JP2002107465A - Automatic correcting clock - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic correcting clock in which the wiring work can be concentrated and the restriction of design of a hand position detecting system can be relieved. SOLUTION: A light detecting sensor 140 is composed of a light emitting element 142 installed on a circuit board 141 fixed to a wall surface of an upper case 112 and a light receiving element 144 fixed to the wall surface of the upper case 112 and installed on the circuit board 141 in parallel to the light emitting element 142, a body part 151 is arranged in the inner wall vicinity of a lower case 111 or integrally, and a light conductor 150 is arranged so that one end part 152 is arranged so as to be opposed to a light emitting part of the light emitting element 142 by sandwiching a forming area of a third through hole 122c of a first No.4 wheel 122, and the other end part 153 is arranged so as to be opposed to a light receiving part of the light receiving element 144 by sandwiching an area capable of overlapping a through hole 124c of a minute hand wheel 124, a through hole 134c of a hour hand wheel 134, a through hole 133c of a second No.3 wheel 133 and a through hole 132c of a second No.4 wheel 132.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic timepiece such as a radio-controlled timepiece which adjusts the time by receiving a radio signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A radio-controlled timepiece has a function of receiving, for example, a long-wave (40 kHz) standard radio wave transmitting the Japanese Standard Time with high accuracy and performing a so-called zero return based on a received signal. A pointer position detecting device is provided to accurately adjust the position of the pointer to the correct hour at the time of zero return.

This type of radio-controlled timepiece has a built-in receiving system circuit for receiving a standard radio wave, and a control circuit for driving a pointer driving system based on the received signal to correct the time. Has, for example, an initial correction mode without time data in an initial state and a normal correction mode.

In the initial correction mode, for example, when a radio-controlled timepiece is purchased and placed at a predetermined place indoors, a battery is first inserted and set at a predetermined position of the timepiece. Next, as an initial needle adjustment, a needle position detection and a zero return operation are performed. When the return-to-zero operation is completed, reception of the standard radio wave by the receiving circuit is started, and the received radio wave is input to the control circuit.

[0005] The control circuit performs a decoding operation to time based on the received radio wave input. As a result of decoding,
If the time can be set, the pointer position is corrected to a position corresponding to the decoded time code, the initial correction mode ends, and the mode shifts to the normal correction mode.

On the other hand, if the time cannot be set, the position of the hands is not corrected, and the user is notified of the fact by turning on, for example, an LED or the like as notification means provided in the timepiece body. .

In the normal correction mode, after the pointer position is corrected in the initial correction mode, the pointer position is corrected to a position corresponding to the time code of the received radio signal.

[0008]

By the way, in the case of the above-mentioned radio-controlled timepiece, the position of the hands is detected by, for example, a transmission type optical sensor through a through hole formed in a high-speed gear such as an intermediate wheel. And by detecting through-holes formed in the hour and minute wheel. In this way, through the through holes of the high-speed gear, highly accurate pointer position detection can be realized.

However, in the conventional pointer position detecting system, the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmission type optical sensor are arranged separately and opposite to the upper case and the lower case. It is difficult and troublesome to concentrate the work. Further, when forming a through hole indicating the reference position with respect to the intermediate wheel and the indicator wheel, it is necessary to form the through holes arranged so as to overlap each other. It is difficult to detect the position of the pointer by using the method, and there is a disadvantage that the design of the pointer position detection system is restricted.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to centralize wiring work.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic correction timepiece that can reduce restrictions such as the design of a pointer position detection system.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic timepiece according to the present invention comprises a first hand wheel having a first through-hole indicating a reference position, and a second hand wheel indicating a reference position. Are formed coaxially with the first wheel so that the second hole and the first hole can overlap each other. A second pointer wheel that is rotationally driven at different speeds, and a first intermediate wheel in which the rotation speed of the first drive source is reduced and transmitted to the first pointer wheel, and a third through hole is formed. A first indicator wheel drive system including a car;
The rotation speed of the second drive source is reduced and transmitted to the second pointer wheel, and the first through-hole and the second
A second indicator wheel drive system including a second intermediate wheel having a fourth through hole formed so as to be able to overlap the second aperture of the first indicator wheel, and a second indicator wheel of the first intermediate wheel. A light emitting element for emitting detection light to a region where the third through hole is formed or a region where the first through hole, the second through hole, and the fourth through hole can overlap each other; Wherein the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the fourth through-hole are arranged at positions capable of receiving the detection light passing through the third through-hole, The light receiving element that outputs a corresponding detection signal, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate wheel, the first hand wheel, and the second hand wheel, and The detection light passing through the through hole is guided to an area where the first through hole, the second through hole, and the fourth through hole can overlap. And a light conductor.

