JP7147916B2 - Electronic device manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic device such as a watch includes a switch device that includes a shaft member and an operation member, and performs various operations such as time setting by a user operating the operation member.
However, since the shaft member is a fairly thin member, there is a problem that the shaft member tends to bend or break when an external impact is applied to an electronic device such as a watch.

In this respect, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a crown with a shaft-like structure that is inserted from the outside to the inside of the case between the crown top rotatably supported by the case and the winding stem rotatably supported by the module. When an external impact is received, the shaft-shaped elastic member absorbs the positional deviation between the case and the module due to the impact, thereby preventing damage to the winding stem. .

JP 2010-256152 A

If the switch device is a crown, the desired operation can be performed if the rotation of the crown top can be transmitted to the winding stem supported by the module. Therefore, an elastic member such as a shaft member is inserted into the case. Even if the crown top and the winding stem are connected by this elastic member, it is possible to perform the same operation as a normal crown.

However, if the switch device is configured to electrically switch by bringing the tip end of the shaft member into contact with the contact point of the module in the main body case, the shaft penetrating between the shaft member and the operating member to the inside and outside of the case. When the elastic member is provided, it is conceivable that when the operating member is pressed, a sufficient force cannot be applied in the axial direction, and appropriate switching cannot be achieved.

In particular, depending on the shape and size of the operating member, the pressing force is not necessarily applied in the axial direction with respect to the axial center of the shaft member, and it is conceivable that the pressing force may be applied at a position deviated from the axial center. be.
If a shaft-like elastic member is provided between the shaft member and the operating member and penetrates the inside and outside of the case, switching failure is likely to occur when a pressing force is applied to a position displaced from the center of the shaft. There is also the problem of

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and is an electronic device in which the shaft member is less likely to be damaged, such as bending or breaking, even when an impact is applied from the outside, and in which switching can be performed reliably. It is intended to provide a manufacturing method of.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a method of manufacturing an electronic device according to the present invention includes attaching an elastically deformable cushioning member to an attachment portion on the other end side of a shaft member, and inserting the cushioning member into the shaft member. and attaching a coil spring to the shaft member to obtain a switch device; a second step of inserting the shaft member of the switch device into the through-hole so that one end side of the shaft member of the switch device that has been inserted can be brought into contact with and separated from the shaft member; One end side of the shaft member is brought into contact with the contact point by being pressed toward the module side along.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when an impact is applied from the outside, the shaft member is unlikely to be damaged such as bending or breaking, and it is possible to reliably perform switching.

1 is a front view of a timepiece to which the switch device according to the first embodiment is applied; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the timepiece when the timepiece is taken along line II-II in FIG. 1; 1 is a perspective view of a switch device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the switch device shown in FIG. 3; It is a perspective view of a switch device in a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the switch device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a third embodiment; It is a perspective view of a switch device in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the switch device shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified example of the switch device in the fourth embodiment;

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a switch device and a timepiece according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.
In the embodiments described below, an example in which a switch device is provided in a timepiece will be described. In addition, although various technically preferable limitations are attached to the following embodiments for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a timepiece to which a switch device according to the present embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the timepiece taken along line II-II in FIG. .
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the timepiece 100 includes a body case 1, a module 2 housed in the body case 1, and a switch device 3, which will be described later.

The main body case 1 in this embodiment is formed in a hollow, short column shape that opens upward and downward (front and back in a watch). The body case 1 is made of a hard material such as hard synthetic resin or metal such as titanium or stainless steel (SUS).
A bezel 12 is attached along the outer periphery of the upper opening via a packing 12a to the upper portion of the main body case 1 (the front side of the watch 100, the viewing side of the watch 100).
A windshield member 11 that covers the upper opening of the main body case 1 (the opening on the surface side, viewing side of the watch 100) is fixed to the bezel 12 by fitting or adhesion. The windshield member 11 is made of a transparent material such as transparent glass or acrylic resin.
By attaching the bezel 12 supporting the windshield member 11 to the upper part of the main body case 1, the upper opening of the main body case 1 is closed while maintaining airtightness.
Note that the provision of the bezel 12 is not essential, and a configuration without the bezel 12 may be employed.
A back cover 13 is attached to the lower opening of the body case 1 (the opening on the back side of the watch 100) via a packing 13a. As a result, the lower opening of the main body case 1 is closed while maintaining airtightness.

