JP2003232874A - Electronic apparatus and control method for electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus (timepiece) capable of saving energy without causing a user to feel inconvenience by switching from an operation mode of the electronic apparatus to an energy saving mode at a time of being not carried or in a state where power is not consumed at the time of being not carried. <P>SOLUTION: The portable electronic apparatus includes a carried state detection unit for detecting whether the electronic apparatus is carried or not. When the electronic apparatus is detected not being carried, namely, in a state where the user is not using, the electronic apparatus switches from the normal operation mode to energy saving mode to reduce power consumption of the electronic apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device and an electronic device capable of switching between a power saving mode and a normal operation mode according to a usage state of a user. The present invention relates to a device control method, and more particularly to a time measuring device capable of accurately displaying time for a long time without battery replacement and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as one mode of portable electronic equipment, a small electronic timepiece such as a wristwatch type in which a power generator such as a solar cell is built in and which operates without battery replacement has been realized. These electronic timepieces have the function of temporarily charging the large-capacity capacitor with the power generated by the power generator, and when the power is not generated, the time discharged is displayed by the power discharged from the capacitor. ing. For this reason, stable operation is possible for a long time without a battery, and it is expected that many electronic timepieces will be equipped with a power generator in the future, considering the time and effort involved in battery replacement and battery disposal problems. ing.

However, a power generator built into a wristwatch or the like is a solar cell that converts the radiated light into electrical energy, or a power generation system that captures the movement of a user's arm and converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. Is. These power generators are very good in terms of converting the energy around the user into electric energy for use, but have a problem that the available energy density is low and continuous energy cannot be obtained. . Therefore, continuous power generation is not performed, and during that time, the electronic timepiece operates with the power stored in the large-capacity capacitor. Therefore, it is desirable that the large-capacity capacitor has as large a capacitance as possible. However, if the size is too large, it cannot be stored in the wristwatch device, and it takes time to charge, so that it is difficult to obtain an appropriate voltage. On the other hand, if the capacity is small, the electronic timepiece stops when the period in which power cannot be generated becomes long, and even if the electronic timepiece starts to operate by shining light again, the time display is incorrect and the accurate current time is not displayed. Therefore, the function as a clock cannot be achieved.

In a wristwatch device using a solar cell, the illuminance of the surroundings can be detected using the solar cell. Therefore, when the illuminance is lower than a set value, the time display is stopped and the internal counter measures the stopped time. A system is considered in which, when the illuminance increases, the time display is restarted and the current time is restored based on the value of the internal counter. In such a wristwatch device, the operation of displaying the time is stopped to save energy when the light is turned off such as when sleeping, and the time display is automatically restarted and returned to the current time when it becomes bright in the morning. . Therefore, the duration of the large-capacity capacitor can be extended and the wristwatch can be operated for a long time without making the user feel inconvenient. Further, by providing a system in which the time display is stopped after a certain period of time has passed since the illuminance has decreased, the time display is continued if the illuminance decreases for a short time such as when the wristwatch is hidden in clothes. It is also possible to save energy without making the user feel inconvenient.

[0005]

However, there are many times when it is desired to see the time even at night, and it is inconvenient to not know the current time instantly at that time. In addition, there are many occasions when the wristwatch is not exposed to light in the winter when wearing a coat or the like, and the function as the wristwatch cannot be fulfilled if the timing stops at such time. On the contrary, even if the wristwatch is not worn, if it is left indoors or the like, weak light will illuminate it, and therefore time will be measured, resulting in unnecessary power consumption.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of switching between a power saving mode and a normal operation mode and a control method for the electronic device, according to a usage state of a user.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a portable electronic device which is driven by using a power supply device capable of storing electric energy and electric power supplied from the power supply device. A driven device, a portable detection device that detects whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state, and the electronic device is in a non-portable state based on a detection result of the portable detection device. Further, in order to reduce the power consumption of the driven device, a mode shift control device that shifts the operation mode of the driven device from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode.

Further, the power supply device of the present invention has a power generation device for generating power by converting the first energy into the electric energy which is the second energy, and is capable of storing the generated power. It is characterized by being.

Further, the portable detector of the present invention is characterized by detecting whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state based on the power generation state of the power generator.

Further, according to the present invention, after returning to the power saving mode, when returning to the normal mode again, the driven device is continuously operated for an elapsed time from the time of shifting to the power saving mode to the time of returning. It is characterized in that it is provided with an operation state returning device for returning the operation state of the driven device to the same operation state as in the above case.

Further, the mode shift control device of the present invention shifts to the power saving mode when the power storage amount in the power supply device is equal to or more than a predetermined predetermined power storage amount corresponding to the return to the operating state. I am trying.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized by detecting the portable state based on an electromotive voltage of the power generator.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the electromotive voltage of the power generation device is compared with a plurality of set voltage values and the portable state is detected according to the comparison result.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention selects the plurality of set voltage values according to the current mode, and compares the electromotive voltage of the power generation device with the selected set voltage value, thereby It is characterized by detecting the carrying state.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention uses a set voltage value used for determining whether or not the operation mode is to be shifted from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode,
It is characterized in that the voltage is set higher than the set voltage value used to determine whether or not the normal operation mode is switched to the power saving mode.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized by detecting the portable state based on a charging current of the power supply device.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the charging current of the power supply device is compared with a plurality of set current values and the portable state is detected based on the comparison result.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention selects the plurality of set current values according to the current operation mode, and compares the charging current of the power supply device with the selected set current value. It is characterized in that the carrying state is detected.

Further, in the portable detection device of the present invention, the set current value used for mode switching from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode is set higher than the set current value used for switching from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode. It is characterized by that.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the portable state is detected based on the power generation duration of the power generation device.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the power generation continuation time of the power generation device is compared with a plurality of set time values and the portable state is detected based on the comparison result.

Furthermore, the portable detection device of the present invention selects the plurality of set time values according to the current mode and compares the power generation duration of the power generation device with the set set time value, It is characterized in that the carrying state is detected.

Further, in the portable detection device of the present invention, the set time value used for mode switching from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode is set longer than the set time value used for switching from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode. It is characterized by that.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized by detecting the portable state based on a power generation frequency of the power generation device.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention counts the number of peaks of the electromotive voltage during the period from when the electromotive voltage of the power generator exceeds the set voltage value to when the set time elapses. The power generation frequency of the power generator is detected.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the power generation frequency of the power generation device is compared with a plurality of set frequency values and the portable state is detected based on the comparison result.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention selects the plurality of set frequency values according to the current mode,
The portable state is detected by comparing a power generation frequency value of the power generation device with a set frequency value.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention determines whether or not the set frequency value used for determining whether or not the operation mode is changed from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode is changed from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode. It is characterized in that it is set higher than the set frequency value used when determining whether or not.

Further, the power generator of the present invention is characterized by comprising a plurality of sub power generators for converting the first energies different from each other.

Further, the first energy of the present invention is
It is characterized by being either kinetic energy, pressure energy or heat energy.

Further, the power generator of the present invention is the first
The kinetic energy, which is the energy of the above, is converted into electric energy to generate AC power, and the power supply device rectifies and stores the generated AC power.

Further, in the portable detection device of the present invention, a switching means for switching according to the cycle of the AC power generated by the power generation device, and a capacitive element for storing electric charge according to the switching operation by the switching means. , A discharge unit that is inserted into the discharge path of the capacitive element and discharges the electric charge stored in the capacitive element; and a measurement that measures the period during which the voltage of the capacitive element exceeds a predetermined value to measure the power generation duration time. And a portable detection unit that detects the portable state based on the power generation duration time.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized by detecting the portable state based on a power generation frequency of the power generation device.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention counts the number of peaks of the electromotive voltage during the period from when the electromotive voltage of the power generator exceeds the set voltage value to when the set time elapses. The power generation frequency of the power generator is detected.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention compares the power generation frequency of the power generation unit with a plurality of set frequency values,
It is characterized in that the carrying state is detected based on the comparison result.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention selects the plurality of set frequency values according to the current mode,
The portable state is detected by comparing the power generation frequency value of the power generation unit with a set frequency value.

Further, the power generator of the present invention is characterized by having a rotary weight that performs a turning motion and a power generating element that generates an electromotive force by the rotary motion of the rotary weight.

Further, in the power generator of the present invention, an elastic member to which a deforming force is applied, a rotating unit that performs a rotating motion by a restoring force that tries to return to the original shape of the elastic member, and a rotating motion of the rotating unit. And a power generation element that generates electromotive force.

Further, the power generator of the present invention is characterized by having a piezoelectric element that generates an electromotive force by a piezoelectric effect when a displacement is applied.

In the mode shift control device of the present invention, the electronic device is in a non-portable state, and the power generation state of the power generation device is in a predetermined power generation state corresponding to a predetermined power saving mode. In addition, the operation mode of the driven device is shifted to the power saving mode.

Further, the portable detector of the present invention is characterized by including an acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration generated when the electronic device is carried.

Further, the portable detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the portable state is detected by detecting a change in inter-electrode resistance value or inter-electrode capacitance when the electronic device is being carried.

Further, the portable detecting device of the present invention has a switch section which is turned on or off when the electronic apparatus is carried, and detects the portable state based on the on / off state of the switch section. It is characterized by that.

The present invention also provides a method of controlling an electronic device, comprising: a power supply device capable of accumulating electrical energy; and a driven device driven using electric power supplied from the power supply device. In order to reduce the power consumption of the driven device when the electronic device is in a non-portable state, based on a portable state detecting step of detecting whether or not the portable state is being carried, A mode shift control step of shifting the operation mode of the driven device from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode.

Further, the power supply device of the present invention has a power generation device for generating power by converting the first energy into the electric energy which is the second energy, and the portable detection step includes the power generation device. It is characterized in that whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state is detected based on the power generation state.

Further, according to the present invention, upon returning to the normal mode again after shifting to the power saving mode, the driven device is continuously operated during the elapsed time from the shift to the power saving mode to the restoration. It is characterized by including an operation state restoring step of returning the operation state of the driven device to the same operation state as that of the case.

Further, the mode shift control step of the present invention shifts to the power saving mode when the amount of stored electricity in the power supply device is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of stored electricity corresponding to the return of the operating state. I am trying.

Further, the driven device of the present invention is a time display device for displaying the time by using the electric power supplied from the power supply device, and in the normal operation mode, the time display device displays the time. It is characterized by being in mode.

Further, the first energy of the present invention is
It is characterized by being either kinetic energy, pressure energy or heat energy.

Further, the first energy of the present invention is light energy, and the mode transition control step includes a portable detection step of detecting whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state. Is in a non-portable state, and when the power generation state of the power generation device is in a predetermined power generation state corresponding to the predetermined power saving mode, the operation mode of the driven device is shifted to the power saving mode. It has a feature.

