JP2001051070A - Electronic control type mechanical clock and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic control type mechanical clock capable of reporting a user on a time delay and preventing the user from using a clock while time is being delayed. SOLUTION: The electronic control type mechanical clock is provided with a rotary control device 50 for controlling the rotary period of a generator 2 for transducing a mechanical energy from a spring 1 to an electrical energy. The device 50 is provided with an up/down counter 60 for comparing the rotary period of the generator 2 with a reference period, a brake signal generation means 90 for regulating speed that outputs an H-level brake signal LBS1 (brake signal for regulating speed) when the value of the up/down counter 60 is equal to or more than 12 (when the rotary period becomes faster than the reference period), and a brake signal generation means 100 for stopping the movement of clock hands that outputs an H-level brake signal LBS2 (brake signal for stopping the movement of clock hands) when a state where no brake signals for regulating speed are outputted at least four seconds.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electric energy, and a brake for the generator The present invention relates to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece including a brake means for applying a brake force, a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means, and a control method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A mechanical energy generated when a mainspring is opened is converted into electric energy by a generator, and a rotation control device is operated by the electric energy to control a current value flowing through a coil of the generator. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that accurately drives a hand fixed to a wheel train and accurately displays time.

[0003] In such an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, the torque (mechanical energy) applied to the generator by the mainspring is set so that the hands rotate faster than the reference speed. The speed is controlled by applying a brake by the device.

[0004]

However, when the mainspring is released and the spring force of the mainspring decreases, and the rotational torque of the generator cannot be obtained sufficiently, the rotational speed of the generator decreases and the hand movement also decreases. As a result, the time continues to be delayed for a long time.

[0005] At this time, since the hand movement is continued at a low speed, the user is operating normally despite the fact that the correct time is not displayed when the user looks at it for a moment to check the time. There was a problem that would be mistaken.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that can notify a user of a time delay and prevent the user from using the timepiece with the time delay, and a control method thereof. It is in.

[0007]

An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention generates a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, and an induced power driven by the mechanical energy source. A generator for supplying electrical energy to the generator, a brake means for applying a brake to the generator, and a rotation control device driven by the electrical energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, the rotation control device may include a rotation cycle detection unit configured to detect a rotation cycle of the generator, and a rotation cycle of the generator detected by the rotation cycle detection unit may be equal to or greater than a set value. A hand stop brake signal for outputting a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator with respect to the brake means. Characterized in that it comprises a raw device.

According to this configuration, when the rotation cycle of the generator exceeds the set value, the hand stop brake signal generating means outputs a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator. Then, the brake means performs the brake control for stopping the hand operation of the generator.

Specifically, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed by, for example, continuously applying a brake to the generator or intermittently applying the brake in order to stop the hand movement or make the hand movement extremely slow. Will be As a result, the hand movement stops or becomes extremely slow, so that when the user looks at the hands to check the time, it is possible to recognize the abnormality of the hand movement and notify the user of the time delay. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from using the clock with the time delay, and to urge the user to wind up the mainspring, thereby returning the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece to normal operation.

An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention has a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, and an electric energy driven by the mechanical energy source to generate an induced electric power. An electronically controlled machine comprising: a generator for supplying a power; a brake means for applying a brake to the generator; and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. In the timepiece, the rotation control device includes: a rotation cycle detection unit configured to detect a rotation cycle of the generator; a comparison unit configured to compare a rotation cycle of the generator with a reference cycle; A speed-controlling brake signal generating means for outputting a speed-controlling brake signal to the brake means when it is detected that the cycle has become earlier than the cycle. On condition that the brake signal for the governor is not outputted has continued for a set time or more,
And a hand movement stop brake signal generating means for outputting a hand movement stop brake signal for applying a hand movement stop brake to the generator with respect to the brake means.

According to this configuration, when the rotation cycle of the generator is earlier than the reference cycle, a speed control brake signal is output to the brake means, and the speed control brake control is performed. Therefore, when the mechanical energy from a mechanical energy source such as a mainspring is large and the rotation cycle of the generator is earlier than the reference cycle, brake control for speed adjustment is performed, and the rotation cycle is returned to the reference cycle.

On the other hand, when the rotation cycle of the generator is not earlier than the reference cycle, that is, when the mechanical energy from a mechanical energy source such as a mainspring is small and the rotation cycle of the generator becomes slower than the reference cycle, the speed regulation is performed. Is not performed, the rotation cycle is returned to the reference cycle.

If the state in which the speed control brake control is not performed, that is, the state in which the speed control brake signal is not output continues for a set time or more, a hand operation stop brake signal is output to the brake means, and the hand operation stops. Brake control is performed. As a result, the hand movement stops or becomes extremely slow, so that when the user looks at the hands to check the time, it is possible to recognize the abnormality of the hand movement and notify the user of the time delay. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from using the clock with the time delay, and to urge the user to wind up the mainspring, thereby returning the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece to normal operation.

