DE2310057A1 - ELECTRONIC WRISTWATCH - Google Patents

Description

"Electronic wrist watch" The invention relates to one made of semiconductor elements built-in electronic wristwatch that does not use any moving parts and which has a date display for which the same electro-optical elements can be used as for the time display. The invention is particularly useful on a watch of the type mentioned with a date display for displaying the day and the month as well as the time in hours and ilinutes.

Battery-powered wristwatches and other small, portable timepieces various types are known and available in almond. The first economically successful, battery-powered wristwatch of this type is in the U.S. Patent Re 26,137. Electric clocks of this type send a balance wheel and a spiral created by the interaction between a live coil and driven by a magnetic field generated by small permanent magnets.

In recent years, arraband clocks have been developed that do not have any have electromechanical transducers as the main time standard. These constructions for the most part use a crystal controlled high frequency oscillator as a Frequency standard in connection with a frequency converter circuit for generating a Drive signal with a suitable time holding frequency. It turned out here however difficulties in developing an oscillator-frequency converter combination, which not only have the required frequency stability, but also sufficiently small Power consumption and small size and thus in practice for battery-powered Wristwatches.

In US-PS 3,560,998 a high frequency oscillator clock is described, the complementary MOS circuits with low power consumption. The oscillator-frenzy converter combination according to this patent specification is suitable for driving conventional clock hands, which are arranged above a dial, or optionally for selective actuation the display elements of an optical time display as a function of a drive output signal of the converter. US-PS 3,576,099 discloses an improved watch construction, in which the optical time display consists of several light emitting diodes, which are energized intermittently, resulting in minimal power consumption and prolonged Operating life of the watch battery can be guaranteed.

An improved watch construction of this general type using of semiconductor circuits and integrated circuits is in DT-OS 21 13 350.6 described.

In contrast, the invention is primarily based on the object Watch constructions of the kind described in the patents mentioned are to be improved so that no moving parts are required for the time keeping function will. In particular, one should be made entirely of semiconductor or solid-state components built electronic wristwatch should be sought, in which the time display consists of a number of light emitting diodes.

In the case of an electronic timepiece, the invention is the one at the outset mentioned genus very generally characterized in that practically all electrical Components built and connected in integrated large-scale circuit technology are, thereby reducing both the manufacturing costs and the size of the watch components will. As a result of the use of such circuits, it is possible to use standardized, to use mass-produced electrical components. This not only helps Manufacturing costs of the watch are significantly reduced, but it is also due to the size reduction more space for the watch battery and others in a conventional watch case Components of the wristwatch made available.

A wristwatch according to the invention preferably has a Frequency of 32 768 Hz working time standard, which as a crystal-controlled converter is designed in complementary IWiOS technology, which serves as an oscillator. The output signals of the frequency standard are conducted via a frequency ': Jandler, who vorzwJsweisc as a multi-stage, binary frequency divider made of complementary MOS transistors built up is. The signal is converted to an output signal of 1 Hz, i.e. one pulse per second divided down. The Arizeige actuator consists of a number of Registers and gates as well as a decoder, which has an electro-optical time display, drives preferably in the form of a bar segment arrangement of light-emitting diodes Other functions that can be carried out via the integrated circuit are time setting, Resetting, switching and control of the display intensity.

By using logical NOR and NAND circuits as well as complementary ones MOS transistors, according to the invention, it is possible to build a clock using solid-state technology, in which all electrical components except for a few parts are used the large-scale integration process, the so-called. LSI process be trained can.

According to the invention, a frequency standard acts in the form of a crystal oscillator via an electronic divider circuit with driver stages in solid state technology, to light-emitting diodes of an electro-optical one in succession To apply voltage to the display. Low power consumption and small size and Low weight is achieved through the use of complementary 140: 3 circuits sen achieved, which essentially form a miniaturized fixed program computer. The invention is particularly suitable for wristwatches, in which practically all electrical circuits using integrated large-scale technology can be.

The time display of the clock preferably has a red colored filter which is the cold red light of a number of light-emitting gallium arsenide phosphide diodes lets through, preferably in a seven-bar Scheme are arranged. The light emitting diodes are in a corresponding time relationship stimulated to an effective brightness, which by a light-sensitive Detector or sensor having intensity control circuit is determined. At the A push-button query switch is located on the front of the clock next to the time display, which, when pressed, instantly activates the relevant time display stations. The minute and hour displays are programmed in such a way that they are easier to use Touching the interrogation switch was lit for 1 1/4 seconds. If you continue to press of this switch, the minute and hour displays go out and appear immediately the seconds display. The seconds will continue to be displayed as long as the User presses the query switch. The exact time is calculated continuously and exactly regardless of whether the time is displayed or not.

The clock is set by either pressing an hour or a minute setting switch. The former lets the hour display run quickly, without influencing the time keeping function of the 1nuts and seconds. When actuated of the minute setting switch, the seconds display is automatically set to zero, while the minute display is switched to the required display.

A clock constructed according to the invention is independent of the ambient conditions, under which it is located, practically shockproof and waterproof. The electric Components and the time display can be encapsulated in a clear potting compound, so that the electronics are influenced neither by mechanical forces nor by corrosion will. Since there is no conventional cell for winding or setting the clock, the problems that arise when sealing a thin shaft are eliminated. Normally is neither maintenance Repair needed because the components are encapsulated and inaccessible to external influences. All electrical semiconductor components, including the light-emitting diodes, have a practically unlimited service life.

A significant feature of the invention is the use of a integrated circuit with a single decoder to decrypt the files to be played back Time information. In addition to displaying the time, the time display can be used in conjunction with the decoder also to display the date, i.e. the day and month, as well as can be used, for example, to specify the day or night hours.

