JP2000180567A - Clocking device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily understand that shift to a power-saving mode is in progress. SOLUTION: When the operation mode of a clocking device 1 is shifted to a power-saving mode, the time display condition of the clocking device is set to a predetermined display condition for reporting power saving for reporting that the clocking device is in a power-saving mode to a user. Concretely speaking, by stopping a second hand 55 within a region that opposes a power-saving mode indicator 111 that is a power-saving mode display position, the user can easily grasp that the clocking device 1 is in a power-saving mode by clearly distinguishing from stop or the like due to the shortage in a power supply capacity by verifying that the second hand is at halt within a region that opposes the power-saving mode indicator 11, thus improving the ease-of-use by the user and at the same time reducing power consumption.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a timekeeping device and a method for controlling the timekeeping device, and more particularly to a normal operation mode in which time is displayed as an operation mode and a power saving mode in which time display is stopped to reduce power consumption. The present invention relates to a control technology for an electronically controlled watch having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a small electronic timepiece such as a wristwatch, which incorporates a power generation device such as a solar cell and operates without battery replacement, has been realized. These electronic watches have the function of once charging the power generated by the power generator to a large-capacity capacitor, and when power is not generated, the time is displayed using the power discharged from the capacitor. ing. For this reason, stable operation is possible for a long time without batteries, and considering the trouble of battery replacement and battery disposal, it is expected that many electronic watches will have a built-in power generator in the future. ing.

[0003]

In an electronic timepiece incorporating such a power generating device, in order to stably supply power for a long time, when the power generating device is in a non-power generating state for a predetermined time or more, The state is detected, and the operation mode is changed from a normal operation mode (display mode) in which time display is performed to a power saving mode in which time display is not performed. By the way, in this power saving mode, the hand movement is also stopped. Therefore, it is easy for the user to determine whether the hand movement has been stopped by shifting to the power saving mode or whether the hand movement has been stopped due to insufficient power capacity. There was a problem that it could not be grasped. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a case in which the user can easily grasp that the mode is being shifted to the power saving mode when shifting to the power saving mode, and the hand operation is stopped for another reason such as a decrease in power supply capacity. To provide a timekeeping device and a control method of the timekeeping device that can be easily distinguished.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a timing device, comprising: a power supply for supplying a driving power supply; and a time display which is driven by electric energy supplied from the power supply. Operating mode control means for shifting the operation mode of the time counting means between a normal operation mode and a power saving mode based on predetermined conditions, and setting the operation mode of the time counting means to When shifting to the power-saving mode, the time display mode of the clock unit is a predetermined power-saving notification display mode for notifying the user that the timekeeping device is in the power-saving mode. It is characterized by that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the time keeping means is an analog time keeping device having a plurality of display hands, and the power saving notification display mode is provided with the plurality of display hands. Of the above, at least one of the display hands is used as a power saving notification hand and is stopped at a predetermined power saving notification display position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect, the power saving notification display control means includes a circulating needle position counting means for counting a count value corresponding to the position of the power saving notification hand. Determining means for determining whether or not the count value is a notification position count value corresponding to the power saving notification display position; and, if the count value is the notification position count value based on a determination result of the determination means. And a needle stopping means for stopping the power saving notification needle at the position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, an operation means is provided for the user to forcibly instruct the transition to the power saving mode, and the operation mode control means is provided with the operation means. The operation mode is shifted to the power saving mode based on the operation state of (1).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the power saving mode includes a plurality of sub-power saving modes having different amounts of electric energy that can be saved, and the power saving notification display control means includes: The display mode for power saving notification is different for each sub power saving mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the timing device is configured to be portable.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the power supply means converts the first energy into electric energy which is the second energy. Power generating means for generating power,
And a power storage means for storing electric energy obtained by the power generation.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a timing device, comprising: a power supply unit for supplying a driving power supply; and a timing unit driven by electric energy supplied from the power supply unit to display time. An operation mode control step of shifting an operation mode of the timekeeping unit between a normal operation mode and a power saving mode based on predetermined conditions, and shifting the operation mode of the timekeeping unit to the power saving mode. A power saving notification display control step of setting a time display mode of the clock unit to a predetermined power saving notification display mode for notifying a user that the clock device is in a power saving mode. I have.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the eighth aspect, the timing unit is an analog timing unit having a plurality of display hands. Of the above, at least one of the display hands is used as a power saving notification hand and is stopped at a predetermined power saving notification display position.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the ninth aspect, the power saving notification display control step includes a circulating needle position counting step of counting a count value corresponding to the position of the power saving notification needle. A determining step of determining whether the count value is a notification position count value corresponding to the power saving notification display position; and, if the count value is the notification position count value based on a determination result in the determining step. And a needle stopping step of stopping the power saving notification needle at the position.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the ninth aspect, the timing device includes an operation unit for forcing a user to instruct a transition to the power saving mode, and the operation mode transition step is performed. Is characterized by shifting the operation mode to the power saving mode based on the operation state of the operation unit.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the ninth aspect, the power saving mode includes a plurality of sub-power saving modes in which the amount of electric energy that can be saved is different, and the power saving notification display control step includes: The display mode for power saving notification is different for each sub power saving mode.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the power generation step of generating power by converting the first energy into the electric energy as the second energy in the configuration according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects. And a power storage step of storing the electric energy obtained by the power generation in the power supply unit.