A module 2 is accommodated in the body case 1 .
A dial 14 and an annular parting member 15 arranged along the outer periphery of the dial 14 are provided above the module 2 (on the front side of the watch).
A pointer shaft 21 is provided approximately in the center of the module 2 . The pointer shaft 21 passes through the dial 14 and has its tip protruding above the dial 14 .
In this embodiment, the timepiece 100 has analog display means including hands 22 that move above the dial 14 to indicate (display) the time. , minute hand, hour hand, etc. are rotatably attached.
The module 2 includes therein a circuit board (not shown) and a wheel train mechanism (not shown) that rotates a pointer shaft 21 that supports a pointer 22 .
Note that the display means provided in the timepiece 100 is not limited to the analog system. For example, the watch 100 may have a digital display means composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, or may have both an analog display means and a digital display means. When a digital display means is provided, the module 2 is provided with various electronic components and the like for operating the digital display means.

Further, the module 2 is provided with a contact 20 on the module 2 side at a position where one end side of a shaft member 31 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the switch device 3, which will be described later, can be contacted and separated.
The contact 20 is electrically connected to the circuit board in the module 2, and when the shaft member 31 of the switch device 3 contacts the contact 20, a switching signal corresponding to the switch device 3 is sent to the module 2 side. It is designed to be entered.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, switch devices 3 are arranged on the sides of the body case 1 at the 2 o'clock side, the 4 o'clock side, the 8 o'clock side, and the 10 o'clock side of the watch. Through holes 10 into which the shaft members 31 of the switch devices 3 are inserted are formed through the body case 1 from the inside to the outside at positions corresponding to the respective switch devices 3 on the side surface of the main body case 1 .
The through-hole 10 has a small-diameter hole portion 10a with a small inner diameter at the inner portion of the main body case 1, and a large-diameter hole portion 10b with a large inner diameter at the outer portion of the main body case 1.
The inner diameter of the small-diameter hole portion 10a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of a shaft member 31 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), which will be described later, and is larger than the outer diameter of a waterproof ring 35 disposed on the outer circumference of the tip side of the shaft member 31. is also smaller. Also, the inner diameter of the large-diameter hole portion 10b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the waterproof ring 35, which will be described later.
When the shaft member 31 is inserted into the through hole 10, the distal end portion of the shaft member 31 is arranged in the small diameter hole portion 10a, and the portion of the shaft member 31 where the waterproof ring 35 is arranged and the portion of the shaft member beyond this. A portion on the front side in the insertion direction of 31 is arranged in the large-diameter hole portion 10b.

As described above, the switch devices 3 of the present embodiment are provided at four positions on the timepiece 100 on the 2 o'clock side, the 4 o'clock side, the 8 o'clock side, and the 10 o'clock side. Note that the number and positions of the switch devices 3 are not limited to those exemplified here.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the switch device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the switch device according to this embodiment.
The switch device 3 is a multifunction switch that is electrically connected to the module 2 to adjust the time and the like, and as shown in FIGS. there is
In this embodiment, the shaft member 31, the operating member 32, and the buffer member 33 are all made of a metal material such as stainless steel or titanium. Materials for forming the shaft member 31, the operating member 32, and the cushioning member 33 are not limited to those exemplified here.

The shaft member 31 is a member attached so that one end side can be connected to and separated from the contact 20 on the module 2 side accommodated in the main body case 1 having a through hole 10 penetrating from the inside to the outside on the side surface.
A groove portion 311 is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 in a portion disposed inside the main body case 1 on one end side of the shaft member 31 (back side in the insertion direction of the shaft member 31 ).
A ring-shaped retaining member 34 is fitted in the groove 311 . As the retaining member 34, for example, an E-shaped ring or the like having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter hole portion 10a of the through hole 10 can be used. By fitting the retaining member 34 into the groove 311 , the shaft member 31 is prevented from falling out of the through hole 10 of the main body case 1 .
Note that the retainer member 34 is not limited to an E-shaped ring as long as it can prevent the shaft member 31 from falling out of the main body case 1 .