The display digits are evaluated or activated individually, and special connections are provided so that the time display can be used at any time to be switched on as a clock or alarm clock or to display special information such as the date, Enter the month, hour of the day or night. In addition, a connection is available as a Tap and for a 2 Hz readjustment signal for the hour register for use provided in a calendar circuit, so that the circuit of the clock in connection Can be used with other circuits to display the time on the same To display the day and flonate of the date.

In the invention, a separate calendar circuit is to the basic LSI timer circuit connected.

A second query or date switch is added to the clock, so that when you press this button on the hour display, the clock will show the month the colon display shows the hour of the day or night - the upper point means hour of the day and the lower point shows eight hours, while on the 14 minutes / seconds display the date appears. The placement counts automatically for 30 or 31 days, according to this the respective month of the year, and also counts in February automatically on 29. The "reading" or the first query switch and the hour setting switch serve in connection with the date switch to set the calendar display. At the The day / night display of the date is used to set the hours displayed by the clock automatically reset without changing the date for daytime hours.

To set the day display, the date push button is pressed, so that the date is shown on the display, whereupon the "reading" - bza1. the first query switch is pressed. The day display is thereby with a speed by one day per second, while at the same time the day / night hour display is switched at a frequency of 2 Hz. When releasing the "reading" switch the date display remains on the desired date as well as on the desired day or day Night hour display stand. To set the month, the date button is pressed, to display the date.

The hour setting switch is then closed, so that the month display continues to run at a rapid glide of two months per second. Becomes the hour setting switch reopened, the month display is set to the desired track. The ad always shows the full date when the date switch is closed - i.e. both the Day and month - and this display becomes independent of the other switches as long as the date switch is closed.

The invention provides an improved one in accordance with the objective Electronic semiconductor wristwatch created in which practically all are electrical Components consist of integrated large-scale circuits and which have a calendar display has, through which the day, the month and the hour of the day or night in digital form be reproduced.

This electronic wrist watch preferably has a visual time display in which the date is displayed by the same visual display elements, which are used to display the time.

The following is a preferred embodiment, based on the form of the invention the accompanying drawing explained in more detail.

The figures show: FIG. 1 a perspective illustration of a conventional size owning men's wristwatch with features according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a simplified Block diagram of the main components of the wristwatch according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a more detailed Circuit diagram of an embodiment of a wrist watch according to the invention, which is shown in Block diagram form of the integrated large scale timer circuit and the associated connected calendar circuit, Fig. 4 shows a detailed block diagram of the integrated large-scale time computer circuit according to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of the light-emitting diode bar segments in the clock according to the invention and FIG. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram of the calendar circuit portion of the clock of FIG. 3.

The clock 10 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 is designed so that they are in a watch case 12 approximately the size of the case of a conventional Men's wrist watch fits. The case 12 comes with a watch strap 14 connected and has a viewing window 16 through which the time, as in 20 indicated, is displayed in digital form. The window can be used for improvement the display can be covered by a red light filter if desired. On the housing 12, a push-button query switch 18 is arranged, with the help of which the time display 20 can be operated when the user of the watch wishes to read the time.

In normal operation the time is calculated continuously, but not indicated by window 16. This means that normally there is no time display is visible through the window 16, so that in the normally prevailing state Battery energy is saved. Even if the time in window 16 is not displayed at all times, the watch keeps the exact time, which is at any given point in time show exactly l'3t. If the user wants to know the exact time, he also presses the finger on the push button 18, whereupon the exact time instantly at 20 im Window 16 is displayed. In Fig. 1, for example, one is made of light emitting diodes Existing time display is shown, which provides the time display of 10:10. the Hours and minutes, i.e. the digits 10:10, are displayed through the window 16 during a predetermined period of time of preferably 1 1/4 seconds, namely regardless of whether the push button 18 remains kinked or not. The exact display time span is chosen so that the user has enough time to read the time display stays in hours and minutes. If the minutes or hours are different during the display changes, this is done instantly during the reading by switching the silencer the minute or hour display to the next digit, in this case on 11 is displayed. If the push button 18 remains pressed after 1 1/4 seconds, the hour and 4-minute digits in the display are deleted and disappear Window 16 while at the same time the seconds displayed in window 16 will. The running rounds from 0 to 59 remain like this through the window. 16 Visible for a long time until the push button 18 is released.

The push button switch 18 is a read or query switch that is depressed when the user desires a display of the time. In the Gnr 10 according to Fig. 1, a second pressure switch 22 is installed in the form of an elongated bar, the hereinafter referred to as the date switch. When the push button of the date switch is pressed, the date is displayed in day and month as well as the day or night hours the time indicated by the same diodes that display the time when pressed of the pressure switch 18 deliver. In contrast to the time display, however, when you press of the date pressure switch 22 displays the relevant data as long as the Switch 22 remains pressed, while it is instantaneous when the pressure switch 22 is released go out.

Referring to Figure 2, there is a simplified block diagram of the major components the clock 10 shown in FIG. The clock has a time base or a frequency standard 26, which is preferably an electrical output signal with a frequency of 32 768 Hz on a line 28 delivers. This comparatively high frequency will a frequency converter 30 fed in the form of a frequency divider, which the divides the frequency supplied by the frequency standard 26 in such a way that the on the line 32 appearing output signal from the slandler 30 has a frequency of 1 Hz. This Signal is fed to a display actuator 34, which in turn controls the time display 20 of the clock via an electrical line 36. Although only the hour and minute displays are shown, is from the previous explanations it can be seen that first the hours and minutes during a predetermined period of time are displayed, and if then the push button 18 remains pressed, The hours and minutes go out and the seconds become visible.