In the present invention, the first pointer wheel, the second pointer wheel, the first pointer wheel drive system, and the second pointer wheel drive system are spaces formed by an upper case and a lower case. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged in the upper case, and the light guide is arranged on the lower case side.

In the present invention, the first pointer wheel, the second pointer wheel, the first pointer wheel drive system, and the second pointer wheel drive system are spaces formed by an upper case and a lower case. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed in the lower case, and the light guide is disposed on the upper case side.

Further, in the present invention, the light guide has a projection formed in a part thereof, and the projection is inserted into the shafts of the first and second pointer wheels, and at least an upper case is formed. Form a part of.

According to the present invention, the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the pointer position detecting system are arranged on the same side of the wheel train, for example, on the upper case (upper plate) side or the lower case (lower plate) side. When the position of the pointer is detected, the detection light is emitted from the light emitting element to, for example, a region where the third through hole formed in the first intermediate wheel is formed. Then, the detection light passing through the third through hole enters the light guide. The detection light incident on the light guide is applied to a first through-hole formed in a first pointer wheel (for example, a minute hand), a second through-hole formed in a second pointer wheel (for example, an hour hand), and The light is guided to a region where the fourth through holes formed in the second intermediate wheel can overlap.
Then, all of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the fourth through hole overlap, and the detection light passing through all of them is received by the light receiving element.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a signal processing circuit of a radio-controlled timepiece as an automatic timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a two-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of one embodiment of the pointer position detecting device, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part of the pointer position detecting device of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a signal processing system circuit;
Is the standard radio signal reception and transmission system (hereinafter referred to as the transmission / reception system).
), 12 is a reset / forced reception switch, 13 is oscillation
Circuit, 14 is a control circuit, 15 is a drive circuit, and 16 is a report circuit.
A light emitting element as an informing means, 17 and 18 are drive circuits,
V_CCIs the power supply voltage, C₁ ~ C_Three Is a capacitor, R₁ ~ R _Five 
Is a resistance element, 100 is a watch body, 120 is a second hand.
A minute hand drive system 130 drives a minute hand and an hour hand which are hands.
The moving hour hand drive system, 140 is a light transmission type light detection sensor,
Reference numerals 150 and 150 denote light guides, respectively.

The standard radio signal receiving system 11 receives the reception antenna 11a and a long wave (for example, 40 kHz) S1 including a time code signal transmitted from a key station, performs predetermined processing, and performs a predetermined process as a pulse signal S11. And a long-wave receiving circuit 11b that outputs the signal to the receiver. The long wave receiving circuit 11b is configured by, for example, an RF amplifier, a detection circuit, a rectifier circuit, and an integration circuit.

The long wave (40 kHz) standard radio wave transmitted by the standard radio signal receiving system 11 and transmitting the Japan Standard Time with high accuracy is transmitted in a form as shown in FIG. Specifically, in the case of the "1" signal, a signal of 40 kHz is sent for 500 ms (0.5 s) during one second (s), and in the case of the "0" signal, the signal is transmitted for one second (s). 800ms
A signal of 40 kHz is transmitted for (0.8 s), and in the case of the “P” signal, 200 ms (0.2 s) in one second (s)
Only a signal of 40 kHz is sent. When the receiving state is good, the long wave receiving circuit 11b outputs a signal S11 to the control circuit 14 as a pulse signal according to the presence or absence of 40 kHz as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the time code of the standard time radio signal. The current longwave standard radio wave in Japan is transmitted from Fukushima Prefecture under the control of the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, and the transmitted information includes the minutes, hours, and the accumulated date from January 1st. Has become.

The time data is transmitted at one bit / second and one minute is defined as one frame. In this frame, the information of the minute, hour, and integrated date from January 1 is provided in the form of a BCD code. The transmitted data includes a marker called a P-code in addition to 0 and 1, and this P-code is present at several places in one frame, and is equivalent to the minute (0 second), 9 seconds,
Appears at 9, 29, 39, 49, and 59 seconds. This P code appears 59 times in one frame.
Only in the case of seconds and 0 seconds, the position that appears continuously becomes the minute position. In other words, time data such as minute / hour data is determined in the frame with reference to the minute position, so that the time data cannot be extracted unless the minute position is detected.

Next, the long standard radio wave will be described.