[0014] In this case, the hand stop brake signal generating means may stop the hand operation of the generator with respect to the brake means on condition that the state in which the speed control brake signal is not output continues for at least two seconds. It is preferable to output a hand operation stop brake signal for applying a hand brake.

[0015] With this arrangement, the hand operation stop brake signal is output under the condition that the speed control brake signal is not output, that is, the condition that the speed control brake control is not performed has continued for at least two seconds. Output
It is possible to reliably detect that the mechanical energy from the mechanical energy source such as the mainspring has decreased, and to perform the brake control for stopping the hand movement. In the state where the brake signal for speed adjustment is not output, the time until the brake control for stopping the hand movement may be at least 2 seconds or more, for example, preferably 3 to 4 seconds.

Further, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention comprises:
A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power to supply electrical energy, and a brake to brake the generator Means, and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling the rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means, wherein the rotation control device comprises a rotation cycle of the generator. , A comparison means for comparing the rotation cycle of the generator with a reference cycle, and when the comparison means detects that the rotation cycle is earlier than the reference cycle, the brake A speed control brake signal generating means for outputting a speed control brake signal to the means; and a generator rotation speed detected by the rotation cycle detection means. At least one of the states but the reference value or more conditions and the brake signal for the governor is not output
A hand stop brake signal generating means for outputting a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator to the brake means on condition that the two states continue for a set time or more. And

According to this configuration, the condition that the rotation cycle of the generator is equal to or longer than the reference value, the condition that the speed control brake signal is not output, and the condition that these two conditions have continued for the set time or more. Since the hand operation stop brake signal is output, it is more reliably detected that the mechanical energy from the mechanical energy source such as the mainspring has decreased, and the hand operation stop brake control is accurately performed. be able to.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the hand stop brake signal generating means continuously outputs the hand stop brake signal for at least 2 seconds or more.

With this configuration, when the mechanical energy from the mechanical energy source such as the mainspring becomes small, the brake control for stopping the hand operation is continuously performed for at least two seconds in the generator. Can be almost stopped or in a state close to it. Thus, when the user visually recognizes, it is possible to identify whether the hands are moving or stopped. The time for performing the brake control for stopping the hand movement may be 2 seconds or more, and for example, is preferably about 3 to 6 seconds.

Further, it is preferable that the hand movement stopping brake signal generating means outputs the hand movement stopping brake signal at regular intervals.

The brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed when the energy of the mechanical energy source decreases and the rotation cycle of the generator becomes slower than the reference cycle. If the rotation cycle becomes slow, the hand movement speed will not increase even if the brake control is released.

Therefore, if the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed at regular intervals, when the user visually recognizes it,
It is possible to identify whether the hands are moving or stopped, and even if the user notices that the hands are stopped and adjusts the time of the hands or winds the mainspring,
Since there is a period when the brake is released, the time setting operation and the winding operation can be performed smoothly,
Operability can be improved. Moreover, no special brake releasing operation means is required, so that the cost can be reduced.

According to a method for controlling an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention, a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, and an electric power driven by the mechanical energy source to generate an induced electric power. An electronic control type including: a generator that supplies energy; a brake unit that brakes the generator; and a rotation control device that is driven by the electric energy and controls a rotation cycle of the generator through the brake unit. In the control method of the mechanical clock,
For detecting a rotation cycle of the generator, and for applying a brake for stopping the needle movement to the brake means on the brake means, provided that the detected rotation cycle of the generator is equal to or greater than a set value. It is characterized by outputting a brake signal.

[0024] In addition, the control method of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, and an induced power driven by the mechanical energy source are generated. An electronic device comprising: a generator that supplies electrical energy; a brake unit that applies a brake to the generator; and a rotation control device that is driven by the electrical energy and controls a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake unit. In the control method of the control type mechanical timepiece, the rotation period of the generator is detected, and the detected rotation period of the generator is compared with a reference period. The brake control signal is output to the brake control unit, and the brake control signal is not output, provided that the brake control signal has not been output for a predetermined time or more. And outputting a movement stopping brake signal to brake for movement stopping on the generator with respect to means.

In this case, a hand operation stop brake signal for applying a brake to the generator is output to the brake means on condition that the state in which the speed control brake signal is not output has continued for at least two seconds. Is preferred.

Further, in the control method of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the present invention, a mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, and an induced power driven by the mechanical energy source are generated. An electronic device comprising: a generator that supplies electrical energy; a brake unit that applies a brake to the generator; and a rotation control device that is driven by the electrical energy and controls a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake unit. In the controlled mechanical timepiece, the rotation period of the generator is detected, and the detected rotation period of the generator is compared with a reference period. When the rotation period is earlier than the reference period, the brake means is adjusted. Output the brake signal for the engine, the detected rotation cycle of the generator is equal to or greater than the reference value, and On condition that Kutomo one state continues set time or more, and outputs a movement stopping brake signal to brake for movement stopping on the generator with respect to the brake means.

