Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
  • G04C10/00—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
  • G04C10/02—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces the power supply being a radioactive or photovoltaic source
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
  • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
  • G04B19/06—Dials
  • G04B19/065—Dials with several parts
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
  • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
  • G04B19/06—Dials
  • G04B19/12—Selection of materials for dials or graduations markings
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
  • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
  • G04B19/06—Dials
  • G04B19/14—Fastening the dials to the clock or watch plates

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a solar cell type timepiece provided with a solar cell as a power supply.
• a solar-powered timepiece equipped with a solar cell as a power supply has a structure in which the solar cell absorbs light and generates power.
• the mounting structure was common.
• Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-29641 proposes an invention in which coloring means is provided on the light receiving surface side of a solar cell.
• this publication discloses a technique in which cholesteric liquid crystals are converted into micro force cells as coloring means, and the cholesteric liquid crystals are used as binders to be applied to the surface of a solar cell.
• an object of the present invention is to realize a solar cell type timepiece that can design a dial in any color including white, and can transmit light sufficient for power generation of the solar cell. Another object of the present invention is to improve the impact resistance of the covering member. Disclosure of the invention
• the present invention provides a case having an opening on the front side and a windshield attached to the opening, a movement provided with a driving mechanism for hands and housed in the case,
• the solar cell includes a solar cell whose light-receiving surface faces the windshield and is housed in front of the movement in the case, and a covering member that covers the light-receiving surface of the solar cell.
• the surface of the covering member can be seen from the outside through the windshield, and if this covering member is used in combination with the dial, the color of the covering member can be adjusted to provide a dial of a desired color. It is possible to provide a solar battery clock provided with:
• the covering member is formed of ceramics. Since this ceramic usually presents white, it is possible to form a timepiece dial (covering member) having a white appearance without coloring.
• the covering member formed of ceramics makes the solar cell invisible from the outside. Furthermore, ceramics, which is a porous material, does not impede the storage of solar cells because it transmits the incident light appropriately.
• the ceramics can be easily colored, the color can be freely adjusted to a color other than white.
• the present invention provides a preferable structure of a covering member for exhibiting a light transmitting property for sufficiently irradiating the solar cell with light and a white appearance.
• the coating member can have a preferable white appearance by being formed of a ceramic containing alumina as a main component, and the average particle diameter of the ceramic is 5 ⁇ to 40 ⁇ , and By forming the covering member to a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, It can transmit enough light for storage of solar cells while maintaining good appearance quality.
• the covering member When the covering member is used as a dial, a dial pattern such as a time scale and a brand name is formed on the surface of the covering member. As a result, since the dial pattern blocks transmission of light, it is inevitable that the translucent area of the covered member becomes small. Moreover, light that has returned to the surface side of the covering member due to diffusion or the like in the covering member is absorbed at the interface between the covering member and the dial pattern, so that light reaching the solar cell is further reduced. .
• an arbitrary dial pattern is formed on the front of the covering member, and the front surface of the covering member is formed. It is preferable to interpose a light reflecting layer or a light reflecting surface between the dial and the dial pattern.
• the amount of light returning to the surface side is almost uniform on the surface of the covering member. Then, the light returning to the portion where the dial pattern is formed is reflected by the light reflecting layer or the light reflecting surface provided there, is returned to the inside of the covering member, and is transmitted to the solar cell side. The amount of light irradiation on the solar cell can be increased.
• the covering member and the character Light loss due to light absorption at the interface with the pattern can be eliminated, and the decrease in the amount of light applied to the solar cell can be greatly reduced.
• a transparent substrate is laminated on the front of the covering member, an arbitrary dial pattern is formed on the front of the transparent substrate, and a light reflecting layer or a light reflecting surface is provided between the front of the transparent substrate and the dial pattern. May be interposed.
• the coated member is made of ceramics and therefore brittle, and has the property of easily cracking or chipping when subjected to an impact. In particular, in a stowed state in which the case moves freely in the case, there is a great risk that the cover member will violently collide with the peripheral wall of the opening of the case and be damaged when an impact is applied.
• the peripheral edge of the covering member is in contact with the peripheral wall of the opening of the case in advance, whereby movement in the case can be restricted to prevent damage to the covering member.
• the covering member can be more reliably brought into contact with the peripheral wall of the opening of the case.