A locking ring 312 projecting outward from the outer circumference of the shaft member 31 is arranged on the front side of the shaft member 31 in the insertion direction of the shaft member 31 relative to the retaining member 34 . The locking ring 312 has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter hole portion 10a and smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter hole portion 10b.
A waterproof ring 35 is arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft member 31 and on the inner side of the locking ring 312 in the shaft member insertion direction.
When the shaft member 31 is inserted through the shaft member 31 to a position where the distal end portion of the waterproof ring 35 is disposed inside the main body case 1, the waterproof ring 35 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter hole portion 10b and the small diameter hole portion 10a and the large diameter hole portion 10a. The waterproofness between the shaft member 31 and the through hole 10 of the main body case 1 is ensured by pressing against the stepped portion between the hole portion 10b.

A flange portion 313 is provided on the other end side of the shaft member 31 (the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft member 31 ) as a mounting portion projecting outward from the outer periphery of the shaft member 31 .
An elastically deformable cushioning member 33 is attached to the flange portion 313 which is an attachment portion. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, a coil spring made of a metal material is used as the cushioning member 33 .
Specifically, a locking groove portion 313a for receiving the cushioning member 33 is formed on the surface of the flange portion 313 of the present embodiment facing the operating member 32 .
One end side of the cushioning member 33 is fitted into the locking groove 313a and fixed to the flange 313 by, for example, laser welding. The method of fixing the coil spring, which is the cushioning member 33, to the flange portion 313, which is the mounting portion, is not limited to the method illustrated here, and various methods can be applied.

A coil spring 36 is provided between the locking ring 312 and the flange portion 313 .
In this embodiment, when the operation member 32 of the switch device 3 is pressed toward the inside of the main body case 1, the shaft member 31 is pushed inward in the insertion direction against the pressing force of the coil spring 36. The tip portion of the shaft member 31 contacts the contact 20 to be electrically connected (switched) to the circuit board of the module 2 .
In the present embodiment, the coil spring 36 urges the other end of the shaft member 31 away from the contact 20 , and once the tip of the shaft member 31 comes into contact with the contact 20 , the user operates the switch. When the operation member 32 of the device 3 is pushed in and then released, the restoring force of the coil spring 36 pushes back the shaft member 31 of the switch device 3 toward the front side in the insertion direction, and the tip of the shaft member 31 is separated from the contact 20 . It is designed to return to its original position.

The operating member 32 is attached to the shaft member 31 via a cushioning member 33 , and presses the shaft member 31 along the axial direction toward the module 2 to bring one end of the shaft member 31 into contact with the contact 20 . .
In this embodiment, the operation member 32 is a plate-like member having a substantially flat plate-shaped pressing portion 320a that a user presses to perform a switch operation, and side portions 320b that stand upright from the outer peripheral edge of the pressing portion 320a. It has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft member 31 .
A cushioning member 33 is received on the inner side of the operation member 32 (that is, on the side facing the shaft member 31 and the main body case 1 and on the back surface side of the pressing portion 320a) and substantially at the center of the pressing portion 320a in the vertical and horizontal directions. A buffer member receiving portion 321 is formed.
A locking groove portion 321a is formed on the side of the cushioning member receiving portion 321 facing the shaft member 31 .
The other end side of the cushioning member 33 is fitted into the locking groove portion 321a and fixed to the cushioning member receiving portion 321 by a technique such as laser welding. The method of fixing the coil spring, which is the buffer member 33, to the buffer member receiving portion 321 is not limited to the method illustrated here, and various methods can be applied.

Next, the operation of the switch device 3 according to the present embodiment and the timepiece 100 to which it is applied will be described.
In this embodiment, when assembling the switch device 3, one end side of the cushioning member 33 is fitted into the locking groove portion 313a of the flange portion 313 as the mounting portion of the shaft member 31 and fixed by laser welding or the like.
Then, the other end of the cushioning member 33 is fitted into the locking groove 321a formed in the cushioning member receiving portion 321 of the operating member 32, and the other end of the cushioning member 33 is fixed to the cushioning member receiving portion 321 by laser welding or the like. do.