The same display diodes are used for the minutes and seconds used because these displays do not appear at the same time, so that the current consumption can be reduced to a minimum by the clock battery.

Structure and mode of operation of the clock according to the invention are in the DT-OS 21 13 350.6 explained in more detail.

In a preferred embodiment, the time display consists of an arrangement of seven bar segments made of light-emitting diodes, preferably made of gallium arsenide phosphide, which emits light in the visible red range when excited.

Although a time display in the form of seven bar segments is preferred It will be seen that other types of time displays can also be used, eta one from twenty-seven dot matrix display may be applied. The frequency standard 2s according to FIG. 2 is preferably a crystal-controlled oscillator with a complementary one A pair of integrated circuit enlargement type transistors in the form of a P-channel transistor and an M-channel transistor, which are complementary Pair are interconnected. The frequency divider 30 is preferably of the type according to FIG U.S. Patent 3,560,998, incorporated herein by reference. It consists of a multi-level binary divider chain, in which each divider stage in turn by one or more complementary Pairs of HOS transistors in integrated circuit technology is formed.

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of the clock 10 according to the invention, in which identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The integrated Circuit part of the time computer part of the clock is represented by the large block 70, the can consist of one or more integrated circuit wafers or chips, in a preferred embodiment, however, is formed by a single chip. In In any case, it should be noted that all components contained in block 70 are integrated Large-scale circuit technologies are manufactured. There is one at the large block 70 second integrated large-scale circuit connected as calendar circuit 141, which controls the 10 clock calendar display. Next to the two integrated circuits 70 and 141, the watch 10 has a battery 72, which is for example can be a conventional 3V wristwatch battery made up of two in series switched 1.5 V cells. There is a resistor on the plus side of the battery 73 is connected and the battery powers the light emitting diode time display 38, which, according to FIG. 3, consists of two hour stations in the form of a units station 74 and a tens station 76 and two combined minute and second stations in Form of a units station 78 and a tens station 80 consists. In addition, the Time display 38 has two colon-forming dots 81 and 83, respectively be formed by a single light emitting diode. The display stations are integrated from the battery 72 connected to the battery 72 via several leads 79 Circuit 70 fed forth. The circuit is from the leads 79 to the anodes of the light-emitting diodes are closed, their cathodes via control or ISN switching transistors 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 individually connected to the other side of the voltage source are. Here is a separate feed line 79 for the total number of in one Display station located bar segments provided. This means that with a Seven supply lines 79 are provided for the time display consisting of seven bar segments are, one of which is attached to a single bar segment in a manner that will be explained below every station, with the exception of the hour tens station, is connected. All cathodes each station, however, are common via the N-junction transistor for the ad in question was placed. The cathodes of the two beam segments 94 and 96 are for the hour digits, as are points 81 and 83 of the colon, connected to transistor 82. All the cathodes of the hour units station 74 are connected to transistor 84. The display stations 78 and 80 are used for display both the minutes and the seconds, so that the cathodes of all diodes of the station 80 with the transistor 86 referred to as the minute transistor and that as the second transistor acting transistor 90 are connected. In a similar way, all are diode-cathodes the display station 78 with a minute transistor 88 and a seconds transistor 92 connected. The base electrodes of these transistors are over current limiting Resistors 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 switched back to integrated circuit 70, while their emitters are connected to ground, i.e. to the negative terminal of the as Battery 72 serving as a voltage source, as indicated at 110. -The anodes the bar segment diodes are powered by bipolar driver transistors placed, which in Fig. 3 as PIS junction transistors 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122 and 124 are shown. Because the largest number of bar segments at a given Display station is seven, there are seven driver transistors and seven leads 79 provided. The collectors of the transistors are over individually assigned current limiting Resistors 120 are connected to the indicator diodes, while the base electrodes of the Driver transistors via protective resistors 128 with the integrated circuit 70 are connected. Their emitters are common at 130 to the positive terminal of the battery 72 connected.

The external components of the oscillator 26 according to FIG. 3 are the crystal 64, the variable capacitor 66 (Abstitrirn capacitor ) as the bias resistor 62 and the # network capacitors C2, C3 and C4. The remaining Sections of the oscillator 26 are in the integrated circuit 70 according to FIG. 3 housed, as explained in more detail in DD-OS 22 29 533.6. Outside of the integrated circuit is also a query resp.

Reading switch 32, which when the push button 18 is pressed according to FIG. 1 is closed. Other hand-operated, outside the integrated circuit 70 switches are a minute and an hour setting switch 134 resp. 136. These switches are from the positive terminal of the battery 72 via the latter to the timer circuit 70 or switched to the calendar circuit 141, as will be explained in more detail will. If desired, series resistors 135, 137 and 139 can be used for the switches be included in the integrated circuit.

In a preferred embodiment of a clock according to the invention One characteristic is that the intensity of the emitted by the display diodes Light is varied according to the ambient light conditions. This means, that the light intensity of the diodes in bright ambient light to ensure greater contrast, for example when reading in daylight conditions increases and decreases as the ambient light decreases. In Fig. 3 at 144 illustrated automatic display intensity control circuit has a photo-sensitive Resistor 146 on, which is mounted on the front of the clock and on matching quietly with the plus term of the battery 72 as well as a resistor 148 and a capacitor 150 is connected. These components are connected to the plus terminal via a series resistor 152 connected to the voltage source.

4a, 4b and 4c together as FIG. 4 form a details Block diagram showing the integrated circuit 70 according to FIG. 3, in which the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement of the light emitting diode segments of the time display.

