JP2008241396A - Wrist watch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a constitution capable of improving reliability, reducing manufacturing cost, and replenishing the power easily, even when being provided with a radio communication function on a back lid, concerning a wrist watch to which a radio communication function body is attached. <P>SOLUTION: This wrist watch 10 has a watch case 11, a watch function body 12 stored in the watch case, and the back lid 13 for closing an opening on the back of the watch case, and has characteristics described as follows: the back lid stores the radio communication function body 16 inside, having a communication circuit 16a, a communication antenna 16b connected to the communication circuit, a communication power source 16c for supplying the power to the communication circuit, and an operation member 16d for stopping and starting communication function of the communication circuit; the radio communication function body is electrically independent of the watch function body; and power replenishing structures 13d, 13e for replenishing the power to be supplied to the communication circuit or the communication power source are provided on the outer surface of the back lid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wristwatch, and more particularly to the structure of a wristwatch having a wireless communication function.

  Conventionally, watches having a wireless communication function are commercially available. Since such a wristwatch usually has a special internal structure including a communication circuit, a communication antenna, and the like, it has a thick case structure different from that of a timepiece having only a general timepiece function. For example, there is a watch disclosed in Patent Document 1 below as a wristwatch having a function of notifying an incoming call of a mobile phone.

In particular, as a configuration in which the communication unit is arranged on the back side of the watch case, a structure in which a housing for housing an emergency call transmitter is attached to the watch case instead of the back cover is disclosed in Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 discloses a structure in which an additional function unit is detachably attached to the back side of the case.
JP-A-11-183657 JP-T-2004-514119 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-66588

  However, a wristwatch having the above-described wireless communication function has a structure in which an additional function is provided on the back cover and attached to the watch case. However, by providing a wireless communication function body as a part that performs the additional function, communication with the main body is possible. The connection structure with the circuit is complicated, and it is necessary to provide a special case structure, which may cause a decrease in reliability and an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In addition, when a wireless communication function unit is provided, the power consumption greatly increases. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently replace the battery with the back cover removed, and the replacement work becomes complicated. It was.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and in a wristwatch to which a wireless communication function body is added, even if a wireless communication function is provided on the back cover, reliability can be improved and manufacturing cost can be reduced. At the same time, it is to realize a configuration capable of easily supplying power.

  In view of such circumstances, the wristwatch of the present invention includes a watch case, a watch function body accommodated in the watch case, and a watch having a back cover that closes an opening behind the watch case. Internally, a wireless communication having a communication circuit, a communication antenna connected to the communication circuit, a communication power source for supplying power to the communication circuit, and an operation member for stopping and starting the communication function of the communication circuit Power supply for storing a function body, the wireless communication function body being electrically independent from the timepiece function body, and supplying power to the communication circuit or the communication power source on the outer surface of the back cover The structure for use is provided.

  According to this invention, the communication circuit is operated by the power supply from the communication power source by accommodating the wireless communication function body having the communication circuit, the communication antenna, the communication power source, and the operation member inside the back cover, and the communication is performed. Since wireless communication can be performed via the antenna and the operation member can operate and stop the wireless communication function, the wireless communication function can be realized without any trouble in a state completely independent of the clock function body. Therefore, since the clock function body and the radio function body can be completely separated, an electrical connection structure between the two is not necessary, so that the additional structure can be simplified, and the watch function body is waterproof. Since the original timepiece structure can be easily configured, such as being easily secured, the reliability can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since the power supply structure is provided on the outer surface of the back cover, it is possible to supply power without removing the back cover from the watch case, so that it is possible to avoid troublesome work for power supply.

  The above power supply structure is various structures for supplying power from the outside. For example, in addition to the following opening and replacement lid, a charging connector, a charging adapter connection plug, etc. It has a structure on the outer surface of the back cover.

  In the present invention, the power supply structure preferably includes an opening configured to allow the communication power source to be taken in and out of an outer surface of the back cover, and a replacement cover configured to open and close the opening. . Accordingly, the communication power source can be exchanged by opening the exchange lid without removing the case back from the watch case.