[0017]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [1] Schematic Configuration FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a timing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The timekeeping device 1 is a wristwatch, and the user uses the belt connected to the device body by wrapping it around a wrist. The timing device 1 of the present embodiment is roughly classified into a power generation unit A that generates AC power, and a power supply that rectifies the AC voltage from the power generation unit A and stores the boosted voltage to supply power to each component. A control unit 23 including a unit B and a power generation state detection unit 91 (see FIG. 2) for detecting the power generation state of the power generation unit A, and controlling the entire apparatus based on the detection result.
A second hand movement mechanism CS that drives the second hand 55 by using the step motor 10, a second hand movement mechanism CHM that drives the minute hand and the hour hand by using the step motor, and a second hand movement mechanism based on a control signal from the control unit 23. A second hand drive unit 30S for driving the CS; an hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM for driving the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM based on a control signal from the control unit 23; and an operation mode of the timepiece 1 from the time display mode to a calendar correction mode; An external input device 100 (see FIG. 2) for performing an instruction operation for forcibly shifting to a time correction mode or a power saving mode described later is provided.

Here, the control section 23 drives the fingering mechanisms CS and CHM to display the time according to the power generation state of the power generation section A (normal operation mode), and the second hand movement mechanism C
The power supply to the S and hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM is stopped to switch to a power saving mode for saving power.
In addition, the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode is performed in such a manner that the user holds the hand of the timekeeping device 1 and shakes it, thereby forcibly generating power. It is being migrated.

[2] Detailed Configuration Hereinafter, each component of the timepiece 1 will be described. In addition,
The control unit 23 will be described later using functional blocks. [2.1] Power generation unit First, the power generation unit A will be described. The power generation unit A includes a power generation device 40, a rotary weight 45, and a speed increasing gear 46. As the power generation device 40, the power generation rotor 43 rotates inside the power generation stator 42 and the power generation stator 42
An electromagnetic induction type AC power generation device capable of outputting the electric power induced by the power generation coil 44 connected to the AC power supply to the outside is adopted. The rotary weight 45 functions as a means for transmitting kinetic energy to the power generation rotor 43. The movement of the rotary weight 45 is transmitted to the power generation rotor 43 via the speed increasing gear 46. This rotary weight 45
In the wristwatch-type timepiece 1, the movement of the user's arm and the like can be captured and the user can turn inside the device. Therefore, power generation is performed using energy related to the life of the user, and the timer 1 can be driven using the generated power.

[2.2] Power Supply Unit Next, the power supply unit B will be described. The power supply section B includes a limiter circuit LM for preventing an excessive voltage from being applied to a subsequent circuit, and a diode 47 acting as a rectifier circuit.
, A large-capacity capacitor 48, and a step-up / step-down circuit 49. The step-up / step-down circuit 49 is capable of multi-step boosting and stepping-down by using a plurality of capacitors 49a, 49b and 49c, and the second hand driving unit 30S and the hour / minute hand driving unit 30HM are controlled by a control signal φ11 from the control unit 23. Can be adjusted.
Here, the power supply section B takes Vdd (high voltage side) as a reference potential (GND) and generates Vss (low voltage side) as a power supply voltage.