4 and 5, a signal with a frequency of 32,768 Hz from the oscillator 26 via the lead 28 to a divider input terminal 160. The frequency divider 30 is a 14-stage, non-resettable counter that the Frequency converter 30 according to FIG. 2 forms. The counter becomes binary through fourteen levels Flip-flops are formed in a counting chain, each stage of which, as mentioned, consists of Xcomplementaries 1405 transistors. The output of the twelfth stage of the divider, the has a frequency of 8 Hz, is via a line 162 to the input of a three-stage, resettable counter 154 of three stages complementary-symmetrical lIOS Transiscor flip-flops are applied, which have an output signal on a line 166 with a frequency of 1 Hz. The 8 Hz signal from the divider is also via a line 168 to a four-stage flip-flop decade counter or control clock 170 is applied, the output signal of which is a time span of 1 1/4 seconds Clock flip-flop 248 controls.

The 1 Hz signal on line 166 becomes a one second storage register 172 entered, divided by ten and its output signal on again a tens second register 174 dividing by six is applied. The exit the latter is in turn with a one-minute register dividing by ten 176, the output of which is connected to a tens register divided by six 178 is connected. The outcome of the Register 178 is again connected to an hour register 180 dividing by twelve. These registers all consist of binary chains of complementary MCS transistor pairs and the individual stages, with the exception of the control connections, correspond in each Regarding the individual levels of the binary divisors 30 and 164. A more detailed explanation a single stage, which is a stage of the divider 30, the divider 164 or one of the Registers 172, 174, 176, 178 and 180 are found in U.S. Patent 3,560,998.

The output signals indicating one-second of the time are stored in the register 172 generated and via four selection gates 182 and four input gates 184 one Decoder 186 fed in. The decoder 186 converts the binary-coded 8-4-2-1 decimal signals from register 172 into corresponding drive signals for the time displays, which then applied to the light emitting diodes of the time display via buffer amplifiers 188 will. The individual bar segments are labeled a to g, and the ratio of the segments and their mutual connections to the outputs of the buffer amplifiers 188 is shown in FIG. Fig. 5 shows the ten-hour station 76 and the One-hour station 74 together with the colons 81 and 83. Although in Fig.5 only the hour station 74 is shown, it should be noted that the outputs of the Buffer amplification; 188 also to the corresponding bar segments of the combined Minute and seconds stations 78 and 80 as shown in FIG. 3 are connected, of which each corresponds to station 74 in all respects.

This means that an output from buffer amplifier 188 is not only to the bar segment a of the station 74, but also to the corresponding segment of stations 78 and 80 according to FIG. 3 is applied. The appropriately designated other outgoing of buffer amplifiers 188 are to the corresponding other bar segments connected to each station 74, 78 and 80. The outputs b and c are also connected to the Anodes the colon diodes connected while the outputs a and d of the buffer amplifier 188 connected to the anodes of the two diodes 94 and 96 which make up the hour display. These diodes are activated at the same time or switched off so that they correspond to the tens digit of the hour display either display a "1" or display no display at all.

The register 174 of Fig. 4 is similarly over four transfer or select gate 190 connected to input gates 184 and decoder 186, with input gates 184 and decoder 186 associated with all registers in common are. The register 176 is connected to the input gates 184 via the selection gate 192 while register 178 is connected in a similar manner via broadcast gates 194 connected to the input gates.

Finally, the hour register 180 is over two sentences 196 and 200 of selection gates are connected to the input gates. The integrated circuit 70 according to FIG. 4 fulfills the functions of time base generation and time storage and the information decryption as well as the additional functions of the time display clock control, the automatic intensity control and the time display selection. The circuit is for operation with 2.5 - 3.2 V and for the use of 25.4 mm time displays designed from light-emitting diodes. The time base generator section of the circuit consists of external components (crystal, resistor and triangular capacitor), one Unsetter used as an oscillator and a 14-step, non-resettable Counter 30 and the 3-stage, resettable counter 164.

The 14-step counter 30 provides the functions throughout the system such as - clocking, setting, resetting, switching and time display-intensity regulation frequencies used.

The 3-stage counter 154 can be reset because it is during the minute setting process serves as a "hold" circle. After this the minutes have been set, this counter remains in the "Reset" mode, in which a signal is on the.

Transfer to the secondary storage register 172 is prevented until the reading or query button 18 (FIG. 1) is pressed and the query switch 132 (Fig. 3) has been closed. This counter consists of three stages so that the Error when starting up is no more than 1/8 of a second.

The time storage section of the circuit consists of three registers, two of which divide by 60 and one by 12. The first, dividing by 50 Register can be reset and is used to save the seconds. Dividing both by 60 Registers are divided into sections divided by ten and divided by six, so that the first of these registers through register sections 172 and 174 and the second formed by register sections 176 and 178.

This division is provided because the time information is in the form of decimal numbers must be displayed. The register 180 dividing by twelve shows the digits 1 to 12 and resets to 1. This happens because the first flip-flop 202 in the one indicated by the bracket 204 and dividing by ze'nn Section is made non-recoverable. The first four flip flops inside of brackets 204 represent the section dividing by ten, the next flip-flop 206 controls the counters of the hour display and the last flip-flop is used as a guarantee a compulsory reset. In counting state 10, 8 and 2 are tapped. Through this the tens of the stulaen flip-flop 206 is set and becomes the reset flip-flop 208, which resets stages 2, 4 and 8. Level 1, i.e.

the flip-flop 202 is already at "O", so that the one-hour can be deciphered to zero. At 13, however, an AND gate 210 engages the tens of hours in levels 1 and 2. This causes the ten-hour flip-flop 206 to flip over the line 212 back to zero and the stages 2, 4 and 8 over the line; 214 reset. Level 1, i.e.

the flip-flop 202 is not reset, so that the number "1" is deciphered will. However, this happens so quickly that the number 13 is never displayed.