According to these configurations, the same effect as that described for the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece described above, that is, when the user visually recognizes the hands to check the time, it is possible to recognize the abnormality of the hand movement. The user can be notified of the time delay. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from using the clock with the time delay, and to urge the user to wind up the mainspring, thereby returning the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece to normal operation.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to an embodiment.

The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes a mainspring 1 as a mechanical energy source and a torque of the mainspring 1 generated by a generator 2.
A speed-up wheel train 3 as an energy transmission device for transmitting power to the vehicle, and a time display hand 4 connected to the speed-up wheel train 3 and driven by the torque of the mainspring 1.

The generator 2 is driven by the mainspring 1 through the speed increasing wheel train 3 to generate induced power and supply electric energy. The AC output from the generator 2 is boosted and rectified through a rectifier circuit 5 composed of boost rectification, full-wave rectification, half-wave rectification, transistor rectification, and the like, and is supplied to a power supply circuit 6 including a capacitor and the like.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the generator 2 is provided with a brake circuit 20 as a braking means including the rectifier circuit 5. This brake circuit 20
Is a first switch 21 connected to a first AC input terminal MG1 to which an AC signal (AC current) generated by the generator 2 is input, and a second AC input terminal to which the AC signal is input. And a second switch 22 connected to MG2. When these switches 21 and 22 are turned on at the same time, the first and second AC input terminals MG1 and MG2 are short-circuited to a closed loop state, and a short brake Is to be applied.

The first switch 21 has a Pch first field-effect transistor (FET) 26 having a gate connected to the second AC input terminal MG2, and a chopper signal (a chopper signal generator 80 described later) from a chopper signal generator 80. Chopper pulse) C
The second field-effect transistor 27 whose gate is supplied with H5 is connected in parallel.

The second switch 22 receives a Pch third field-effect transistor (FET) 28 whose gate is connected to the first AC input terminal MG 1 and a chopper signal CH 5 from a chopper signal generator 80. Is connected in parallel with a fourth field-effect transistor 29 that is input to the second transistor.

The voltage doubler rectifier circuit 5 includes a boosting capacitor 23, diodes 24 and 25, and switches 21 and 22 connected to the generator 2. The diodes 24 and 25 are not particularly limited as long as they are unidirectional elements that allow current to flow in one direction. In particular, in an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, since the electromotive voltage of the generator 2 is small, it is preferable to use a Schottky barrier diode or a silicon diode as the diodes 24 and 25 having a small drop voltage Vf and a small reverse leak current. The DC signal rectified by the rectifier circuit 5 is supplied to a power supply circuit (capacitor).
6 is charged.

The brake circuit 20 is controlled by a rotation control device 50 driven by electric power supplied from the power supply circuit 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotation control device 50 includes an oscillation circuit 51, a rotation detection circuit 52 as rotation period detection means, and a control circuit 53.

The oscillating circuit 51 outputs an oscillating signal (32768 Hz) using a quartz oscillator 51A as a time standard source, and the oscillating signal is frequency-divided to a certain period by a frequency dividing circuit 54 comprising 15 flip-flops. Is done. The output Q12 at the twelfth stage of the frequency dividing circuit 54 is output as the 8 Hz reference signal fs.

The rotation detecting circuit 52 comprises a waveform shaping circuit 61 connected to the generator 2 and a monomultivibrator 62. The waveform shaping circuit 61 includes an amplifier and a comparator, and converts a sine wave into a rectangular wave. The mono-multi vibrator 62 functions as a band-pass filter that passes only pulses of a certain period or less, and outputs a rotation detection signal FG1 from which noise has been removed.

The control circuit 53 includes a synchronization circuit 70 and a rotation detection signal F of the rotation detection circuit 52 via the synchronization circuit 70.
G1 and a reference signal fs from the frequency dividing circuit 54 are input as an up / down counter 60 as a comparison means, a speed control brake signal generation means 90, a hand stop brake signal generation means 100, and a chopper signal generation section 80. And

The synchronizing circuit 70 includes four flip-flops 71, an AND gate 72, and a NAND gate 73. The fifth stage output Q5 (1024 Hz) of the frequency dividing circuit 54 is provided.
And the signal of the output Q6 (512 Hz) of the sixth stage,
The rotation detection signal FG1 is synchronized with the reference signal fs (8 Hz), and an adjustment is made so that these signal pulses are not output overlapping.

The up / down counter 60 is constituted by a 4-bit counter. Up / down counter 60
A signal based on the rotation detection signal FG1 is input from the synchronization circuit 70 to an up-count input, and a signal based on the reference signal fs is input from the synchronization circuit 70 to a down-count input. Thus, the counting of the reference signal fs and the rotation detection signal FG1 and the calculation of the difference can be performed simultaneously.

