JP2006349499A - Charging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging device for addressing a problem in an electronic clock requiring an external charging device having a connecting terminal wherein corrosion and dirt occur in the connecting terminal or the water resistance of the electronic clock itself is insufficient, and a problem in an electronic clock requiring an external charging device employing electromagnetic induction coupling wherein it cannot be recognized whether the object on the charged side is the electronic clock or another metallic body. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic clock 2 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the upper engaging section 10 and lower engaging section 11, thereby positioning the charging device 1 and the electronic clock body 2. In this state, an electronic clock side coil 26 faces a charging device side coil 35 to provide a transmittable/receivable state of power or the like, and a charging device side light receiving/emitting element 32 can communicate with an electronic clock side receiving/emitting element 25. After that, preliminary communication is performed, the charging device 1 recognizes that the electronic clock 2 is installed in a predetermined position of the charging device 1 based on the result, and the charging device 1 charges the electronic clock body 2 and communicates with it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging device that transmits and receives power or information to and from an electronic timepiece, or an electronic device that transmits and receives power or information between an electronic timepiece and an external electronic device via the charging device.

  In recent years, electronic watches have become more sophisticated and multifunctional. Along with this, the power consumption of electronic watches tends to increase, and the built-in battery mounted as a power supply means for electronic watches has a limited structural size, making it impossible to supply sufficient power. . In particular, this tendency becomes more conspicuous as the housing becomes smaller as in an electronic wristwatch. For this reason, as a power supply means of an electronic timepiece, there is a configuration in which means for converting physical quantities (movement, light, magnetism, etc.) obtained from the outside into electric power are mounted and the generated electric power is stored in a rechargeable secondary battery or capacitor. It has come to be used. In some cases, these are used in combination with a conventionally known built-in battery. And these power supply means are also increasing in performance and capacity.

A charging device for an electronic timepiece having a rechargeable power supply means needs to be charged safely and reliably using the power supply means, and there are many proposals, but the electronic timepiece is positioned, fixed, and charged. Some are provided with a means for ensuring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 charges power supply means built in an electronic timepiece by directly connecting wiring to the electronic timepiece from the outside.

  By the way, a system that enables communication with other electronic devices is also demanded due to the multi-functionality of the electronic timepiece. For example, this is a case where an electronic timepiece and external control means of a PC (Personal Computer) perform data communication. With such a configuration, convenience such as sharing of data between both parties is improved. Although these techniques also look at some proposals, a technique for performing data communication using a power generation coil used for charging is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  However, unlike an electronic timepiece having a built-in battery, an electronic timepiece having a rechargeable power source means that it is necessary to charge the electronic timepiece safely and reliably regardless of the presence or absence of a communication function. The watch charging system is most sought after.

  Description will be made using the conventional electronic timepiece charging device structure disclosed in Patent Document 1. The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes a wristwatch-type electronic timepiece. When the watch case of the electronic watch is positioned, it is installed on the charger, and the watch case itself is pressed, so that the connection spring provided on the charger and the power terminal (rear cover and Is a charging system that is in contact with a connection spring.

  This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, and is a cross-sectional view rewritten within a range not departing from the gist of the invention. In FIG. 6, 100 is a charger, 101 is a watch case of a watch-type electronic timepiece, 103 is a back cover of the watch case 101, 104 is an external terminal provided at a predetermined position of the back cover 103, 114 is a positioning member, and 114a is a positioning member. A hole, 115 is a support member, 115a is a positioning pin, 116 is a cover member, 117 is a base, 119 is a return spring, 121 is a dry battery, and 122 is a connection spring.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the electronic timepiece is fixed by the positioning member 114 and is sandwiched between the cover member 116 and the support member 115 of the charger 100. The side surface of the watch case 101 is fixed by a positioning member 114. The positioning member 114 is provided with a positioning hole 114a. When the positioning pin 115a is fitted into the positioning hole 114a, the position of the timepiece case 101 and the positioning member 114 is regulated in the plane direction. It is installed at a predetermined position of the support member 115 on 117.

  The back cover 103 is electrically connected to a negative electrode of an electric circuit (not shown) provided in the watch case 101. The external terminal 104 is electrically connected to a positive electrode of an electric circuit (not shown) provided in the watch case 101. Around the external terminal 104, the back cover 103 is insulated by an insulating material (not shown).