In the current standard radio wave, in addition to the previous transmission data (at the time of the experimental station), the last two digits, the day of the week, minute parity, hour parity, spare bits to be used when daylight saving time is introduced, and leap seconds are added. (See FIG. 5A). Also,
At 15 minutes and 45 minutes each hour, wave stop information for interrupting transmission of radio waves was also added (see FIG. 5B). In the following, among these newly established information, the spare bits, the leap second information, and the interruption information will be described.

The spare bits are, as shown in Table 1, SU
1. Use SU2. These are provided for future information expansion. When this bit is used in summer time information, SU1 = SU2 = 0, "no change to daylight saving time within 6 days", SU1 = 1, SU2 = 0
Then, "There is a change to daylight saving time within 6 days", SU1 = 0.
SU2 = 1 means “during daylight saving time”, SU1 = SU2 = 1
In this example, the information format is such that "daylight saving time ends within six days". Regarding the switch to daylight saving time, summer time has not yet been introduced in Japan, and it is still unknown. However, looking at the change of daylight saving time in Europe, it often happens during the night.

[0025]

[Table 1]

The next leap second is LS, as shown in Table 2.
LS1 = LS2 = 0, "leap second is not corrected within one month", LS1
= 1.LS2 = 0, "a negative leap second (deleted) within one month", that is, one minute is 59 seconds, and LS = LS =
1, the information format is such that "a positive leap second (insertion) occurs within one month", that is, one minute is 61 seconds.
The timing of leap second correction has already been determined and U
It is to be performed immediately before January 1 or July 1 of the TC time. Therefore, in Japan time (JTC), 1
It will be held just before 9:00 am on the 1st of the month or on the 1st of July.

[0027]

[Table 2]

The wave stop information is shown in (a), (b) and (c) of Table 3.
, ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, S
Using T5 and ST6, wave stop information of wave stop start notice is provided in ST1, ST2, ST3, wave stop time notice in ST4, and wave stop information in ST5, ST6. First, the stoppage notice will be described. When ST1 = ST2 = ST3 = 0, there is “no scheduled stoppage”, when ST1 = ST2 = 0, ST3 = 1, “stop within 7 days”, ST1 = 0, ST2 = 1.・ ST
When 3 = 0, “wave stops within 3 to 6 days”, ST1 = 0 · S
In T2 = ST3 = 1, “waves will stop within 2 days”, ST1 = 1
ST2 = ST3 = 0 "Wave stops within 24 hours", S
When T1 = 1.ST2 = 0.ST3 = 1, the wave is stopped within 12 hours. When ST1 = ST2 = 1.ST3 = 0, the wave is broken within 2 hours. Next, the break time notice
ST4 = 1 "only during the day", ST4 = 0 "all day,
Or there is no scheduled stoppage. " Next, the suspension period notice is S
When T5 = ST6 = 0, “No scheduled stoppage”, ST5 = 0.
For ST6 = 1, "7 days or more of suspension or unknown period", S
In T5 = 1 and ST6 = 0, "The wave stops within 2 to 6 days. S
At T5 = ST6 = 1, it is “waves stop in less than 2 days”.

[0029]

[Table 3]

As described above, the transmission information by radio waves including the long-wave standard time information managed and operated by the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been described in detail. Information and wave stop information are also included in the transmission information.

The reset / forced reception switch 12 is turned on when returning various states of the control circuit 14 to the initial state. When the reset / forced reception switch 12 is turned on or when a battery (not shown) is set, the radio-controlled timepiece enters a correction mode in which, for example, a standard time radio signal is forcibly received and corrected.

The oscillation circuit 13 includes a crystal oscillator CRY and capacitors C ₂ and C ₃ , and supplies a basic clock having a predetermined frequency to the control circuit 14.

The control circuit 14 has a minute hand counter, a second hand counter, a standard minute / second counter, etc. (not shown). For example, in the initial correction mode, the control circuit 14 receives and receives the pulse signal S11 from the standard radio signal receiving system 11. compared to the reference range reception state predetermined for the standard radio signal, when the reception state is in the reference range, the first and second control signals CTL _1, CTL ₂ via the buffer 17, the minute hand Output to the minute hand stepping motor 121 as the drive system and the hour hand stepper motor 131 as the hour hand drive system to detect the pointer position (initial setting). If the reception state is not within the reference range, the first and without outputting the second control signal CTL _1, CTL _2, and outputs a drive signal DR ₁ to the drive circuit 15, the light emitting element 1 as a notification means The emit light is notifying the radio wave received user hardly.