A coil spring 36 is attached to the shaft member 31 to which the operating member 32 is attached via the cushioning member 33, and a locking ring 312 and a waterproof ring are attached.
When the assembly of the switch device 3 is completed in this way, the shaft member 31 of the switch device 3 is inserted into the through hole provided corresponding to the contact 20 with the distal end side (that is, the side where the operation member 32 is not attached). It is inserted into the body case 1 from 10 .
Then, the stopper member 34 is fitted into the groove portion 311 at the tip portion of the shaft member 31 inserted into the main body case 1 . As a result, the shaft member 31 does not come off from the body case 1 , and the distal end portion of the shaft member 31 is arranged at a position capable of contacting and separating from the contact 20 .

In the timepiece 100 having such a switch device 3, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 31 and the operating member 32. Therefore, when an impact or the like is applied from the outside, the cushioning member 33 is elastically deformed. The impact is absorbed by doing so. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shaft member 31 from being bent or broken and damaged.
In addition, the buffer member 33 is only interposed between the shaft member 31 and the operation member 32, and the elastically deformable buffer member 33 itself does not press the contact 20. Therefore, stable switching can be performed. be able to.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the switch device 3 includes the shaft member 31 attached to the contact 20 on the module 2 side accommodated in the body case 1 so that one end side can be brought into contact with and separated from the contact 20, and the shaft member A resiliently deformable cushioning member 33 attached to a flange portion 313 serving as an attachment portion on the other end side of the shaft member 31 and an elastically deformable cushioning member 33 attached to the shaft member 31 via the cushioning member 33 to extend the module along the axial direction of the shaft member 31 . and an operating member 32 for bringing one end side of the shaft member 31 into contact with the contact 20 by pressing it to the side of 2 .
Therefore, when an impact or the like is applied from the outside, the cushioning member 33 elastically deforms to absorb the impact, thereby preventing a large force from being applied to the shaft member 31 . Thereby, it is possible to prevent the shaft member 31 from being bent or broken and damaged.
Further, in the case of the switch device 3 in which the shaft member 31 is brought into contact with the contact 20 by pressing the operating member 32, the contact 20 cannot be properly switched unless the shaft member 31 is firmly pushed in the direction along the axis. can't In this regard, in the present embodiment, the cushioning member 33 is only interposed between the shaft member 31 and the operation member 32 outside the main body case 1, and the contact 20 is pressed by a shaft that does not deform elastically. Since it is the member 31, it can be brought into firm contact with the contact 20, and switching can be stably performed.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the switch device and timepiece according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. Since this embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the operating member, the points that differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the switch device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the switch device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the switch device 4 of this embodiment includes a shaft member 31 and a cushioning member 33 similar to those of the first embodiment, and when viewed from the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft member 31, and an operation member 41 having a substantially circular shape.

The operation member 41 includes a substantially disk-shaped pressing portion 410a and side portions 410b erected along the outer peripheral edge of the pressing portion 410a.
Inside the operation member 41 (that is, on the side facing the shaft member 31 and on the back surface side of the pressing portion 410a), and substantially at the center of the circle of the pressing portion 410a, similarly to the first embodiment, a cushioning member 33 is provided. A cushioning member receiving portion 321 having a locking groove portion 321a for receiving is provided.

Further, a position corresponding to the axis of the shaft member 31 (that is, a position corresponding to the cushioning member receiving portion 321) on the surface of the outer side of the operation member 41 (that is, the surface side of the pressing portion 410a) is substantially circular. Center) is provided with an indicator 411 that enables visual and/or tactile recognition of the pressed position.
In this embodiment, the index 411 is a convex portion raised from the surface of the pressing portion 410a.

