S7: NO), the waterproof test is terminated.

  Thus, in the waterproof test according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, by performing the liquid pressure value and the pressure holding time at the time of the liquid pressure waterproof test under different conditions, The waterproof performance in actual water can be inspected with higher accuracy.

(3) Third Embodiment The waterproof test method according to the third embodiment is to check whether or not it has been submerged every time the condition such as the liquid pressure value during pressurization is changed in the liquid pressurization waterproof test. Unlike this, the waterproof test method according to the second embodiment is the same except for this point. For this reason, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a waterproof test according to the third embodiment. In this waterproof test, the process proceeds to step S5A, where the timepiece 1 is immersed in water pressurized to the first pressure, and then the timepiece 1 is taken out and submerged when the first pressure holding time has elapsed. An inspection is performed (step S6A). If it is determined that there is flooding (waterproof failure) in this waterlogging inspection (step S7A: YES), the process proceeds to step S8, and after taking the second countermeasure against watertight failure, the process proceeds to step S1 and the gas again. Carry out a waterproof test.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no water immersion (waterproof non-defective product) (step S7A: NO), the process proceeds to step S5B, and the timepiece 1 is immersed in water pressurized to the second pressure value. The timepiece 1 is taken out at the time when the pressure holding time has elapsed, and a water immersion test is performed (step S6B). If it is determined in this submergence inspection that there is water immersion (waterproof failure) (step S7B: YES), the process proceeds to step S8, and after taking the second countermeasure against watertight failure, the process proceeds to step S1 and the gas is again supplied. On the other hand, when the pressurized waterproof test is performed, if it is determined that there is no water immersion (waterproof non-defective product) (step S7B: NO), the waterproof test is terminated. In this case, for example, if the watch 1 is waterproofed to 10 atm, the first pressure value is set to 10 atm, the second pressure value is set to 10 atm or less (3 atm), and the first pressure value is set. The pressure holding time is set to 10 minutes, and the second pressure holding time is set to 30 minutes (see Example 7 in FIG. 11).

  As described above, in the waterproof test according to the third embodiment, by inspecting whether or not the liquid pressurization waterproof test in the liquid has been submerged every time the condition such as the liquid pressurization value is changed, In addition to the effect, there is an advantage that it is possible to specify under which conditions the waterproof failure has occurred and to easily investigate the cause.

(4) Modification Each embodiment mentioned above is only one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the gas pressure waterproof test is performed in the air has been described. However, the test may be performed in a gas other than air, and the distortion of the cover glass 5 of the timepiece 1 is measured. Although the case of the strain measurement test has been described, it may be a strain measurement test for measuring the strain of the back cover 3 of the timepiece 1. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the pressurized waterproof test in liquid is performed in water has been described, but it may be performed in a liquid other than water.

  Further, the gas pressure waterproof test and the liquid pressure waterproof test are not limited to the above-described test methods. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the gas pressure waterproof test, water is stored in the sealed container 61A, the watch 1 is held (suspended) in the air above the water, and the pressure gauge 63A is used. Compressed air is sent and pressurized until the air in the sealed container 61A reaches a predetermined pressurized atmospheric pressure value, and is held for a predetermined pressurized holding time. Thereafter, the watch 1 is immersed in water, the inside of the sealed container 61A is reduced to a set atmospheric pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure), or the watch 1 is immersed in water after the pressure reduction, and bubbles are generated from the inside of the watch 1. Check for inundation by checking whether or not. That is, if air has entered the inside of the timepiece 1, bubbles are generated when held in water, so that it is understood that the waterproof is poor. According to this test method, it becomes possible to specify a waterproof failure location depending on where the air bubbles are emitted from the timepiece 1.

  Further, for example, in the case of a pressurized waterproof test in a liquid, as shown in FIG. 10, the timepiece 1 is placed in a sealed container 81A filled with water, and the water in the sealed container 81A is pressurized by a piston 95. Thus, the timepiece 1 is held in pressurized water. Then, the timepiece 1 is taken out after a predetermined pressurization holding time elapses, and it is inspected whether or not the timepiece 1 has been submerged by using the water immersion inspection device 90 (see FIG. 6). According to this method, it is necessary to pressurize the piston as compared with the case where the test apparatus 80 is used, but the test apparatus is simplified because the pressurizing equipment for sending the compressed air is unnecessary. Can do. Further, since the pressure is applied by the piston 95, there is an advantage that the water pressure can be relatively easily increased.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a comparative example of test conditions in the case of only the waterproof test according to the first to third embodiments and the pressurized waterproof test in liquid, and FIG. 12 shows the test results in the case of FIG. It is a figure which shows a waterproof failure rate. In this figure, Examples 1 to 4 are examples of the waterproof test according to the first embodiment. Among these, the cases where only the pressurized waterproof test in liquids of Examples 1 to 3 are performed are referred to as Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Show. The test conditions for the waterproof test are as follows. The watch to be tested has the structure shown in FIG. 2 and is a watch 40 using fluorine-based packing as the packing. The number of samples is 2000, and the waterproof test is performed at room temperature. The case where it went is shown. In the case of waterproof watches, if the guaranteed waterproof pressure (2.4, 5, 10 and 20 atmospheres) differs, the thickness of the exterior parts of each watch and the degree of compression of the material packing will differ. In the inventive example and the comparative example, the same waterproof timepiece is used for the thickness of the exterior parts, the degree of compression of the packing, etc., if the guaranteed waterproof pressure is the same.