  In the present invention, the back cover is preferably made of an insulating material. The back cover incorporating the communication antenna may be at least partially opened or made of an insulating material. In particular, the entire back cover is made of an insulating material such as a plastic material, so that wireless communication is possible. The communication performance of the functional unit can be further improved.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the communication antenna and the communication power source are arranged at a position where they do not overlap in a plane. According to this, since the communication antenna is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the communication power source in a plan view, the influence of the communication power source mainly composed of the conductor can be reduced. Performance can be increased.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the communication antenna is disposed on the opposite side of the timepiece function body with respect to the communication circuit. According to this, since the influence of the clock function body can be reduced, the reception performance or transmission performance of the communication antenna can be enhanced.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a timepiece power source for supplying power to the timepiece function body is further arranged in the timepiece case, and the timepiece power source and the communication antenna are arranged at positions where they do not overlap in a plane. . Since it is possible to reduce the influence of the clock power source mainly composed of the conductor, it is possible to improve the reception performance or transmission performance of the communication antenna.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the timepiece function body has a dial, and the dial is made of an insulating material. This facilitates wireless reception or transmission through the watch case, so that reception performance or transmission performance can be improved.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the external operation part of the said operation member is formed in the azimuth | direction range of 3:30 to 5 o'clock or 7 o'clock to 8:30 in the outer peripheral part of the said back cover. By forming the operation member within the above azimuth range, it is possible to easily operate even when a wristwatch is worn.

  Further, another wristwatch of the present invention includes a watch case, a watch function body housed in the watch case, a watch power source for supplying power to the watch function body, a power generated in the watch function body or the watch power source. In a wristwatch having a power generation means for supplying power and a back cover that closes an opening behind the watch case, a communication circuit, a communication antenna connected to the communication circuit, and the communication are provided inside the back cover. A wireless communication function body having a communication power source for supplying power to the circuit and an operation member for stopping and starting the communication function of the communication circuit is housed, and the communication circuit or the communication power source is provided on the outer surface of the back cover. A power supply structure for supplying the supplied power is provided.

  According to the present invention, the timepiece function body or the power generation means for supplying the generated power to the timepiece power source eliminates the need for power supply such as battery replacement or charging for the timepiece function body, and the outer surface of the back cover. By providing a structure for supplying power to the battery, it is not necessary to remove the back cover.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said communication antenna is arrange | positioned in the position which does not overlap with the said timepiece power source and the said communication power source planarly. According to this, the reception performance or transmission performance of a communication antenna can be improved by arrange | positioning a communication antenna in the position which does not overlap | superpose both a timepiece power source and a communication power source planarly.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the timepiece power source and the communication power source overlap each other in a plane. According to this, in the case where the communication antenna is arranged so as not to planarly overlap both the watch power source and the communication power source, the range in which the communication antenna can be arranged can be expanded.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the wireless communication function body intermittently performs wireless communication (mutual authentication operation) with an external wireless communication device for mutual authentication when the communication function of the communication circuit is started. By performing wireless communication for mutual authentication with the external wireless communication device intermittently (regularly or irregularly), if the wireless communication function body is within the communication range for the external wireless communication device, a special operation is performed. Even if there is a movement from outside the communication area to within the communication area or from outside the communication area, such as establishing a communication mode with the external wireless communication device without performing it, the communication state is automatically established or canceled Done. For example, when a wireless communication function body is in a communication range with respect to an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, a printer, and an automobile, it is normally operable. Security lock functions such as stopping the operation, locking the operation to stop functioning, and making it impossible to use specific information. In this case, since the wireless communication function body continues to operate intermittently, it is possible to prevent exhaustion of the communication power source by operating the operation member and disabling the communication function when unnecessary. it can.

[First Embodiment]
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the wristwatch of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view seen from the back side of the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a planar arrangement of the wireless communication function body of the embodiment. is there.

  The wristwatch 10 of the present embodiment includes a watch case 11, a watch function body 12 accommodated in the watch case 11, and a back cover 13 that closes an opening behind the watch case 11. Further, a display window 14 made of glass or the like is attached to the surface side of the watch case 11 so that the display unit of the watch function body 12 is visible. The wristwatch 10 of this embodiment includes a wristwatch body 10A and a watchband 10B as shown in FIG. 5, but in the following description, only the wristwatch body 10A will be described.

  The timepiece function body 12 supplies power to the timepiece mechanism 12a made of a movement, the dial 12b arranged on the surface side of the timepiece mechanism 12a, the pointer 12c driven by the timepiece mechanism 12a, and the timepiece mechanism 12a. And a clock power source 12d including a battery, a capacitor, and the like. The dial 12b and the pointer 12c constitute the display unit.