Note that the index 411 is not limited to a convex portion as long as the user can intuitively recognize that it is a pressed position by seeing or touching it.
For example, a depression may be formed as an index at the pressing position, or various marks, patterns, or the like may be stamped or the like. Further, a decorative member such as stone or glass may be fitted as an index at the pressing position. Further, the index may be one that can be visually recognized even though the touch does not change when touched by hand. good. Moreover, even if the index cannot be visually recognized, the position thereof may be recognized by touching it with a hand.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, the operation of the switch device according to the present embodiment and the timepiece to which it is applied will be described.

In the switch device 4 of the present embodiment, when operating the operation member 41, the user presses the portion where the indicator 411 is provided as the pressing position.
As a result, the operating member 41 can be pushed in along the axis at a position corresponding to the axial center of the shaft member 31 , and the tip of the shaft member 31 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20 . Therefore, the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.
Further, as in the first embodiment, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 31 and the operation member 41. Therefore, even if the timepiece 100 receives an external impact, the cushioning member 33 can absorb the impact and prevent the shaft member 31 from being damaged.

Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
That is, in the present embodiment, an indicator that allows visual and/or tactile recognition of the pressed position is provided on the surface of the pressing portion 410a of the operating member 41 at a position corresponding to the axis of the shaft member 31. 411 is provided.
If a position, such as an end portion, of the pressing portion 410a of the operating member 41 that deviates from the axial line of the shaft member 31 is pressed, the tip portion of the shaft member 31 cannot properly contact the contact 20, resulting in switching failure. there's a possibility that.
In this respect, by providing the index 411 indicating the pressed position, the user can intuitively recognize the pressed position, and can push the operation member 41 along the axis at a position corresponding to the axial center of the shaft member 31. Therefore, the tip of the shaft member 31 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20 . As a result, the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be smoothly performed by preventing the occurrence of switching failure.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the switch device and timepiece according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the like in the configuration of the mounting portion for mounting the cushioning member, etc., and therefore, the differences from the first embodiment and the like will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the switch device in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the switch device 5 of this embodiment includes a shaft member 51, an operation member 52, and a cushioning member 33 similar to those of the first embodiment.

In the shaft member 51 in the present embodiment, a mounting portion for mounting the cushioning member 33 on the end opposite to the tip end side that can contact the contact 20 extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft member 51, A flange portion 511 projecting outward from the outer periphery of the shaft member 51 is formed.
Note that the shape, size, etc. of the flange portion 511 are not limited to the illustrated example and can be set as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the operation member 52 includes a substantially disk-shaped pressing portion 520a and side portions 520b erected along the outer peripheral edge of the pressing portion 520a.
Inside the operation member 52 (that is, on the side facing the shaft member 51 and on the back side of the pressing portion 520a) and substantially at the center of the circle of the pressing portion 520a, similarly to the first embodiment, a cushioning member 33 is provided. A cushioning member receiving portion 321 having a locking groove portion 321a for receiving is provided.
Further, in this embodiment, a rib 521 is erected on the back side of the pressing portion 520a so as to surround the buffer member receiving portion 321. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the flange portion 511 protrudes to a position corresponding to the rib 521 of the operating member 52 , there is a gap between the flange portion 511 and the rib 521 , and the rib 521 is located on the shaft member 51 . It can be brought into contact with the surface of the flange portion 511 .
The rib 521 may surround the cushioning member receiving portion 321 in a cylindrical shape, or a plurality of columnar ribs 521 may be arranged so as to surround the cushioning member receiving portion 321 . When a plurality of columnar ribs 521 are provided, each rib 521 is positioned at approximately the same distance from the center of the circle of the pressing portion 520a so that force can be applied approximately uniformly to the entire flange portion 511. They are preferably evenly spaced.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, etc., the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, the operation of the switch device according to the present embodiment and the timepiece to which it is applied will be described.