Further, the driven device of the present invention is a time display device capable of displaying the time using the electric power supplied from the power supply device, and the mode transition control device is based on the power generation state of the power generation device. In order to reduce the power consumption of the time display device, the operation mode of the time display device is shifted to a power saving mode.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when returning to the time display mode which is the normal mode again after shifting to the power saving mode, the time display device is set at an elapsed time from the shift to the power saving mode to the restoring. Is provided with a time display restoration device that restores the time display state of the time display device to the same time display state as in the case of continuous operation.

The power saving mode of the present invention is characterized in that the time display on the time display device is stopped.

Further, the time display device of the present invention comprises an hour / minute hand driving device for driving the hour / minute hands and a second hand driving device for driving the second hand. In the power saving mode, the driving of the second hand driving device is stopped. And a second power saving mode in which the driving of the hour and minute hand driving device and the second hand driving device is stopped.

Further, the time display device of the present invention is an analog display device which mechanically drives an analog pointer to move hands, and the mode transition control device is a power saving mode continuation time which is a duration time of the power saving mode. A power saving mode time storage unit that stores time, and a time restoration unit that restores the time display of the analog display device based on the power saving mode duration when the operation mode is changed from the power saving mode to the display mode. It is characterized by being.

Further, the mode shift control device of the present invention can be set by switching between a power saving mode for stopping the time display of the time display device and a display mode for displaying the time based on the power generation state of the power generation device. It is characterized by having a setting function.

The present invention also provides a method of controlling an electronic device, comprising: a power supply device capable of accumulating electrical energy; and a time display device capable of displaying time using electric power supplied from the power supply device. A portable detection step of detecting whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state, and based on a detection result in the portable detection step, the driven device of the driven device when the electronic device is in a non-portable state is detected. In order to reduce power consumption, a mode shift control step of shifting the operation mode of the driven device from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode is provided.

Further, the power supply device of the present invention has a power generation device for generating power by converting the first energy into the electric energy which is the second energy, and the portable detection step includes the power generation device. It is characterized in that whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state is detected based on the power generation state.

Further, according to the present invention, after shifting to the power saving mode,
When returning to the normal mode again, the time of the time display device is set to the same time display state as when the time display device is continuously operated during the elapsed time from the transition to the power saving mode to the return time. It is characterized in that it is provided with a time display restoration step of restoring the display state.

Further, in the mode shift control step of the present invention, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode when the power storage amount in the power supply device is equal to or more than a predetermined predetermined power storage amount corresponding to the return to the operating state. I am trying.

In the mode shift control step of the present invention, the power generation for determining whether or not the power generation device is in a power generation state based on whether or not the electromotive voltage of the power generation device is higher than a preset voltage. In the case of having a state determination step, when the power generation device shifts to a power generation state based on the determination result,
The operation mode is switched from the power saving mode to a display mode for displaying the time.

Further, in the mode shift control step of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the power generation device is in a power generation state based on whether or not the power generation duration time of the power generation device is longer than a preset set time. A power generation state determination step is included, and when the power generation device shifts to a power generation state based on the determination result, the operation mode is shifted from the power saving mode to a display mode for displaying the time.

The power saving mode of the present invention is characterized in that the time display on the time display device is stopped.

Further, the time display device of the present invention comprises an hour and minute hand driving device for driving the hour and minute hands and a second hand driving device for driving the second hand. In the power saving mode, the driving of the second hand driving device is stopped. And a second power saving mode in which the driving of the hour and minute hand driving device and the second hand driving device is stopped.

According to each of the above inventions, when the electronic device is not carried or when the electronic device is not carried and the power generation device is in the non-power generation state, the power saving mode is entered.
It is possible to provide an electronic device (clock device) that can save energy without the user feeling inconvenient.

[0066]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[1] First Embodiment [1.1] Schematic Configuration of Timing Device FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a timing device 1 which is an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Timing device 1 of the first embodiment
Drives the stepping motor 10 by the control device 20 to move the second hand 61, the minute hand 62 and the hour hand 63 through the train wheel 50, and at the same time, the power source for driving the stepping motor 10 and the control device 20 is obtained from the power generation device 40. It is designed to be used.

The power generator 40 of the timekeeping device 1 is an electromagnetic induction device capable of outputting the electric power induced in the power generation coil 44 connected to the power generation rotor 42 by rotating the power generation rotor 43 inside the power generation stator 42 to the outside. Type AC generator is adopted. Further, in the timing device 1 of this example, the rotary weight 45 is used as a means for transmitting kinetic energy to the power generation rotor 43, and the movement of the rotary weight 45 is transmitted to the power generation rotor 43 via the speed increasing gear 46. It is being transmitted. This rotary weight 45 is a wristwatch type time measuring device 1.
In this case, the movement of the user's arm or the like can be captured so that the user can turn inside the device, and the energy related to the life of the user is used to generate electricity.
Can be driven.

The electric power output from the power generator 40 is half-wave rectified by the diode 47 and then temporarily stored in the large-capacity capacitor 48 which is a power supply unit. And
Driving power for driving the stepping motor 10 from the large-capacity capacitor 48 is supplied to the drive circuit 30 of the control device 20 via the step-up / down circuit 49. The step-up / down circuit 49 of this example includes a plurality of capacitors 49a, 49b and 49a.
It is possible to increase and decrease the voltage in multiple stages by using c, and the control signal φ1 from the control circuit 23 of the control device 20.
1 can adjust the voltage supplied to the drive circuit 30. Further, the output voltage of the step-up / down circuit 49 is also supplied to the control circuit 23 by the monitor circuit φ12, so that the output voltage can be monitored, and whether or not the power generation device 40 is generating power by minute increase / decrease in the output voltage. The control device 20 can be used to make a decision.

The stepping motor 10 used in the timing device 1 of the first embodiment is also called a pulse motor, a stepping motor, a stepping motor or a digital motor, and is often used as an actuator of a digital control device. It is a motor driven by a pulse signal. In recent years, small and lightweight stepping motors have been widely adopted as actuators for small electronic devices or information devices suitable for carrying. Typical of such electronic devices are timing devices such as electronic timepieces, time switches and chronographs. The stepping motor 10 of this example includes a drive coil 11 that generates a magnetic force by a drive pulse supplied from the control device 20, a stator 12 that is excited by the drive coil 11, and
A rotor 13 that is rotated by a magnetic field excited inside the stator 12 is provided, and the rotor 13 is a PM-type (permanent magnet rotation type) stepping motor 10 configured by a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet. . The stator 12 has different magnetic poles depending on the magnetic force generated in the drive coil 11 in the respective phases (poles) around the rotor 13.
A magnetic saturation part 17 is provided so as to occur in 15 and 16. Further, in order to define the rotation direction of the rotor 13, the inner notch 1 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner circumference of the stator 12.
8 is provided to generate a cogging torque so that the rotor 13 stops at an appropriate position.

The rotation of the rotor 13 of the stepping motor 10 is the fifth wheel & pinion 5 meshed with the rotor 13 via the pinion.
1st, 4th wheel 52, 3rd wheel 53, 2nd wheel 54, behind the wheel 5
It is transmitted to each needle by a train wheel 50 composed of 5 and hour wheel 56. The second hand 61 is connected to the shaft of the fourth wheel & pinion 52, the minute hand 62 is connected to the second wheel & pinion 54, and the hour hand 63 is further connected to the hour wheel 56, which are linked with the rotation of the rotor 13. The time is displayed by each hand of. It is of course possible to connect a transmission system or the like (not shown) for displaying the date and the like to the train wheel 50.

In this timing device 1, in order to display the time by the rotation of the stepping motor 10, the stepping motor 10 is supplied with a drive pulse by counting (clocking) a signal of a reference frequency. The control device 20 of this example for controlling the stepping motor 10 includes a pulse synthesizing circuit 22 for generating a reference pulse of a reference frequency and a pulse signal having a different pulse width and timing by using a reference oscillation source 21 such as a crystal oscillator. Based on various pulse signals supplied from the synthesizing circuit 22, the stepping motor 10
Is provided with a control circuit 23. Control device 20
As will be described later in detail, the stepping motor 10 is provided with a control circuit 23 that controls the drive circuit and performs rotation detection and the like.
Drive pulse for driving the drive rotor 13, a rotation detection pulse for inducing an induced voltage for detecting rotation of the drive rotor 13 subsequent to the drive pulse, and forcibly when the drive rotor 13 does not rotate. It is possible to output an auxiliary pulse having a large effective electric power to be rotated, and a pulse such as a degaussing pulse having a different polarity for degaussing following the auxiliary pulse.

A drive circuit 30 for supplying various drive pulses to the stepping motor 10 under the control of the control circuit 23.
Includes a bridge circuit composed of a p-channel MOS transistor 33a and an n-channel MOS transistor 32a, and a p-channel MOS transistor 33b and an n-channel MOS transistor 32b connected in series. The power supplied from the capacitor 48 and the step-up / down circuit 49 to the stepping motor 10 can be controlled. Furthermore, p-channel MOS transistor 3
Rotation detecting resistors 35a and 35b connected in parallel with 3a and 33b, respectively, and sampling p-channel MOS transistors 34a and 3b for supplying a chopper pulse to these resistors 35a and 35b.
4b is provided. Therefore, these MOS transistors 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a and 34
By supplying control pulses having different polarities and pulse widths from the control circuit 23 to the respective gate electrodes of b at different timings, drive pulses having different polarities are supplied to the drive coil 11 or for detecting rotation of the rotor 13. It is also possible to supply a detection pulse for exciting an induced voltage for magnetic field detection.

[1.2] Schematic Functional Configuration of Timing Device of First Embodiment FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the timing device 1 of the first embodiment using a functional block diagram. As described above, in the timing device 1 of this example, the reference signal generated by the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, and the drive circuit 30 operates under the control of the drive control circuit 24 to move the hands. The stepping motor 10 for driving is driven.

Power is supplied to the control circuit 23 and the drive circuit 30 from the power supply device 48, and the power supply device 4
8 is charged by the electric power generated by the power generation device 40. Output side voltage (electromotive voltage) Vgen of the power generation device 40
Is the power generation detection circuit 9 of the mode setting unit 90 of the control circuit 23.
The power generation detecting circuit 91 can determine whether the power generation device 40 is generating power. The power generation detection circuit 91 of the present example includes a first detection circuit 97 that compares the electromotive voltage Vgen with a set value Vo to determine whether power generation is detected, and a voltage Vbas that is considerably smaller than the set value Vo. A second detection circuit 98 that compares the power generation duration time Tgen at which the voltage Vgen was obtained with a set value To to determine whether power generation has been detected.
When the condition of either the first detection circuit 97 or the second detection circuit 98 is satisfied, it is determined that the power generation is detected.

Further, the mode setting section 90 is provided in the power supply unit 4
The output voltage Vout of the large-capacity capacitor 8, which is 8, is provided with a voltage detection circuit 92 that can determine the charging state of the large-capacity capacitor 48 by comparing it with a set value. The determination results of the power generation detection circuit 91 and the voltage detection circuit 92 are supplied to the central control circuit 93 having the control function of the mode setting unit 90 and the other control circuit 23, and the power saving mode for reducing the power consumption and the normal time. The display mode for displaying is switched and set.