  Here, it is preferable that the watch case 11 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or ceramics in that the wireless communication function described later can be further improved. However, it is preferable that the watch case 11 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal material in that the appearance can be improved such as an increase in the degree of freedom of appearance and an improvement in texture. Further, it is desirable that the dial 12b, the pointer 12c, and the like are also made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or ceramics. In particular, since the dial 12b is disposed at a position where the back cover 13 is covered in the thickness direction, the wireless communication function can be enhanced by using an insulating material.

  A positioning frame 12e for positioning and supporting the timepiece function body 12 and positioning and supporting the back cover 13 from the inside is disposed inside the timepiece case 11. The back cover 13 is attached and fixed to the watch case 11 by a fixing member 15 such as a fixing screw. As a method of attaching the case back 13 to the watch case 11, various methods such as screwing and fitting can be used. However, it is possible to fix the back cover 13 to the watch case 11 in a fixed posture, such as the mounting method using the fixing member 15 described above (fixing with four screws). This is desirable in that the planar positional relationship between the watch and the clock power source 12d is maintained.

  A winding stem 12f is connected to the timepiece mechanism 12a, and this winding stem 12f is connected to a crown 12g protruding outside through the watch case 11.

  The back cover 13 includes an inner wall 13a having a shape corresponding to the bottom of the watch case 11 at the outer periphery, a peripheral wall 13b provided in the thickness direction from the outer periphery of the inner wall 13a, and the inner wall 13a. And an outer wall 13c provided on the opposite side across the wall 13b. It is preferable that a part of the wall surface of the back cover 13 is made of an insulating material or has an opening so that at least performance of a communication antenna 16b described later can be secured. However, in view of ensuring sealing performance and manufacturing costs, it is particularly desirable that the entire back cover 13 be made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin (plastic).

  Inside the back cover 13, a communication circuit 16a having a wireless communication function, a communication antenna 16b connected to the communication circuit 16a, a communication power source 16c for supplying power to the communication circuit 16a, and the communication circuit 16a A wireless communication function body 16 having an operation member 16d for stopping the communication function is accommodated. In the case of the illustrated example, the inner wall 13a, the peripheral wall 13b, and the outer wall 13c are formed on the back cover 13 so as to close the accommodating portion in which the wireless communication function body 16 is disposed except for the external operation portion of the operation member 16d. Has been. The wireless communication function body 16 of the present invention may have only a reception function or only a transmission function among the wireless communication functions, but in this embodiment, the reception function and the transmission function are included. It demonstrates as what has a function together.

  The communication circuit 16a includes, for example, a substrate and an electronic component mounted on the substrate, and is disposed on the front side (the timepiece function body 12 side) in the housing portion of the back cover 13. In the case of the illustrated example, the communication circuit 16a is fixed on the inner surface of the inner wall 13a of the back cover. Further, the communication antenna 16b connected to the communication circuit 16a is arranged on the back side (the side opposite to the timepiece function body 12) from the communication circuit 16a. In the illustrated example, the communication antenna 16b is fixed on the inner surface of the outer wall 13c. As a result, the communication antenna 16b is disposed at a position separated from the timepiece case 11 and the timepiece function body 12. Therefore, even when the timepiece case 11 is made of metal, the function deterioration of the communication antenna 16b can be suppressed. Further, the communication power source 16c is also disposed on the back side of the communication circuit 16a, and is disposed on the inner surface of the outer wall 13c in the illustrated example. This is a configuration for facilitating replacement with a replacement lid described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 13d is formed in the outer wall 13c adjacent to the communication power source 16c, and the opening 13d is configured so that the communication power source 16c can be taken in and out. The opening 13d can be opened and closed by a replacement lid 13e. The replacement lid 13e is the above-described power supply structure for supplying power supplied to the wireless communication function body 16 provided on the outer surface of the outer wall 13c.

  The replacement lid 13e is attached in a state of being screwed to the outer wall 13c. An operation structure that can be opened and closed with a tool such as a tool engagement groove or a coin is provided on the outer surface of the replacement lid 13e, and the replacement lid 13e is rotated by the operation structure to be removed from the outer wall 13c. It can be attached to the outer side wall 13c.