The up / down counter 60 is provided with four data input terminals (preset terminals) A to D. When an H level signal is input to the terminals A, B, and D, the up / down counter 60 performs an up / down operation. The initial preset value (initial counter value) of the down counter 60 is set to “11”.

The LOA of the up / down counter 60
The D input terminal has an initialization circuit 9 connected to the power supply circuit 6.
2 is input.
In the present embodiment, the initialization circuit 92 includes the power supply circuit 6
Is configured to output an H-level signal until the charging voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, and output an L-level signal when the charging voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage.

Since the up / down counter 60 does not accept the up / down input until the LOAD input becomes L level, that is, until the system reset signal SR is released, the counter value of the up / down counter 60 becomes "11". Will be maintained.

The up / down counter 60 has 4-bit outputs QA to QD. Therefore, if the counter value is “12” or more, the output Q of the third and fourth bits is
C and QD both output an H level signal. If the counter value is equal to or less than "11", the output Q of the third and fourth bits is output.
Neither C nor QD outputs an H level signal. These outputs QC and QD are input to the speed control brake signal generating means 90.

The NAN to which the outputs QA to QD are input
Each output of the D gate 74 and the OR gate 75 is N
Each is input to the AND gate 73. Therefore,
For example, when a plurality of up-count signals are input and the counter value becomes “15”, the NAND gate 74 outputs L
The level signal is output, and the up-count signal is N
Even if the signal is input to the AND gate 73, the input is canceled so that the up / down counter 60 is set so that the up count signal is not input any more. Similarly, when the counter value becomes “0”, an L level signal is output from the OR gate 75, so that the input of the down count signal is canceled. Thus, the counter value is set so as not to exceed “15” and become “0” or to exceed “0” and become “15”.

The speed-controlling brake signal generating means 90 is constituted by an AND gate 86 which outputs the brake signal LBS1 using the outputs QC and QD of the up / down counter 60. That is, when the count value of the up / down counter 60 is "12" or more, the H level brake signal LBS1 (speed control brake signal) is output from the AND gate 86;
6 output an L level brake signal LBS1.

Hand movement stop brake signal generating means 100
Is constituted by a counter 101 in which the output of the AND gate 86 is connected to the clear input terminal. The clock input terminal of the counter 101 is connected to one of the frequency
The output Q15 (1 Hz) of the fifth stage is connected. Therefore, the count value of the up / down counter 60 is “11”.
When it becomes less than the above, the counter 101 is not reset and the H level brake signal LBS2 (hand movement stop brake signal) is output from the output terminal Q3 three to four seconds later. The H level and the L level are repeated. Note that the brake signals LBS1, LBS
Both BS2s are input to the chopper signal generator 80 via the OR gate 87.

The chopper signal generator 80 includes a frequency dividing circuit 54
Using the outputs Q5 to Q8 of the first chopper signal CH1
And an output Q of the frequency dividing circuit 54
An OR gate 83 that outputs a second chopper signal CH2 using the signals Q5 to Q8, and an output CH3 of the OR gate 87.
And an AND gate 84 to which the second chopper signal CH2 is input, and an output CH4 of the AND gate 84 and the first
NOR gate 85 to which is input chopper signal CH1
And

The output CH5 from the NOR gate 85 is P
The signals are input to the gates of the channel transistors 27 and 29. While the output CH5 is at the L level, the transistors 27 and 29 are kept on, the generator 2 is short-circuited and the brake is applied. On the other hand, while the output CH5 is at the H level, the transistors 27 and 29 are kept off, and the generator 2 is not braked.
Therefore, the generator 2 can be choppered by the output CH5 from the NOR gate 85.

Here, the respective chopper signals CH1, CH
The duty ratio of 2 is the ratio of the time during which the generator 2 is braked during one cycle of the chopper signal. In the present embodiment, 1 is used for each of the chopper signals CH1 and CH2.
This is the ratio of the time during which the signal is at the H level during the cycle. For example, the duty ratio of each of the chopper signals CH1 and CH2 is set as shown in FIG.

Now, the output CH3 from the NOR gate 87
Is an L level signal (the brake signals LBS1, LBS
2 are both at L level), the output CH4 is also at L level. Therefore, the output CH5 from the NOR gate 85
Is the chopper signal obtained by inverting the chopper signal CH1, that is, the H level period (brake off period) is as long as 15/16, and the L level period (brake on period) is as short as 1/16, that is, the duty ratio for performing the weak brake control. (The ratio of turning on the switches 21 and 22) is small (1/1).
6) It becomes a chopper signal. Therefore, weak braking control is performed on the generator 2 with priority given to power generation.