In this case, the power saving mode means an operation mode in which the driving of the stepping motor 10 is stopped to stop the movement of the hands. Even in this state, the reference oscillation source 21, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22, and the voltage detecting circuit are also provided. 92, the mode setting unit 90, etc. are in the operating state, and the operation modes can be switched.

The central control circuit 93 is provided with a non-power generation time measuring circuit 99 for measuring the non-power generation time Tn in which no power generation is detected by the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98.
When the non-power generation time Tn exceeds a predetermined set time, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode. The set operation mode is stored in the mode storage unit 94, and the information is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, the time information storage unit 96, and the set value switching unit 95. In the drive control circuit 24, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the supply of the pulse signal to the drive circuit 30 is stopped and the drive circuit 30 is stopped. Therefore, the motor 10 stops rotating and the time display stops.

In the time information storage unit 96, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22
The operation is started as a stop time counter that stores the duration of the power saving mode in response to the reference signal generated by. When the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, it also has a function of counting the fast-forward pulses supplied from the drive control circuit 24 to the drive circuit 30 and returning the redisplayed time display to the current time.

When the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the set value switching unit 95 sets the set values Vo and To of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 of the power generation detection circuit 91.
Change the value of. In this example, as the set values Va and Ta of the display mode, values lower than the set values Vb and Tb of the power saving mode are set. Therefore, in the display mode, the detection accuracy of the power generation state is set to high (sensitive or sharp), and power generation is detected if the power generation output is obtained even when the voltage is low or the power generation duration time is short. The display mode is maintained. On the other hand, in the power saving state, the detection accuracy of the power generation state is set low (insensitive or dull), and when a relatively high electromotive voltage is obtained or when a relatively long power generation duration time is obtained. When it is determined that the power generation is detected and the condition that the charging voltage is sufficient is satisfied, the display mode is entered.

Since the supply voltage of the system fluctuates depending on the charged state, it is desirable to generate a set voltage for comparative judgment of the electromotive voltage Vgen and the like by using a constant voltage circuit that generates a stable voltage. It is also possible to employ a voltage having a constant difference with respect to the fluctuating system power supply voltage as a threshold value (setting value), and the constant difference value is, for example, the threshold value Vth of MOSFET that does not depend on the power supply voltage. It can be judged using.

[1.3] Mode Setting Process FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the outline of the mode setting process for performing the mode switching process in the timing device 1 of this example.

First, in step 71, the current operation mode is judged. When the current operation mode is the power saving mode, in step 74, the time information storage unit 96 is used to continue counting the stop time. Also, step 7
In 5, the set values Vo and To of the voltage detection circuit 91 are set to the power saving mode values Vb and Tb. on the other hand,
When the current mode is the display mode, in step 72, the drive control circuit 24 controls the drive circuit 30 to generate a drive pulse and display the time. Then, in step 73, the set values Vo and T of the voltage detection circuit 91 are set.
Set o to the display mode values Va and Ta.

Next, at step 76, the power generation level (electromotive voltage) is detected. If it is determined in step 76 that there is a small electromotive voltage, the power generation duration time Tgen is counted up in step 77.

Further, in step 78, the power generation duration time Tgen is compared with the set time To, and the power generation duration time Tg is compared.
If en is equal to or longer than the set time To, it is determined that power generation is detected, and the process proceeds to step 80.

In step 78, the power generation duration time Tg
If en has not reached the set time To, step 7
In 9, the electromotive voltage Vgen is compared with the set value Vo.
Then, when the electromotive voltage Vgen has reached the set value Vo, it is determined that the power generation is detected, and the process proceeds to step 80.

In step 80, the mode is determined again, and if it is not the power saving mode, the non-power generation time Tn is cleared in step 81, the process returns to step 71, and step 72
The time display is continued with.

On the other hand, in the power saving mode, step 82
In step 83, the voltage Vout of the power supply device 48 is judged, and if it is sufficiently charged, the power saving mode is switched to the display mode in step 83 to cancel the power saving mode.

Further, in step 82, the voltage Vout of the power supply device 48 is judged, and if it is not sufficiently charged,
With the power saving mode maintained, the process proceeds to step 71 again, and the same processing is repeated.

When the display mode is entered and the time is displayed again, as described above, the time display is fast-forwarded based on the stop time counted in the time information storage unit 96, and 1 second after returning to the current time. Normal hand movement is started every time. As a result, the user can return to the display mode and know the exact time displayed.

On the other hand, if the electromotive voltage is not detected in step 76, or if the power generation duration time Tgen has not reached the set time To and the electromotive voltage Vgen has not reached the set value Vo, it is determined that the power generation has not been detected. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 85 to determine the mode at that time. At this time, if the electromotive voltage is not detected in step 76,
In step 84, the power generation duration time Tgen is cleared.
If the power saving mode is set in step 85, the process directly returns to step 71 to continue counting up the stop time.

In the display mode, the non-power generation time Tn is counted up in step 86, and it is determined in step 87 whether or not the predetermined non-power generation time continues. And
When the non-power generation time Tn has elapsed, the display mode is shifted to the power saving mode in step 88, and power saving is started. In step 88, the operation of the drive control circuit 24 and the drive circuit 30 is stopped to reduce the power consumption of the motor 10,
Further, the time information storage unit 96 starts counting the stop time.

In this way, the timekeeping device 1 of the present example stops or restarts the time display depending on the presence or absence of power generation. As described above, the power generation device 40 of the present example is a system that uses the rotary weight 45 to capture the movement or vibration of the arm of the user to generate power. Therefore, detection of power generation means that the user's arm is equipped with the timing device or is carried in a pocket or the like. For this reason, when the power generation is detected, it is assumed that the timekeeping device is carried, and the time is displayed. On the other hand, when the power generation is not detected, it is possible to save the energy stored in the large-capacity capacitor 48 by setting the power saving mode in which the timekeeping device is not carried and the time is not displayed.

Further, in the timing device 1 of the first embodiment, it is determined that the power generation is detected when the predetermined electromotive voltage Vgen is detected and when the power is continuously generated for the predetermined time. I have to. Therefore, the user enters the power saving mode when not carrying it, and even if power generation is accidentally induced for some reason such as vibration, the electromotive force is weak,
If the duration is short, it will not switch to display mode,
It is possible to prevent waste of energy. On the other hand, in the display mode, since the set value Vo is set lower than that in the power saving mode, it is determined that power is being generated if the electromotive voltage is obtained even if the electromotive voltage Vgen to be detected is somewhat low. For this reason, the time display is continued if the power is generated even a little. In the display mode, the power generation duration time T
Since the set time To of Gen is set to be short, the time display is maintained if power is being generated even for a short time.

Further, in the clock device 1 of the first embodiment, the non-power generation time Tn is measured, and the non-power generation time does not shift to the power saving mode unless the set time is reached.

Therefore, it is possible to maintain the time display even when the wristwatch is removed for a period of time such as a meeting, in addition to the case where the user's movement is stopped for a short time and power generation is not performed. Further, the time may be continuously displayed regardless of whether it is left overnight or left. Alternatively, it is possible to save energy by setting the mode to shift to the power saving mode after removing it for about 5 minutes.

[1.4] Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, the timekeeping device 1 of the present embodiment can automatically determine whether to carry or not carry, based on the power generation state. By doing so, a sufficient function as a timekeeping device such as a wristwatch can be exhibited, and energy consumption can be suppressed without displaying the time when not in a mobile state.

More specifically, when the time display is returned to the current time, the power consumption when the hand movement interval is shortened and fast-forwarding is larger than that in the display mode (normal operation mode).

However, when the above-mentioned analog clock is used as the clock device 1, in the case of 12-hour display,
Since the display state is the same in a 12-hour cycle, the longer the elapsed time in the power saving mode is, the higher the power saving effect is, and the energy consumption can be suppressed. In the case of 24-hour display, the same thing can be said in a 24-hour cycle.

More specifically, for example, in the display mode, when the hand movement for 12 hours is performed, when the power consumption of about X [mW] is required, the hand movement for 108 hours (12 × 9 hours) is performed. The power consumption required for this is approximately (X x 9)
[W].

On the other hand, in the power saving mode, when the power consumption required to return to the current time when left for 12 hours is Y (> X) [W], and when left for 108 hours. Since the power consumption required to return to the current time is still Y [W], the longer the time is left in the power saving mode, the more the power saving effect is exhibited.

Therefore, the electric power charged in the large-capacity capacitor can be effectively used, and even if it is left for a long time, only the elapsed time is measured without displaying during that time, and when it is carried. It is possible to restart the display and return to the current time to display the correct time. For this reason, it is possible to realize a small wristwatch or the like that can accurately time a long time by incorporating a power generator and a capacitor having an appropriate capacity instead of a battery without using such a large capacitor. Further, since the capacity of the capacitor does not have to be so large, the starting characteristic is good, and it is possible to realize a timing device that restarts the display as soon as power generation is started and can return to the current time. Further, the timekeeping device of this example has no inconvenience because it can refer to the time anytime, for example, even in a dark place when carrying the device, regardless of the surrounding conditions.

[1.5] Modified Example of First Embodiment [1.5.1] First Modified Example In the above description, the timekeeping device for displaying the time using the motor 10 is described as an example. Of course, it can be applied to a timekeeping device that displays the time on an LCD (liquid crystal display device), etc., and can save the power consumed by the LCD to keep the time continuously for a long time, and when necessary. Can always display the correct current time.

[1.5.2] Second Modification Further, in the above description, the first embodiment is to compare the electromotive voltage Vgen with the set value Vo to judge whether or not power generation is detected.
Detection circuit 97 and second detection for judging whether or not power generation is detected by comparing the power generation continuation time Tgen at which the electromotive voltage Vgen is obtained which is considerably smaller than the set value Vo with a voltage Vbas or more, with the set value To. Although the description has been given based on the power generation detection circuit 91 including both circuits 98, it is of course possible to determine the presence or absence of power generation using either one of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98. is there.

In particular, by providing the second detection circuit 98, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the timing device is attached.

[1.5.3] Third Modification In the above description, as shown in FIG. 3, in the display mode, it is determined in step 87 whether or not a predetermined non-power generation time is continuing. However, when the counted non-power generation time Tn has passed the predetermined non-power generation time, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the power saving is started.
The third modified example is a large capacity capacitor 48 which is a power supply device.
This is a modification in which the voltage is switched to the power saving mode only when the voltage is higher than the voltage sufficient to return to the current time display when the power saving mode is returned to the display mode.

More specifically, even when the counted non-power generation time Tn has passed a predetermined non-power generation time, the voltage of the large-capacity capacitor 48 is reset at the time display at the time of restoration (to the current time). It is determined whether or not the voltage is higher than the voltage sufficient to carry out high-speed hand movement), and if the voltage is higher than the voltage sufficient to return to the current time display state at the time of recovery, power saving is performed. Switch to mode.