When the reception state is within the reference range
After performing the zero return operation, the received radio signal is decoded.
If the time is possible as a result of decoding and decoding,
Various counters based on the basic clock by the oscillation circuit 13
Count control and detection signal D by the light detection sensor
T₁ Control signal CTL according to the input level of_1,CTL _Two 
Of the minute hand via the buffer 17
21 and the stepping motor 131 for the hour hand.
Fast-forward time correction control by
U.

On the other hand, as a result of decoding, if time cannot be set, the drive signal DR ₁ is output to the drive circuit 15 without outputting the control signals CTL _{1 and} CTL ₂ , and the notification means is used. The light emitting element 16 emits light to notify the user that radio wave reception is not good. Thus, the operation in the initial correction mode is completed.

After completing the operation in the initial correction mode, the control circuit 14 controls the normal correction mode and the normal hand operation mode. In the normal correction mode and the normal hand operation mode, the same operation as after the initial setting operation in the initial correction mode is performed. Specifically, the received radio signal is decoded, and as a result of the decoding, if time can be set, count control of various counters based on the basic clock by the oscillation circuit 13 and detection signal DT by the light detection sensor 140 are performed. ₁ according to the input level of the control signal CTL.
_{1 and} CTL ₂ via a buffer 17 and a stepping motor 121 for minute hand and a stepping motor 13 for hour hand.
1 to perform fast-forward time correction control by performing rotation control. On the other hand, as a result of decoding, if time cannot be set, the drive signal DR ₁ is output to the drive circuit 15 without outputting the control signals CTL _{1 and} CTL _2, and the light emitting diode 16 To notify the user that the radio wave reception is not good.

In the above description, when it is determined that the reception state is out of the reference range, the radio wave is weak or there is a lot of noise. If the signal is very weak,
As shown in (c), low signal (L) for several signals
Or high level (H). When there is much noise, the level changes regardless of the time radio wave. When the signal S11 in these states is received, for example, twice or more every 10 seconds, it is determined that the reception state is out of the reference range. Specifically, for example, when a change in level is not detected within 1 second within a time period of about 10 seconds and the detected pulse width is 0.
If the time is not around 8, 0.5, and 0.2 seconds, it is regarded as NG, and if NG occurs twice or more, it is determined that reception is impossible.

The drive circuit 15 is a pnp transistor
Q1 and resistance element R₁ , R_Two It consists of.
The base of the transistor Q1 is a resistor R₁ Control via
Drive signal DR of circuit 14₁ Connected to the output line
And the collector is a resistor R_Two Through the light emitting diode
Is connected to the cathode of the light emitting element 16 and the emitter is
Power supply voltage V_CCConnected to the supply line. And
The cathode of the light emitting element 16 is grounded. That is,
The light emitting element 16 is supplied from the control circuit
Signal DR ₁ To emit light when the
Connected to the circuit 15.

The drive circuit 18 includes a pnp transistor Q2 and resistance elements R ₃ and R ₄ .

The watch body 100 has a lower case 111 as a second case which is connected to face each other and forms an outline.
And an upper case 112 as a first case, and a middle plate 113 arranged in a state of being connected to the lower case 111 at a substantially central portion in a space formed by the lower case 111 and the upper case 112, The minute hand drive system 120, the hour hand drive system 130, the light detection sensor unit 140, the light guide 150, and the like are fixed or supported at predetermined positions of the lower case 111, the middle plate 113, and the upper case 112 in the space. .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the minute hand drive system 120 includes a substantially U-shaped stator 121a and a drive coil 12 wound around one leg of the stator 121a.
1b, a minute hand stepping motor 121 constituted by a rotor 121c rotatably arranged between the other magnetic poles of the stator 121a, and a first intermediate wheel in which a large-diameter gear 122a meshes with a pinion 121c 'of the rotor 121c. And the first third wheel & pinion 1 meshed with the small diameter gear 122b of the first fourth wheel & pinion 122
23, and a minute hand 124 engaged with the small-diameter gear 123b of the first third wheel & pinion 123. Here, in the minute hand stepping motor 121, the stator 121a is mounted and fixed on the middle plate 113, and the rotor 121c is pivotally supported by the middle plate 113 and the upper case 12.
4 based on the output control signal CTL _1, its direction of rotation,
The rotation angle and the rotation speed are controlled.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first fourth wheel 122 has a large diameter gear 122a having 48 teeth and a small diameter gear 122a.
b has ten teeth, and is rotatably supported by the lower case 111 and the upper case 112.
2a is the rotor 121 of the minute hand stepping motor 121
c (pinion 121c '), and the rotor 121c
Is reduced to a predetermined speed. As shown in FIG. 4, the first fourth wheel & pinion 122 is formed with one circular through-hole (third through-hole) 122c. This through hole 122c allows the detection light of the light detection sensor 140 to pass.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first third wheel 123 has a large-diameter gear 123a having 50 teeth and a small-diameter gear 123a.
b has ten teeth, and is rotatably supported by the lower case 111 and the upper case 112.
2a meshes with the small diameter gear 122b of the first fourth wheel & pinion 122 to reduce the rotation speed of the first fourth wheel & pinion 122 to a predetermined speed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the minute hand wheel 124 has a large-diameter gear 124a having 60 teeth and a central hand pipe 124p in the center thereof as shown in FIG. It is formed so as to form a T-shape. One end of the minute hand pipe 124p is rotatably supported by the middle plate 113, and the other end is rotatably inserted into an hour hand pipe 134p of an hour wheel 134 described later. Also,
The minute hand pipe 124p penetrates through the lower case 111 and protrudes toward the dial of the timepiece, and has a minute hand (not shown) attached to its tip.