One feature according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is in that only one decoder 186 in connection with a gating or driving circuit 216 is used, with the help of which the digits are controlled individually. the six control outputs of the circuit 216, labeled A, E, C, D, E and F, are located on the corresponding and similarly labeled lines 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 and 228 of selection gates 182, 190, 192, 194 and two sets in group 196, so that this selection gate is activated according to the drive output signals will. A second set of drive circuit output signals labeled S1, S2, S54, S5 and S6 is in the form of correspondingly designated input signals according to FIG. 3 to the control transistors 82 - 92 laid. The drive output signals are such that the display order is defined as follows: (a) tens hours and colon; (b) one-hour; (c) tens of minutes; (d) one-minute or (a) no display; (b) no advertisement; (c) tens of seconds; (d) units-seconds if seconds are displayed; on this the cycle repeats itself.

From Fig. 4 it can be seen that a common decoder 186 for all to be displayed is used. The high frequency output of the oscillator The frequency of 26 is determined by a series of binary divider stages in the frequency divider 30 decreased. Letzierer generates various output frequencies including an 8 Hz output input to register 164 to a 1 Hz output on line 166 to generate. This 1 fIz output is used in the counting registers 172, 174, 176, 178 and 180 are entered in which it corresponds to the one used for the display digits required for seconds, minutes and hours through 10, through 6, through 10, divided by 6 and by 12. The binary coded decimal output signals all dividers in the counting registers are assigned to the corresponding selection gates 182, 190, 192, 194 and 196 are entered, which in turn are controlled by the control circuit 216 The decoder driver stage 186 arriving via the input gates 184 Number is determined by this circuit.

When the device is in operation, the clock generator 170 controls the control circuit. When the inquiry switch is pressed, the minutes and hours become 1 1/4 seconds displayed long; If the query switch is then pressed, the display switches automatically switches to the seconds display. As a result, the drive circuit drive only four digits at a time, although they all have six digits controlled. Then the drive circuit 216 selects the register to be read out is stored in this register in binary coded decimal form Time information about the set of selection gates opened by the control circuit as well as the input s gates 184, which act as an interface to the decoder 186 works.

This decoder converts the BCD, i.e. binary encrypted decimal information in that more understandable for education Digits required output signal to do. The control circuit 216 not only determines which counting register has been read out but also closes the anode circuit for the corresponding digit diodes. As a result, only one digit can be turned on at any given time because the control is very fast, it seems as if up to four digits were flashing at the same time.

The frequency divider 30 generates a 256 Hz output signal (# 7 and # 7) and a 128 Hz output signal (# 8 and # 8) sent to selected ones of the four NAND gates 215 are applied in the control circuit 216. These signals are your turn transmitted via @ier NOR gate 217, which transmits a signal from a Clock control flip-flop 248 received. The output signals A, B, C, D, E and F. of the circuit 216 are connected to the corresponding sets of selection gates 1o2, 190, 192, 194 and 196 are applied to determine which digits are described in the manner described are to be represented. The other drive output signals S1 to are sent to the base electrodes of transistors 82 to 92 (Fig. 3) are applied, vm the anode-cathode circuits the indicator diodes close. In this way, the control circuit can determine which information is transmitted from which register to decoder 186, and this BCD information must pass through input gates 184, which are provided to an interference or disturbance between the various output signals of the selection gates to prevent them from entering the decoder. The output signal of the decoder driver stage 186 provides power to the segments through driver transistors 112-124 (FIG. 3) or display diodes for displaying the corresponding BCD input number Digits are to be activated.

The time display intensity control or regulation is by change of the operating cycle or the period of Woer a line 230 of the control circuit 216 impressed control driver signal, which is also called an ON-OFF signal via a line 232 is applied to input gates 184. That on line 232 lying signal ensures that the diodes, even when they are switched on, switch on and off with a frequency of e.g. 128 Hz or

blink so that they appear to be on all the time.

The ON-OFF signal on line 232 and the mm control driver signal 230 are therefore a 128 Hz signal or a series of short-width pulses with a repetition rate of 128 Hz, with the pulse width changing and the average Period of the signal is variable. This is done by tapping with 2, 03, # 4, 5 and 6 designated signals from the third, fourth, fifth and the sixth stage of the joy divider 30 and applying the same to the five entrances of a NAND gate 234.

The output of this gate appearing on line 236 is a number of 51? Hz pulses with a very short pulse width that are transmitted via a NAND gate 238 and via a - designated as terminal 9 - terminal 240 to the display intensity controller 240 (Fig. 3) can be applied. One with the light sensor 146 and the parallel resistor 148 resistor 152 connected in series ensures increased linearity, and the The circuit essentially acts as a multivibrator operating at a frequency of 512 Hz is triggered by the frequency divider 30 and the NAND gate 234. The length of the generated by the multivibrator 144 and to the - designated in Figure 4 as terminal 10 - The output pulse applied to terminal 242 is primarily through the Fesiert capacitor 150 and the light-sensitive resistor network 146, 148, 152 according to FIG. These 512 Hz pulses, the variable width and therefore variable period accordingly the ambient light intensity are sent via line 230 to the Control circuit 216 and applied as ON-OFF or blink signals to the input gates 184 to the Control the lighting period of the indicator diodes. The operating period of each digit is a maximum of 25 C, 3f and is changed by the circuit 144 so that it is im Dark only 0.78% (i.e.