  The operation member 16d has an external operation portion exposed on the peripheral wall 13b, and has a switch structure that is difficult to be inadvertently operated, such as a sinking switch and a drawer operation switch. The operation member 16d is for stopping the wireless communication function with the intention of the user in a place where transmission and reception of radio waves is prohibited, for example, in an airplane or a hospital. It is also possible to start (restart) the wireless communication function that has been temporarily stopped. Therefore, since it is not necessary to operate during normal use, a switch structure suitable for preventing erroneous operation as described above is preferable. If the wireless communication function body 16 is configured to operate intermittently for mutual authentication with an external wireless communication device, the wireless communication is invalidated by operating the operation member 16d. Thus, wasteful consumption of the communication power source 16c can be prevented.

  The external operation portion of the operation member 16d is provided in the direction of the 4 o'clock direction in the illustrated example, but is generally provided in the range of 3:30 to 5 o'clock, or in the range of 7 o'clock to 8:30. It is preferable. According to these, even when the wristwatch is worn on the wrist with the watch band, the operation member can be easily operated. In particular, if it is within the range of 3:30 to 5 o'clock, it can be easily operated without being affected by the sleeve tip. In this specification, the azimuth or azimuth range represented by time refers to the azimuth based on the time display in a state where an analog wristwatch is worn on the wrist in a normal manner, and therefore, a watch other than an analog watch ( A digital timepiece also indicates an orientation corresponding to the orientation when the mounting state is used as a reference.

  The communication antenna 16b can be composed of an electronic component such as a dielectric antenna, for example, and is arranged separately from the communication circuit 16a in the illustrated example. However, the communication circuit 16a may be configured by an electronic component mounted on the substrate, or may be configured by a part of a conductor pattern formed on the substrate. As will be described later, when used in a frequency band of 13.56 MHz to 2.4 GHz, a chip antenna, a loop antenna, a λ / 4 antenna, an inverted F antenna, or the like can be preferably used.

  The communication antenna 16b is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm in thickness, even in the case of being installed in any of the above-described modes, and is virtually in the range of 5 to 15 mm in diameter in plan dimension. It should be within a circle. Within this range, the communication antenna 16b can be easily accommodated in a back cover of a general size as a wristwatch, and a predetermined planar arrangement described below can be easily taken.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the communication antenna 16b is disposed at a position where the communication power source 16c and the watch power source 12d do not overlap with each other in plan view. In general, a power source such as a battery or a capacitor has a conductor as a main component, and is the largest conductor as an internal structure of a wristwatch. 16b is greatly affected and decreases its reception performance or transmission performance. Since the communication antenna 16b does not overlap with the communication power source 16c and the clock power source 12d in a plan view, it is possible to efficiently receive an external radio wave incident particularly from the thickness direction, or to efficiently radiate the radio wave in the thickness direction. In this case, it is preferable that the watch power source 12d and the communication power source 16 are arranged so as to overlap each other in a wide range as much as possible (for example, one of the other) overlaps the whole of the other. If it does in this way, the plane field which gives trouble to communication antenna 16b can further be reduced, and the freedom degree of the plane arrangement of communication antenna 16b can be raised.

  Here, it is preferable that the communication antenna 16b is disposed at a position farthest from the communication power source 16c and the watch power source 12d in a plan view. In the illustrated example, the azimuth in which the communication power source 16c and the watch power source 12d are disposed and the azimuth in which the communication antenna 16b is disposed are opposite to each other with the center position of the back cover 13 as a reference. The communication antenna 16b is disposed at a position close to the 3 o'clock direction where the winding stem 12f of the timepiece function body 12 is disposed. Normally, the watch power source 12d and other parts requiring a large conductor are not arranged near the 3 o'clock direction where the winding stem 12f of the timepiece function body 12 is arranged. In order to avoid, a plane position adjacent to the 3 o'clock direction where the winding stem 12f is arranged in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example, a position centered on 1:30 to 2:30 as shown in the example, Alternatively, it is most preferable that the communication antenna is arranged at a position centered around 3:30 to 4:30) in order to exhibit the function of the antenna.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wireless communication function body 16 of the present embodiment. The communication circuit 16a includes electronic parts such as an IC chip mounted on the above-described substrate, a predetermined wiring pattern, and the like. In the communication circuit 16a, a radio control circuit 161 for controlling the radio communication function is configured by an MPU (microprocessor unit) or a logic circuit made of a semiconductor IC or the like, and will be described below under the control of the radio control circuit 161. Wireless communication is performed by the operation of each circuit unit.