• a positioning frame is arranged on the outer periphery of the covering member, and a convex portion or a concave portion is formed in the positioning frame, and the covering frame is formed.
• the member may be provided with a concave portion or a convex portion which engages with the convex portion or the concave portion of the positioning frame, and may include a positioning means for positioning the positioning frame with respect to the movement.
• the covering member can be easily positioned via the positioning frame with respect to the movement serving as the positioning reference for each member in the case.
• a decorative frame commonly called a parting-off is sometimes provided along the periphery of the opening of the case and fixed inside the case.
• the inside of the periphery of the covering member is in contact with this decorative frame. In this state, the movement of the covering member in the case can be restricted to prevent the member from being damaged.
• the convex portion does not contact the case. Absent. Therefore, even if the covering member receives an impact, there is no possibility that stress concentration will occur on the convex portion, and the impact resistance will be further improved.
• a solar cell type timepiece in which a back opening formed on the back side of the case is closed with a back cover and a covering member, a solar cell, and a movement are held in the case by a middle frame. It is preferable that an intermediate member made of a resin material is interposed between the back cover and the membrane.
• the intermediate member functions to suppress the deformation of the covering member, and the covering member can be more reliably prevented from being damaged.
• the cover member functions to suppress deformation of the cover member, and it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the cover member.
• a fixing pin projecting from the back side is provided on the covering member, and a through-hole for penetrating the fixing pin is formed in the solar cell, and the covering member is fixed to the movement.
• pin fixing means may be employed.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell type timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view when a covering member, which is a component of the solar cell type timepiece, is used as a dial.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the manufacturing conditions of the coated member, the average particle size of the ceramic, the measurement results of the light transmittance and the transparency of each sample.
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of a dial (covering member) in a solar cell type timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
• 6 to 9 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation and effect of this embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a solar cell type timepiece according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a plan view when a cover member, which is a component of the solar cell type timepiece, is used as a dial.
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing another modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a solar cell type timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a plan view when a cover member, which is a component of the solar cell type timepiece, is used as a dial.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing still another modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 is a solar-powered timepiece according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view when a cover member, which is a component of the solar cell type timepiece, is used as a dial.
• the solar cell type timepiece has a case 1, in which a membrane 2, a solar cell 3, and a dial 4 are housed.
• Case 1 has an opening (front opening) la on the front side and an opening (rear opening) 1 b on the back side.
• a windshield 5 made of transparent glass or sapphire glass is provided in the front opening 1 a, while the back opening 1 b can be closed by the back cover 6.
• Each component in the case 1 is housed through the rear opening 1b.
• the components in case 1 are arranged in the order of the dial 4, the solar cell 3, and the movement 2 from the side close to the windshield 5, and the solar cell 3 has a light-receiving surface (front). 3 a faces windshield 5.
• the movement 2 has a force 'not shown in the figure, an electric double-layer capacitor that stores the electromotive force of the solar cell 3, a crystal oscillator as a time reference source, and an oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator. It incorporates a semiconductor integrated circuit that generates a drive pulse to drive the pointer 7 based on the data, a step motor that receives this drive pulse and drives the wheel train mechanism every second, and a wheel train mechanism. .
• the dial 4 functions as a covering member for covering the front surface of the solar cell 3 so as to be invisible from the outside as described later.
• a dial pattern such as a time scale and a brand name is formed on the front of the dial 4 in order to perform the original function of the dial.
• the dial 4 is fixed to the movement 2 via a positioning frame 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, positioning pins 2a and 2b are provided on the front peripheral portion of the movement 2, and these positioning pins 2a and 2b penetrate the solar cell 3 and It protrudes from the location of the positioning frame 8 (peripheral edge of the solar cell 3).
• the positioning frame 8 has positioning holes 8a and 8b formed therein. By fitting 8a, 8b to positioning pins 2a, 2b, positioning frame 8 can be fixed at a predetermined relative position with respect to movement 2.
• concave portions 8 c and 8 d are formed on the inner periphery of the positioning frame 8, while convex portions 4 a and 4 b are formed on the outer periphery of the dial 4.
• the dial is fixed to the positioning frame 8 by fitting the convex portions 4a, 4b into the concave portions 8c, 8d.
• the dial (covering member) 4 of the present invention is formed of a ceramic mainly composed of alumina, zirconium or the like.