Here, referring to FIG. 3, limiter circuit LM
An embodiment will be described. The limiter circuit LM is
As shown in FIG. 3, equivalently, it functions as a switch for short-circuiting the power generation unit A, and turns on when the power generation voltage VGEN of the power generation unit A exceeds a predetermined limit reference voltage VLM. (Closed) state. As a result, the power generation unit A
Is electrically disconnected from the large-capacity capacitor 48. As a result, the excessive generated voltage VGEN is not applied to the large-capacity capacitor 48, and the large-capacity capacitor 48 is damaged due to the applied generated voltage VGEN exceeding the withstand voltage of the large-capacity capacitor. Can be prevented from being damaged. Note that the diode in FIG. 3 is a backflow prevention diode, and the large-capacity capacitor 48 is used when the limiter circuit LM is turned on.
Is prevented from being short-circuited. Further, as another embodiment of the limiter circuit LM, a configuration in which the connection between the power generation unit A and the large-capacity capacitor 48 is disconnected by a switch can be considered.

[2.3] Hand Movement Mechanism Next, the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM will be described. [2.3.1] Second hand movement mechanism First, the second hand movement mechanism CS will be described. The stepping motor 10 used in the second hand movement mechanism CS is also called a pulse motor, a stepping motor, a stepping motor, a digital motor, or the like, and is a motor driven by a pulse signal that is frequently used as an actuator of a digital control device. is there. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, small and lightweight stepping motors have been widely used as actuators for small electronic devices or information devices suitable for carrying. A typical example of such an electronic device is an electronic watch,
It is a timing device such as a time switch and a chronograph.
The stepping motor 10 of the present embodiment is
The drive coil 11 generates a magnetic force by a drive pulse supplied from OS, a stator 12 excited by the drive coil 11, and a rotor 13 rotated by a magnetic field excited inside the stator 12. The stepping motor 10 is of a PM type (permanent magnet rotating type) in which the rotor 13 is formed of a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet.

The stator 12 is provided with a magnetic saturation portion 17 so that different magnetic poles are generated in the respective phases (poles) 15 and 16 around the rotor 13 by the magnetic force generated by the drive coil 11. Further, an inner notch 18 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner periphery of the stator 12 to regulate the rotation direction of the rotor 13, so that cogging torque is generated so that the rotor 13 stops at an appropriate position. ing. The rotation of the rotor 13 of the stepping motor 10 is controlled by the second intermediate wheel 51 meshed with the rotor 13 through the pinion.
The second hand 53 is transmitted to the second hand 53 by the train wheel 50 including the second wheel (second indicating wheel) 52, and the second is displayed. [2.3.2] Hour-minute hand movement mechanism Next, the hour-minute hand movement mechanism CHM will be described. The stepping motor 60 used in the hour and minute hand movement mechanism CHM has the same configuration as the stepping motor 10. The stepping motor 60 according to the present embodiment includes an hour and minute driving unit 30HM.
A drive coil 61 that generates a magnetic force in response to a drive pulse supplied from the drive coil 61, a stator 62 that is excited by the drive coil 61, and a rotor 63 that rotates by a magnetic field that is excited inside the stator 62.

The stepping motor 60 is of the PM type (permanent magnet rotating type) in which the rotor 63 is formed of a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet. The stator 62 has different magnetic poles depending on the magnetic force generated by the drive coil 61 in each phase (pole) 65 around the rotor 63.
And 66, a magnetic saturation portion 67 is provided. In order to define the rotation direction of the rotor 63, an inner notch 68 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner periphery of the stator 62.
Is provided to generate a cogging torque so that the rotor 63 stops at an appropriate position. The rotation of the rotor 63 of the stepping motor 60 is performed by rotating the fourth wheel 71, the third wheel 72, the second wheel (minute indicating wheel) 73, the minute wheel 74, and the hour wheel (hour) It is transmitted to each hand by a train wheel 70 composed of a pointing wheel 75.
A minute hand 76 is connected to the second wheel & pinion 73.
Is connected to an hour hand 77. The hours and minutes are displayed by these hands in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 63. Further, although not shown, a transmission system (not shown) for displaying the date (calendar) or the like (for example, in the case of displaying a date, a cylinder intermediate wheel, a date intermediate intermediate wheel, a date Wheel,
Of course, it is also possible to connect a date wheel. In this case, it is possible to further provide a calendar correction train (for example, a first calendar correction transmission wheel, a second calendar correction transmission wheel, a calendar correction wheel, a date wheel, etc.).