  A demodulation circuit 162, a carrier detection circuit 164, and a modulation circuit 163 are connected to the communication antenna 16b. For example, the demodulation circuit 162 performs ASK demodulation on the reception signal received by the communication antenna 16 b and outputs the reception data X to the radio control circuit 161. The carrier detection circuit 164 detects whether or not a carrier is included in the received signal, and outputs a carrier detection signal Y to the radio control circuit 161 when a carrier is included. Further, the modulation circuit 163 performs, for example, ASK modulation on the transmission data Z output from the radio control circuit 161 to generate a transmission control signal, generates a transmission signal based on the transmission control signal, and generates the transmission antenna 16b. Output to.

  The storage means 165 is composed of a recording medium such as EPROM capable of recording various data, and stores, for example, the identification data ID of the wireless communication function body 16. These various data are read out from the storage means 165 by the wireless control circuit 161 and used as appropriate in the wireless communication, and various data obtained by the wireless communication are appropriately transmitted through the wireless control circuit 161. Is recorded in the storage means 165.

  The wireless control circuit 161 is connected to a reference signal generation circuit 167 connected to a reference vibrator 166 made of a crystal vibrator or the like, and based on the reference signal S output from the reference signal generation circuit 167, various kinds of signals are generated. Operation is performed. The wireless control circuit 161 is connected to the operation member 16d. When the operation member 16d is operated, the wireless communication function can be stopped or the wireless communication function can be resumed. Further, the notification unit 168 connected to the wireless control circuit 161 is configured by, for example, a buzzer, a lighting display body, a vibration source, and the like, and when it is necessary to alert the user with the wireless communication function, This is informed by light, vibration, etc. In the present embodiment, since the back cover 13 is not provided with a lighting display body or a vibration source (vibration motor), the notification unit 168 includes a sounding body such as a buzzer or a speaker. Note that the wireless communication function body 16 described above is supplied with power from the communication power source 16c, and the above-described circuit units operate with the power.

  In the present embodiment, there is no electrical connection between the wireless communication function body 16 and the timepiece function body 12 including not only the exchange of signals but also the power supply path. For this reason, the back cover 13 does not require a special structure other than the replacement cover 13e and the operation member 16d, and does not require an electrical terminal. Therefore, the structure of the watch case 11 and the case back 13 can be easily configured, and the size and thickness can be easily reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, even if the battery of the wireless communication function body 16 is replaced, the airtightness of the watch case 11 itself of the wristwatch is not affected, so it is easy to ensure waterproofness.

  In the present embodiment, the communication power source 16c of the wireless communication function body 16 that consumes much power is provided separately from the watch power source 12d, and the wireless communication function body 16 is replenished (exchange of the communication power source 16c (battery)). Can be performed without removing the case back 13, power can be easily replenished without any troublesome work and without affecting the timepiece function body 12.

  As the short-range wireless communication method of the wireless communication function of the present embodiment, for example, communication such as specific low power communication, weak wireless communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless LAN (IEEE802.11), RF-ID (ISO14443, ISO15693), etc. The thing corresponding to a standard is mentioned. In these communication systems, a frequency band of 13.56 MHz to 2.4 GHz is usually used. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned standards, and may be, for example, compatible with mobile phone communication standards and radio wave clock communication standards.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing an operation mode of the present embodiment. The wristwatch 10 of this embodiment constitutes a communication system together with the external transmission / reception device 100 and the related equipment 200. The external transmission / reception device 100 includes a control unit 110, a reception circuit 120, a transmission circuit 130, and a high-frequency circuit 140, and exchanges data with the wristwatch 100 through wireless communication. The external transmission / reception device 100 is configured to perform appropriate data exchange with the related equipment 200 so that the user can receive services related to processing of the related equipment 200 and the like.