On the other hand, when the voltage of the large-capacity capacitor 48 is less than the voltage sufficient to restore the current time display state at the time of restoration, the time display mode is set as the display mode prompting the user to charge the display mode. To continue.

In this case, as a display mode for prompting the user to charge, for example, when the hand movement interval of the second hand during normal hand movement is 1 second, the hand movement interval is set to 2 seconds. As a result of such a configuration, the user can easily understand that the charging is insufficient and can forcibly perform the charging by forcibly shaking the timing device.

[1.5.4] Fourth Modification In the above description, as shown in FIG.
In step 2, the voltage Vout of the power supply device 48 is determined, and if the voltage is not sufficiently charged, the power saving mode is still maintained. However, in the fourth modification, the power supply device 48 is sufficiently charged. If it is not, and the voltage Vout of the power supply device 48 is not sufficient to restore the display at the current time, but if the voltage is sufficient to perform normal hand movement, the current time is not restored. To resume normal hand movement.

As a result, the user does not return to the current time, but can easily understand that the charging is insufficient due to the start of the normal hand movement, and the charging is forcibly charged by shaking the timing device. It can be performed.

[2] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [2.1] Overall Configuration FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the timing device 1 according to the second embodiment. In this case, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The timekeeping device 1 is a wristwatch, and the user uses it by winding the belt connected to the device main body around the wrist. The timekeeping device 1 of this example includes a power generation unit A that generates AC power, a power supply unit B that rectifies an AC voltage from the power generation unit A, stores a boosted voltage, and supplies power to each component, a power generation unit A. Of the power generation state (power generation detection circuit 91 which will be described later) and controls the entire device based on the detection result, and the operation needle is the step motor 1
It is generally composed of a hand movement mechanism D which is driven by using 0, and a drive unit E which drives the hand movement mechanism D based on a control signal from the control unit C. Here, the control unit C has a display mode in which the hand movement mechanism D is driven to display time according to the power generation state of the power generation unit A, and a power saving mode in which power supply to the hand movement mechanism D is stopped to save power. To switch. In addition, when the user shifts from the power saving mode to the display mode,
Hold it in your hand and shake it to force the transition.

The respective components will be sequentially described below, but the control section C will be described later with reference to a functional block diagram.

[2.1.1] Power Generation Unit First, the power generation unit A will be described. The power generation unit A includes a power generation device 40, a rotary weight 45, and a speed increasing gear 46. As the power generation device 40, an electromagnetic induction type AC power generation device in which the power generation rotor 43 rotates inside the power generation stator 42 and the electric power induced in the power generation coil 44 connected to the power generation stator 42 can be output to the outside is adopted. Has been done. The rotary weight 45 also functions as a means for transmitting kinetic energy to the power generation rotor 43. And this rotary weight 4
The movement of No. 5 is transmitted to the power generation rotor 43 via the speed increasing gear 46. In the wristwatch-type timekeeping device 1, the rotary weight 45 is configured to be able to swivel in the device by capturing the movement of the arm of the user. Therefore, the energy related to the life of the user is used to generate electric power, and the electric power can be used to drive the timing device 1.

[2.1.2] Power Supply Unit Next, the power supply unit B will be described. The power supply section B includes a diode 47 acting as a rectifying circuit and a large-capacity capacitor 4
8 and a step-up / down circuit 49. The step-up / down circuit 49 includes a plurality of capacitors 49a, 49b and 49a.
It is possible to increase and decrease the voltage in multiple stages by using c, and the voltage supplied to the drive unit E can be adjusted by the control signal φ11 from the control unit C. The output voltage of the step-up / down circuit 49 is also supplied to the controller C by the monitor signal φ12, and the output voltage is monitored by this. Here, the power supply unit B is Vdd (high voltage side)
Is taken as a reference potential (GND), and Vss (low voltage side) is generated as a power supply voltage.

[2.1.3] Hand Movement Mechanism Next, the hand movement mechanism D will be described. The stepping motor 10 used in the hand movement mechanism D is also called a pulse motor, a stepping motor, a stepping motor, a digital motor, or the like, and is a motor driven by a pulse signal, which is often used as an actuator of a digital control device. . In recent years, small and lightweight stepping motors have been widely adopted as actuators for small electronic devices or information devices suitable for carrying. Typical of such electronic devices are electronic timepieces, time switches,
It is a timekeeping device such as a chronograph.

[2.1.3.1] Stepping Motor The stepping motor 10 according to the second embodiment has a drive unit E.
A drive coil 11 that generates magnetic force by a drive pulse supplied from the stator 12, a stator 12 that is excited by the drive coil 11, and a rotor 13 that rotates by a magnetic field that is excited inside the stator 12. The stepping motor 10 is a PM type (permanent magnet rotating type) in which the rotor 13 is composed of a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet. The stator 12 is provided with a magnetic saturation part 17 so that different magnetic poles are generated in the respective phases (poles) 15 and 16 around the rotor 13 by the magnetic force generated in the drive coil 11. Further, in order to define the rotating direction of the rotor 13, an inner notch 18 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner circumference of the stator 12 so as to generate a cogging torque and stop the rotor 13 at an appropriate position. ing.

The rotation of the rotor 13 of the stepping motor 10 is the fifth wheel & pinion 5 meshed with the rotor 13 via the pinion.
1st, 4th wheel 52, 3rd wheel 53, 2nd wheel 54, behind the wheel 5
It is transmitted to each needle by a train wheel 50 composed of 5 and hour wheel 56. A second hand 61 is connected to the shaft of the fourth wheel & pinion 52, a minute hand 62 is connected to the second wheel & pinion 54, and an hour hand 63 is connected to the hour wheel 56. The time is displayed by each of these hands in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 13. It is of course possible to connect a transmission system or the like (not shown) for displaying the date and the like to the train wheel 50.

[2.1.4] Drive Unit Next, the drive unit E supplies various drive pulses to the stepping motor 10 under the control of the control unit C. The drive unit E is
P-channel MOS transistor 33 connected in series
a and n channel MOS transistors 32a and p
Channel MOS transistor 33b and n channel M
It has a bridge circuit constituted by the OS transistor 32b. The drive unit E is a p-channel MO.
Rotation detecting resistors 35a and 35b connected in parallel with S transistors 33a and 33b, respectively, and sampling p-channel MOS transistors 34a and 34b for supplying a chopper pulse to these resistors 35a and 35b are provided. Therefore, these MOS transistors 32a, 32b, 33a, 33
By supplying control pulses having different polarities and pulse widths from the control section C to the respective gate electrodes of b, 34a, and 34b at different timings, drive pulses having different polarities are supplied to the drive coil 11, or the rotor 1
It is possible to supply a pulse for detection for exciting the induced voltage for rotation detection and magnetic field detection of No. 3 described above.

[2.1.5] Control Unit Next, the configuration of the control unit C will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control unit C and its peripheral configuration. The control unit C includes a pulse synthesizing circuit 22, a mode setting unit 90, a time information storage unit 96, and a drive control circuit 24.
Is equipped with. First, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 oscillates a reference pulse having a stable frequency by using a reference oscillation source 21 such as a crystal oscillator, and synthesizes a divided pulse obtained by dividing the reference pulse and the reference pulse. Then, it is composed of a synthesizing circuit for generating pulse signals having different pulse widths and timings.

Next, the mode setting section 90 includes a power generation detection circuit 91, a set value switching section 95 for switching the set value used for detecting the power generation state, and a voltage detection circuit 92 for detecting the charging voltage Vc of the large capacity capacitor 48. A central control circuit 93 that controls the time display mode according to the power generation state and controls the boosting ratio based on the charging voltage, and a mode storage unit 94 that stores the mode.

The power generation detection circuit 91 compares the electromotive voltage Vgen of the power generation device 40 with the set voltage value Vo to determine whether or not power generation is detected, and the set voltage value Vo. And a second detection circuit 98 for judging whether or not power generation is detected by comparing the power generation continuation time Tgen at which the electromotive voltage Vgen is considerably smaller than the set voltage value Vbas with the set time value To. First and second
When either one of the detection circuits 97 and 98 is satisfied, it is determined that the power generation state.
Here, the set voltage values Vo and Vbas are both V
Negative voltage when dd (= GND) is used as a reference, and V
The potential difference from dd is shown. The first and second
The configurations of the detection circuits 97 and 98 will be described later.

Here, the set voltage value Vo and the set time value To can be switched and controlled by the set value switching section 95. When the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the set value switching unit 95 changes the set values Vo and To of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 of the power generation detection circuit 91. In this example, the display mode setting value V
As a and Ta, set values Vb and T in the power saving mode
A value lower than b is set. Therefore, large power generation is required to switch from the power saving mode to the display mode. Here, the degree of power generation is not sufficient to be obtained by carrying the timekeeping device 1 normally, and needs to be large when the user forcibly charges by hand gesture. In other words, the set values Vb and Tb in the power saving mode are set so as to detect the forced charging due to hand shaking.

Further, the central control circuit 93 is provided with a non-power generation time measuring circuit 99 for measuring the non-power generation time Tn in which no power generation is detected by the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98. When a predetermined set time is exceeded, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode. On the other hand, the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode is performed when the condition that the power generation detection circuit 91 detects that the power generation unit A is in the power generation state and the charging voltage VC of the large capacity capacitor 48 is sufficient. To be executed.

By the way, since the power source section B of this example is provided with the step-up / down circuit 49, even if the charging voltage VC is low to some extent, the step-up / step-down circuit 49 is used to boost the power source voltage to drive the hand movement mechanism D. It is possible to Therefore, the central control circuit 93 determines the boosting ratio based on the charging voltage VC and controls the step-up / down circuit 49.

However, if the charging voltage VC is too low,
Even if the pressure is increased, it is not possible to obtain a power supply voltage that can operate the hand movement mechanism D. In such a case, if the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, accurate time display cannot be performed and useless power is consumed.

Therefore, in this example, the charging voltage VC
Is compared with a predetermined set voltage value Vc to determine whether the charging voltage VC is sufficient, and this is used as one condition for shifting from the power saving mode to the display mode.

The mode thus set is stored in the mode storage section 94, and its information is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, the time information storage section 96 and the set value switching section 95. In the drive control circuit 24, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the supply of the pulse signal to the drive unit E is stopped, and the operation of the drive unit E is stopped. As a result, the motor 10 does not rotate and the time display is stopped.

Next, the time information storage unit 96 is composed of a counter and a memory (not shown), and when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, it receives the reference signal generated by the pulse synthesizing circuit 22. When the time measurement is started and the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, the time measurement is ended. As a result, the duration of the power saving mode is measured. Here, the duration of the power saving mode is stored in the memory. Also,
When the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, the counter is used to count the fast-forwarding pulses supplied from the drive control circuit 24 to the drive unit E, and when the count value reaches a value corresponding to the duration of the power-saving mode, the fast-forwarding pulse is fed. A control signal for stopping the pulse transmission is generated and supplied to the drive unit E. Therefore, the time information storage unit 96 also has a function of returning the redisplayed time display to the current time. The contents of the counter and the memory are reset when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode.