[2.4] Second hand drive unit and hour / minute hand drive unit Next, the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM will be described. In this case, since the second hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM have the same configuration, only the second hand drive section 30S will be described. The second hand drive unit 30S supplies various drive pulses to the stepping motor 10 under the control of the control unit 23. The second hand drive unit 30S includes a p-channel MOS 33a and an n-channel MOS
32a, and a bridge circuit composed of a p-channel MOS 33b and an n-channel MOS 32b. The second hand drive unit 30S is a p-channel MO
S33a and 33b and rotation detecting resistors 35a and 35b connected in parallel with S33a and 33b, respectively.
And 35b are provided with sampling p-channel MOSs 34a and 34b for supplying chopper pulses to 35c and 35b. Therefore, these MOSs 32a, 32
By applying control pulses having different polarities and pulse widths to the respective gate electrodes b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b at respective timings from the controller 23, drive pulses having different polarities are supplied to the drive coil 11;
Alternatively, a detection pulse for exciting the induced voltage for detecting the rotation of the rotor 13 and for detecting the magnetic field can be supplied.

[2.5] Control Unit Next, the configuration of the control unit 23 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the control unit 23 and its peripheral configuration. The control unit 23 is roughly divided into a pulse synthesis circuit 22, a mode setting unit 90, a time information storage unit 96
And a drive control circuit 24. First, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 uses an oscillation circuit that oscillates a reference pulse having a stable frequency using the reference oscillation source 21 such as a quartz oscillator, and a divided pulse obtained by dividing the reference pulse and the reference pulse. And a synthesizing circuit for synthesizing and generating pulse signals having different pulse widths and timings. Next, the mode setting unit 90 includes a power generation state detection unit 91, a set value switching unit 95 that switches a set value used for detection of the power generation state, a voltage detection circuit 92 that detects a charging voltage Vc of the large-capacity capacitor 48, The system includes a central control circuit 93 that controls a time display mode according to a power generation state and controls a boost ratio based on a charging voltage, and a mode storage unit 94 that stores the mode.

The power generation state detection unit 91 is provided with a power generation device 40
A first detection circuit 97 for comparing the electromotive voltage Vgen with the set voltage value Vo to determine whether or not power generation has been detected, and an electromotive voltage Vgen not less than the set voltage value Vo and not less than the set voltage value Vbas are obtained. A second detection circuit 98 for comparing the measured power generation continuation time Tgen with a set time value To to determine whether or not power generation has been detected. If either one of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined that the vehicle is in a power generation state. Here, each of the set voltage values Vo and Vbas is a negative voltage based on Vdd (= GND), and indicates a potential difference from Vdd. The configuration of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 will be described later.

Here, the set voltage value Vo and the set time value To can be switched by the set value switching section 95. When switching from the display mode to the power saving mode, the set value switching unit 95 changes the set values Vo and To of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 of the power generation detection circuit 91. In this example, the display mode setting value V
a and Ta are set values Vb and T of the power saving mode.
A value lower than b is set. Therefore, large power generation is required to switch from the power saving mode to the display mode. Here, the degree of the power generation is not enough to be obtained by carrying the timekeeping device 1 normally, but needs to be large when the user forcibly charges the battery by hand gesture. In other words, the set values Vb and Tb of the power saving mode are set so that forced charging by hand movement can be detected. Also, the central control circuit 9
3 includes a non-power generation time measuring circuit 99 for measuring a non-power generation time Tn during which no power generation is detected by the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98, and indicates that the non-power generation time Tn continues for a predetermined set time or more. The mode shifts to the power saving mode.

On the other hand, in the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode, the power generation state detection section 91 detects that the power generation section A is in the power generation state and the charging voltage VC of the large-capacity capacitor 48 is sufficient. Executed when conditions are met. In this case, if the limiter circuit LM operates and is in the ON (closed) state in a state in which the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, the power generation unit A is in a short-circuit state, and the power generation state detection unit 91 is in the Even if is in the power generation state, it cannot be detected, and it is no longer possible to shift from the power saving mode to the display mode.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, the limiter circuit LM is turned off (open) regardless of the power generation state of the power generation unit A, and the power generation state detection unit 91 sets the power generation unit A Power generation state can be detected reliably.

Further, since the power supply section B of the present embodiment includes the step-up / step-down circuit 49, the power supply voltage is stepped up using the step-up / step-down circuit 49 even in a state where the charging voltage VC is low to some extent. It is possible to drive the CHM. Conversely, even if the charging voltage VC is somewhat high and is higher than the driving voltages of the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM, the step-up / step-down circuit 4
9, the hand operation mechanism C
It is possible to drive S and CHM. Therefore, the central control circuit 93 determines the step-up / step-down ratio based on the charging voltage VC, and controls the step-up / step-down circuit 49.