As shown in FIG. 8, the minute hand wheel 124 has three arc-shaped through holes 12 which are long in the circumferential direction in a region overlapping with the hour wheel 134 and the second third wheel 133 by rotation.
4c, 124d and 124e are formed. The arc-shaped through hole 124c and the arc-shaped through hole 124d have a central angle α
1, the arc-shaped through-hole 124d and the arc-shaped through-hole 124e are formed at a central angle α2 and separated by 30 °, and the arc-shaped through-hole 124e and the arc-shaped through-hole 124c are They are formed at a central angle α3 and separated by 60 °. That is, the widest light-shielding portion A is formed between the arc-shaped through holes 124e and 124c, and the arc-shaped through holes 12e are formed.
4c and the arc-shaped through-hole 124d and the arc-shaped through-hole 12
A light shielding portion B narrower than the light shielding portion A is formed between 4d and the arc-shaped through hole 124e.

A circular through hole (first through hole) 124f is formed near one end of the arcuate through hole 124c. This through hole 124f allows detection light to pass through.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hour hand drive system 130 includes a substantially U-shaped stator 131a and a drive coil 13 wound around one leg of the stator 131a.
1b, an hour hand stepping motor 131 constituted by a rotor 131c rotatably disposed between the other magnetic poles of the stator 131a, and a second intermediate gear as an intermediate gear in which a large-diameter gear 132a meshes with a pinion 131c 'of the rotor 131c. 2nd 4th car 132 and this 2nd 4th car 1
A second third wheel 133 in which the large-diameter gear 133a meshes with the 32 small-diameter gear 132b, and the hour wheel 13 when the large-diameter gear 134a meshes with the small-diameter gear 133b of the second third wheel 133.
4. Here, the hour / minute hand stepping motor 131 has a stator 131a mounted and fixed on the middle plate 113, a rotor 131c supported by the middle plate 113 and the upper case 112, and an output control signal of the control circuit. Based on this, the rotation direction, rotation angle and rotation speed are controlled.

As shown in FIG. 9, a second fourth wheel & pinion 132 has a large diameter gear 132a having 48 teeth and a small diameter gear 132a.
b has ten teeth, and is rotatably supported by the lower case 111 and the upper case 112.
2a is the rotor 131 of the hour hand stepping motor 131
c (pinion 121c '), and the rotor 131c
Is reduced to a predetermined speed. As shown in FIG. 9, the first fourth wheel & pinion 132 is formed with one circular through-hole 132c. The through hole 132c allows the detection light of the light detection sensor 140 to pass therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second third wheel 133 has a large diameter gear 133a having 50 teeth and a small diameter gear 133.
b has ten teeth, and is rotatably supported by the lower case 111 and the upper case 112.
2a meshes with the small diameter gear 132b of the second fourth wheel & pinion 132 to reduce the rotation speed of the second fourth wheel & pinion 132 to a predetermined speed. As shown in FIG. 10, the second third wheel & pinion 133 is formed with five circular through holes 132c. These through holes 132c allow detection light of the light detection sensor 140 to pass therethrough. The through-hole 132c is formed such that adjacent through-holes are separated by, for example, 72 °.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hour wheel 134 has a large-diameter gear 134a having 60 teeth and a central hour hand pipe 134p integrally attached to the center of the large-diameter gear 134a. The aforementioned minute hand pipe 124p is inserted through the inside of the pipe 134p. And hour hand pipe 1
46p is a bearing hole 111a formed in the lower case 11.
, And is rotatably supported by a shaft. The front end of the front end projects through the lower case 111 toward the dial face of the timepiece, and an hour hand (not shown) is attached to the front end.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hour wheel 134 has three arc-shaped through holes 1 which are elongated in the circumferential direction in a region overlapping with the minute wheel 124 and the second third wheel 133 by rotation.
34c, 134d, and 134e are formed. The arc-shaped through hole 134c and the arc-shaped through hole 134d are formed at a central angle α4 of 30 ° apart, and the arc-shaped through hole 134d and the arc-shaped through hole 134e are formed at a central angle α5 of 30 °. In addition, the arc-shaped through hole 134e and the arc-shaped through hole 134c
Are formed at a central angle α6 and separated by 60 °. That is, the widest light shielding portion C is formed between the arc-shaped through holes 134e and 134c, and the arc-shaped through holes 13e are formed.
4c and the arc-shaped through-hole 134d and the arc-shaped through-hole 13
A light shielding portion D narrower than the light shielding portion C is formed between 4d and the arc-shaped through hole 134e.