Next, the drive control circuit 24 generates a drive pulse according to the mode based on various pulses output from the pulse synthesizing circuit 22. First, in the power saving mode, the supply of the drive pulse is stopped. Immediately after switching from the power saving mode to the display mode, a fast-forward pulse with a short pulse interval is supplied to the drive unit E as a drive pulse in order to restore the redisplayed time display to the current time. . Next, after the supply of the fast-forward pulse is completed,
A drive pulse having a normal pulse interval is supplied to the drive unit E.

[2.1.6] Power Generation Detection Circuit Next, the configuration of the power generation detection circuit 91 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of the power generation detection circuit 91. In FIG. 6, the first detection circuit 97 has the electromotive voltage Vg.
When the amplitude of en exceeds a predetermined voltage, it becomes a high level, and when it falls below this, a voltage detection signal Sv that becomes a low level is generated. On the other hand, the second detection circuit 98 generates a power generation duration detection signal St that becomes high level when the power generation duration time exceeds a predetermined time and becomes low level when the power generation duration time falls below the predetermined time.
Further, the OR circuit 975 calculates a logical sum of the voltage detection signal Sv and the power generation continuation time detection signal St, and this is supplied to the central control circuit 93 as the power generation state detection signal S. The power generation state detection signal S indicates a power generation state at a high level and a non-power generation state at a low level. Therefore, the power generation detection circuit 91 has the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 as described above.
If either of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined that the power generation state. Hereinafter, the first detection circuit 97 and the second detection circuit 98 will be described in detail.

[2.1.6.1] First Detection Circuit [2.1.6.1.1.1] Configuration of First Detection Circuit In FIG. 6, first detection circuit 97 is a comparator. 971, reference voltage sources 972, 97 for generating constant voltage
3, switch SW1, and retriggerable monomulti 974. The generated voltage value of the reference voltage source 972 is the set voltage value Va in the display mode,
On the other hand, the generated voltage value of the reference voltage source 973 is the set voltage value Vb in the power saving mode. Reference voltage source 972,97
3 is connected to the positive input terminal of the comparator 971 via the switch SW1. The switch SW1 is controlled by the set value switching unit 95, and turns the reference voltage source 972 in the display mode and the reference voltage source 9 in the power saving mode.
73 is connected to the positive input terminal of the comparator 971. Further, the electromotive voltage Vgen of the power generation unit A is supplied to the negative input terminal of the comparator 971. Therefore, the comparator 971 compares the electromotive voltage Vgen with the set voltage value Va or the set voltage value Vb, and when the electromotive voltage Vgen is lower than this (in the case of a large amplitude), it becomes a high level and the electromotive voltage Vgen exceeds these. In the case (small amplitude), a comparison result signal that is low level is generated.

Next, the retriggerable monomulti 974 is
A signal is generated which is triggered by a rising edge generated when the comparison result signal rises from the low level to the high level, rises from the low level to the high level, and rises from the low level to the high level after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, the retriggerable monomulti 974 is configured to reset the measurement time and start a new time measurement when it is triggered again before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[2.1.6.1.2] Operation of First Detection Circuit Next, the operation of the first detection circuit 97 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a timing chart of the first detection circuit 97.

FIG. 7A shows a waveform obtained by half-wave rectifying the electromotive voltage Vgen by the diode 47. In this example, the set voltage values Va and Vb are set to the levels shown in the figure. If the current mode is the display mode,
The switch SW1 selects the reference voltage source 972 and supplies the set voltage value Va to the comparator 971.

Then, the comparator 971 compares the set voltage value Va with the electromotive voltage Vgen shown in FIG.
The comparison result signal shown in FIG. 7B is generated. in this case,
The retriggerable monomulti 974 rises from the low level to the high level in synchronization with the rising edge of the comparison result signal generated at the time t1 (see FIG. 7C). Here, the delay time Td of the retriggerable monomulti 974 is shown in FIG. In this case, since the time from the edge e1 to the next edge e2 is shorter than the delay time Td, the voltage detection signal Sv is maintained at the high level.

On the other hand, if the current mode is the power saving mode, the switch SW1 selects the reference voltage source 973,
The set voltage value Vb is supplied to the comparator 971. In this example, since the electromotive voltage Vgen does not exceed the set voltage value Vb, no trigger is input to the retriggerable monomulti 974. Therefore, the voltage detection signal Sv maintains a low level.

As described above, in the first detection circuit 97, the set voltage value Va or Vb and the electromotive voltage Vgen according to the mode are set.
The voltage detection signal Sv is generated by comparing and.

[2.1.6.2] Second Detection Circuit [2.1.6.2.1] Configuration of Second Detection Circuit In FIG. 6, the second detection circuit 98 is an integration circuit 98.
1, a gate 982, a counter 983, a digital comparator 984 and a switch SW2.

First, the integrating circuit 981 is composed of a MOS transistor 2, a capacitor 3, a pull-up resistor 4 and an inverter circuit 5. The electromotive voltage Vgen is connected to the gate of the MOS transistor 2, and the electromotive voltage Vgen is
By this, the MOS transistor 2 repeats ON and OFF operations to control the charging of the capacitor 3. If the switching means is composed of MOS transistors, the integrating circuit 981 including the inverter circuit 5 can be composed of an inexpensive CMOS IC, but these switching elements and voltage detecting means may be composed of bipolar transistors. The pull-up resistor 4 has the roles of fixing the voltage value V3 of the capacitor 3 to the Vss potential during non-power generation and generating a leak current during non-power generation. This has a high resistance value of about several tens to several hundreds MΩ, and a MOS transistor having a large ON resistance can be configured. The voltage value V3 of the capacitor 3 is determined by the inverter circuit 5 connected to the capacitor 3. The detection signal Vout is output. Here, the threshold value of the inverter circuit 5 is a set voltage value Vba that is considerably smaller than the set voltage value Vo used in the first detection circuit 97.
s is set.

The gate 982 is supplied with the reference signal and the detection signal Vout supplied from the pulse synthesizing circuit 22. Therefore, the counter 983 has the detection signal Vout.
Counts the reference signal during a high level period. This count value is supplied to one input of the digital comparator 983. The set time value To corresponding to the set time is supplied to the other input of the digital comparator 983. Here, when the current mode is the display mode, the set time value Ta is supplied via the switch SW2, and when the current mode is the power saving mode, the set time value Tb is supplied via the switch SW2. It has become so. The switch SW2 is controlled by the set value switching unit 95.

The digital comparator 984 outputs the comparison result as the power generation duration detection signal St in synchronization with the falling edge of the detection signal Vout. The power generation continuation time detection signal St becomes high level when the set time is exceeded, and becomes low level when the set time is shorter than the set time.

[2.1.6.2.2.2] Operation of Second Detection Circuit Next, the operation of the second detection circuit 98 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a timing chart for explaining the operation of the second detection circuit 98. When the power generation unit A starts to generate the AC power shown in FIG.
0 generates the electromotive voltage Vgen shown in FIG. 8B via the diode 47. When power generation starts and the voltage value of the electromotive voltage Vgen falls from Vdd to Vss, the MOS transistor 2 is turned on and charging of the capacitor 3 starts. V3
Potential is Vss due to pull-up resistor 4 when power is not generated.
Although it is fixed to the side, when power generation occurs and charging of the capacitor 3 starts, it starts rising to the Vdd side. Next, the electromotive voltage V
When the gen voltage starts increasing to Vss and the MOS transistor 2 is turned off, the charging of the capacitor 3 stops, but
The potential of V3 shown in FIG. 8C is held as it is by the capacitor 3. The above operation is repeated while power generation is continued, and the potential of V3 rises to Vdd and stabilizes. When the potential of V3 rises above the threshold value of the inverter circuit 5, the detection signal V which is the output of the inverter circuit 5 '.
Out changes from low level to high level, and power generation can be detected. The response time until the detection of power generation can be arbitrarily set by connecting a current limiting resistor, adjusting the value of the charging current to the capacitor 3 by changing the capacity of the MOS transistor, and changing the capacitance value of the capacitor 3. .

When the power generation is stopped, the electromotive voltage Vgen becomes Vdd.
Since it stabilizes at the level, the MOS transistor 2 remains off. The voltage of V3 continues to be held by the capacitor 3 for a while, but a slight leak current due to the pull-up resistor 4 causes the charge of the capacitor 3 to escape, so that V3 gradually begins to drop from Vdd to Vss. When V3 exceeds the threshold value of the inverter circuit 5, the detection signal Vout, which is the output of the inverter circuit 5 ′, switches from the high level to the low level, and it can be detected that power is not being generated (see FIG. 8 (d)). This response time can be arbitrarily set by changing the resistance value of the pull-up resistor 4 and adjusting the leak current of the capacitor 3.

When the reference signal is gated by the detection signal Vout, the signal shown in FIG. 8E is obtained, and the counter 983 counts it. This count value is
The value corresponding to the set time is compared with the timing T1 by the digital comparator 984. Here, if the high level period Tx of the detection signal Vout is longer than the set time value To, the power generation continuation time detection signal St is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (f), it changes from the low level to the high level at the timing T1.

Now, with reference to FIG. 9, the electromotive voltage Vgen due to the difference in the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43 and the detection signal Vout for the electromotive voltage Vgen will be described.
FIG. 9 shows an electromotive voltage Vgen and a detection signal V for the electromotive voltage Vgen due to the difference in the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43.
It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the relationship of out. In particular, FIG. 9A shows the case where the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43 is low, and FIG. 9B shows the case where the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43 is high. The voltage level and cycle (frequency) of the electromotive voltage Vgen change according to the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43. That is, as the rotation speed increases, the electromotive voltage Vg
The amplitude of en becomes large and the period becomes short. Therefore, the length of the output holding time (power generation continuation time) of the detection signal Vout changes according to the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 43, that is, the strength of power generation of the power generation device 40. That is,
When the movement in FIG. 9A is small, the output holding time is t
If the movement is as shown in FIG. 9B and the movement in FIG. 9B is large, the output holding time is tb. The magnitude relationship between the two is ta <tb. In this way, the strength of power generation of the power generation device 40 can be known from the length of the output holding time of the detection signal Vout.

[2.2] Operation of Timing Device Next, the mode setting process for performing the mode switching process in the timing device 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic flowchart of the mode setting process. First, in step 71, the current mode is judged. When the power is being saved, the stop time counting is continued using the time information storage unit 96 in step 74. In step 75, the set values Vo and To of the voltage detection circuit 91 are set to the power saving mode values Vb and Tb. On the other hand, in the display mode, step 72
At, the drive control circuit 24 controls the drive circuit 30 to generate a drive pulse and display the time. Then, in step 73, the set values Vo and To of the power generation detection circuit 91 are set to the display mode values Va and Ta.