On the other hand, output CH3 from NOR gate 87
Is an H level signal (the brake signals LBS1, LBS
2 is H level), the AND gate 8
4 outputs the chopper signal CH2 as it is, and the output CH4 becomes the same as the chopper signal CH2. For this reason,
The output CH5 from the NOR gate 85 is a chopper signal obtained by inverting the output CH2, that is, the H-level period (brake-off period) is as short as 1/16, and the L-level period (brake-on period) is as long as 15/16. This is a (15/16) chopper signal having a large duty ratio for performing the brake control. Accordingly, the total time of the L-level signal for applying the short brake to the generator 2 becomes longer, and the output CH5 becomes a H-level signal at a constant period, although strong braking control is performed for the generator 2. Since the short brake is turned off, choppering control is performed, and the braking torque can be improved while suppressing a decrease in the generated power.

Therefore, the output CH from the NOR gate 87
While the signal 3 is at the H level signal, strong brake control is performed by a chopper signal having a large duty ratio, and during the L level signal, weak brake control is performed by a chopper signal having a small duty ratio. That is, the strong brake control and the weak brake control are switched by the output CH3 from the NOR gate 87.

In the present invention, the strong brake and the weak brake are relative to each other, and a strong brake means that a braking force is stronger than a weak brake. The specific braking force of each brake, that is, the duty ratio and frequency of the chopper brake signal may be set as appropriate in the implementation.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS.

When the generator 2 starts to operate, the initialization circuit 92
When the L-level system reset signal SR is input to the LOAD input of the up / down counter 60, the up count signal based on the rotation detection signal FG1 and the down count signal based on the reference signal fs are output as shown in FIG. It is counted by the up / down counter 60. These signals are simultaneously output to the counter 60 by the synchronization circuit 70.
Is set to not be entered.

For this reason, when the up-count signal is input from the state where the initial count value is set to "11", the counter value becomes "12", and the brake signal LBS1 from the AND gate 86 becomes the H level signal. Become. At this time, since the brake signal LBS2 from the output terminal Q3 of the hand stoppage brake signal generating means 100 (counter 101) remains at the L level, the output CH3 from the OR gate 87 outputs the brake signal LBS1 as it is, The circuit 20 performs braking control for speed regulation on the generator 2. If the counter value is equal to or greater than "12", the speed control brake control is continued.

Conversely, when the down-count signal is input and the counter value becomes "11" or less, the brake signal LBS
1 becomes the L level. At this time, the brake signal LBS2 from the output terminal Q3 of the counter 101 remains at the L level until 3 to 4 seconds have elapsed, so that the output CH3 from the OR gate 87 is at the L level. Therefore, the output CH5 from the NOR gate 85 has a chopper signal obtained by inverting the chopper signal CH1, that is, the H level period (brake off period) is as long as 15/16, and the L level period (brake on period) is as 1/16. Since the chopper signal is short, that is, a small (1/16) chopper signal having a small duty ratio (the ratio of the switches 21 and 22 being turned on) for performing the weak braking control, the weak braking which gives priority to the power generation for the generator 2 Control is performed.

When the control is performed in this manner, as shown in FIG. 4, the up counter signal and the down counter signal are alternately input, and the state shifts to the lock state in which the counter value repeats "12" and "11". . At this time, the strong brake control and the weak brake control are repeated according to the counter value, so that the generator 2 is maintained near the set rotation speed.

On the other hand, when the counter value is "11" or less, the counter 101 is not reset because the brake signal LBS1 is at the L level. The clock input terminal of the counter 101 is connected to the 15
Since the output Q15 (1 Hz) of the stage is input, as shown in FIG.
The level brake signal LBS2 (hand stop brake signal) is output and stopped after 4 seconds. Then, after 4 seconds, a brake signal LBS2 (a hand stop brake signal) is output, and this is repeated. At this time, since the brake signal LBS1 remains at the L level, the OR gate 8
7, the brake signal LBS2 is output as it is from the output CH3, and the brake circuit 20 controls the generator 2 to stop the hand movement. In other words, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed for 4 seconds, and the brake control is repeated in a cycle of 4 seconds. As a result, the hand movement can be stopped or close to the same. It can be easily and reliably recognized.

The above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) 1,
It is determined whether or not the brake control for speed adjustment is performed. If the counter value of the uptown counter 60 is equal to or greater than "12", the speed control brake control is performed, and in ST2, the timer 1 (timer for measuring the hand operation stop brake signal OFF time) and the timer 2 (the hand operation stop brake). After resetting both the timer for measuring the signal ON time and setting the flag (the flag for storing the ON / OFF state of the hand movement stop brake signal) to F = 0 in ST3, the process of returning to ST1 is repeated.

If it is determined in ST1 that the count value of the uptown counter 60 is equal to or less than "11", ST4
Then, it is determined whether or not the flag F = 1. Flag F
If it is not = 1 (the hand stop brake signal is OFF), the process proceeds to ST5, and it is determined whether or not the timer 1 has passed three seconds. The counter value is equal to or less than "11", and
After 3 seconds have elapsed without the flag F = 1, a hand stop brake signal is started in ST6, and F = 1 is set in ST7.
After starting the timer 2 in ST8, the process returns to ST1.