A circular through hole (second through hole) 134f is formed near one end of the arcuate through hole 134c. This through hole 134f allows detection light to pass through.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light detection sensor 140 includes a circuit board 141 fixed to the wall of the upper case 112.
Light-emitting element 142 comprising a light-emitting diode mounted on
Similarly to the light emitting element 142, a light receiving element 144 including a phototransistor fixed to the wall surface of the upper case 112 and attached to the circuit board 141 in parallel with the light emitting element 142.
Are formed. The anode of the light emitting element 142 is connected to the other end of the resistance element R ₄ in the drive circuit 18 having one end connected to the collector of the pnp transistor Q _2, the cathode is grounded, connected to the emitter of the light receiving element 144 Have been. Light receiving element 144
Are connected to the control circuit 14. Connecting lines between the control circuit, the control circuit 1 of the detection signal DT ₁
It serves as the output line to 4, this output line is connected to the supply line of the power supply voltage V _CC via the resistor element R _5. That is, the light emitting element 142 is
Is connected to the drive circuit 18 so as to emit light when a low-level drive signal DR ₂ is output from the drive circuit 18.

The light guide 150 is made of, for example, a resin such as acrylic, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 2, and the main body 151 is arranged near the inner wall of the lower case 111 or integrally therewith. One end 152 is the first 4th wheel 1
The third light-emitting element 142 is disposed so as to face the light emitting portion of the light-emitting element 142 with the third through-hole 122 c formed therebetween. The other end 153 is provided with the through-hole 124 c of the minute hand wheel 124 and the hour wheel 134.
Through the region where the through-hole 134c, the through-hole 133c of the second wheel & pinion 133, and the through-hole 132c of the second wheel & pinion 132 can overlap each other, so as to face the light receiving portion of the light receiving element 144. Are located.

When detecting the position of the pointer,
For example, the detection light is emitted from the light emitting element 142 to a region where the third through hole 122c formed in the first fourth wheel & pinion 122 is formed. Then, the detection light that has passed through the third through hole 122c is incident on one end 151 of the light guide 150. The detection light that has entered the light guide 151 is guided to the other end 153 through the main body 151, and passes through the through hole 124 c of the minute hand wheel 124, the through hole 134 c of the hour hand wheel 134, and the through hole of the second third wheel 133. The light is guided to a region where the through hole 132c of the second wheel & pinion 133c and the second fourth wheel & pinion 132 can overlap. The through-hole 124c of the minute hand 124 and the through-hole 134 of the hour wheel 134
c, the through hole 133c of the second third wheel & pinion 133 and the second 4th wheel
All of the through holes 132c of the center wheel 132 are overlapped, and the detection light passing through all of them is received by the light receiving element 144. As a result, it is output that the minute hand and the hour hand are pointing to positions such as the hour.

Next, the time correction operation of the radio-controlled timepiece will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the drive signal DR is sent from the control circuit 14.
₂ is output to the drive circuit 18 at a low level. Thus, the transistor Q ₂ is turned on, the light emitting element 142,
That is, detection light is emitted from the light emitting diode (ST
1). Subsequently, the control signal CTL ₁ minute hand stepping motor 121 so that the pulse drive is output (ST
2), the light receiving element 144 i.e. the phototransistor is turned on, the detection signal DT ₁ is determined whether switched from the high level (power supply voltage V _CC level) to the low level is performed (ST3).