When the watch case 101 is positioned and installed on the support member 115, the positive electrode of the dry battery 121 and the external terminal 104 are connected via the connection spring 122, and the negative electrode of the dry battery 121 and the back cover 103 are not shown. Connected through.
When the cover member 116 is closed and the watch case 101 is sandwiched in this state, the back cover 103 and the external terminal 104 are pressed against the connection spring 122 by the spring force of the return spring 119, respectively, so that the battery 121 can be reliably connected. become.
In this way, the positive and negative electrodes of the dry battery 121 and the positive and negative electrodes of the secondary battery connected to the electric circuit provided in the watch case 101 are electrically connected to perform charging.

  The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 performs communication between an electronic device such as an electronic timepiece having a power generation coil and a data transmission / reception device such as a charging device via the power generation coil. When communication or power transmission is performed using electromagnetic inductive coupling, coils for communication and power generation are provided separately. However, in the prior art shown in Patent Document 2, a dedicated coil necessary for communication is provided. It is not necessary, and data communication is performed using only the power generating coil. Data is transmitted and received when the electronic device is not charged using the power generation coil, and the magnetic field generated in the power generation coil during charging can be distinguished from the magnetic field generated during data transmission and reception. There is a feature that data can be sent and received.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-11072 (page 6, FIG. 5b) JP 2000-346966 A (page 3-6, FIG. 1)

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the watch case 101 is fixed by the positioning member 114, and these are positioned by the positioning pin 115 a, sandwiched by the cover member 116, and pressed by the support member 115. There is an advantage that the provided external terminal 104 can be reliably connected to the dry battery 121 via the connection spring. Thereby, the electric power of the dry battery 121 provided in the charger 100 is transmitted to the secondary battery provided in the watch case 101 and can be charged. The electric circuit in the watch case 101 is driven by the power of the secondary battery.

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the external terminal 104 for charging must be provided on the watch case 101 of the electronic timepiece. In such a configuration, since the terminal surface of the external terminal 104 is always in contact with the outside air or the human body, corrosion or dirt occurs, and problems such as poor conduction may occur in connection with the charger 100. In addition, there is a concern that the mechanical waterproofness between the external terminal 104 and the watch case 101 is lowered, and there is a problem that it is difficult to provide an electronic watch having excellent environmental resistance.

As described above, the electronic timepiece may communicate with other electronic devices due to its multi-function. The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not suggest anything about communication with other electronic devices. However, if communication with other electronic devices is attempted using this configuration, charging is necessary. The external terminal 104 may be replaced with a terminal necessary for communication, and the watch case 101 is provided with a terminal necessary for communication. However, even in this case, the problem of terminal surface corrosion and contamination is inevitable.

  Such a problem of terminal corrosion and contamination does not occur as long as the electronic timepiece and the charger are capable of non-contact communication by electromagnetic induction coupling as in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2. Since it is non-contact, it is more important to manage the relative positional relationship between the electronic timepiece and the charger, and it is necessary to devise such as positioning the electronic timepiece on the charger. However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not describe a method for positioning the electronic timepiece in this way.

In addition, the related arts shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 relate to a case where a device having a primary coil such as a charger and a device having a secondary coil such as an electronic timepiece are not correctly installed. There is no mention of measures. That is, no countermeasure is taken when an object that is not an electronic timepiece contacts the charger.
Taking the prior art shown in Patent Document 1 as an example, when a metal clip or the like is brought into contact with the support member 115, for example, each connection spring connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the dry battery 121 is a metal clip. As a result, the battery becomes conductive and excessively energized, leading to serious problems such as fusing of wiring and destruction of electronic components.
Taking the prior art shown in Patent Document 2 as an example, when a metal clip or the like is sandwiched between the primary coil on the charger side and the secondary coil on the electronic watch side, the charging efficiency of the electronic watch is reduced. In addition, the metal clip itself can generate heat and cause serious problems such as ignition.

  Furthermore, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is not possible to confirm the time during which the electronic timepiece is being charged by the charger 100. That is, since the relative positional relationship between the electronic timepiece and the charger must be strictly managed, the watch case 101 is covered with the cover member 116 of the charger 100. For this reason, the time of the electronic timepiece cannot be confirmed during charging. The time required for charging is relatively long and may require several hours. Meanwhile, it was very inconvenient for the user that the time could not be confirmed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the charging device of the present invention employs the structure shown below.