3.12% of 25 rÖ) is. The control signals used for the minute display are also used for the seconds display, but is preferred for the one shown Embodiment additionally the minute display also to show the seconds used.

The display clock indicated in Fig. 4 at 170 switches the hour and minutes display automatically turn off after 1 1/4 seconds. When pressed briefly the query switch 18 is closed according to the Hana-ochalter 132 (Fig. 3), whereby an actuating circuit is closed, i.e. the line B + is connected to the terminal 244 (Fig. 4) connected to line 246 and for setting a clock flip-flop 248 is used. This flip-flop is only reset when when the decade counter 170 has ten pulses of one applied to it on line 168 8 Hz signal counted. As long as the flip-flop 248 is in the setting phase, it puts the appropriate signal on line 250 so that only the hours and Minutes are displayed. If the query button remains pressed after the decade counter 170 ends a cycle and a reset signal is supplied via line 252 the time display automatically switches to showing the seconds display around.

The frequency divider 30 is a 14-stage binary device and generates on a line 254 a 2 iiz output signal which is coupled with a 4 Hz signal on a Line 256, an 8 Ez signal on line 258 and a 16 Hz signal one Line 259 is combined in a NAND gate 260 and supplies a 2 Hz control signal with a very short pulse width on a line 262. This signal is fed through a NAND gate 264 to the input of the minute register 176 and applied to the IC input of the hour register 180 via a NAND gate 266. When the hour setting switch 136 (FIG. 3) is closed, line B + is connected to a Terminal 163 is connected and the short Ialpulse width has a 2 Hz control signal via a NAND gate 266 to the hour register in order to display the hour display with the "high" Adjustable speed of 2 hours per second. When the minute setting switch is closed 134 (Fig. 3) the line B + is connected to a minute setting terminal 270 and the 2 Hz control signal reaches the input of the minute one register via gate 264 196. This then represents a "slow" bmr. Fine adjustment in which the minute display is advanced by 2 minutes per second. A display during the actuation process is guaranteed by the fact that the hour setting terminal 268 and the minute setting terminal 270 through NOR gate 272 to the display intensity control circuit connected to terminals 240 and 242 are connected.

When the minute setting switch is actuated, a reset pulse is generated applied from the minute setting terminal 270 via the ITOR gates 274 to a line 276, which resets the counter 164 and the second registers 172 and 174 to zero.

The seconds display becomes quiet on this when setting the minutes automatically set to zero. The count is in the seconds registers again recorded as soon as the push button 18 is pressed and the query switch 132 is closed is.

The decoder 186 is used to convert the binary-encrypted 8-4-2-1 decimal code from the registers into a seven segment -Display code for the time display stations, the one for the one and tens of seconds, the one and Zeluicr of the minutes as well which one of the hours is used. As mentioned, the tens are the hour display either on or off so that either a "1" is displayed or no display is delivered. The tens digit of the hour display is with the outputs a and d of the decoder is connected, while the colon is connected to outputs b and c is, so that a binary encrypted decimal digit 1 only has the colon and a binary coded decimal number "0" the colon and the hour tens light up leaves. The correctly encrypted information is stored in the integrated large-scale circuit 70 self-made. A special feature of the decoder is that it has special Information according to the following table can be fed in: TABLE BCD input signal a b c d Display 0000 1: hours 1000 0 1 0 0 1 # AM (morning) 0 1 1 0 1 # PM (afternoon) Month 0 1 0 1 8 A1 «morning) 0 1 1 1 ° PM (afternoon) This means that the Time display in connection with the decoder to display the date of the day and month be used can, during the morning and afternoon hours, i.e. the hours before or after 12:00, through one or the other point of the colon.

This special information is available via those labeled Q1 to Q4 Lines 274, 176, 178 and 280 are entered, all under control a data input which is connected to the transmission gate control line 156 according to FIG Fig. 3 is connected. The data input causes one to be switched through or blocked arbitrary signal via the corresponding transmission gates indicated generally at 284. when the data input is connected to B +, the transmission gates 284 are shorted.

According to Fig. 3, a feature of the invention is that the clock a calendar display circuit 141 for using the same display stations 74 to 80 (including the colon) the date in day and month as well as the To display day and night hours of time. According to Figure 3 is the calendar circuit with the integrated computer circuit 70 and with the reading or query switch 132, the minute setting switch 134, the hour setting switch 136 and a date switch 138 connected, which is closed when the pressure switch 22 is thickened as shown in FIG. The calendar circuit 141 receives from the timer switch 70 (a) via a Line 286 is an input to calendar circuit IC terminal 5 from tap 12 of FIG integrated circuit, (b) a short 2 Hz reset signal on line 288 to the calendar circuit terminal 6 from the time computer terminal 16, (c) on one line 290 a signal frequency to the inner control terminal 12 of the calendar circuit of the terminal 9 of the integrated circuit 70 and (d) on one line 292 a synchronization signal from the output S1 of the circuit 70 to a control terminal II of the calendar circuit 141.

The signal on line 292 can be as little as 1.5 V when the supply voltage is 2.5 V and must have a low input threshold own.

Calendar circuit 141 provides integrated circuit 70 (a) a binary encrypted bzti, BCD signal on lines 294 from terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the calendar circuit to the terminals of the circuit labeled Q1-Q4 70 and (b) an hour setting signal on a line 296 from terminal 10 of the Fozenderschaltur.g to terminal 11 of circuit 70.

Common to both circuits 70 and 141 are: (a) A "read" input signal on line 296, which is connected to terminal 2 of circuit 70 and to terminal 7 of the Circuit 141 is applied; and (b) a data input signal on line 298 from data switch 138 connected to terminals 13, 14 and 15 of circuit 70 as well the terminal 8 of the circuit 141 is applied.