In the switch device 5 of this embodiment, when the user pushes the operation member 52 , the rib 521 provided on the pressing portion 520 a presses the flange portion 511 of the shaft member 51 . As a result, the shaft member 51 is pushed into the main body case 1 and the tip of the shaft member 51 comes into contact with the contact 20 of the module 2 .
In this embodiment, since the ribs 521 of the operation member 52 are in contact with the flange portion 511 extending in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member 51 over a wide range, the shaft member 51 and the operation member 52 are not in contact with each other. The degree of freedom of the pressing position is increased as compared with the case where only the portions corresponding to are connected.
That is, not only when the user presses the substantially central portion of the pressing portion 520a of the operation member 52, but also when pressing the end portion of the pressing portion 520a as shown in FIG. indicated by an arrow) is transmitted to the flange portion 511 via the rib 521, and the shaft member 51 can be pushed in a direction substantially along the axis.
As a result, the tip of the shaft member 51 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20, and the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.
Further, as in the first embodiment and the like, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 51 and the operating member 52, so that even if the timepiece 100 receives an external impact, it will be cushioned. The member 33 can absorb the impact and prevent the shaft member 51 from being damaged.

Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, etc., and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
That is, in the present embodiment, the mounting portion of the shaft member 51 is the flange portion 511 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft member 51, and the operation member 52 has a rib 521 that contacts the flange portion 511. is provided.
Therefore, even if the user presses a portion of the pressing portion 520 a of the operating member 52 that is deviated from the axis of the shaft member 51 , such as the end portion, the pressing force is transmitted to the flange portion 511 via the rib 521 . , the shaft member 51 can be pushed in a direction substantially along the axis.
As a result, the tip of the shaft member 51 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20, and the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.
Further, as in the first embodiment and the like, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 51 and the operating member 52, so that even if the timepiece 100 receives an external impact, it will be cushioned. The member 33 absorbs the impact and can prevent the shaft member 51 from being damaged, so that the timepiece 100 with excellent impact resistance can be realized.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the switch device and timepiece according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the like in the configuration of the mounting portion for mounting the cushioning member, etc., and therefore, the differences from the first embodiment and the like will be described below.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the switch device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the switch device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the switch device 6 of this embodiment includes a shaft member 61, an operation member 62, and a cushioning member 33 similar to those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operation member 62 includes a substantially flat plate-shaped pressing portion 620a that a user presses to perform a switch operation, and side portions that stand upright from the outer peripheral edge of the pressing portion 620a. 620b, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft member 61. As shown in FIG.
The inner side of the operation member 62 (that is, the side facing the shaft member 61 and the back side of the pressing portion 620a) is biased toward one side in the horizontal direction of the pressing portion 620a (the left side in FIGS. 8 and 9). A cushioning member receiving portion 321 having an engaging groove portion 321a for receiving the cushioning member 33 is provided at the position.

Further, the shaft member 61 in the present embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 610 for mounting the cushioning member 33 on the end opposite to the tip end side where contact with the contact 20 can be made. It has a beam portion 611 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of 61 .
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the beam portion 611 of this embodiment extends in the horizontal direction in the drawing.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the cushioning member receiving portion 321 that receives the cushioning member 33 is arranged at a position biased to one side (the left side in FIGS. 8 and 9) in the horizontal direction of the pressing portion 620a. The buffer member 33 and the shaft member 61 connected thereto are arranged corresponding to the position of the buffer member receiving portion 321 . Therefore, the beam portion 611 is not symmetrical with respect to the shaft member 61, and is formed so that the left side in FIGS. 8 and 9 is short and the right side is long.
Note that the shape, size, etc. of the beam portion 611 are not limited to the illustrated example, and can be modified as appropriate.

At a position corresponding to the beam portion 611 in the side portion 620b of the operation member 62, a notch portion 621 into which the end portion of the beam portion 611 is fitted and the beam portion 611 are provided as a beam locking portion for locking the beam portion 611. The end of the beam 611 is provided with a hole 622 into which the end of the operation member 62 is inserted. 620b.
Note that the shape of the beam locking portion is not limited to the illustrated example. Depending on the shape of the operation member 62 and the shape and size of the beam portion 611, the beam locking portion may be a notch into which the end portion of the beam portion 611 is fitted. It may also be a hole 622 into which the end of the beam 611 is inserted.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, etc., the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, the operation of the switch device according to the present embodiment and the timepiece to which it is applied will be described.