Then, since it is recognized that F = 1 in ST4, the process proceeds to ST9, and it is determined whether or not the timer 2 has elapsed for 4 seconds. When the counter value is equal to or less than "11" and the state of the flag F = 1 for 4 seconds has elapsed, F = 0, the timer 2 is reset in ST10, the timer 1 is reset in ST11, and the hand stop brake signal in ST12. To stop. Thereafter, the processing of ST1, 4 to 8 and ST1,
As a result of the repetition of the processes of 4, 9 to 12, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is repeated periodically (every 4 seconds).

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) As the rotation control device 50, in addition to the speed control brake signal generating means 90 (AND gate 86) for performing normal speed control brake control, a hand operation stop brake signal generating means 100 is used. The rotation of the generator 2 becomes slower than the reference cycle due to the decrease of the torque of the mainspring 1 and the hand movement is also slowed down. The brake control for stopping the hand operation can be performed at the same time. For this reason, when the watch does not move normally, the hand movement can be stopped or set to a very low speed, and the watch user can easily and reliably recognize the hand movement abnormality when checking the time. It is possible to encourage the use of a properly controlled electronically controlled mechanical timepiece.

(2) When the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is earlier than the reference cycle, a speed control brake signal (H level brake signal LBS1) is output to the brake circuit 20, and the speed control brake is output. Control, that is, strong brake control is performed. Therefore, when the mechanical energy from the mainspring 1 is large and the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is earlier than the reference cycle, brake control for speed adjustment is performed, and the rotation cycle is returned to the reference cycle.

When the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is not earlier than the reference cycle, that is, when the mechanical energy from the mainspring 1 is small and the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is later than the reference cycle, the weak brake control is performed. That is, since the speed control brake control is not performed, the rotation cycle is returned to the reference cycle.

As described above, by repeating the strong brake control and the weak brake control, the generator 2 can be maintained near the set rotational speed.

(3) If the state in which the brake control for speed control is not performed continues for a set time, specifically, 3 to 4 seconds,
A hand stop brake signal (H
The level brake signal LBS2) is output, and the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed.

Accordingly, the brake operation for stopping the hand operation is performed on condition that the state in which the speed control brake control is not performed for 3 to 4 seconds or more, so that the mechanical energy from the mainspring 1 is reduced. Is detected,
Brake control for stopping hand movement can be performed.

(4) In the brake control for stopping the hand movement, the strong brake control is performed for at least 4 seconds.
Hand operation can be reliably stopped or brought into a state close to it. Therefore, when the user views the hands to check the time,
It is possible to recognize the abnormality of the hand operation and notify the user of the time delay. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from using the clock with the time delay, and to urge the user to perform an operation to wind up the mainspring 1 to return the electronically controlled mechanical clock to the normal operation.

(5) The brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed when the energy of the mainspring 1 decreases and the rotation cycle of the generator 2 becomes slower than the reference cycle. If the rotation cycle of the generator is slow, the hand movement speed will not increase even if the brake control is released.

In the present embodiment, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed at intervals of 4 seconds. Therefore, when visually recognized by the user, it is possible to determine whether the hands are moving or stopped, and to determine whether the pointer is moving. Notices that the pointer 4 has stopped and performs the time setting operation of the pointer 4 and the winding operation of the mainspring 1, because there is a period in which the brake is released.
The time setting operation and the winding operation can be performed smoothly, and the operability can be improved. Moreover, no special brake releasing operation means is required, so that the cost can be reduced.

(6) The speed control brake control is set only when the counter value is equal to or greater than "12" or equal to or less than "11". The control device 50 can have a simple configuration, component costs and manufacturing costs can be reduced, and an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece can be provided at low cost.

(7) Since the timing at which the up-counter signal is input changes according to the rotation speed of the generator 2,
The time of strong brake control can also be adjusted automatically. Therefore, particularly in a locked state where the up-counter signal and the down-count signal are alternately input, stable control with quick response can be performed.

(8) The rotation control device 50 includes the brake circuit 20 having the transistors 27 and 29 capable of short-circuiting both ends of the generator 2. 27,
Since the generator 2 is brake-controlled by turning on and off the switch 29, the configuration of the brake circuit 20 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
The main parts of the embodiment are shown. In the description of the drawing, the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the hand stop brake signal generating means 100 is deleted, and instead, a rotation cycle detecting means 110 and a hand stop brake signal generating means 120 are provided. .

The rotation cycle detecting means 110 is provided with a six-stage frequency dividing circuit 11 for dividing the seventh output Q7 of the frequency dividing circuit 54.
1, a NOR gate 112 which receives as input the outputs F4 and F6 of the fourth and sixth stages of the frequency dividing circuit 111,
A flip-flop 113 in which the output of the OR gate 112 is connected to the CK input terminal, and a flip-flop 11 in which the Q output terminal of the flip-flop 113 is connected to the D input terminal
4 is provided. Note that the output FG2 of the AND gate 72 in the synchronization circuit 70 is input to the clear terminal of the frequency dividing circuit 111. The flip-flop 11
3, the clear input terminal is connected to A in the synchronous circuit 70.
The output FG2 of the ND gate 72 and the H level signal are input to the D input terminal. The rotation detection signal FG1 is input to a CK input terminal of the flip-flop 114. Therefore, the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is 156
SP1 is at the L level for more than ms, but SP1 is at the H level when the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is less than 156 ms.

