IP Library Patent Application 10534234
Patent Application
App. No. 10/534,234

Electronic timepiece with solar cell

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
10/534,234
Abstract

In the present invention, a light permeable dial trim ring is arranged on the inner side of a solar cell, and a part of a solar cell photovoltaic area and a part of the dial trim ring which covers the solar cell photovoltaic area are arranged to be lower than a dial upper surface height. Further, a dial thickness of the dial inner side is set larger than a thickness of a dial peripheral edge on which the light permeable dial trim ring is mounted while assuring a light leading portion for a light which enters the dial trim ring. Alternatively, a flange portion which fixes a glass to a watch case is arranged outside the light permeable dial trim ring and the solar cell, the dial trim ring is arranged directly below the glass, and a blind portion is provided above the dial trim ring or the solar cell. As a result, a gap between the glass lower surface and the dial upper surface can be reduced, thereby eliminating a “hollow-eyed” design.

Claims (7)

1 . An electronic watch with a solar cell which is arranged substantially vertically with respect to a dial,

wherein a light leading portion is provided at a peripheral edge of the dial, a light permeable dial trim ring is arranged at the peripheral edge of the dial, and a part of a photovoltaic area of the solar cell and a part of the dial trim ring which covers the photovoltaic area of the solar cell are arranged to be lower than a dial upper surface height.

2 . The electronic watch with a solar cell according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the inner side of the dial is set larger than that of the peripheral edge.

3 . The electronic watch with a solar cell according to claim 1 , wherein the light leading portion has an inclined surface portion which is configured in such a manner that a thickness of the dial is reduced from the inner side toward the peripheral edge side.

4 . The electronic watch with a solar cell according to claim 1 , wherein the light leading portion has a step portion configured in such a manner that a thickness of the dial is reduced at the peripheral edge.

5 . The electronic watch with a solar cell according to claim 3 , wherein an inclined surface portion is provided to the dial trim ring, and an inclined surface or a step portion of the light leading portion of the dial is covered with the inclined surface portion.

6 . The electronic watch with a solar cell according to claim 1 , wherein a flange portion which fixes a glass to a watch case of the electronic watch with the solar cell is provided outside the dial trim ring, the solar cell and a watch movement or an annular convex portion of a casing frame which holds the solar cell; the dial trim ring is arranged directly below the glass; and a blind portion is provided above the dial trim ring of the glass and/or the solar cell.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jun 26, 2007
From: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
To: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 019510/0336 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 6, 2005
From: OSA, TAKASHI; MURAKAMI, TOMOMI
To: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 017120/0509 →