Next, in step 76, the power generation level (electromotive voltage) is detected. If it is determined that there is a small amount of electromotive voltage, the power generation duration time Tgen is counted up in step 77. Further, in step 78, the power generation duration time Tgen is compared with the set time To, and if the power generation duration time Tgen is equal to or longer than the set time To, it is determined that power generation is detected, and the process proceeds to step 80. When the power generation duration time Tgen has not reached the set time To in step 78, the electromotive voltage Vgen is compared with the set value Vo in step 79. Then, when the electromotive voltage Vgen has reached the set value Vo, it is determined that the power generation is detected, and the process proceeds to step 80. In step 80, the mode is determined again, and if it is not the power saving mode, the non-power generation time Tn is cleared in step 81, the process returns to step 71, and the time display is continued in step 72. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, the charging voltage VC of the power source unit B is determined in step 82, and if it is sufficiently charged, the power saving mode is switched to the display mode in step 83 to cancel the power saving. When the display mode is entered and the time is displayed again, as described above, the time display is fast-forwarded based on the stop time counted by the time information storage unit 96, and after returning to the current time, the normal display is performed every one second. Hand movement starts. As a result, the user can return to the display mode and know the exact time displayed.

On the other hand, if the electromotive voltage is not detected in step 76, or if the power generation duration time Tgen has not reached the set time To and the electromotive voltage Vgen has not reached the set value Vo, it is determined that the power generation has not been detected. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 85 to determine the mode at that time. At this time, if the electromotive voltage is not detected in step 76,
In step 84, the power generation duration time Tgen is cleared.
If the power saving mode is set in step 85, the process directly returns to step 71 to continue counting up the stop time. In the display mode, the non-power generation time Tn is counted up in step 86, and it is determined in step 87 whether or not the predetermined non-power generation time continues. And the non-power generation time Tn
If has elapsed, the display mode is changed to the power saving mode in step 88, and power saving is started. In step 88, the operation of the drive control circuit 24 and the drive circuit 30 is stopped to eliminate the power consumption of the motor 10, and the time information storage unit 96 starts counting the stop time.

[2.3] Effects of the Second Embodiment In this way, the timekeeping device 1 of this example stops or restarts the time display depending on the presence or absence of power generation. As described above, the power generation device 40 of the present example is a system that uses the rotary weight 45 to capture the movement or vibration of the arm of the user to generate power. Therefore, the detection of power generation means that the timekeeping device 1 is worn on the user's arm or is carried in a pocket or the like. Therefore, when the power generation is detected, it is assumed that the timekeeping device 1 is carried and the time is displayed. On the other hand, when the power generation is not detected, the energy stored in the large-capacity capacitor 48 can be saved by setting the power saving mode in which the timekeeping device 1 is not carried and the time is not displayed.

Further, in the timing device 1 of the second embodiment, it is judged that the power generation is detected when the predetermined electromotive voltage Vgen is detected and when the power is continuously generated for the predetermined time. I am trying.

Therefore, the power saving mode is set when the user is not carrying the mobile phone, and even if power generation is accidentally induced for some reason such as vibration, if the electromotive voltage is weak and the duration is short, the display mode is entered. Instead, waste of energy can be prevented. On the other hand, in the display mode, since the set value Vo is set lower than that in the power saving mode, it is determined that power is being generated if the electromotive voltage is obtained even if the electromotive voltage Vgen to be detected is somewhat low. For this reason, the time display is continued if the power is generated even a little. Further, in the display mode, the set time period To of the power generation duration time Tgen is set short, so that the time display is maintained as long as the power is generated even in a short time.

Further, in the timekeeping device 1 of the second embodiment, the non-power generation time Tn is measured, and the non-power generation time does not shift to the power saving mode unless it reaches the set time.

Therefore, it is possible to maintain the time display even when the wristwatch is removed for a period of time such as a meeting, in addition to the case where the user's movement is stopped for a short time and power generation is not performed. Further, the time may be continuously displayed regardless of whether it is left overnight or left. Alternatively, it is possible to save energy by setting the mode to shift to the power saving mode after removing it for about 5 minutes.

As described above, the timing device 1 according to the second embodiment.
Can automatically determine whether to carry or not to carry based on the power generation state.When carrying, it displays the time and exhibits sufficient functions as a timekeeping device such as a wristwatch.When not carrying the watch, the time is not displayed. In addition, energy consumption can be suppressed. Therefore, the electric power charged in the large-capacity capacitor 48 can be effectively used, and even if it is left for a long time, only the elapsed time is measured without displaying it and the display is displayed when it is carried. It is possible to display the correct time by restarting and returning to the current time. For this reason, it is possible to realize a small wristwatch or the like that can accurately time a long time by incorporating a power generator and a capacitor having an appropriate capacity instead of a battery without using such a large capacitor. Further, since the capacity of the capacitor does not have to be so large, the starting characteristic is good, and it is possible to realize a timekeeping device capable of restarting the display immediately after the start of power generation and returning to the current time. Further, the timekeeping device of this example has no inconvenience because it can refer to the time anytime, for example, even in a dark place when carrying the device, regardless of the surrounding conditions.

[2.4] Modification of Second Embodiment [2.4.1] First Modification In the above description of the second embodiment, the power generation detection circuit 9 is described.
No. 1 detects the power generation state based on the electromotive voltage Vgen from the power generation unit A, but the power source unit B has a large capacity capacitor 4
Alternatively, the power generation state may be detected based on the charging current flowing through the battery 8.

In this case, as shown in FIG.
The current-voltage conversion unit 100 may be provided in the preceding stage of the detection circuit 97 and the second detection circuit 98. The current-voltage conversion unit 100 is composed of a current detection resistor R and an operational amplifier OP that detects the potential difference between both ends thereof.

[2.4.2] Second Modification In addition, in the above description of the second embodiment, the electromotive voltage Vge is set.
A first detection circuit 97 that determines whether power generation is detected by comparing n with a set value Vo, and a power generation duration time Tgen at which an electromotive voltage Vgen that is a voltage Vbas or more that is considerably smaller than the set value Vo is obtained. Although the description is given based on the power generation detection circuit 91 including both the second detection circuit 98 that determines whether or not the power generation is detected by comparing with the set value To, the first and second detection circuits Of course, it is also possible to determine the presence or absence of power generation using either 97 or 98.

[3] Third Embodiment Next, a timing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The timing device of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the timing device of the second embodiment, except for the configuration of the power generation detection circuit 91.

By the way, the power generation frequency of the power generation section A changes according to the strength of power generation. For example, the power generation frequency is low when the timekeeping device 1 placed on the desk is slightly moved with some kind of momentum, but the power generation frequency is high when the timekeeping device 1 is worn on the wrist of the arm while walking. Further, when the user charges the timing device 1 by hand, the power generation frequency becomes higher. The present embodiment has been made in view of this point, and detects the power generation state based on the power generation frequency.

[3.1] Configuration of Power Generation Detection Circuit FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a power generation detection circuit 91 'according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a timing chart of the power generation detection circuit 91 '. The power generation detection circuit 91 ′ includes a comparator 971, a reference voltage source 972 that generates a constant voltage, a switch SW1, a timer 975, an SR flip-flop 976, a gate 977, a counter 978, and a digital comparator 979.

The reference voltage source 972 generates a set voltage value Va in the display mode, and is connected to the positive input terminal of the comparator 971. The negative input terminal of the comparator 971 is supplied with the electromotive voltage Vgen of the power generation unit A shown in FIG. Therefore,
The comparator 971 sets the electromotive voltage Vgen to the set voltage value V
Compared with a, a comparison result signal is generated which becomes high level when the electromotive voltage Vgen is lower than these and becomes low level when the electromotive voltage Vgen exceeds these (FIG. 1).
3 (b)).

This comparison result signal is supplied to the set terminal of the SR flip-flop 976, and the output signal of the timer 975 is supplied to its reset terminal. The timer 975 is configured to start time measurement in synchronization with the rising edge of the output signal of the SR flip-flop 976 and to fall after a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, if the time measured by the timer is Ts, the output signal of the SR flip-flop 976 changes from low level to high level in synchronization with the rising edges e3 and e4 of the comparison result signal as shown in FIG. 13C. Then, after continuing the high level for the time Ts, it falls from the high level to the low bell.

The gate 977 is the SR flip-flop 97.
The logical product of the output signal of 6 and the comparison result signal is output. The counter 978 counts the output signal of the gate 977,
The count value Z is output to the digital comparator 979. The digital comparator 979 has a switch SW.
The set values X1 and X2 are selectively supplied via 2. The switch SW2 is controlled by the set value switching unit 95 and supplies the set value X1 to the digital comparator 979 in the display mode and the set value X2 in the power saving mode. The set value X1 corresponds to the power generation frequency f1 capable of determining whether or not the power generation state is a normal portable state, and the set value X2 corresponds to the power generation frequency f2 at which it is possible to determine the forced charge state. Digital comparator 9
79 is configured to compare the count value Z of the counter 978 with the set value X1 or X2 at the falling edge of the gate 977.

If the current operation mode is the power saving mode, the power generation state detection signal S indicating the power generation state is generated when the power generation frequency of the power generation section A exceeds f2. Therefore, the power saving mode is not canceled in a normal mobile phone, and the power saving mode shifts to the display mode only when the user performs forced charging (hand gesture) with the intention of canceling the power saving mode. Therefore, even if the timekeeping device 1 is lightly touched, the power saving mode is not released and power is not wasted.

On the other hand, if the current operation mode is the display mode for displaying the time, the power generation frequency of the power generation section A is f1.
When the value is less than, a power generation state detection signal S indicating a non-power generation state is generated. As described above, since the power generation frequency f1 is set so as to be able to determine whether or not the power generation state is a normal portable state, the state in which the timekeeping device 1 is not used is accurately detected, and the display mode is quickly changed to the power saving mode. Can be moved to. As a result, power consumption is not wasted.

[4] Fourth Embodiment In each of the above embodiments, as the power generation device 40, the rotary motion (= kinetic energy) of the rotary weight 45 generated by being carried by the user is transmitted to the rotor 43. The rotation of the rotor 43 causes an electromotive force Vge in the output coil 44.
Although the electromagnetic induction power generation device that generates n is adopted, in the fourth embodiment, instead of the power generation device 40, even if the user carries the power generation device 40, the power generation becomes impossible due to the surrounding environment. It is an embodiment when a type power generator is used.

When such a power generator is used, if the operation mode is controlled in the power generation state of the power generator, the power generation state may not always be achieved even in the portable state, and even in the non-portable state, It may not be in a non-power generation state.

In this case, the problem is that the operation mode shifts from the power saving mode to the display mode (normal operation mode) when the timing device is in the portable state and the power generation device is still in the non-power generation state. Is to end up. As a result, the timekeeping device enters the display mode, consumes power, and stops the timekeeping device despite the non-power generation state.

A solar cell is an example of a power generator that causes such a problem. This solar cell generates electric power by photoelectric conversion that converts light energy (corresponding to the first energy) of external light such as sunlight into electric energy.