However, if the charging voltage VC is too low,
Even if the pressure is increased, a power supply voltage that can operate the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM cannot be obtained. In such a case,
When the mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the display mode, accurate time display cannot be performed, and wasteful power is consumed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the charging voltage VC is sufficient by comparing the charging voltage VC with a predetermined set voltage value Vc, and this is shifted from the power saving mode to the display mode. It is one condition for Further, the central control circuit 93 is a power saving device for monitoring whether or not an instruction operation for shifting to a predetermined forced power saving mode is performed within a predetermined time when the external input device 100 is operated by the user. Mode counter 10
1 and a second hand position counter 102 which continuously counts continuously and the second hand position of which the count value = 0 corresponds to a predetermined power saving notification display position (for example, a position between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock). , Is configured.

The mode thus set is stored in the mode storage section 94, and the information is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, the time information storage section 96, and the set value switching section 95. In the drive control circuit 24, when switching from the display mode to the power saving mode, the supply of the pulse signal to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM is stopped, and the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM are stopped. Stop the operation. As a result, the motor 10 stops rotating and the time display stops. Next, the time information storage section 96 is more specifically configured by an up / down counter (not shown). When the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the reference signal generated by the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 is stored. Then, the time measurement is started and the count value is increased (up-count), and the duration of the power saving mode is measured as the count value. Further, when the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode, the count value of the up / down counter is reduced (down count).
The drive control circuit 24 outputs a fast-forward pulse supplied to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM. Then, when the count value of the up / down counter is zero, that is, when the fast-forward hand movement time corresponding to the duration of the power saving mode and the elapsed time during the fast-forward hand movement has elapsed, a control signal for stopping the transmission of the fast-forward pulse is generated, This is supplied to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM. As a result, the time display is returned to the current time. As described above, the time information storage unit 96 also has a function of returning the redisplayed time display to the current time.

Next, the drive control circuit 24 generates a drive pulse according to the mode based on various pulses output from the pulse synthesis circuit 22. First, in the power saving mode, the supply of the driving pulse is stopped. Next, immediately after switching from the power saving mode to the display mode, in order to return the re-displayed time display to the current time, the second hand driving unit 3 uses a fast-forward pulse with a short pulse interval as a driving pulse.
0S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM. Next, after the supply of the fast-forward pulse is completed, a drive pulse having a normal pulse interval is supplied to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM.

[3] Operation of the Embodiment FIG. 4 shows an operation flowchart of the timekeeping device of the embodiment. First, the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving operation mode (step S1). Step S1
If it is determined that the power saving operation mode is in effect (step S1; Yes), the process proceeds to step S8 described below. If it is not in the power saving operation mode in the determination in step S1, that is, if it is in the display mode which is the normal operation mode (step S1: No), the central control circuit 93 is based on the detection signal of the power generation state detection device 91. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an electromotive force, that is, whether or not the power generation device 40 is generating power (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that there is an electromotive force (step S2; Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, the time display is continued (step S10), and the process again proceeds to step S1. If it is determined in step S3 that there is no electromotive force, that is, it is determined that power is not being generated (step S3; No), the central control circuit 93
The non-power generation time measurement circuit 99 counts up the non-power generation time Tn (step S3). Then, the central control circuit 93 determines whether or not the non-power generation time Tn has continued beyond a predetermined set time (step S4).

If it is determined in step S4 that the non-power generation time Tn has not continued for more than the predetermined time (step S4; No), the process returns to step S2, and the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4. Repeat the process. If it is determined in step S4 that the non-power generation time Tn has continued beyond a predetermined set time (step S4; Yes), the second hand position counter 102, which is constantly counting cyclically, is counted up. (Step S5), the value of the second hand position counter 102 is “0”, that is, the second hand is located at a predetermined power saving notification display position at a predetermined position (1 in the area facing the power saving mode indicator 111 in FIG. 5A). Position between hour and two o'clock)
Is determined (step S6). In the determination in step S6, the value of the second hand position counter 102 is not “0”, that is, as shown in FIG.
If the second hand has not reached the area facing the power saving mode indicator 111 which is a predetermined power saving mode display position (step S6; No), the second hand driving unit 30
The process returns to step S5 while driving the second hand 55 while driving S, and the second hand position counter 102 continues counting up. In the determination of step S6, the value of the second hand position counter 102 is "0", that is,
As shown in FIG. 5B, when the second hand reaches an area facing the power saving mode indicator 111 which is a predetermined power saving mode display position, the second hand is stopped at the position and the time is displayed. Is stopped and the mode shifts to the power saving mode (step S6). As a result, the user sets the power saving mode indicator 111 in which the second hand is at the power saving mode display position.
By confirming that the timer device 1 is stopped in the area opposite to, it can be easily grasped that the timepiece 1 is in the power saving mode.