• the dial 4 is formed by a ceramic mainly composed of alumina.
• the ceramic mainly composed of alumina has a desirable white appearance and high mechanical strength.
• the desired color can be easily obtained by dispersing the pigment in the ceramic or coloring the surface of the dial 4 with a coating means.
• the solar cell 3 is formed of a thin non-single-crystal silicon film, a single-crystal silicon film, or a compound semiconductor film.
• the light receiving surface 3a of the solar cell 3 is covered with the dial 4 so as to be invisible from the outside. Therefore, the unique deep purple color of the solar cell 3 disappears, and the dial 11 appears to be the white color of alumina.
• dial 4 and the solar cell 3 are simply overlapped with each other, but they may be joined with a transparent adhesive or the like as required in the assembly process.
• an insulating film (not shown) is formed on the entire surface of a metal substrate made of, for example, brass using a sputtering device.
• This insulating film is formed by, for example, silicon oxide to a thickness of about 100 nm.
• an electrode film (not shown) is formed using the same sputtering apparatus.
• this electrode film for example, aluminum containing about 1% by weight of silicon is used.
• This electrode film may be formed on the entire surface or an insulating film It may be formed partially on top.
• a metal mask When partially forming an electrode film, a metal mask is used.
• the metal mask is made of a thin metal material, and an opening is provided in a region where an electrode film is to be formed. Then, the metal mask having the opening formed thereon is overlaid on the substrate, and placed in a sputtering apparatus to form an electrode film in the opening of the metal mask.
• a solar cell layer (not shown) made of a thin non-single-crystal silicon film is formed on the upper surface of the electrode film.
• This solar cell layer is composed of, for example, an amorphous silicon film (non-single-crystal silicon film), and adopts a P-i-n structure as a conductivity type.
• This solar cell layer is formed using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus.
• Silane gas (SiH4) is used as the reaction gas.
• Amorphous silicon with n-type conductivity is formed by adding phosphine gas (PH 3 ) as an impurity.
• Amorphous silicon with p-type conductivity is formed by using diborane gas (B 2 H) as an impurity. 6) is added to form. Note that the i-type amorphous silicon may be formed without adding impurities.
• the thickness of the P layer and the n layer is 50 to 100 nm, respectively, and the thickness of the i layer is 50 to 30 Onm.
• the solar cell layer composed of the amorphous silicon having a p-i-n structure can be continuously formed in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus.
• a transparent electrode film (not shown) is formed on the upper surface of the solar cell layer by using a sputtering device to obtain a solar cell 3.
• the transparent electrode film uses indium tin oxide (IT ⁇ ).
• a metal mask When partially forming a transparent electrode film, a metal mask may be used.
• the metal mask is made of a thin metal material, and an opening is provided in a region where the transparent electrode film is formed. Then, a metal mask having an opening formed thereon is overlaid on the solar cell layer, which is disposed in a sputtering device, and a transparent electrode film is formed in the opening of the metal mask.
• the dial 4 made of ceramics mainly composed of alumina was used. The manufacturing method will be described.
• a binder is mixed with a ceramic material mainly composed of alumina, and the mixed material is filled in a mold.
• alumina having a particle size of about 0.3 ⁇ m is used, and a binder is added at about 3.0%.
• the dial 4 When alumina having a purity of less than 99.5% was used, the dial 4 was slightly colored as an impurity, and the light transmittance was significantly reduced. Therefore, in order to manufacture the dial 4 exhibiting a preferable white appearance, it is preferable to use 99.5% or more of high-purity alumina. After that, the mold filled with the mixed material of the ceramic material and the binder is subjected to pressure treatment using a press device. The applied pressure at that time is about 1 ton Z cm 2 .
• the dial 4 is provided with protrusions 4a and 4b shown in Fig. 2, a date and day display window 4c, and a central hole 4d through which the second hand shaft protruding from the movement penetrates. It is formed at the same time.
• a first baking treatment is performed to remove the binder made of PVA added to the ceramic material.
• This first baking treatment is performed in the air under a temperature condition of about 800 ° C. to 160 ° C. for a baking time of about 120 minutes. Since the binder is removed by the first baking treatment, the outer dimensions of the dial 4 are slightly reduced, but the thickness is hardly changed.
• the second baking treatment is performed at a temperature higher than that of the first baking treatment.