In the switch device 6 of this embodiment, when the user pushes the operation member 62, the pressing force applied to the pressing portion 620a is transmitted to the mounting portion 610 of the shaft member 61 via the cushioning member 33 or the side portion 620b. , the shaft member 61 is pushed into the main body case 1 , and the tip of the shaft member 61 comes into contact with the contact 20 of the module 2 .
That is, for example, when the user presses a portion of the pressing portion 620a that corresponds to the portion where the shaft member 61 is arranged, the pressing force applied to the pressing portion 620a is applied to the mounting portion 610 via the buffer member 33. transmitted. As a result, the shaft member 61 can be pushed in substantially along the axis.
9, when the user presses the end portion of the pressing portion 620a, the pressing force applied to the pressing portion 620a is applied to the notch portion 621 and the hole portion 622 of the side portion 620b. It is transmitted to the end of the beam 611 that is stopped. In this case, the pressing force is transmitted to the shaft member 61 via the beam portion 611, and the shaft member 61 can be pushed in the direction substantially along the axis.

As a result, when the shaft member 61 is displaced from the central portion of the operation member 62 in the vertical and horizontal directions, the shaft member 61 can be moved substantially along the axis regardless of where the user presses the pressing portion 620a. The tip of the shaft member 61 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20 . Therefore, the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.
Further, as in the first embodiment and the like, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 61 and the operation member 62, so that even if the timepiece 100 is subjected to an external impact, it will be cushioned. The member 33 can absorb the impact and prevent the shaft member 61 from being damaged.

Other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, etc., and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
That is, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 610 of the shaft member 61 has a beam portion 611 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft member 61 , and the beam portion 611 is engaged with the operating member 62 . A notch portion 621 and a hole portion 622 are provided as beam locking portions.
Therefore, even if the user presses a position of the pressing portion 620 a of the operation member 62 that is deviated from the axis of the shaft member 61 , such as the end portion, the pressing force is transmitted to the shaft member 61 via the beam portion 611 . , and the shaft member 61 can be pushed in in a direction substantially along the axis.
As a result, the tip of the shaft member 61 can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20, and the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.
Further, as in the first embodiment and the like, the cushioning member 33 is interposed between the shaft member 61 and the operation member 62, so that even if the timepiece 100 is subjected to an external impact, it will be cushioned. The member 33 absorbs the impact and can prevent the shaft member 61 from breaking, so that the timepiece 100 with excellent impact resistance can be realized.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the flange portion 511 having a smaller diameter than the operation member 52 is provided, but the size of the flange portion 511 is not limited to the illustrated example. .
For example, the flange portion 511 may have a size that makes contact with the end surface of the side surface portion 520b of the operation member 52 . In this case, instead of providing the rib 521 capable of coming into contact with the surface of the flange portion 511, or together with the rib 521, a cutout portion or the like for receiving the edge of the flange portion 511 is provided in the side portion 520b so that the side portion 520b is the flange. You may make it contact|abut on the surface of the part 511. FIG.
In this way, when the flange portion 511 has a size that makes contact with the end surface of the side surface portion 520b of the operation member 52, the user can press the pressing portion 520a of the operation member 52 on the axis line of the shaft member 51, such as the end portion. Even when a position shifted from the center is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the shaft member 51 via the flange portion 511, and the shaft member 51 can be pushed in a direction substantially along the axis.
As a result, the tip of the shaft member 51 can be more reliably and stably brought into contact with the contact 20, and the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the mounting portion 610 is configured to include the beam portion 611 extending in the horizontal direction in FIGS. The shape of the part is not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the switch device 7 includes a shaft member 71, an operating member 72, and a cushioning member 33, the mounting portion 710 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member 71 and A configuration having cross-shaped beams 711 (711a, 771b) that are orthogonal to each other may be employed.