An electronic timepiece charging device comprising an interface means and a connecting means for connecting to an external device or a power source, and having a charging function,
The interface means includes at least one of power supply means and information transmission / reception means, a first block in contact with one surface of the electronic timepiece, a second block in contact with the other surface of the electronic timepiece, And a connecting block having a biasing means that biases the first block and the second block in a predetermined direction, and at least one of the first block and the second block includes an interface. The charging device is characterized by being provided with a means for pressing and fixing the electronic timepiece between the first block and the second block.

  The interface means is a charging device that transmits at least one of electric power and information by electromagnetic induction coupling using a coil.

  The interface means is a charging device that transmits and receives information using light.

  The first block or the second block is a charging device having a light emitting means.

  The interface means provided in the first block and the interface means provided in the second block are charging devices having different power transmission or information transmission / reception means.

  It is a charging device that transmits power or transmits / receives information between an electronic timepiece and an external device using a connecting means.

  At least one of the first block and the second block is a charging device having guide means for guiding or positioning the electronic timepiece to a predetermined position.

  After the electronic timepiece is pressed and fixed between the first block and the second block, the interface means performs preliminary communication for confirming that the electronic timepiece is fixed at a predetermined position, and based on the result of the preliminary communication. Then, a positioning completion signal is output and transmission of power or transmission / reception of information is started.

  The first block is a charging device that presses the front surface of the electronic timepiece, and the second block is a charging device that presses the back surface of the electronic timepiece.

  The charging device is characterized in that the area of the portion where the first block and the electronic timepiece overlap does not exceed half of the time display area of the electronic timepiece.

  The charging device of the present invention has a first block, a second block, and a connecting block that urges the electronic timepiece in a predetermined direction of the charging device, and uses these to place the electronic timepiece in a desired state. To fix. In a state where the electronic timepiece is fixed by the charging device, it is possible to transmit electric power and information by the charging device and interface means provided in the electronic timepiece. Further, in this state, the charging device is connected to the external device using the connection means, whereby it is possible to transmit power or transmit / receive information between the electronic timepiece and the external device.

  The charging device of the present invention performs non-contact communication between the charging device and the electronic timepiece by transmitting power and information using electromagnetic induction coupling using a coil or optical communication using a light receiving and emitting element as an interface means. Can be configured. As a result, the charging device and the electronic timepiece can omit an external connection terminal such as a terminal, and in particular, since the waterproofness and moisture resistance are improved, an electronic timepiece having excellent environmental resistance can be provided. .

  Moreover, an interface means can also be provided in each of the 1st block and 2nd block of a charging device. By adopting such a configuration, when power is transmitted by one of the interface means, information can be transmitted by the other interface means. This has the effect that the working time can be shortened by simultaneously performing charging and transmission / reception of information.

Further, whether or not the electronic timepiece is correctly installed in the charging device is determined by performing preliminary communication. As a result of this preliminary communication, if it is determined that it is correctly installed, it is possible to start transmission of power and transmission of information and output a positioning completion signal. By using this positioning completion signal, it is possible to know that the electronic timepiece is securely attached to the charging device and is in a state in which power can be transmitted or information can be transmitted and received.
In other words, by performing preliminary communication, even if another object different from the assumed electronic timepiece, such as a foreign object such as a coin or a metal clip, is mixed in the charging device, charging starts accidentally. It can prevent accidents such as heat generation and ignition.

  By providing the interface means in the first block or the second block of the charging device, the size of the block not provided with the interface means can be reduced. For example, when the interface means is provided in the second block, the size of the first block can be reduced. With such a configuration, even when the first block is on the top of the electronic timepiece when the electronic timepiece is pressed and fixed, the time display area of the electronic timepiece is not covered and charging or information There is an effect that the time can be confirmed even during transmission / reception.

  The charging device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, the electronic timepiece will be described using an electronic wristwatch as an example. In addition, a charging device including a first block provided with a light emitting / receiving element for information transmission, a second block provided with a coil for supplying power by electromagnetic induction coupling, and a connecting block is placed at a predetermined position. A configuration in which the electronic timepiece and the charging device transmit power and information in a state where the electronic timepiece is positioned and fixed will be described.