• This second baking treatment is performed at a temperature close to the melting point of the ceramics (150 ° C. to 190 ° C.) for a baking time of about 300 minutes.
• the second baking process is performed in a vacuum to increase the density of the ceramic.
• this second baking treatment is performed at the melting point of the ceramic material. Crystallization is easy to proceed because the temperature is near. As a result, the final ceramic particle size is much larger than 0.3 // m.
• the light transmittance of the ceramics can be increased by such a process of expanding the grain size of the ceramics (crystallization process). Improving the light transmittance of the dial 4 is extremely preferable in transmitting sufficient light to the solar cell 3 and securing a necessary power generation amount as a power source of the timepiece.
• a preferred particle size of the ceramics for forming the dial 4 will be described later, but before that, the process after the completion of the second baking treatment is completed. Keep it.
• undulations generated on the surface of the dial 4 are removed using a grinding device, and the surface is flattened.
• the grinding include simultaneous double-sided processing and single-sided processing by attaching a ceramic to a processing jig using wax. Grinding is performed using diamond abrasive grains or diamond whetstones.
• the processing dimension in the grinding process is a thickness dimension of about 0.4 mm.
• the thickness dimension at the end of the pressurizing process by the mold is preferably about 0.3 mm thicker than the finished dimension of the dial 4.
• a baking time of about 120 minutes is applied at a temperature lower than that of the second baking treatment (120 ° C. to 160 ° C.), and the third baking treatment is applied to the ceramics. Do it for.
• This third baking treatment is performed in the air to remove dirt adhering to the surface of the ceramics by an oxidation reaction or the like.
• the dial 4 is barrel-processed using a knurling device. Note that this barrel processing may be performed using a copper (Cu) ball. The surface roughness of the dial 4 is reduced by the knurling process. Light transmittance is improved. Furthermore, by the knurling, burrs generated on the outer edge and corners of the dial 4 can be removed, and moreover, the corners can be rounded.
• a baking time of about 120 minutes is applied at a temperature lower than that of the second baking treatment (120 ° C. (: up to 160 ° C.)), and the fourth baking treatment is performed by ceramics.
• This fourth baking process is also performed in the air to further remove dirt adhering to the surface and clean the surface.
• the third and fourth baking processes are performed under the same conditions. Good.
• the subsequent grinding and the third baking are performed.
• the processing may be omitted.
• the present inventors manufactured samples (A to M) of the character plate 4 by changing various conditions using the above-described manufacturing method.
• Figure 3 shows the manufacturing conditions and the average particle size of the ceramics, and the measurement results of the light transmittance and transparency of each sample.
• the purity of the alumina used for the fabrication was 99.9%, and the thickness of the dial samples (AM) was 0.4 mm. Further, density of the ceramic box is second by Ri densification sintering treatment in vacuum was nor any 3. 9 0 ⁇ 3. 9 2 gZ cm a.
• the average particle size of the ceramics was measured by observing the cleavage surface of the ceramics with an electron microscope.
• the light transmittance was measured by measuring the output value of the solar cell 3 when the dial samples (AM) were placed on the solar cell 3.
• the output value of the solar cell 3 without the dial sample (A to M) is 100%.
• the transparency of the dial samples (A to M) was determined by drawing two black lines drawn in parallel at an interval of 0.3 mm through the dial samples (A to M).
• the two black lines were separated and identified as a reference. Those that could be identified were marked with a ⁇ , and those that could not be identified were marked with an X.
• the distance between these two black lines, 0.3 mm corresponds to the minimum size of a character printed on a general dial.
• the average particle size of the ceramics is 45 m or more, the transparency of the dial sample becomes large, and the coating performance of the solar cell 3 is significantly reduced.
• a solar cell-type timepiece manufactured with the structure as shown in Fig. 1 was shown to multiple subjects and the sensory impression was investigated, the criteria for transparency of the present inventors and the The sentiment perceived was almost consistent.
• the average particle size of the ceramics was set to approximately 4 ⁇ m in order to cover the solar cell 3 while maximizing the amount of light passing through the dial 4 and irradiating the solar cell 3. It has been found that it is preferable to set it to ⁇ or less.