Next, the central control circuit 93 includes a limiter circuit L
By setting M to the off (open) state, the power generation state detection unit 91 can surely detect the power generation state of the power generation unit A. Subsequently, the central control circuit 93 includes a step-up / step-down circuit
To stop the boost control (step S9). Here, the reason for stopping the boost control in the power saving mode will be described. In general, in order to secure the operating voltage range of the timekeeping device for a long time with limited energy, in the power supply device, it is necessary to control the step-up / step-down circuit 49 to perform step-up control. In the display mode, when the power supply voltage decreases and the drive voltage for performing the hand movement falls below a predetermined drive voltage, the drive voltage is increased by performing the boost control, and the hand movement is continued. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, in order to perform a time recovery process (step S14) described later, at a voltage level lower than the voltage that can be recovered from the time, the energy consumption is reduced at all and the time is quickly reduced when the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode. Charging must be performed until a voltage state is reached at which recovery processing can be performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the boost control is stopped in the power saving mode.

Next, the time information storage section 96 counts up the time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode for performing the time return process (step S14) described later (step S10), and the user sets the time counting device. It is determined whether an external input device (a crown and a position detecting device) has been operated to shift the operation mode 1 to the time adjustment mode (step S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the external input device 100 has not been operated to shift to the time adjustment mode (step S1).
1; No), it is determined whether or not the power generation device 40 is generating power with an electromotive force equal to or higher than a predetermined electromotive force for determining whether to shift to the display mode (step S12). In the determination in step S12, when the power generation device 40 is not generating power with an electromotive force equal to or higher than the predetermined electromotive force for determining whether to shift to the display mode, that is, when the power saving mode should be continued, The process returns to step S10 to continue counting up the time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode.

When it is determined in step S12 that the power generation device 40 is generating power with an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined electromotive force for determining whether to shift to the display mode, that is, when the mode should shift to the display mode (Step S1
2; Yes), a time return process for restarting the control of the limiter circuit LM (step S13), shifting the operation mode from the power saving mode to the display mode, and returning the time based on the count value of the time information storage unit 96. Then, the second hand 55 is driven as usual (step S14). Then, the time display is continued (step S15), and the process is repeated at step S1.
And the same processing is repeated. If it is determined in step S11 that the external input device 100 has been operated to shift to the time correction mode (step S11; Yes), the count value of the time information storage unit 96 is reset (step S16). And
When the time adjustment mode is released by the user's operation of the external input device, the process returns to step S10 again.
The time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode for performing the time return process (step S14) is counted up, and the same process is repeated until the power saving mode is canceled.

[4] Effects of Embodiment As described above, according to the timekeeping device 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation mode is shifted to the power saving mode, the second hand is at the power saving mode display position. By stopping in the area facing the power-saving mode indicator 111, the user confirms that the second hand is stopped in the area facing the power-saving mode indicator 111, so that the timekeeping device 1 is in the power saving mode. It can be easily grasped by clearly distinguishing it from a stop due to insufficient power capacity.

[5] Modified Example of Embodiment [5.1] First Modified Example In the above-described embodiment, an example of a clock device that drives an analog hand using the step motor 10 and the step motor 60 and displays time is described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a digital clock device for displaying time on an LCD or the like. In this case, in the digital timepiece of the analog display system in which the analog hands are expressed by a liquid crystal display or the like, the second hand is set in the area facing the power saving mode indicator 111 which is the predetermined power saving mode display position as in the above embodiment. After moving the hand (or moving immediately), only the indication of the second hand may be performed. It is also possible to adopt a mode in which only a mark for displaying a specific power saving mode or only a symbol is continuously displayed. Further power saving mode indicator 11
The display pointer may be stopped at a predetermined position without having the configuration of FIG. For example,
The second hand and the hour and minute hands may be stopped at the hour position (60-second position).