The hour setting signal from switch 138 is transmitted via line 297 only applied to the calendar circuit terminal 9 while the minute setting signal from the i4minute setting switch 134 via a line 299 only to terminal 1 of the circuit 70 is imprinted.

FIGS. 6a and 6b, which together form the complete FIG. 6, illustrate 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of the calendar circuit 141 shown in FIG the parts corresponding to the parts previously described have the same reference numerals, and in Fig. 6 with 1 - 12 designated calendar circuit terminals correspond to the previously described terminals labeled 1-12 in FIG. 3. Referring to Figure 6, the circuit consists of a number of logical elements, including ITOR and NAND gates as well as converters 301-340. Zuden is a number of flip-flops FF-1 to FF-17 provided. The circuit generally includes a day / night counter 342, a day counter 344 and a month counter 346. wider components of the The circuit is a control circuit, generally designated 348, and four transmission gates 350, 352, 354 and 356. Those occurring at the outputs of the control circuit 348 Signals S'1 to S'4 are applied to the correspondingly designated supply lines of the relevant transmission gates 350 to 356 applied. The output signals from these gates become the binary-coded decimal output terminals via ODßR gates 333, 334, 335 and 336 1, 2, 3 and 4 routed, these gates under the control of one on a line 358 output signal A supplied by the control circuit 34S are present.

In the operation of the calendar circuit according to FIG. 6, (a display of) 12 hours, 00 minutes and 00 seconds that at terminal 5 of circuit 141 pending signal, which is transmitted via line 286 (FIG. 3) from the timer circuit 70 is delivered to a high value and pushes the flip-flop FF-1 (Fig. 6). The latter is only used to send a short signal via the NOR gate 301 - from Less than 0.5 seconds duration - to make a one o'clock signal, i.e. the output signal from circuit 70 on line 285 is for one hour, namely from 12:00:00 clock until 12:59:59 p.m., high, and the FF-1 flip-flop converts this The one o'clock signal changes into a short signal lasting less than 0.5 s. This short one Signal controls the flip-flop FF-2 via the NAND gate 302, which is the AM-PM flip-flop represents. The flip-r.lop FF-3 forms a short signal from the output signal of the flip-flop FF-2. The flip-flops FF-4 to FF-7 form a decade counter, and the FF-8 and FF-9 flip-flops are used for groups of tens of days. That Output from the AM flip-flop FF-2 is applied to the transmission gate via line 360 350 is applied, and the output signal of the day counter, which is determined by the Flip-flops FF-4 to FF-7, formed by decade counters, are sent via lines 362 applied to the transmission gate 352, while the output of the through the Flip-flops FF-8 and FF-9 formed tens of days counter via logic gates to the Transmission gate 354 is applied. These gates, in the form of gates 303 to 306, suppress the tens of the day if it is itull. The flip-flops FF-10 bis FF-14 form a counter that counts to ten and forms the month counter. A system of gates 307 to 318 scans and controls the respective month Day counter to count to 30 or 31, and in February to 29, depending on the case. the Output signals from the month counter are sent to the transmission gate via lines 364 356 created. The control signals are received via lines 366 and 368 from the month counter to the day counters, so that the day counter according to the respective month, i.e. according to the setting of the month counter 346, counts to 29, 30 or 31.

When the push button switch 22 (Fig. 1) is pressed, it closes the Date switch 138 (Fig. 3), the positive supply voltage from the battery to the calendar-Kiemme '8 (Fig. 3 and 6) applies. When this signal from terminal 8 is impressed, it also acts on the terminals 13, 14 according to FIG. 3 and 15 of circuit 70. At circuit 70, this signal switches the time display (Terminal 13) on, opens the gate controlling inputs Q1 to Q4 (Terminal 14) -and causes the time to be blocked internally via transmission gates A, B, C. and D (terminal 15). This means that all via lines 294 (FIG. 3) into the Inputs a1 -Enter BCD information can be reproduced.

These inputs are shown at 274, 276, 278 and 280 in Figure 4b.

The calendar circuit 141 is capable of the BCD form of the date and month information at its output terminals 1-4, provided that it is synchronized and is driven on the correct frequency. This is done on the line 290 (Fig. 3) a control frequency signal (512 Hz) at the output terminal 9 of the circuit 70 delivered and applied to the calendar terminal 12. This control signal is shown in the flip-flops FF-16 and FF-17 (Fig. 6) divided to at the outputs S'1 to S'4 from NOR gates 337 to 340 to provide the right signals. However, it will only be then passed through the NOR gate 319 coupled to the calendar terminal 12, when the signal applied from the terminal S1 of the circuit 70 to the calendar terminal 11 2 goes from high to low value, triggering the FF-15 flip-flop and gate 319 allows the signal at terminal 12 to be switched through.

To set the calendar display, it is first necessary to use the date switch 138 (Fig. 3) to close and closed by continuously pressing the bar 22 to hold, whereby B or a logical 1 is applied to the calendar terminal 8 and the day and month date displayed by circuit 70 via the diodes can be. If the "read" switch 132 is now closed, it becomes a logical one 1 (B +) is applied to the calendar terminal 7, and the output of the NAND gate 323 goes low and pushes that through NOR gates 321 and 322 formed flip-flop. As a result, the 2 Hz signal can over the flip-flop FF-2 trigger gates 302 and 328. This means that there is a 2 Hz signal at the CL terminal of the flip-flop FF-2 appears instead of the input signal, which the date with a frequency of 1 Hz and the AIwI / P-id-, i.e.