[Description of configuration when setting charging device and electronic timepiece of the present invention: FIGS. 1 and 2]
The configuration of the charging device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion for positioning and fixing the charging device and the electronic timepiece of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the electronic timepiece is placed on the charging device. .
In the figure, 1 is a charging device, 2 is an electronic timepiece, 10 is an upper fitting portion that is a first block of the charging device 1, 11 is a lower fitting portion that is a second block of the charging device 1, and 12 is an upper fitting portion. 10 is a connecting portion serving as a connecting block for connecting the lower fitting portion 11 and the lower fitting portion 11.

  Reference numerals 13 and 14 are guide means provided for guiding or positioning the electronic timepiece 2 to a predetermined position. Reference numeral 13 denotes an upper positioning protrusion provided on the upper fitting portion 10, and reference numeral 14 denotes a lower positioning protrusion provided on the lower fitting portion 11.

  20 is an electronic timepiece module provided inside the electronic timepiece 2, 21 is a surface glass provided on the electronic timepiece 2, 22 is a timepiece case constituting the electronic timepiece 2, and 23 is a display body provided on the electronic timepiece module 20. Shows a display method such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), but is not limited thereto, and can be configured by a hand display such as an analog display electronic timepiece.

  24 is a module circuit board for mounting and assembling electric circuit components in the electronic timepiece module 20, 25 is an electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element incorporated in the electronic timepiece module 20, and 26 is an electronic timepiece incorporated in the electronic timepiece module 20. A side coil 27 is a back cover constituting the electronic timepiece main body.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes an upper positioning portion provided on the watch case 22 for engaging with the upper positioning protrusion 13, and reference numeral 29 denotes a lower positioning portion provided on the watch case 22 for engaging with the lower positioning protrusion 14.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an upper mating portion circuit board for mounting electrical circuit components in the upper mating portion 10, 32 denotes a charging device side light emitting / receiving element incorporated in the charging device 1, and 32 a denotes communication of the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32. It is an inner wall for a light emitting / receiving element communication guide that guides the straightness of time.
Since the light receiving / emitting element communication guide inner wall 32a is provided around the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32, the light in the horizontal direction is limited among the light input to and output from the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32.
33 is a light emitting means for emitting light in the direction of the surface glass 21, 34 is a lower mating portion circuit board for mounting electrical circuit components in the lower mating portion 11, 35 is a charging device side coil incorporated in the charging device 1, 36 Is an external connection terminal as a connection means for transmitting power and information to / from an external device. Reference numeral 40 denotes power supply means which is power supply means.
Although the light emission means 33 is not specifically limited, For example, LED (Light Emitting)
It is preferable to use a diode (light emitting diode). The external connection terminal 36 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

The light emitting means 33 and the charging device side coil 35 constitute an interface means. This interface means is means for supplying power or transmitting / receiving information between the charging device 1 and the electronic timepiece 2 using electromagnetic induction coupling or light emission.
The power supply means 40 supplies power to cover the power used in the charging device 1 and to operate the interface means.

The charging device 1 is configured such that the upper fitting portion 10 and the lower fitting portion 11 are rotatable within a certain range via the connecting portion 12, and the upper fitting portion 10 and the lower fitting portion 11 are like a clip. It can be opened and closed. The connecting portion 12 has a biasing means that biases in a predetermined direction (not shown). The predetermined direction is a direction in which the upper fitting portion 10 and the lower fitting portion 11 are in close contact with each other, and a biasing force is generated using a known biasing means such as a leaf spring.
FIG. 1 shows a state where the upper fitting portion 10 is closed and the electronic timepiece 2 is sandwiched between the lower fitting portion 11. When the electronic timepiece 2 is installed on the lower fitting portion 11, the upper fitting portion 10 is lifted against the urging force generated by the connecting portion 12, the electronic timepiece 2 is placed at a predetermined position, and resists the connecting portion 12. When the force is released, the upper fitting portion 10 is urged toward the lower fitting portion 11 by the urging force of the connecting portion 12, and the electronic timepiece 2 is fixed.

  Next, the case where the electronic timepiece 2 is mounted on the charging device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic timepiece 2 is placed on the lower mating portion 11 with the upper mating portion 10 opened. At this time, the lower positioning protrusion 14 is engaged with the positioning hole 29 in order to position and fix the electronic timepiece 2. In the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the positioning hole 29 is provided in the watch case 22 is shown, but it may be provided in other places. For example, the back pig 27 or the like.