[5.2] Second Modification In the above-described embodiment, the case where the two step motors 10 and 60 are simultaneously driven to stop when shifting to the power saving mode has been described. (Corresponding to the power-saving mode), and the power-saving mode indicator 111 may be divided into a plurality of areas by color coding or the like so as to recognize which power-saving mode has been entered. More specifically, the power saving mode is divided into two, and in the first-stage power saving mode, only the step motor 10 corresponding to the second hand is stopped, and the second hand is at a predetermined first power saving mode display position. After moving the hand in an area facing the first area (for example, displayed in yellow) of the power saving mode indicator 111,
When shifting to the power saving mode of the first stage and further shifting to the power saving mode of the second stage, the second hand is driven again, and the second hand is moved to the second power saving mode indicator position of the predetermined second power saving mode display position. It is sufficient to move the hands in an area facing the second area (for example, displayed in red), and then stop the step motor 10 corresponding to the second hand and the step motor 60 corresponding to the hour / minute hand.

[5.3] Third Modification In the above-described embodiment, a description is given of an example of a clock device that displays hours, minutes, and seconds with two motors. The present invention can also be applied to a clock device that displays the time by using a timer. Conversely, the present invention can be applied to a timing device having three or more motors (motors for individually controlling the second hand, minute hand, hour hand, calendar, chronograph, and the like). In this case, not only the second hand but also a chronograph display hand (for example, 1/10
It is also possible to stop the second hand) at a predetermined power saving mode display position. Further, a plurality of display hands, such as a second hand and an hour / minute hand, may be stopped at a predetermined position. In this case, a plurality of display hands may be stopped at the same predetermined position (for example, stop in a predetermined same direction) or a plurality of display hands may be stopped at different predetermined positions. It is possible.

[5.4] Fourth Modification In the above embodiment, the display mode was automatically shifted to the power saving mode. However, when the user operated the external input device, for example, the crown It is possible to detect that a specific operation has been performed and to forcibly shift to the power saving mode, and at the time of forcibly shifting to the power saving mode, set the second hand to a predetermined power saving mode display position in a predetermined power saving mode. It is also possible to configure so as to move to the power saving mode after moving the hand in the area facing the indicator 111.

[5.5] Fifth Modification In the above embodiment, the wristwatch-type timepiece 1 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
In addition to wristwatches, the present invention can be applied to portable pocket watches, non-portable table clocks, wall clocks, and the like.

[5.6] Sixth Modification In the above-described embodiment, as the power generation device 40, the rotational motion of the rotary weight 45 is transmitted to the rotor 43, and the rotation of the rotor 43 applies the electromotive force Vgen to the output coil 44. Although the present invention employs an electromagnetic power generating device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a rotating motion is generated by a restoring force (corresponding to the first energy) of a mainspring, and an electromotive force is generated by the rotating motion. Or a power generating device that generates electric power by a piezoelectric effect by applying external or self-excited vibration or displacement (corresponding to first energy) to the piezoelectric body. Furthermore, a power generation device that generates electric power by photoelectric conversion using light energy (equivalent to first energy) such as sunlight may be used. Furthermore, the temperature difference between one site and another site (thermal energy;
A power generating device that generates electric power by thermal power generation using the first energy) may be used. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a floating electromagnetic wave such as a broadcast or communication radio wave is received, and an electromagnetic induction type power generation device using the energy (corresponding to the first energy) is used.

[5.7] Seventh Modification In the above embodiment, the reference potential (GND) is set to Vdd
(High potential side), but the reference potential (GND) is set to Vs
Of course, it may be set to s (low potential side). In this case, the set voltage values Vo and Vbas are equal to Vss
Indicates a potential difference from a detection level set on the high voltage side with reference to. [5.8] Eighth Modification In the above-described embodiment, a rechargeable power storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor that stores power generated by a power generation device is used as a power source. Alternatively, a rechargeable power storage device and a primary battery may be used together, or a power generation device and a primary battery may be used together.

[0047]

According to the present invention, when shifting the operation mode of the clock unit to the power saving mode, the time display mode of the clock unit is predetermined to notify the user that the clock device is in the power saving mode. By setting the display mode for the power saving notification, the user can easily grasp that the mode is being shifted to the power saving mode when the mode is being shifted to the power saving mode, and stop the hand operation for other reasons such as a decrease in the power supply capacity. Can be easily distinguished from Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption while improving the usability for the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit and its peripheral configuration according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a limiter circuit.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving mode display mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Time measuring device 23 ... Control circuit 24 ... Drive control circuit 30S ... Second hand drive unit 30HM ... Hour and minute hand drive unit 40 ... Generating device 45 ... Rotating weight 48 ... High capacity secondary power supply (large capacity capacitor) 49 ... Boost circuit 90 ... Mode setting section 91: power generation state detection section 93: central control circuit 94: mode storage section 95: set value switch 97: first detection circuit 98: second detection circuit 100: external input device 101: power saving mode counter 111 ... Power saving mode indicator A ... Power generation unit B ... Power supply unit LM ... Limiter circuit