• the average particle size of the ceramics was smaller than 5 ⁇ , the light transmittance rapidly decreased. That is, in order to obtain the whiteness of the dial 4 while maintaining the amount of power generated by the solar cell 3, it is preferable that the average particle size of the ceramic be 5 ⁇ m or more and 40 ⁇ m or less. There was found.
• the thickness of the dial 4 is preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 0.5 mm. This is because when the dial 4 becomes thinner than 0.2 mm, the impact resistance decreases. On the other hand, if the dial 4 is thicker than 0.5 mm, the watch body will be too thick and the commercial value will be reduced. Practical use is possible up to a limit thickness of 0.1 mm in terms of strength.
• a suitable average particle size of the ceramics is not less than 5 ⁇ and not more than 4 ⁇ .
• the average particle size of the ceramic can be controlled by the firing temperature, firing time, firing atmosphere, and the like.
• a dial 4 that meets the above-mentioned proper conditions was fabricated and assembled into a solar-powered clock with the structure shown in Fig. 1.
• the clock did not stop due to insufficient electromotive force and continued to operate normally.
• the color of the dial was natural white.
• the second embodiment is characterized by the structure of the dial pattern portion formed on the front of the dial (covering member) 4 in the solar cell type timepiece shown in FIG.
• the other overall configuration, the method for manufacturing the solar cell, and the method for manufacturing the dial are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) shown above. And the detailed description is omitted.
• FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a front portion of the dial
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG.
• a dial pattern 10 composed of characters indicating the time scale and the time, characters such as brand names, symbols, and figures.
• a light reflection layer 11 is interposed between the front face of the dial 4 and the dial pattern 10.
• the reflective layer 11 is formed by vacuum-depositing a metal thin film such as aluminum or nickel while masking the front surface of the dial 4, and forming a metal thin film formed on the entire surface of the dial 4 into a shape of the dial pattern 10. It can be formed by etching on the surface.
• a letter board pattern 10 may be printed on the front of the reflective layer 11. Also, such as gold and aluminum
• the reflective layer 11 may be formed by printing the dial pattern 10 using an ink in which the fine particles are dispersed, and performing heat drying or high-temperature baking.
• FIG. 6 light incident on the substrate 51 having a light transmitting property and a light diffusing property is schematically shown by light beams 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d.
• the light diffusion property of the substrate 51 is caused by the scattering of light inside the substrate 51, and is expressed as a rapid change in the direction of light rays inside the substrate in the figure. Such scattering phenomena are caused by discontinuities in the refractive index at grain boundaries and the like.
• FIG. 7 shows a structure in which a light absorber 62 is formed on a part of the surface (light incident side) of the substrate 51 in addition to the structure of FIG.
• each ray follows the same optical path in the substrate 51 as in Fig. 6. Then, as is clear from FIG. 8, the light beams 52a, 52b and 52d traveling to the surface side are all absorbed by the light absorber 62 in the middle of the optical path. It ends up with heat.
• the light is not emitted from the substrate 51.
• the light incident as the light beam 52c does not encounter the light absorber 62 on the way, it is emitted as the light beam 54c to the back side as in the case of FIG.
• FIG. 8 shows a structure in which the light absorber 62 of FIG. 7 is replaced with a light reflector 73 made of a metal material.
• each ray is transmitted through the substrate 51 in the same optical path as in FIG. Assuming that the light is reflected, the light incident on the reflector 73 from the inside of the substrate 51 is returned to the inside of the substrate 51 after being reflected by approximately 100%, respectively. Therefore, the light incident as rays 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d are all rays 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, and the substrate 51 In the direction of the back surface.
• the light beam 54a is emitted from the back surface of the substrate 51
• the light beam 54a is emitted from the surface of the substrate 51 depending on the scattering process in the substrate.
• the dial 4 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the substrate 51 shown in FIG. 6 to FIG.
• the dial pattern 10 is formed directly on the front of the dial 4 (without the reflection layer 11 interposed)
• the dial pattern 10 is applied to the light absorber 62 in FIG. It is clear that the light absorption phenomenon described in FIG. 7 occurs.
• the reflective layer 11 is formed by the reflector 7 shown in FIG. This corresponds to 3, and the light reflection phenomenon described in FIG. 8 occurs.
• the reflective layer 11 provided in this embodiment has the effect of suppressing such decay of the amount of transmitted light and increasing the amount of light irradiation on the solar cell 3.
• FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a modified example of this embodiment.