In this case, of the lateral side portions 720b of the pressing portion 720a of the operating member 72, the lateral side portion 720b (horizontal direction in FIGS. 8 and 9) is provided with a beam engagement for locking the beam portion 711a. A cutout portion 721 and a hole portion 722 as a stop portion are provided, and a cutout portion as a beam locking portion for locking the beam portion 711b is provided on the lateral side portion 720b (horizontal direction in FIGS. 8 and 9). 723 and holes 724 are provided.
In this way, when the cross-shaped beam portion 711 is provided, even if the area of the pressing portion 720a is large, the pressing force when the user presses the pressing portion 720a can be applied to the shaft member 71 more stably. The force can be transmitted, and the shaft member 71 can be pushed in a direction substantially along the axis.
As a result, the tip of the shaft member 71 can be brought into contact with the contact 20 more reliably and stably, and the switching operation of the timepiece 100 can be performed smoothly.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case of using a coil spring made of a metal material as the elastically deformable cushioning member 33 was illustrated, but the cushioning member 33 is not limited to a coil spring.
For example, the cushioning member may be a cylindrical or block-shaped member made of various resins or the like.
In this case, the shape and the like of the connecting portion between the shaft member and the operation member and the cushioning member should also match the shape and material of the cushioning member.

In each of the above embodiments, the switch device is applied to the timepiece 100 as an example, but the switch device is not limited to the timepiece.
For example, the switch device of the present invention may be applied to switch devices provided in various electronic devices such as pedometers, heart rate meters, altimeters, and barometers.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalent ranges thereof. .
The invention described in the scope of claims originally attached to the application form of this application is additionally described below. The claim numbers in the appendix are as in the claims originally attached to the filing of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
a shaft member attached so that one end side can be brought into contact with and separated from a contact on the module side accommodated in a main body case in which a through hole is formed;
an elastically deformable cushioning member attached to the attachment portion on the other end side of the shaft member;
an operation member that is attached to the shaft member via the buffer member and presses toward the module along the axial direction of the shaft member to bring one end side of the shaft member into contact with the contact;
A switch device comprising:
<Claim 2>
An indicator is provided at a position corresponding to the axis of the shaft member on the outer surface of the operation member, the index enabling visual and/or tactile recognition of the pressed position. The switch device according to claim 1.
<Claim 3>
The mounting portion of the shaft member is a flange portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member,
3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is provided with a rib that abuts against the flange portion.
<Claim 4>
the mounting portion of the shaft member includes a beam portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member;
4. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation member is provided with a beam locking portion that locks the beam portion.
<Claim 5>
5. The switch device according to claim 4, wherein the beams are formed in a cross shape so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member and to be perpendicular to each other at the center of the shaft.
<Claim 6>
A timepiece comprising the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

1 main body case 2 module 3 switch device 31 shaft member 32 operation member 33 buffer member 100 clock 313 flange portion 321 buffer member receiving portion 411 index 511 flange portion 521 rib 610 mounting portion 611 beam portion 620a pressing portion 620b side portion 621 notch portion 622 hole

Claims (7)

An elastically deformable cushioning member is attached to the attachment portion on the other end side of the shaft member, an operating member is attached to the shaft member via the cushioning member , a coil spring is attached to the shaft member, and the switch device is operated. A first step of obtaining
The shaft member of the switch device obtained by the first step is arranged so that one end side of the shaft member of the switch device obtained in the first step can be connected to and separated from the contact on the module side accommodated in the main body case in which the through hole is formed. a second step of inserting a member into the through hole;
including
A method of manufacturing an electronic device, wherein the switch device is pressed toward the module along the axial direction of the shaft member so that one end side of the shaft member comes into contact with the contact. 2. The method of manufacturing an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein in the first step, one end side of the cushioning member is fitted into a groove formed in the mounting portion of the shaft member and fixed. 3. The method of manufacturing an electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing is laser welding. The first step includes fitting the other end of the cushioning member into a groove formed in the receiving portion of the operating member, and fixing the other end of the cushioning member to the receiving portion. 3. The method for manufacturing the electronic device according to 2. 5. The method of manufacturing an electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein the fixing is laser welding. 6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first step includes a step of attaching a locking ring to the shaft member, and a step of attaching a waterproof ring to the shaft member. Method of manufacturing the device. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the second step includes a step of fitting a retaining member into a groove formed on one end side of the shaft member inserted into the main body case. A method of manufacturing an electronic device according to any one of the preceding items.

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