  As an example of the service, for example, the external transmission / reception device 100 is incorporated in an entrance / exit gate device, and an electronic payment system in which an electronic payment processing device is connected as the related facility 200, and the external transmission / reception device 100 is incorporated. Signals are exchanged between the mobile phone or personal computer as the related equipment 200 and the wristwatch 10, and when the mobile phone or personal computer is separated from the user, the function is automatically locked or there is an incoming call to the mobile phone. In this case, an electronic device cooperation system for notifying this, a related system 200 incorporating the external transmission / reception system 100, a security system having an electronic locking device such as a house, a car, a safe, or a keyless entry system is exemplified.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the present embodiment in the above operation mode. First, when the wireless communication function is resumed by operating the operation member 16d, the wireless control circuit 161 issues a command to each circuit unit, performs wireless communication, and communicates with the external transmission / reception device 100 with the external transmission / reception device 100. Mutual authentication processing such as transmitting identification data (ID) is performed. When mutual authentication is completed and the wireless communication mode is established, a control signal is sent from the wireless control circuit 161 to the notification unit 168, and the notification unit 168 generates a predetermined buzzer sound or the like. A notification operation is performed. In this case, after that, wireless communication is performed between the wristwatch 10 and the external transmission / reception device 100 in the wireless communication mode, and a predetermined process is executed.

  On the other hand, when mutual authentication cannot be performed because the external transmission / reception device 100 does not exist in the vicinity (authentication operation has failed), notification is performed using a notification pattern B different from the above. In this case, the above mutual authentication attempt is repeated again at predetermined time intervals. For example, in the case of a polling method, a polling signal is continuously sent and a response from the external transmission / reception device 100 is waited for. Contrary to the above description, the signal may be transmitted from the external transmitting / receiving apparatus 100 side.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a wristwatch 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, only the watch case 21 is different from the first embodiment, and other parts, that is, the watch function body 22 (the watch mechanism 22a, the dial 22b, the hands 22c, the watch power source 22d, the positioning frame 22e). , Winding stem 22f, crown 22g), back cover 23 (inner wall 23a, peripheral wall 23b, outer wall 23c, opening 23d, replacement cover 23e), display window 24, fixing means 25, wireless communication function body 26 (communication) Since the circuit 26a, the communication antenna 26b, the communication power source 26c, and the operation member 26d) can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the watch case 21 includes a case base 21A made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin (plastic) and an exterior material 21B fixed on the outer surface of the case base 21A. Here, it is preferable that the case base 21 </ b> A secures essential functions of the watch case 21 such as strength and waterproofing. In the case of the illustrated example, the exterior material 21B is a plate-like material such as metal, and is fixed in a state where the outer surface of the case base 21A is partially covered (particularly in the surface side range such as the peripheral portion of the display window 24). ing. As a result, the appearance of the wristwatch can be freely set by the exterior material 21B while ensuring the communication performance of the wireless communication function body 26 by configuring most of the watch case 21 with an insulating material, for example, improving the texture. , You can widen the design variations.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a wristwatch 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, only the timepiece function body 32 is different from the first embodiment, and other parts, that is, a timepiece case 31, a back cover 33 (an inner wall 33a, a peripheral wall 33b, an outer wall 33c, an opening 33d). The replacement lid 33e), the display window 34, the fixing means 35, the wireless communication function body 36 (the communication circuit 36a, the communication antenna 36b, the communication power source 36c, and the operation member 36d) can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. These descriptions are omitted.

  The timepiece function body 32 of the present embodiment has a timepiece circuit 32a and a display panel 32b instead of the timepiece mechanism of each of the previous embodiments. The timepiece circuit 32a includes a circuit board 32a-1 and a circuit board on the circuit board. A mounted timepiece IC 32a-2, crystal resonator 32a-3, and the like are provided. Further, the display panel 32b is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic luminescence display, or the like, and is configured so that appropriate display can be performed by a drive circuit provided in the clock circuit 32a. In addition, a clock power source 32d is connected to the clock circuit 32a, and an operation switch or the like (not shown) is connected.

  Even when the timepiece function body 32 is different as described above, the configuration of the present invention is basically unchanged as described in the first embodiment. If the timepiece circuit 32a can be reduced in size, it is desirable to arrange the timepiece circuit 32a so as to be limited to a position that does not overlap the communication antenna 36b in the wireless communication function body 36. It is desirable that the case 31 is entirely made of an insulating material. As described in the previous embodiment, the communication antenna 36b may be mounted on a substrate constituting the communication circuit 36a as in the illustrated example.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a wrist watch 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, only the clock function body 42 is different from the first embodiment, and other parts, that is, a clock case 41, a back cover 43 (an inner wall 43a, a peripheral wall 43b, an outer wall 43c, an opening 43d). The replacement lid 43e), the display window 44, the fixing means 45, the wireless communication function body 46 (the communication circuit 46a, the communication antenna 46b, the communication power source 46c, and the operation member 46d) can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. These descriptions are omitted.