• a transparent substrate 81 is added to the structure of FIG. 8, and a light reflector 73 is formed in front of the transparent substrate 81.
• the incident light 52 e shown as an example travels straight inside the transparent substrate 81, scatters inside the substrate 51, returns to the transparent substrate 81 again, travels straight inside this, and is reflected by the reflector 73. Thereafter, the light travels straight inside the transparent substrate 81, is scattered inside the substrate 51, and finally exits from the rear surface as emission light 54e.
• the transparent substrate 81 since the light diffusing property exists only in the substrate 51, the transparent substrate 81 has only the role of directly traveling light.
• the structure shown in FIG. 9 is applied to the dial 4, a transparent substrate having a straight line of light is laminated on the front of the dial 51 made of ceramics, and the reflective layer 11 is interposed on the front of the transparent substrate.
• a dial pattern 10 Even in such a configuration, the absorption of light by the dial pattern can be prevented, and the solar cell 3 can be irradiated with sufficient light. Moreover, such a change in the structure is free from the design of the watch dial. This has the effect of increasing the degree.
• the reflective layer 11 is formed on the surface of the dial 4. That is, an ink obtained by dispersing and mixing varnish with gold powder is used to form a dial pattern 10 on a portion where a dial pattern 10 is formed by a tampon printing method. Then, the reflective layer 11 is temporarily dried with heat of about 100 ° C., and further baked with heat of about 700 ° C. to bake only gold to form the reflective layer 11.
• the same octopus printing is performed on the surface of the reflective layer 11 using a black pigment-based UV-effect ink, and after temporary drying at a temperature of 80 ° C, it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be completely solidified. Let it.
• the area ratio of the dial pattern 10 to the dial 4 was 4.3%, and the light transmittance of the dial 4 was 51% before the reflective layer 11 and the dial pattern 10 were formed. The ratio after the formation of 1 and the dial pattern 10 was 49%.
• the light transmittance was 51% before forming the dial pattern.
• the light transmittance after forming the dial pattern was 42%.
• the light reflecting layer 11 is interposed between the dial 4 and the dial pattern 10.
• the dial pattern 10 itself is formed of a material having light reflectivity
• the back surface of the dial pattern becomes a light reflecting surface. With such a reflecting surface, the scattered light in the dial 4 can be reflected to the solar cell 3 side, and the same effect as that of the above-described reflecting layer 11 can be obtained.
• the feature of the third embodiment lies in the means for fixing the dial (covering member) 4 in the case 1 and the means for positioning the mover 2 in the solar cell type timepiece shown in FIG.
• the other overall configuration, as well as the method for manufacturing the solar cell and the method for manufacturing the dial are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) shown above. And a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a solar-powered timepiece according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a dial (covering member) and a positioning frame, which are components of the solar-powered timepiece. It is a top view.
• the dial 4 has arc-shaped or rectangular concave portions 12 and 13 formed near the dial pattern 10 indicating the times 12 and 6 o'clock. It is.
• the positioning frame 8 is formed with upper portions 14 and 15 that engage with the concave portions 12 and 13.
• the positioning frame 8 is formed of a resin material or a metal material, and is arranged on the upper surface of the solar cell 3 and on the outer periphery of the dial 4.
• the positioning frame 8 is provided with positioning holes 8a and 8b.
• positioning pins 2a and 2b are provided on the outer periphery of the front face of the movement 2. These positioning pins 2 a and 2 b penetrate the solar cell 3 and protrude to the front side of the solar cell 3. By fitting the positioning holes 8a, 8b into the positioning pins 2a, 2b, the positioning frame 8 can be positioned with respect to the movement.
• the character for the moving element 2 can be set via the positioning frame 8.
• the plate 4 can be positioned.
• the fronts of the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 are aligned so that they are flush with each other, and the side that contacts the case 1 is aligned with the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 , So that they are coplanar.
• the outer periphery of the movement 2, the solar cell 3, and the positioning frame 8 is a frame 16 It is stored in Case 1 while maintaining this state. Then, when the frame 16 is pressed against the front opening 1 a of the case 1 by the back cover 6, the positioning frame 8 and the dial 4 contact the peripheral wall 17 of the front opening 1 a of the case 1. It has become.
• the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 are kept in contact with the peripheral wall 17 of the case 1, the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 will collide with the peripheral wall 17 even when a large impact force is received. There is no danger of breakage, and the impact resistance can be improved.