Hand stop brake signal generating means 120
Is a counter 121 in which the inverted output of the flip-flop 114 is connected to a clear input terminal.
The counter 121 includes a flip-flop 122 having an output terminal Q3 connected to a CK input terminal, and an AND gate 123 which receives an output from the output terminal Q3 of the counter 121 and an inverted output of the flip-flop 122 as inputs. The output (1 Hz) from the output Q15 of the frequency dividing circuit 54 is input to the clock input terminal of the counter 121. The output SP1 of the flip-flop 114 is input to the CR inversion input terminal of the flip-flop 122, and the H-level signal is input to the D input terminal.

Therefore, the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is 156 ms.
If it is less than SP1, since SP1 is at the H level, the counter 121
Are reset, and no H-level signal is output from the output terminal Q3.

However, the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is 156 ms.
As described above, as shown in FIG. 8, SP1 becomes L level, and the counter 121 is in a state where reset is not applied. Then, the clock input terminal of the counter 121 is
Since the output Q15 (1 Hz) at the fifteenth stage of the frequency dividing circuit 54 is input, the output terminal Q3 outputs H
A level brake signal LBS2 (hand operation stop brake signal) is output at a cycle of 4 seconds. As a result, the brake signal LBS3 becomes H level only during a period (4 seconds) corresponding to the first H level brake signal LBS2. Since the brake signal LBS3 is output through the OR gate 87, the brake circuit 20 controls the generator 2 to stop the hand movement. That is, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed only for four seconds. Thereby, when checking the time, the user can easily and reliably recognize the hand movement abnormality.

The above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 9 in that step ST13 for detecting the rotor rotation period is added.
Is different from the flowchart of FIG. 6 in that it is determined whether or not the rotation cycle is longer than 156 ms.

In this case, when the rotation cycle is longer than 156 ms, the process proceeds to ST4, and the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed.

According to such an embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(9) When the rotation cycle detection means 110 detects that the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is longer than 156 ms, the counter 121 of the hand stoppage brake signal generation means 120 is set to a state where it is not reset. When three to four seconds continue, the output terminal Q3 of the counter 121
Changes from L level to H level. Then, since the brake signal LBS3 becomes H level only during a period (4 seconds) corresponding to the first H level brake signal LBS2, that is, the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed only for 4 seconds. Can easily and reliably recognize a hand movement abnormality when checking the time.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the drawing, the same or equivalent components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that
The hand operation stop brake signal generating means is different. The hand movement stop brake signal generating means 120 in the present embodiment includes:
An AND gate 124 having an output SP1 from the rotation period detecting means 110 and a brake signal LBS1 from the AND gate 86 as inputs and having an output connected to a clear input terminal of the counter 121 is added.

In this embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, ST1 is NO and ST13 is YES
Only, that is, the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is 156 ms
Below, and only when the counter value of the up / down counter 60 is equal to or greater than "12", the brake control for speed control is performed. Otherwise, the brake control for stopping the hand operation is performed by the processing of ST5 to ST12. It has become.

According to such an embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(10) When the rotation cycle of the generator 2 detected by the rotation cycle detecting means 110 is 156 ms or less and the counter value of the up / down counter 60 is "12" or more, the hand operation stop brake signal Generating means 120
The counter 121 is reset, and when the other conditions are satisfied, that is, when the rotation cycle of the generator 2 is longer than 156 ms, when the counter value of the up / down counter 60 is equal to or less than “11” (when the speed-controlling brake signal is If the output is not performed), the counter 121 of the hand stop brake signal generating means 120 will not be reset if it is at the same time. Brake control is performed. In this case, monitor the status of and
Since the brake control for stopping the hand movement is performed,
Abnormal hand operation can be detected easily and reliably.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, the 4-bit up / down counter 60 is used, but an up / down counter of 3 bits or less may be used, or an up / down counter of 5 bits or more may be used.

The specific configurations of the brake circuit 20, the synchronizing circuit 70, and the like are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments, and may be set as appropriate in the implementation.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the brake is turned on and off at intervals of 4 seconds during the hand operation stop brake control. However, the set time for applying the brake takes into account the mechanical load of the timepiece and the torque of the mainspring. And may be set as appropriate, for example, may be set to about 2 to 6 seconds.

The present invention is not limited to the application to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece as in the above embodiment, but also includes a table clock,
Clocks and other watches, portable watches, portable blood pressure monitors,
The present invention can be applied to a mobile phone, a pager, a pedometer, a calculator, a portable personal computer, an electronic organizer, a portable radio, a music box, a metronome, an electric razor, and the like.