  The timepiece function body 42 of this embodiment includes a timepiece mechanism 42a, a dial 42b, a pointer 42c, a timepiece power source 42d, a positioning frame 42e, a winding stem 42f, and a crown 42g, which are basically configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, it further includes a solar cell panel 42h arranged behind the dial 42b. In this case, it is preferable to use a translucent material such as a synthetic resin (plastic) or a ceramic substrate as the dial 42b. Since these are also insulating materials, they are convenient for the wireless communication functional unit 46.

  The solar battery panel 42h generates power by receiving external light that has passed through the display window 44 and the dial 42b, and the power generated by the power generation is a clock power source 42d configured by a large-capacity capacitor, a chemical secondary battery, or the like. Is stored. The timepiece function body 42 is basically driven only by the power generated by the solar cell panel 42h. The solar cell panel 42h includes, for example, a semiconductor thin film made of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, or the like on an insulating substrate made of plastic film, glass, or the like, and an electrode film connected to the semiconductor thin film. It is configured by forming. This solar cell panel 42h corresponds to the power generation means of the present invention.

  In addition, you may provide the electric power generation means of this embodiment in the structure of the said 3rd Embodiment. Further, the power generation means is not limited to the solar cell described above, and may include, for example, a rotating weight and a small generator including a rotor connected to the rotating weight.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the previous embodiments, it is not necessary to supply power to the timepiece function body 42. Therefore, the user can only use the communication power source 46c accommodated in the back cover 43. Since replacement may be performed, there is an advantage that there is no possibility that a user, a store clerk, and the like may confuse the clock power source with the communication power source. Moreover, since the translucent board | substrate (Dial board 42b, a solar cell panel board | substrate, etc.) used for a solar cell panel is generally comprised with the insulating material and also has a radio wave permeability, it is convenient also in ensuring a wireless communication function. Is good.

[Configuration example of wireless communication function body]
Next, a configuration example of a wireless communication function body applicable to each of the above embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 are schematic perspective views schematically showing the configuration of a communication circuit and a communication antenna in the wireless communication function body.

  In the configuration example 1 shown in FIG. 10, a circuit board 56a-1 and a wireless communication IC 56a-2 mounted on the circuit board 56a-1 are provided as the communication circuit 56a provided in the wireless communication function body 56. It has been. However, other electronic components such as a vibrator, a filter, a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor may be mounted on the circuit board 56a-1. A communication antenna 56 b is also mounted on the circuit board 56. The illustrated communication antenna 56b is a surface-mounted chip antenna made of a dielectric material such as ceramic.

  The circuit board 56a-1 is provided with a notch portion 56a-3 for avoiding the communication power source including a chemical primary battery, a chemical secondary battery, a capacitor, and the like. It is comprised so that a communication power source can be arrange | positioned in the same thickness range. Therefore, since the wireless communication function body 56 can be formed thin, the back cover can be thinned. Usually, since the communication power source has a disk shape (for example, a button battery), the notch 56a-3 of the circuit board 56a-1 also has a disk-like notch shape.

  In the configuration example 2 (wireless communication function body 56 ′) shown in FIG. 11, only the communication antenna 56b ′ is different from the configuration example 1 described above, so the other parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In this configuration example, the communication antenna 56b 'is made of a material having excellent conductivity, for example, a good electrical conductor such as copper or stainless steel, and is formed in a plate shape as a whole. The communication antenna 56b 'is connected to the circuit pattern on the circuit board 56a-1. The communication antenna 56b 'forms a loop antenna and an inverted F antenna in cooperation with the circuit pattern on the circuit board 56a-1. Such a plate antenna is effective in the region of several hundred MHz (100 to 600 MHz), and has an advantage that it can be configured at low cost.