  In a state where the electronic timepiece main body 2 is on the lower fitting portion 11, the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35 face each other. That is, the central axis of each coil is substantially the same. In such a positional relationship, the transmission efficiency of electric power and electromagnetic waves is most improved, but electromagnetic induction itself is possible even if the central axes are slightly shifted from each other. As described above, since power generation by electromagnetic induction coupling using two coils is already known, the description thereof is omitted.

  The electronic timepiece 2 has power storage means (not shown) for accumulating induced electromotive force generated by the electronic timepiece side coil 26. This power storage means is, for example, a secondary battery or a capacitor.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 12 is provided with a mechanism for fixing the state when the upper fitting portion 10 is lifted to a predetermined position. The upper mating portion 10 is always given an urging force in the direction of the lower mating portion 11 by the connecting portion 12, but when the electronic timepiece 2 is installed in the charging device 1, the upper mating portion 10 is fixed. This is because it is easy to install the electronic timepiece 2. Although a mechanism for fixing the upper mating portion 10 is not shown, a known mechanism using a lock pin, an eccentric cam, or the like can be used, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Explanation of power transmission]
When electric power is transmitted between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35, the power source 40 is used as the basic electric power. The power supply means 40 has a power supply circuit and wiring (not shown). For example, it is connected to a household AC power source and generates DC power necessary for the charging device 1. A charging circuit means (not shown) connected to the charging device side coil 35 is driven by the DC power.
In some cases, the power of the power supply means 40 is not used. Necessary power is obtained from an external device such as an external power source or a USB port of a PC via the external connection terminal 36.
Furthermore, the charging device 1 may be provided with a solar panel and provided with light power generation means. By adopting such a configuration, the charging device 1 itself may generate power and generate necessary power. A detailed description of this configuration will be given later.

  In any case described above, the power supply means 40 may be cooperated. For example, the power obtained from the external connection terminal 36 or the power generation means using light may be converted or processed using a power supply circuit (not shown) of the power supply means 40. That is, voltage value conversion and power waveform correction (noise cut, etc.) are performed. In this way, the power supply means 40 may be used as an auxiliary means to drive a charging circuit means (not shown) connected to the charging device side coil 35.

[Explanation of information transmission]
On the other hand, when transmitting information, known modulation means such as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) or PSK (Phase Shift Keying) can be used. The charging device 1 side and the electronic timepiece 2 side each have a drive circuit (not shown) corresponding to the modulation / demodulation means.

  Since electromagnetic waves are exchanged between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35, a metal such as iron cannot be used for the back cover 27 and the lower fitting portion 11 in the direction in which the magnetic flux penetrates. However, electronic timepieces generally use a step motor for hand movement. In order to reduce the influence on the stepping motor during transmission of electric power and information between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35, a ferrite material is arranged at a position where each is shielded. It is widely known. Of course, also in the embodiment of the present invention, it is needless to say that such a ferrite may be used to shield magnetic flux with respect to a predetermined component.

When the upper timepiece fitting part 10 is sandwiched in a state where the electronic timepiece 2 is engaged with a predetermined position of the lower time fitting part 11, the upper positioning protrusion 13 provided inside the upper time fitting part 10 is engaged with the upper positioning part 28. Then, positioning and fixing of the charging device 1 and the electronic timepiece 2 are completed.
For positioning the upper fitting portion 10 and the electronic timepiece 2, the upper positioning portion 28 is provided in the watch case 22 in the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. Such a positioning portion may be provided in a predetermined portion of the surface glass 21.
Of course, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner wall of the upper fitting portion 10 may be in contact with the outer wall of the watch case 22. That is, the outer fitting shape of the upper fitting portion 10, the lower fitting portion 11 and the connecting portion 12 and the outer shape of the watch case 22 are made substantially the same, so that the electronic timepiece 2 can be positioned and fixed only by being placed on the charging device 1. It doesn't matter if you can do this.
In any case, what is important in the charging device of the present invention is that the electronic timepiece 2 is placed on the lower fitting portion 11, and the upper fitting portion 10 is used for positioning and fixing as if sandwiched by a clip from the upper portion. Is to do.