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2F084 AA07 BB06 BB09 GG01 GG02 GG04 HH00 HH15 HH22 JJ04 JJ07 KK03 LL01 LL02 LL03 LL04

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A power supply unit for supplying a driving power supply, a clock unit driven by electric energy supplied from the power supply unit to display a time, and an operation of the clock unit based on a predetermined condition. An operation mode control means for mutually shifting a mode between a normal operation mode and a power saving mode; and, when shifting the operation mode of the time counting means to the power saving mode, the time display device changes the time display mode of the time counting means to a power saving mode. A power saving notification display control means for displaying the power saving notification in a predetermined display mode for notifying the user of being in the mode. 2. The timekeeping device according to claim 1, wherein the timekeeping means is an analog timekeeping device having a plurality of display hands, and the power saving notification display mode is one of the plurality of display hands.
A timekeeping device characterized in that at least one of the display hands is stopped at a predetermined power saving notification display position as a power saving notification hand. 3. The timekeeping device according to claim 2, wherein the power saving notification display control means counts a count value corresponding to the position of the power saving notification hand, Determining means for determining whether or not a notification position count value corresponding to the power saving notification display position; and, if the count value is the notification position count value based on a determination result of the determination means, A hand stopping means for stopping the power saving notification hand. 4. The timekeeping device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for allowing a user to instruct a transition to the power saving mode, wherein the operation mode control unit is configured to perform an operation based on an operation state of the operation unit. A timer for shifting the operation mode to the power saving mode. 5. The timekeeping device according to claim 1, wherein the power-saving mode includes a plurality of sub-power-saving modes having different amounts of electric energy that can be saved, and the power-saving notification display control means is provided for each of the sub-power-saving modes. A timekeeping device, wherein the power saving notification display mode is made different. 6. The timekeeping device according to claim 1, wherein the timekeeping device is configured to be portable. 7. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit generates electric power by converting the first energy into electric energy that is a second energy. And a power storage means for storing electric energy obtained by the power generation. 8. A power supply unit for supplying a drive power supply,
A timekeeping unit that is driven by electric energy supplied from the power supply unit and performs time display; anda control method of the timekeeping device, the operation mode of the timekeeping unit being a normal operation mode based on a predetermined condition. An operation mode control step of mutually shifting between a power saving mode, and, when shifting the operation mode of the timekeeping unit to the power saving mode, changing the time display mode of the timekeeping means to indicate that the timekeeping device is in the power saving mode. A power-saving notification display control step of setting a predetermined power-saving notification display mode for notification to the control device. 9. The control method for a timekeeping device according to claim 8, wherein the timekeeping unit is an analog timekeeping unit having a plurality of display hands, and the power saving notification display mode is one of the plurality of display hands. ,
A method for controlling a timing device, wherein at least one of the display hands is stopped at a predetermined power saving notification display position as a power saving notification needle. 10. The control method of the timekeeping device according to claim 9, wherein the power saving notification display control step includes a circulating hand position counting step of counting a count value corresponding to a position of the power saving notification hand. A determining step of determining whether the count value is a notification position count value corresponding to the power saving notification display position, and, if the count value is the notification position count value based on a determination result in the determination step, A needle stopping step of stopping the power saving notification hand at the position. 11. The control method for a timekeeping device according to claim 9, wherein the timekeeping device includes an operation unit for forcing a user to instruct a transition to the power saving mode, and the operation mode transition step includes: A method for controlling a timing device, wherein the operation mode is shifted to the power saving mode based on an operation state of the operation unit. 12. The method for controlling a timekeeping device according to claim 9, wherein the power saving mode includes a plurality of sub power saving modes in which the amount of electric energy that can be saved is different, and the power saving notification display control step includes: A method for controlling a timekeeping device, wherein the display mode for the power saving notification is made different for each power saving mode. 13. The method of controlling a timekeeping device according to claim 8, wherein a power generation step of generating electric power by converting the first energy into electric energy, which is a second energy, A power storage step of storing the electric energy obtained by the power generation in the power supply unit.