[0101]

As described above, according to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece and the control method of the present invention, the user can be notified of the time delay, and the user can use the timepiece with the time delay. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the chopper control unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing control timing in a normal state in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing control timing at the time of low-speed rotation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing control timing at the time of low-speed rotation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mainspring (mechanical energy source) 2 Generator 4 Pointer 5 Double voltage rectifier circuit 6 Power supply circuit 20 Brake circuit (Brake means) 50 Rotation control device 52 Rotation detection circuit (Rotation cycle detection means) 60 Up / down counter (Comparison means) Reference Signs List 70 Synchronous circuit 80 Chopper signal generator 90 Brake signal generator for speed control 100 Brake signal generator for hand stop 110 Rotation cycle detector 120 Brake signal generator for hand stop

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hidenori Nakamura 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 2F082 AA00 CC01 CC06 CC10 DD08 DD09 DD10 HH00 HH01 JJ00 5H590 AA04 AA21 AB15 CA30 CC02 CC22 CD01 CE10 EA05 EA13 EA20 FB01 FC12 FC14 FC22 FC26 GB04 HA11 HA27 JA02 JA09 JA19 JB01 JB03 JB12 JB15 JB18 KK01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. A rotation cycle detection means for detecting a rotation cycle of the generator, and a condition that the rotation cycle of the generator detected by the rotation cycle detection means has become equal to or greater than a set value. An electronically controlled machine comprising: a hand stop brake signal generating means for outputting a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake. Watch. 2. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. A rotation cycle detection means for detecting a rotation cycle of the generator, a comparison means for comparing the rotation cycle of the generator with a reference cycle, and the comparison means detecting that the rotation cycle is earlier than the reference cycle. A speed-controlling brake signal generating means for outputting a speed-controlling brake signal to the brake means, and the speed-controlling brake signal is output. And a hand stop brake signal generating means for outputting a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator with respect to the brake means on condition that the state has continued for a set time or more. An electronically controlled mechanical clock. 3. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 2, wherein the hand movement stop brake signal generating means is provided on condition that the state in which the speed control brake signal is not output has continued for at least 2 seconds or more. An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece which outputs a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator to the brake means. 4. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. A rotation cycle detection means for detecting a rotation cycle of the generator, a comparison means for comparing the rotation cycle of the generator with a reference cycle, and the comparison means detecting that the rotation cycle is earlier than the reference cycle. The speed control brake signal generating means for outputting a speed control brake signal to the brake means when The operation of the generator with respect to the brake means is stopped on the condition that at least one of a state in which the rotation cycle of the electric machine is equal to or more than a reference value and a state in which the speed control brake signal is not output has continued for a set time or more. An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece including a hand movement stop brake signal generating means for outputting a hand movement stop brake signal for applying a hand brake. 5. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the hand stop brake signal generating means continuously outputs the hand stop brake signal for at least two seconds. An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece. 6. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 5, wherein the hand movement stop brake signal generating means outputs the hand movement stop brake signal at regular intervals. clock. 7. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece control method comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device that is driven by the electric energy and controls a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. A rotation cycle is detected, and a hand stop brake signal for applying a hand stop brake to the generator is output to the brake means on a condition that the detected rotation cycle of the generator is equal to or greater than a set value. A method for controlling an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece. 8. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece control method comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device that is driven by the electric energy and controls a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. A rotation cycle is detected, and the detected rotation cycle of the generator is compared with a reference cycle. When the rotation cycle is faster than the reference cycle, a speed control brake signal is output to the brake means, and the adjustment is performed. On the condition that the state in which the speed brake signal is not output has continued for a set time or more, a brake for stopping the hand movement to the generator with respect to the brake means is provided. Electronically controlled mechanical control method for timepiece and outputs a movement stopping brake signal multiplying. 9. The control method for an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 8, wherein the condition that the speed control brake signal is not output has been continued for at least 2 seconds or more. A method for controlling an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, comprising outputting a hand operation stop brake signal for applying a brake to a generator. 10. A mechanical energy source, a pointer driven by the mechanical energy source, a generator driven by the mechanical energy source to generate induced power and supply electrical energy, and the generator An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprising: a brake means for applying a brake to the motor; and a rotation control device driven by the electric energy and controlling a rotation cycle of the generator via the brake means. Detecting and comparing the detected rotation cycle of the generator with the reference cycle, and when the rotation cycle is earlier than the reference cycle, outputs a speed-controlling brake signal to the brake means; At least one of a state in which the rotation cycle of the motor is longer than a reference value and a state in which the speed control brake signal is not output has continued for a set time or more. Conditions as the electronically controlled mechanical control method of the watch, characterized in that to the brake means for outputting a movement stopping brake signal to brake for movement stopping the generator.