Here, when the detection signal DT ₁ from the phototransistor is held at the high level, every time the number of pulses for performing the step drive is added, the detection signal DT ₁ from the phototransistor is added. Is switched from a high level (power supply voltage V _CC level) to a low level (ST4 to ST6). If the output of the detection signal DT ₁ from the phototransistor does not switch from the high level (power supply voltage V _CC level) to the low level even if the number of pulses reaches a predetermined number, for example, 9, the hour hand stepping motor 131 There one step (pulse) is driven (ST7), then the control signal CTL ₁ so as to rotate the center wheel 124 again minute hand stepping motor 121 Te driven step (ST2) is output.

Meanwhile, in step ST3, the the detection signal DT ₁ by the photo transistor is determined to have switched from the high level to the low level, the control signal CTL ₁ the center wheel 124 to Hayaoku is output (ST
8) The control circuit 14 compares the output pattern with a previously stored output pattern (ST9). As a result of the comparison, if the obtained output pattern and the stored output pattern do not match, the process returns to step ST8, and the minute hand wheel 124 is fast-forwarded again.

[0060] In step ST9, if the obtained output patterns and the stored output pattern is adapted, when the time that (5 level of the detection signal DT ₁ phototransistor in th step is not switched to the low level then the output of the phototransistor is in turn changed the time) to the low level, the output of the control signal CTL ₁ is stopped, the circuit driving the minute hand wheel 124 is stopped at. Then, the minute hand 124 stops at the zero position (ST
10). At this time, the minute hand is set at a predetermined time, for example, hour (0
Minutes). Then, the process proceeds to the process of step ST11.

In step ST11, the control circuit 1
4 from the control signal CTL ₂ is outputted only hour hand stepping motor 131 hour wheel 134 is pulsed at a predetermined output frequency is fast forward (ST11). Then, the output pattern from the phototransistor is compared with the output pattern stored in the control circuit 14 in advance (ST12). As a result of the comparison, if the obtained output pattern and the stored output pattern do not match, the process returns to step ST11, and the hour wheel 134 is fast-forwarded again.

[0062] On the other hand, the result of the comparison of step ST12, if the resulting output pattern and the stored output pattern matched, at which time, the control signal output of the CTL ₂ is stopped, the hour hand stepping motor 131 Is stopped, and the driving of the hour wheel 134 is stopped (ST13).