The fourth embodiment will be specifically described below by taking the case where a solar cell is used as a power generator as an example. Figure 1
4 shows a schematic block diagram of the timing device of the fourth embodiment. 14, the same parts as those of the first embodiment of FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a portable state detecting unit 400 for determining whether or not the timekeeping device is in a portable state, that is, whether or not the user is in a worn state. Provided, the timing device 1A is in a portable state,
In addition, the central control circuit 93A only returns the operation mode from the power saving mode to the display mode when the power generation device (solar cell) 40A is in the power generation state.

[4.1] Portable state detecting unit First, a specific example of the portable state detecting unit will be described. The portable state detection unit may have the following configuration, for example. Portable state detection unit equipped with an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration when carrying a portable state detection device that has a contact electrode sensor to detect changes in current value, voltage value, resistance value or capacitance value between electrodes when worn by the user Portable state detection unit equipped with a mechanical contact sensor that detects the mounting state by detecting the on or off state of the mechanical contact when the unit is mounted

[4.1.1] Portable State Detection Unit Equipped with Acceleration Sensor In the portable state detection unit provided with the acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor is arranged so as to detect the acceleration in the plane direction of the clock face, for example. The acceleration corresponding to the movement at the time of wearing is detected, and when the acceleration equal to or higher than a predetermined predetermined acceleration is detected, it is detected that the user is wearing, that is, in a carrying state.

In this case, by detecting the predetermined acceleration corresponding to the desired acceleration, detection corresponding to various carrying states can be performed. Furthermore, if an acceleration of a predetermined value or more is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more and if it is detected that the mobile phone is in a carrying state, the power saving mode is erroneously changed to the display mode (normal operation mode). Things will disappear.

[4.1.2] Portable State Detecting Unit Equipped with Contact Electrode Sensor For example, a pair of contact electrodes are provided on the back surface of the timing device 1A, and when the user wears them on the arm, the contact electrode becomes the user's arm. Configure to contact.

In this case, the resistance value or the electrostatic capacitance value when the contact electrodes are not attached is set in advance, so that the detected resistance value, the detected current value, and the like due to the change in the resistance value or the capacitance value when the timing device 1A is attached, The portable state is detected by detecting a change in the detected voltage value or the detected electrostatic capacitance value.

Also in this case, when the change in the detection resistance value, the detection current value, the detection voltage value, or the detection capacitance value is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, it is detected that the mobile phone is in the carrying state. By doing so, it is possible to prevent accidental transition from the power saving mode to the display mode (normal operation mode).

[4.1.3] Portable State Detecting Unit Equipped with Mechanical Contact Sensor For example, a mechanical contact switch is provided at a fastening part of a band (clock band) for mounting the timekeeping device 1A on an arm,
It can be configured to detect that the mechanical contact switch is turned on or off when the band is worn on the arm.

In addition, a movable mechanical contact switch is provided inside the machine, and when the timing device 1A has a predetermined angle (for example, when the dial is vertical to the ground), the mechanical contact is made. When the switch is turned on, it is detected that the switch is in the carrying state.

Further, the number of on / off switchings during a predetermined period is counted, this is compared with a predetermined reference number, and when the number of switchings exceeds the reference number, it is detected that the mobile phone is in a portable state. You may do it.

Instead of, or in addition to, the portable state detecting unit as described above, as a power generating device, a power generating device that generates power based on kinetic energy such as rotational energy of a rotary weight, a piezoelectric element, or the like is used. When using a power generation device that generates power based on energy, or a power generation device that uses thermoelectric elements such as thermocouples based on thermal energy, detect the portable state based on these power generation states. It is possible to configure.

[4.2] Operation of Main Part of Fourth Embodiment The operation of the main part of the fourth embodiment will be described below. In this case, in the initial state, the operation mode is the display mode (normal operation mode).

The non-power generation time measuring circuit 99 of the central control circuit 93A includes a first detecting circuit 97 and a second detecting circuit 98.
In the solar cell that is the power generation device 40A, the non-power generation time Tn during which no power generation is detected is measured.

The central control circuit 93A sets the non-power generation time Tn to a predetermined set time regardless of the detection output of the portable state detecting unit 400, that is, in the portable state and the non-portable state. When it exceeds the limit, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode.

The set operation mode is stored in the mode storage section 94, and its information is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, the time information storage section 96 and the set value switching section 95. In the drive control circuit 24, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the supply of the pulse signal to the drive circuit 30 is stopped and the drive circuit 30 is stopped. Therefore, the motor 10 does not rotate and the time display is stopped.

In the time information storage unit 96, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22
The operation is started as a stop time counter that stores the duration of the power saving mode in response to the reference signal generated by.

In the power saving mode, the central control circuit 93A
Monitors the detection output of the portable state detection unit 400 and the power generation detection output by the first detection circuit 97 and the second detection circuit 98, and the solar cell 40A which is the power generation device while the timing device 1A is in the portable state. The operating mode is returned from the power saving mode to the display mode only when the is in the power generation state. Then, when the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, the central control circuit 93 counts the fast-forward pulse supplied from the drive control circuit 24 to the drive circuit 30, and restores the re-displayed time display to the current time. Become.

[4.3] Effects of the Fourth Embodiment As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when the timekeeping device is not in the portable state (not in use by the user), the operation mode is set. Does not shift from the power saving mode to the display mode (normal operation mode), and wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

Further, when the power saving mode is switched to the display mode, it is in the portable state and in the use state, so that when the user wants to refer to the time display, the power generation device can sufficiently obtain the power required for the display. In such a state, it is possible to refer to the accurate time display.

[4.4] Modification of Fourth Embodiment [4.4.1] First Modification In the above description, the central control circuit 93A does not operate even when the timing device 1A is in the portable state. Even in the portable state, when the non-power generation time Tn exceeds the predetermined set time, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode. At least when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode only when the current time is equivalent to a voltage at which the current time can be restored, or at least when the voltage of the large-capacity capacitor 48 is shifted to the display mode after shifting to the power saving mode. It is also possible to shift to the power saving mode when the voltage is equivalent to the voltage that allows normal hand movement.

[4.4.2] Second Modification In the above description, the case where the solar cell that is the power generation device 40A is not generating power (non-power generation state) has been described, but the power generation state is insufficient. Even when the voltage is less than a predetermined voltage, the same can be applied.

[4.4.3] Third Modification In the above description, the case of a solar cell as the power generator has been described. However, in a manually wound piezoelectric power generator that vibrates a piezoelectric element by a manual winding device, a mainspring. The same effect as that of the fourth embodiment can be obtained with a mainspring power generation device that generates electric power using the stored energy or an electromagnetic power generation device that generates power using electromagnetic wave energy of radio waves propagating in space.

[4.4.3.1] Third Embodiment of Fourth Embodiment
First Specific Aspect of Modified Example A manual winding device is provided, and a piezoelectric body is vibrated by rotating the manual winding device.

[4.4.3.2] Third Embodiment of Fourth Embodiment
Second Specific Aspect of Modification Example Instead of the power generation device 40A, a power generation device that receives stray electromagnetic waves and that generates electric power by electromagnetic induction by using electromagnetic wave energy by using radio waves for broadcasting and communication can be used. More specifically, it is configured to have a plurality of tuning circuits capable of resonating in synchronization with radio waves of different specific frequencies among radio waves propagating in space and extracting radio waves of a specific frequency as electric power. To do.

[4.4.3.3] Third Embodiment of Fourth Embodiment
Third Specific Aspect of Modification Example Instead of the power generation device 40A, a thermoelectric power generation device that has a thermoelectric conversion element such as a thermocouple and generates electric power by using thermal energy has the same effect as that of the fourth embodiment. Obtainable.

[5] Modification of Embodiment [5.1] First Modification In each of the embodiments described above, the timekeeping device for displaying the time using the step motor 10 is described as an example.
It is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to a clock device that displays time on an LCD or the like.

In this case, the power consumed by the LCD can be saved and the time can be continuously measured for a long time, and the correct current time can be displayed whenever necessary.

[5.2] Second Modification In each of the above-described embodiments, the time measuring device for displaying the hour, minute and second by one motor is described as an example. However, a plurality of hour hands, minute hands and second hands are provided. It is also possible to display the time by driving the motor.

As a result, each motor can independently perform the hand movement, and as compared with the case where all the pointers are driven by one motor as in the above-described embodiment, the power saving mode can be changed to the display mode (normal operation). It is possible to reduce the amount of hand movement required to return to the current time when shifting to (mode), and
It is possible to reduce the power consumption required for returning to the current time by fast-forwarding the hands, rather than the power consumption required for hand movement in the display mode.

Further, by using the reverse hand movement (counterclockwise hand movement) and the forward hand movement together, the maximum hand movement amount can be set to 1/2 cycle (for example, 6 hours when the hour hand is displayed for 12 hours). As a result, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption when the current time is restored.

As a concrete example of driving the hands with a plurality of motors, the hour and minute hands can be driven by the first motor, and the second hand can be driven by the second motor. In this case, it is possible to change the timing of stopping the time display for each motor.

That is, when the power saving mode has a two-stage structure and the operation mode shifts from the display mode to the first power saving mode, only the driving of the second motor is stopped and only the second hand is stopped. This is because the user can easily grasp the time even when only the second hand is stopped, and the second motor for driving the second hand, which consumes a lot of energy, is stopped to efficiently reduce the power consumption. is there.

When the first power saving mode is changed to the second power saving mode, the first motor for driving the hour and minute hands can also be brought into a stopped state to further reduce power consumption.

As a result, the seconds display with a short hand movement interval and large energy consumption saves energy by stopping early in the stage where the non-power generation time is short, and the time movement time is relatively long and energy consumption is relatively small. The time display can continue as long as possible.

Further, the hour hand is driven by the first motor,
It is also possible to drive the minute hand by the second motor and drive the second hand by the third motor. By adopting a configuration in which the motor is driven by a plurality of motors in this way, the time until the current time is restored can be further shortened.

In addition, it is also possible for the user to change the timing of stopping the time display for each motor according to his or her preference. Similarly, in the time measuring device having the calendar function, it is possible to separately provide a motor for driving the calendar mechanism.

[5.3] Third Modification In each of the above-described embodiments, as the power generation device 40, the rotational motion (= kinetic energy) of the rotary weight 45 is transmitted to the rotor 43, and the rotor 43 rotates to output. An electromagnetic induction power generation device that generates an electromotive force Vgen is used in the coil 44, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[5.3.1] First Aspect of Third Modified Example Instead of the power generation device 40, a restoring motion (= kinetic energy) of a mainspring causes a rotary motion, and an electromotive force is generated by the rotary motion. A power generation device can be used.

[5.3.2] Second Aspect of Third Modified Example Instead of the power generation device 40, vibration or displacement due to external or self-excitation is applied to the piezoelectric body (piezo element).
A power generation device that generates electric power by a piezoelectric effect that converts pressure into electric energy can be used.

More specifically, the resonator element provided with the piezoelectric layer is vibrated by the rotation of the rotary weight to generate power. It is also possible to provide a manual winding device and to vibrate the piezoelectric body by rotating the manual winding device.