• the convex portions 4a and 4b as shown in FIG. 2 are formed on the dial 4 made of a brittle material such as a ceramic and engaged with the concave portions 8c and 8d of the positioning frame 8,
• a brittle material such as a ceramic
• stress concentration on the convex portions 4 a and 4 b can be prevented, and cracking or chipping can be prevented, thereby improving impact resistance. It is preferable in making it work.
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the third embodiment described above.
• the positioning frame 8 is formed of a metal material or the like that is unlikely to be damaged, even with such a structure, the same impact resistance as that of the third embodiment can be provided.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the third embodiment described above.
• an elastic member 18 is provided between the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 and the solar cell 3.
• the elastic member 18 is made of elastic rubber or synthetic resin and has a thickness of 50 ⁇ ! ⁇ 10 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ is set.
• the elastic member 18 may be provided between the dial 4 and the positioning frame 8 and the solar cell 3 in the structure of the modification shown in FIG.
• the concave portions 12 and 13 and the convex portions 14 and 15 may be provided at three or more positions as appropriate:
• FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell type timepiece according to the fourth embodiment
• FIG. 15 is a case where a covering member which is a component of the solar cell type timepiece is used as a dial.
• FIGS. 14 and 15 the same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of those parts will be omitted.
• a windshield 5 is attached to the front opening 1a of the case 1 via a first packing 20 made of a resin material to form an airtight structure for preventing intrusion of dust, dust, moisture and the like in the timepiece. ing.
• a decorative frame 21 called a parting-off is fixed inside the case 1 along the periphery of the front opening la.
• the decorative frame 21 is a member that has been conventionally used to cover the periphery (rough surface) of the front opening 1a of the case 1 that is a forged product and to enhance the decorative value of the timepiece.
• the decorative frame 21 is formed of a material different from that of the case 1 or the surface thereof is mirror-finished by grinding using a diamond tool.
• a groove is provided on the back cover mounting surface of Case 1 and rubber material is A second packing 22 consisting of Then, the back cover 6 is mounted via the second packing 22, and the back opening 1 b side also has an airtight structure for preventing intrusion of dust and moisture.
• the middle frame 23 is formed of a resin material.
• a step 23a having the same size as the thickness of the dial 4 is formed, and the dial 4 is housed so that the dial 4 is dropped into the step 23a. is there. For this reason, the front end of the middle frame 23 and the front face of the dial 4 are aligned on the same plane.
• a storage portion 23b of the solar cell 3 is formed below the stepped portion 23a for storing the dial 4, and the solar cell 3 is placed in the storage portion 23b. It is arranged.
• the lower end surface 21 a of the decorative frame 21 protrudes downward (back side) from the peripheral wall 17 of the front opening 1 a in the case 1 as shown in FIG. Therefore, by pressing the middle frame 23 holding the dial 4, the solar cell 3, and the movement 2 from the back side with the back cover 6, the inside of the peripheral portion of the dial 4 becomes the decorative frame 21.
• the lower end surface 21 a of the decorative frame 21 is positioned so as to be positioned below (back side) the curved portion 25 formed by forging on the base of the peripheral wall 17 of the case 1.
• the middle frame 23 will interfere with the curved portion 25.
• a gap 24 is formed between the back side of the peripheral wall 17 in the case 1 and the dial 4.
• a curved portion of about 0.2 mm is formed at the corner, so a gap 24 of about 0.2 mm is formed between the back side of the peripheral wall 1 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ and the dial 4 in the case 1. If formed, interference between the curved portion 25 and the middle frame 23 can be prevented.
• the positioning projections 4a, 4b (see FIG. 15) formed on the periphery of the dial 4 are arranged in the gap 24, and thus receive an external impact load.
• the projections 4 a and 4 b do not collide with the case 1. Therefore, stress concentration on the protrusions 4a and 4b There is no danger of cracking, chipping, or other damage resulting from cracking, and the impact resistance is further improved.
• the present inventors produced 10 solar cell type watches having the structure shown in FIG. 14 and performed a hammer impact test corresponding to free fall from a height of 1 m each. As a result, no watch had its dial 4 damaged.
• FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a modified example of the fourth embodiment.