Day / night display with 2 Hz. To set the month, the the same process is carried out by means of the date switch and the hour setting switch 136. When these switches are both closed, a logical 1 is applied to the terminals 8 and 9 of the calendar circuit are applied, which are switched through via gates 324-327 and the output signal of the date counter via a line 370 through a 2nd Replaces the Hz signal, which drives the month counter with a frequency of 2 Hz. If the date and month are not displayed, the drive circuit 348 is reset and gates 333 to 340 are turned off to turn on the time display to prevent unnecessary signals or signal sections from occurring.

When the hour setting switch 136 is closed, it becomes a logical "1" is applied to the calendar terminal 9, and if a logical one is applied to the calendar terminal 8 "O" is applied, a logical "1" is generated at the calendar terminal 10, which is applied to circuit 70 via line 296 to display the hour to set the clock; In addition, this signal is switched through via gates 329 - 332, to reset the flip-flop FF-3 or to keep it reset while the gate 329 is ready to the next short 2 Hz signal the flip-flop FF-2 over the gate 330. to be reset, so that the AM-PM counter finally returns to ASI, i.e. the Reset time before 12:00 p.m. without changing the date.

From the above description it is thus apparent that with the Invention an improved semiconductor or solid-state clock, in particular such was created with a calendar display. With the clock according to the invention, the Calendar or date information is displayed using the same time display elements, which are used for the time display. This specifically happens in the quiet that a second integrated large-scale circuit in the form of the calendar circuit in the clock 141 is provided. Although a preferred embodiment as well as certain, particularly significant operating conditions are explained in detail, are of course various modifications possible.

In the preferred embodiment, the light emitting ones are made Diodes made from gallium arsenide phosphide diodes of those shown in more detail in US Pat. No. 3,576,099 and described type. Obviously, however, the time display can be any have several possible forms.

For example, the optical time display from known devices such as miniature incandescent lamps, other types of light emitting diodes, or the familiar ones Liquid crystals or from less known devices such as ferroelectric Crystals or electroluminescent display elements and the like., Are made. as well the switches can have any shape; in a preferred embodiment However, the reading switch 132, the date switch 138, the hour setting switch exist 136 and the minute setting switch 134 all consist of magnetic reed or reed switches of the type described in DT-OS 22 17 666.5. Preferably, the query or reading switch 132 and date switch 138 operated by permanent magnets, which are held by their respective pressure switches 18 and 22, respectively. The hour setting switch 136 and the 1; minute setting switch 134 are set to the position described in the above laid-open specification described Way operated by a separate permanent magnet, which is manually next to the relevant Switch is brought to the outside of the watch case.

Claims (20)

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E: 9 Electronic wristwatch in solid-state semiconductor technology, d a d It is noted that there are no moving parts and a date display having. 2. Wristwatch according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c N e t that the date is displayed on the same parts as the time. 3. Timepiece with sufficiently small for use as a wristwatch Size and low power consumption, marked by a time calculator (70) in solid-state semiconductor technology, several electro-optical systems coupled to them for time and calendar display serving display elements (74 - 80) and one with the Date calculator connected to display elements (141). 4. Timepiece according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c Note that the display elements are light emitting diodes. 5. Timepiece according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c Note that at least some display elements are arranged as an arrangement of seven bar segments are arranged. 6. Timepiece according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the display elements are arranged so that they have both a time as well as a calendar information in digital form. 7. Timepiece according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c Note that the display elements have both minute and hour stations and that these stations are used to display both the day of the month in question and the also of the relevant month of the year are connected to the date calculator (141). 8. Timepiece according to claim 3, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the display elements are elements for the distinguishable display of the day and the hours of the night, i.e. the hours before or after 12:00. 9. Timepiece according to claim 8, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c n e t that the elements for displaying the hours of day and night are display elements which are arranged in such a way that they also represent a colon capital. 10. Wristwatch, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, not shown by several electro-optical digital display elements (74-80), a time computer (70) coupled to the display elements, which the Controls display elements for displaying the time, one for the purpose of displaying a Calendar or date information with the date calculator coupled to the display elements (141) and a manually operated switch that connects the date calculator with the Display elements couples to the latter when the switch is operated with calendar information to dine. 11. Wristwatch according to claim 10, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i It should be noted that the display elements normally contain neither time nor calendar information reproduce and that a second manually operable switch is provided which the time calculator couples with the display elements, in order to avoid the latter when the switch is operated to feed with time information. 12. Wristwatch according to claim 11, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the display elements are light emitting diodes. 13. Wristwatch according to claim 10, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the display elements are liquid crystals. 14. Wristwatch according to claim 10, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that in the date calculator a device coupled with the time display to reset the calendar information to which time display is provided. 15. Wristwatch according to claim 10, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that they have a time reading switch in addition to the manually operated switch and that the calendar resetting device is coupled to the switches and can be actuated depending on them. 16. Wristwatch according to claim 10, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that they have a time setting switch in addition to the manually operated switch and that the calendar resetting device is coupled to the switches and can be actuated depending on them. 17. Wristwatch, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, g e k e n n n n z i c h n e t by a frequency standard (96) one coupled with this Frequency converter (30), an electro-optical time display (38), a frequency converter time calculator coupling with the time display, a frequency converter with the time display connecting date calculator (141) and switch devices connected to the time display for selective control of the time display by the time or date calculator. 18. Wristwatch according to claim 17, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c it should be noted that the switch means have means for separating the time display both from the time as well as from the date calculator. 19. Wristwatch according to claim 17, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c It should be noted that both the time and the date computer have control means of the display elements. 20. Wristwatch according to claim 19, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c n e t that the time calculator has facilities for displaying the minutes and seconds the time on the same display elements. L e r s e i t e