[5.3.3] Third Aspect of Third Modified Example Instead of the power generation device 40, thermoelectric conversion for converting thermal energy into electric energy by giving a temperature difference to a thermoelectric generation element such as a thermocouple. A power generation device that generates electric power can be used.

More specifically, a heat radiating plate is provided on the dial side of the time measuring device, and a heat absorbing member for absorbing body heat from the user is provided on the case back side of the time measuring device, and a space between the heat radiating plate and the heat absorbing member is provided. By connecting with a heat conducting member formed of a material having a high heat conductivity, it is possible to efficiently generate power by efficiently maintaining a temperature difference.

[5.3.4] Fourth Aspect of Third Modified Example Instead of the power generation device 40, first to third of the third modified example.
A plurality of power generation devices according to the first aspect to the fifth power generation device according to the third modified example in addition to the power generation device 40 described above. (Corresponding to a power generation device).

With this, it is possible to continue the power generation by any of the power generators, and more stable power generation, and by extension,
A stable power supply can be performed.

[5.4] Fourth Modification In each of the above-described embodiments, the wristwatch-type timekeeping device 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described power generation unit A, The electronic device capable of providing the power supply unit B and the control unit C may be a pocket watch or the like, other than the wristwatch.

Calculators, mobile phones, portable personal computers, electronic notebooks, portable radios, portable VTRs,
It can also be applied to electronic devices such as portable navigation devices.

In this case, a power consuming unit that operates using the electric power supplied from the power source unit B is provided, and the power generating unit A
If the power generation detection circuit 91 detects the power generation state and the power saving mode for stopping the operation of the power consumption section and the operation mode for operating the power consumption section are controlled by the control section C based on the detection result. Good. Specifically, the operation mode corresponds to the use state of a calculator, a mobile phone, etc., and the power saving mode corresponds to the non-use state. However, in the power saving mode, electric power is supplied to the power generation detection circuit 91, and it is possible to determine whether or not the user carries the electronic device. In particular, in the case where the display unit is provided, it is desirable that the screen display is not performed in the power saving mode, but the screen display is performed in the normal operation mode. In this case, the user can know the power saving mode or the normal operation mode by looking at the display section.

Further, in this case, the operating state at the time of shifting to the power saving mode is stored in the memory or the like, and
It continuously stores the operating state with the passage of time during the power saving mode, and when returning to the normal operating mode, based on these information, returns to the operating state in which the information including the elapsed state is the current information, or The information including the progress state is added to the current information so that the normal operation state is restored.

[0225] For example, in a self-contained navigation system, movement states and the like on the way are accumulated without displaying them, and the normal operation state is restored in order to display the current position which is the accumulation result, or The movement state information can be displayed when returning to the normal operation mode.

[5.5] Fifth Modified Example In each of the above-described embodiments, when shifting from the power saving mode to the display mode, the user needs to force-charge the timer device 1 by hand. In this case, compared with the case where the timekeeping device 1 is carried and daily life is carried out, a larger amount of power is generated, and the electromagnetic noise level generated by the power generation device 40 may be higher than that during normal carrying. Sexuality occurs.

As a result, it is possible that the stepping motor 10 is affected by electromagnetic noise and the time display becomes inaccurate.

Therefore, in the fifth modified example, the compulsory power generation state by hand shaking may be detected, and in this case, the drive section E may generate a wide drive pulse.
As a result, even if the electromagnetic noise level of the power generation device 40 increases, the step motor 10 can be reliably operated by the wide drive pulse.

When the timekeeping device 1 is forcibly charged by hand, the charging current is large and the internal resistance of the large-capacity capacitor 48 causes a large fluctuation in the power supply voltage, which may adversely affect the circuit operation.

Therefore, it is possible to detect a compulsory power generation state by hand shaking and short-circuit both ends of the power generation stator 42 in this case. As a result, the fluctuation of the power supply voltage can be suppressed and the circuit can be operated reliably.

[5.6] Sixth Modification Example First Example Described in First and Second Embodiments Above
The detection circuit 97, the second detection circuit 98, and the power generation detection circuit 91 ′ described in the third embodiment can be combined appropriately to detect the power generation state.

That is, the electromotive voltage Vgen and the power generation duration, the power generation duration and the power generation frequency, the power generation frequency and the electromotive voltage Vge.
n, the electromotive voltage Vgen, the power generation duration, and the power generation frequency may be combined to detect the power generation state. Further, the detection target may be an electromotive voltage, or may be a charging current as described in the modification of the second embodiment.

That is, detection by voltage, detection by current,
It is possible to detect the power generation state by using at least one of the detection based on the power generation duration time and the detection based on the power generation frequency.

[5.7] Seventh Modification Example First Example Described in First and Second Embodiments
In the detection circuit 97, the second detection circuit 98, and the power generation detection circuit 91 ′ described in the second embodiment, the set value serving as the reference for comparison is switched according to the current mode. The non-power generation state (non-portable state), the portable state, and the forced power generation state may be detected by comparing with the value.

[5.8] Eighth Modification In each of the embodiments described above, the reference potential (GND) is set to Vdd (high potential side), but the reference potential (GND) is set.
Needless to say, may be set to Vss (low potential side). In this case, the set voltage values Vo and Vbas are
It indicates a potential difference from the detection level set on the high voltage side with Vss as a reference.

[5.9] Ninth Modification In each of the embodiments described above, the display mode is switched to the power saving mode by detecting the portable state, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it may be executed based on an instruction from the user.

For example, a button arranged on the exterior of the timekeeping device 1 or an operation of the crown or the like may be detected, and the display mode may be switched to the power saving mode based on the detection result.

In this case, the power saving mode can be swiftly changed by the user's intentional operation. Therefore, the user can save power even when he / she is carrying the device without needing to know the time display. You can As a result, it is possible to further reduce power consumption, and it is possible to set accurate time for a longer period.

[5.10] Tenth Modification In each of the above-described embodiments, the power supply section B half-wave rectifies the AC voltage supplied from the power generation section A, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, a full-wave rectifier may be used.

[5.11] Eleventh Modification In the above description, only the electronic device having the power generation device has been described, but a power supply capable of storing electric energy even when the power generation device is not provided. A device, for example, an electronic device using a primary battery can also be configured to detect whether it is in a portable state and shift to a power saving mode, or to shift from a power saving mode to a normal operation mode. Is.

[0241]

As described above, the portable electronic device of the present invention is equipped with the portable detector for detecting whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state, and the portable electronic device is carried by the portable electronic device. When the electronic device is not in use, that is, when the user does not use the electronic device, the operation mode is changed from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode in order to reduce the power consumption of the electronic device. The consumption can be reduced.

Further, the electronic device of the present invention is a power generation device that converts the first energy (= kinetic energy, thermal energy, pressure, light energy, electromagnetic wave energy) into the second energy, electric energy, to generate electric power. The device and a portable detection device for detecting whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state are provided, and the operation modes thereof are a power saving mode and a normal operation mode (in the above example, depending on the power generation state or the portable state). , Display mode).

Therefore, at least when the power generation device is not in the power generation state, the operation of the electronic device can be stopped to reduce wasteful power consumption. Furthermore, even when the power generation device is in the power generation state, the electronic device can be stopped. When is not in a portable state, it is possible to shift to a power saving mode and further reduce power consumption.

Further, the timing device which is the electronic equipment of the present invention is provided with the power generation device capable of converting the first energy (kinetic energy, heat energy, pressure, light energy, electromagnetic wave energy) into the second energy, electric energy. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the timekeeping device is carried depending on whether or not this power generation device is generating power, or whether or not the timekeeping device is carried by various portable state detection sensors such as an acceleration sensor. I am trying. Then, the display mode is set to always display the time when the device is carried, and when not carried, the time display is stopped to save energy when the condition that a predetermined non-power generation time has elapsed is satisfied. .

Therefore, the time measuring device which is the electronic apparatus of the present invention displays the time when the user wants to carry the time measuring device and watch the time even at night or in winter, and the user feels inconvenient. There is no such thing. On the other hand, when the timing device is not carried by the user and the user does not see the time, the display can be stopped to save energy even when the surroundings are bright. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device (time measuring device) and a control method thereof that can accurately display the time over a long period of time without using a battery, and that does not make the user feel inconvenient.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timing device that stores a motor and a power generator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the timing device shown in FIG. 1 using a block diagram.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing for performing mode switching in the timing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a control unit and its peripheral configuration according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a power generation detection circuit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the first detection circuit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the second detection circuit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a relationship between an electromotive voltage due to a difference in rotation speed of a power generation rotor and a detection signal with respect to the electromotive voltage in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a mode setting process in the timing device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power generation detection circuit according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a power generation detection circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of the power generation detection circuit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timing device of a fourth embodiment using a block diagram.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Timer, 10 ... Stepping motor, 2
0 ... Control device, 23 ... Control circuit, 24 ... Drive control circuit, 30 ... Drive circuit, 40, 40A ...
Power generation device, 48 ... Large-capacity capacitor, 50 ... Wheel train, 90 ... Mode setting unit, 91, 91 '... Power generation detection circuit, 92 ... Voltage detection circuit, 93, 93A ...
・ Central control circuit, 94 ... Mode storage section, 95 ...
Setting value switching unit, 96 ... Time information storage unit, 97 ...
First detection circuit, 98 ... Second detection circuit, 99 ...
Non-power generation time measurement circuit, A ... power generation unit, B ... power supply unit, C ... control unit, D ... hand movement mechanism, E ... drive unit.

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroshi Yabe             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Joji Kitahara             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kojima             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Noriaki Shimura             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 2F002 AA07 AE01 GA04                 2F084 AA07 JJ01 JJ07 KK03

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A portable electronic device having a power generation device for generating power by converting first energy into electric energy which is second energy,
A power supply device capable of accumulating the electrical energy, a driven device driven using electric power supplied from the power supply device, and a portable state in which the electronic device is carried based on a power generation state of the power generation device. A portable detection device for detecting whether the electronic device is in a non-portable state, and based on a detection result of the portable detection device, the driven device is configured to reduce power consumption of the driven device. A mode shift control device for shifting the operation mode of the device from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode; An operating state restoring device that restores the operating state of the driven device to the same operating state as when the driven device is continuously operated for an elapsed time. Characteristic electronic equipment. 2. A power supply device capable of storing the electric energy, the power supply device having a power generation device configured to generate electric power by converting the first energy into electric energy which is the second energy, and the power supply device being supplied from the power supply device. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a driven device driven using electric power; and a portable device that detects whether or not the electronic device is in a portable state based on a power generation state of the power generation device. Detecting step, based on the detection result, in order to reduce the power consumption of the driven device when the electronic device is in a non-portable state, the operation mode of the driven device from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode And a mode transition control step, in which after returning to the power saving mode, when returning to the normal mode again, when the time from the transition to the power saving mode to the returning time An operation state restoring step of returning the operation state of the driven device to the same operation state as when the driven device is continuously operated in the meantime.