  In addition, Example 1 and Example 4 are longer for the same specification timepiece when the pressure holding time of the gas pressure waterproofing test is shorter than the pressure holding time of the liquid pressure waterproofing test. Shows the case. In FIG. 12, by increasing the pressure holding time in the gas pressure waterproof test, the waterproof failure rate in the gas pressure waterproof test is increased (0.2 → 0.25), and the liquid pressure waterproof test. This indicates that the waterproof failure rate detected by (2) could be reduced (0.2 → 0.15).

  Further, Examples 5 and 6 are examples of the waterproof test according to the second embodiment, and the cases where only the pressurized waterproof test in liquid is performed are shown in Comparative Examples 5 and 6, and Example 7 is the first. This is an example of a waterproof test according to the third embodiment, and Comparative Example 7 shows a case where only the pressurized waterproof test in liquid is performed.

  FIG. 12 shows that the waterproof failure rate in the liquid pressurized waterproof test is reduced by about half in the waterproof test of the present invention compared to the case where only the liquid pressurized waterproof test is performed. ing. As a result, the waterproof test of the present invention can confirm that the number of troublesome correction work when a waterproof failure is detected in the pressurized waterproof test in liquid can be reduced to about half, and the correction work for waterproof failure can be greatly reduced. I understand.

It is principal part sectional drawing which shows an example of the waterproof structure of the timepiece to which a waterproof test is applied. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows an example of the other waterproof structure of the timepiece to which a waterproof test is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the waterproof test which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the test apparatus used for a gas pressurization waterproof test. It is a figure which shows an example of the test apparatus of the pressurization waterproof test in a liquid. It is a figure which shows an example of the test | inspection apparatus for a water immersion test. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the waterproof test which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the waterproof test which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of a gas pressurization waterproof test. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the pressurization waterproof test in a liquid. It is a figure which shows the comparative example of the test conditions in the case of only the waterproof test which concerns on 1st-3rd embodiment, and the pressurized waterproof test in a liquid. It is a figure which shows the test result (waterproof defect rate) of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,40 ... Clock, 1A ... Outer case 3, 46 ... Back cover, 5, 41 ... Cover glass, 8, 9 ... Plastic packing, 20, 30 ... Rubber packing, 60, 80 ... Test apparatus, 90 ... Water immersion Inspection device.

Claims (10)

In the waterproof test method for waterproof equipment,
A gas pressure waterproof test is performed to test the waterproof property by holding the waterproof device in a pressurized gas, and after the result that the waterproof device has no waterproof failure is obtained by this test, the waterproof device is pressurized. A waterproof test method comprising performing a pressurized waterproof test in a liquid to test the waterproof property by immersing in a liquid.   The gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is equal to or lower than the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressure waterproof test. Waterproof test method.   The gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is set to be approximately equal to a half of the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressurized waterproof test. 2. The waterproof test method according to 2.   When the gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is lower than the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressurized waterproof test, the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is pressurized gas. The waterproof test method according to claim 3, wherein a holding time for holding the waterproof device is substantially equal to or longer than a holding time for holding the waterproof device in the liquid in the pressurized waterproof test in liquid. .   When the gas pressure acting on the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is approximately equal to the liquid pressure acting on the waterproof device in the liquid pressure waterproof test, the waterproof device in the gas pressure waterproof test is added. The waterproof test method according to claim 3, wherein a holding time for holding in the pressurized gas is shorter than a holding time for holding the waterproof device in the liquid in the pressurized waterproof test in liquid.   In the pressurized waterproof test in liquid, after the waterproof device is immersed in a pressurized liquid set at a predetermined first pressure and tested for waterproofness, the waterproof device is lower than the first pressure. The waterproof test method according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof test is performed by dipping in a pressurized liquid set to a pressure. The waterproof device is a watch,
In the gas pressure waterproof test, distortion of the cover glass or back cover of the watch held in the pressurized gas is measured in order to check whether or not gas has entered the watch. Item 7. A waterproof test method according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The waterproof device is a watch,
In the gas pressure waterproof test, after holding the timepiece in a pressurized gas, it is immersed in a liquid whose pressure is lower than that of the pressurized gas in order to check whether the gas has entered the timepiece. The waterproof test method according to claim 1, wherein:   The waterproof test method according to claim 1, wherein the gas used in the gas pressure waterproof test is air. The waterproof test method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid used in the in-liquid pressurized waterproof test is water.

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