Then, the hour hand stepping motor 131
Is stopped, the drive signal DR by the control circuit 14 is output.
₂ is switched to high level. Thus, the transistor Q ₂ is turned off in the drive circuit 18, light-emitting diode is stopped (ST14), and ends the time adjustment operation.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the radio-controlled timepiece which is an automatic timepiece, the light detection sensor 140 for detecting the position of the pointer is replaced by the upper case 1.
12 and a light emitting element 142 composed of a light emitting diode mounted on a circuit board 141 fixed to the wall of the upper case 112, similarly to the light emitting element 142, mounted on the circuit board 141 in parallel with the light emitting element 142. And a light receiving element 144 formed of a phototransistor, and the main body 151 is disposed near or integrally with the inner wall of the lower case 111, and one end 152 is provided on the third wheel of the fourth wheel & pinion 122. The other end 153 is disposed to face the light emitting portion of the light emitting element 142 with the through hole 122c interposed therebetween, and the other end 153 is provided with the through hole 124c of the minute hand wheel 124, the through hole 134c of the hour hand wheel 134, and the second The hole 133c of the third wheel & pinion 133 and the hole 132c of the second wheel & pinion 132 are opposed to the light receiving portion of the light receiving element 144 with a region interposed therebetween. Is provided with the light guide 150 that is location, it can be performed to concentrate wiring work of the sensor, an advantage of mitigating the design constraints such as the pointer position detection system.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the light detection sensor is arranged on the upper case 112 side and the light guide 150 is arranged on the lower case 111 side or integrally is described. As shown in (2), the light detection sensor can be arranged on the lower case 111 side, and the light guide 150A can be arranged on the upper case 112 side or integrally therewith. In this case, the same effect as described above is obtained. As a matter of course, as shown in FIG. 14, the light guide 150A can be formed linearly, which facilitates manufacture and the like. 13 and FIG. 14, the light guide 1
A projection 154 is formed at the center of 50A, and this projection 1
54 is inserted into the shaft of the minute hand 124 and the light guide 15
0 </ b> A is configured to form a part of the upper case 112. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an advantage that the wiring work of the sensor can be performed in a concentrated manner, and restrictions such as the design of the pointer position detecting system can be relaxed. Also,
By forming the light guide integrally with the case, manufacturing and the like become easy, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a signal processing circuit of a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an entire configuration of an embodiment of a hand driving system of the two-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part of a pointer driving system of the two-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a criterion for determining a received radio wave state before a return-to-zero operation in the initial correction mode in the control circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time code of a standard time radio signal.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a first fourth wheel that forms part of a minute hand drive system that drives the second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first third wheel that forms part of a minute hand drive system that drives the second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a minute hand wheel forming a part of a minute hand driving system for driving a second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a second fourth wheel that forms part of an hour hand drive system that drives the second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second third wheel that forms part of an hour hand drive system that drives the second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an hour hand wheel forming a part of an hour hand driving system for driving a second hand of the three-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a time correction operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of another embodiment of the hand drive system of the two-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a main part of another embodiment of the pointer driving system of the two-hand radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Signal processing system circuit 11 ... Standard radio signal transmission / reception system 12 ... Reset switch 13 ... Oscillation circuit 14 ... Control circuit 15 ... Drive circuit 16 ... Light emitting element 17 ... Buffer circuit 18 ... Drive circuit 100 ... Watch body 111 ... Lower case 111c ... Mounting recess 111d ... Circular through hole 112 ... Upper case 112c ... Mounting recess 112d ... Circular through hole 113 ... Middle plate 120 ... Second hand drive system 121 ... Minute hand stepping motor 122 ... First 4th wheel 122c ... Through hole 123 ... 1st 3rd wheel 124 ... minute hand wheel 124c ... arc-shaped through-hole 124d ... arc-shaped through-hole 124e ... arc-shaped through-hole 124f ... through-hole 130 ... hour hand drive system 131 ... hour hand-based stepping motor 132 ... second 4th Car 133: second third wheel 133c: through hole 134: hour hand wheel 134c: arc-shaped through hole 134d: Arc-shaped through hole 134e ... Arc-shaped through hole 134f ... Through hole 140 ... Photodetection sensor 142 ... Light emitting element 144 ... Light receiving element 150, 150A ... Light conductor 151 ... Body part 152 ... One end 153 ... Other end 154 ... Projection V _CC ... supply voltage C ₁ -C ₃ ... capacitor R ₁ to R ₅ ... resistance element

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 26, 2000 (2000.10.
26)

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Claims (4)

[Claims] A first pointer wheel having a first through hole indicating a reference position; a second pointer wheel having a second through hole indicating a reference position;
The second hand wheel is provided coaxially with the first hand wheel so that the through hole and the first hand hole can overlap each other, and is driven to rotate at a different speed from the first hand wheel. A first hand wheel drive system including a first intermediate wheel having a third through hole formed therein, the first hand wheel including a first intermediate wheel provided with a third through-hole, the speed being reduced and transmitted to the first hand wheel; The rotation speed of the second drive source is reduced and transmitted to the second pointer wheel, and the first through-hole and the second
A second indicator wheel drive system including a second intermediate wheel having a fourth through-hole formed so as to be able to overlap with the second aperture of the first indicator wheel, and a second indicator wheel of the first intermediate wheel. A light emitting element that emits detection light to a region where the third through hole is formed or a region where the first through hole, the second through hole, and the fourth through hole can overlap; Wherein the first through hole, the second
A light-receiving element which is arranged at a position capable of receiving the detection light passing through all of the through-holes and the fourth through-hole, or the third through-hole, and outputs a detection signal according to a light receiving level; The element and the light receiving element are disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate wheel, the first pointer wheel, and the second pointer wheel, and detect the detection light passing through the third through-hole. A self-correcting timepiece having a through-hole, a second through-hole, and a light guide that guides light to areas where the fourth through-hole can overlap. 2. The first pointer wheel, the second pointer wheel, and the first pointer wheel.
The pointer wheel drive system and the second pointer wheel drive system are disposed in a space formed by an upper case and a lower case, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed in the upper case, and the light guide is 2. The self-correcting timepiece according to claim 1, which is arranged on a lower case side. 3. The first pointer wheel, the second pointer wheel, and the first pointer wheel.
The pointer wheel drive system and the second pointer wheel drive system are disposed in a space formed by an upper case and a lower case, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed in the lower case, and the light guide is 2. The automatic correction timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the timepiece is arranged on an upper case side. 4. The light guide has a projection formed in a part thereof, and the projection is inserted into the shafts of the first and second pointer wheels to form at least a part of the upper case. The automatic correction timepiece according to claim 3, wherein