  In the configuration example 3 (wireless communication function body 56 ″) shown in FIG. 12, only the communication antenna 56b ″ is different from the configuration examples 1 and 2, and therefore, the other parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. . In this configuration example, the communication antenna 56b ″ is a pattern antenna configured by a wiring pattern formed on the circuit board 56a-1. The communication antenna 56b ″ has a corresponding wavelength λ in the illustrated example. On the other hand, it is a meander antenna (folded shape antenna) having a pattern folded at a length of λ / 4. Moreover, you may comprise a loop antenna as a pattern antenna. This type of antenna can be configured at low cost, and since it is integrated with the circuit board 56a-1, it can be configured to be thin and compact, and the wireless communication function body 56 can be easily reduced in thickness.

  Note that the wristwatch of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples described above, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wristwatch main body of 1st Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows a mode that the wristwatch main body of 1st Embodiment was seen from the back surface side. The schematic back surface perspective view which shows the planar arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication function body of the wristwatch main body of 1st Embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of the radio | wireless communication function body of the wristwatch of 1st Embodiment. Schematic explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the wristwatch of 1st Embodiment, an external transmission / reception apparatus, and related equipment. The schematic flowchart which shows the communication operation of the wristwatch of 1st Embodiment. The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wristwatch main body of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wristwatch main body of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wristwatch main body of 4th Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structural example 1 of a radio | wireless communication function body. The schematic perspective view which shows the structural example 2 of a radio | wireless communication function body. The schematic perspective view which shows the structural example 3 of a radio | wireless communication function body.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wristwatch, 11 ... Clock mechanism, 12 ... Clock function body, 12a ... Clock mechanism, 12b ... Dial, 12c ... Hand, 12d ... Clock power source, 12e ... Positioning frame, 12f ... Winding stem, 12g ... Crown, 13 ... back cover, 13a ... inner wall, 13b ... peripheral wall, 13c ... outer wall, 13d ... opening, 13e ... replacement lid, 14 ... display window, 15 ... fixing means, 16 ... wireless communication function body, 16a ... communication Circuit, 16b ... Communication antenna, 16c ... Communication power source, 16d ... Operation member

Claims (12)

In a watch having a watch case, a watch function body housed in the watch case, and a back cover for closing an opening behind the watch case,
Inside the back cover, a communication circuit, a communication antenna connected to the communication circuit, a communication power source that supplies power to the communication circuit, and an operation member that stops and starts the communication function of the communication circuit; A wireless communication functional unit having
The wireless communication function body is electrically independent from the timepiece function body, and a power supply structure for supplying power supplied to the communication circuit or the communication power source is provided on the outer surface of the back cover. A wristwatch characterized by being.   The power supply structure includes an opening configured to allow the communication power source to be taken in and out of an outer surface of the back cover, and a replacement cover configured to open and close the opening. The wristwatch according to 1.   The wristwatch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the back cover is made of an insulating material.   The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication antenna and the communication power source are arranged at positions where they do not overlap in a plane.   The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication antenna is disposed on the opposite side of the timepiece function body with respect to the communication circuit.   The timepiece power source for supplying power to the timepiece function body is further disposed in the timepiece case, and the timepiece power source and the communication antenna are disposed at a position where they do not overlap in a plane. The wristwatch according to any one of 1 to 5.   The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the timepiece function body includes a dial, and the dial is made of an insulating material.   The external operation portion of the operation member is formed in an azimuth range of 3:30 to 5 o'clock or 7 o'clock to 8:30 in the outer peripheral portion of the back cover. The wristwatch according to claim 1. A watch case, a watch function body housed in the watch case, a watch power source for supplying power to the watch function body, a power generation means for supplying generated power to the watch function body or the watch power source, and the watch In a watch having a back cover that closes the opening behind the case,
Inside the back cover, a communication circuit, a communication antenna connected to the communication circuit, a communication power source that supplies power to the communication circuit, and an operation member that stops and starts the communication function of the communication circuit; A wireless communication functional unit having
A wristwatch characterized in that a power supply structure for supplying power supplied to the communication circuit or the communication power source is provided on the outer surface of the back cover.   The wristwatch according to claim 9, wherein the communication antenna is disposed at a position that does not overlap the watch power source and the communication power source in a planar manner.   The wristwatch according to claim 6 or 10, wherein the watch power source and the communication power source overlap each other in a plane.   The wireless communication function body intermittently performs wireless communication for mutual authentication with an external wireless communication device when a communication function of the communication circuit is started. The wristwatch according to the item.

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