• the solar cell type timepiece shown in the figure has an intermediate member 26 made of a resin material provided between the movement 2 and the back cover 6.
• the intermediate member 26 may be fixed to the back cover 6.
• the inner diameter of the intermediate member 26 is preferably substantially the same as the inner diameter of the decorative frame 21. In this way, the reaction force generated in the decorative frame 21 and the intermediate member 26 does not act as a shearing force on members such as the movement 2, the solar cell 3, and the dial 4. .
• the thickness of the intermediate member 26 should be larger by about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm than the gap between the movement 2 and the back cover 6. .
• the dial 4 comes into contact with the decorative frame 21 and is fixed by the pressing force from the intermediate member 26.
• the intermediate member 26 functions to suppress the deformation of the dial 4 and more reliably prevent the breakage of the dial 4. be able to.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining another modified example of the fourth embodiment.
• the solar cell type timepiece shown in the figure has an elastic member 27 such as rubber provided between the middle frame 23 and the back cover 6.
• the elastic member 27 may be fixed to the lower end surface of the middle frame 23. Then, attach the back cover 6 to case 1. Then, the back cover 6 is configured to press the elastic member 27, and the pressing force from the back cover 6 causes the dial 4 to contact the decorative frame 21 without any gap.
• the operation of the elastic member 27 will be described.
• the elastic member 27 when the elastic member 27 is not provided, if the impact load is repeatedly received from the outside a plurality of times, the impact load is repeatedly transmitted to the back cover 6 made of a metal material and the inner frame 23. Become.
• the middle frame 23 is made of a resin material as described above. Therefore, the middle frame 23 is deformed by receiving the repeated impact load, and a gap is formed between the middle frame 23 and the back cover 6.
• an elastic member 27 is provided between the middle frame 23 and the back cover 6 as a shock absorbing material. .
• the deformation of the middle frame 23 due to the repeated impact load can be prevented, and the dial 4 can be prevented from being damaged.
• the intermediate member 26 shown in FIG. 16 may be provided between the back cover 6 and the movement 2.
• FIG. 18 is a view for explaining still another modified example of the fourth embodiment.
• the solar cell type timepiece shown in the figure has a feature in a means for positioning and fixing the dial 4 with respect to the movement 2. That is, in this modified example, the convex portions 4a and 4b as shown in FIG. 15 are not formed on the dial 4, and a plurality of (for example, two) A hole is provided, and the end of the fixing pin 28 is fitted into the through hole.
• the dial 4 is positioned with respect to the movement 2 using the fixing pins 28.
• the solar cell 3 has a through hole through which the fixing pin 28 penetrates, and the movement 2 also has a positioning hole (fixing means) into which the fixing pin 28 fits.
• the fixing pin 28 is inserted into the positioning hole of the movement 2 through the through hole of the solar cell 3, whereby the dial 4 can be positioned and fixed to the movement 2.
• the solar cell 3 is also positioned with respect to the movement 2.
• the intermediate member 26 shown in FIG. 16 may be provided between the movement 2 and the back cover 6. Further, the elastic member 27 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided between the back cover 6 and the middle frame 23. Further, the intermediate member 26 and the elastic member 27 may be provided together.
• the dial 4 is approximately the same size as the movement 2, but the dial 4 and the movement 2 do not necessarily have to be the same size. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, etc., a step 23a may be formed in the middle frame 23, and the dial 4 may be accommodated in the step 23a.
• the dial 4 is almost the same size as the solar cell 3, but the solar cell 3 is made smaller than the dial 4, and the storage portion 23 b of the middle frame 23 is formed. (See Fig. 14). In this case, it is preferable that the solar cell 3 be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the decorative frame 21.
• the case 1 and the decorative frame 21 are formed of different members.
• the case 1 and the decorative frame 21 may be integrally formed. Industrial applicability
• the present invention can be used for various watches incorporating a solar cell as a power supply, and can improve decorative value and light transmittance to the solar cell.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

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Citations (7)

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• 1995
  • 1995-09-08 EP EP95930724A patent/EP0780741B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-09-08 WO PCT/JP1995/001791 patent/WO1996007956A1/ja active IP Right Grant
  • 1995-09-08 DE DE69514814T patent/DE69514814T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1995-09-08 DE DE1995624642 patent/DE69524642T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1995-09-08 EP EP98114932A patent/EP0890887B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (7)

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