[Description of light emission means]
The light emitting means 33 provided at the end of the upper fitting portion 10 is arranged toward the center direction of the surface glass 21. The light emitting means 33 can be used as illumination for illuminating the surroundings when the charging device 1 of the present invention operates in a dark place. Of course, although not shown in the drawing, a means capable of controlling the light emission of the light emitting means 33 is also provided, so that light intensity and on / off can be optionally applied.
As another application, when the electronic timepiece 2 has a solar battery system, it can be used as a light source for power generation by light. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to perform charging by light irradiation in addition to power transmission by electromagnetic inductive coupling, and therefore it is possible to shorten the time required for charging the electronic timepiece 2.
Although the light emitting means 33 is illustrated as being provided downward at the end of the upper mating portion 10, it is of course not limited thereto. You may provide in the vertical end surface of the upper fitting part 10, and the circumference | surroundings can be brightly illuminated with the same power consumption by setting it as such a structure.
As already described, the light emitting means 33 is preferably an LED. The reason for this is that the LED consumes less power than a heating wire lamp or the like, which is generally known, but of course it is not limited to the LED. Known light emitting means such as EL (Electro Luminescence) can also be used.

[Explanation of control using positioning complete signal]
The charging device 1 of the present invention can start transmission of power or transmission / reception of information only when the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly positioned and fixed to the charging device 1.
When the electronic timepiece 2 is positioned and fixed to the charging device 1, the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25 face each other. In this state, light communication is possible between the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25.
In a state where the electronic timepiece 2 is not positioned and fixed at a predetermined position of the charging device 1, the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25 do not face each other, and light communication cannot be performed. Furthermore, since there is a light emitting / receiving element communication guide inner wall 32a around the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32, the charging device side only when the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece light emitting / receiving element 25 do not face each other correctly. The entrance (emission) of light to the light emitting / receiving element 32 is shielded. And since communication is not performed, transmission of electric power or transmission / reception of information is not started.

  When the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly positioned and fixed to the charging device 1, preliminary communication is performed between the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25, and the signal waveform shape and signal Using the output value or the like, it is determined whether or not the two are correctly facing each other. When it is determined that the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly installed, the charging device 1 outputs a positioning completion signal and starts transmitting power or transmitting / receiving information.

Of course, this preliminary communication is not limited to signal transmission / reception by light. Although not shown, a coil may be arranged at each position of the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25, and communication may be performed by electromagnetic induction coupling instead of optical communication. Furthermore, electric power can be transmitted in this portion.
In the case of such a configuration, the frequency applied to each coil is changed so as not to interfere with the communication performed between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35, or on-time in time division. It is sufficient to avoid overlapping.

Further, the charging device 1 of the present invention includes means for transmitting electric power and information between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35, the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32, and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25. Since the information transmitting means can be controlled independently of each other, whether or not the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly positioned is determined based on the preliminary use of the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35. It can also be judged by communication.
First, after the electronic timepiece 2 is placed at a predetermined position of the lower fitting portion 11 and positioned and fixed, preliminary communication is performed between the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the charging device side coil 35. This preliminary communication is performed for a short time or with a power smaller than that used for normal communication. Whether or not the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly installed in the charging device 1 can be determined from the value of the electric power generated in the electronic timepiece coil 26. When it is determined that the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly installed, the charging device 1 outputs a positioning completion signal and starts transmitting power or transmitting / receiving information.

  Of course, preliminary communication with the electronic timepiece side coil 26, the charging device side coil 35, the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25 is simultaneously performed, and the positioning of the electronic timepiece 2 is determined from a plurality of obtained information. It is possible to judge whether or not is done correctly.

  In the conventional technology already described, it is impossible to determine whether the electronic timepiece and the charging device corresponding to the electronic timepiece are accurately positioned or fixed. For example, a metal foreign object comes into contact with the charging device. However, in the charging device 1 of the present invention, a metal body such as a coin is placed on the lower fitting portion 11, particularly on the charging device side coil 35 portion. If you get on by mistake, you won't start charging. This is one of the features of the present invention. In addition, the specific operation | movement of the charge start of the charging device 1 of this invention is mentioned later.

  Although not shown, a communication start signal can be output when power transmission or information transmission / reception is started by using these interface means. By using the communication start signal to cause a light emitting means such as an LED provided in the charging device 1 to emit light, the user has started to transmit power or transmit / receive information between the electronic timepiece 2 and the charging device 1. Can also be recognized.

[Description of Configuration of External Connection Terminal of Charging Device of the Present Invention: FIG. 3]
The charging device 1 of the present invention can output a positioning completion signal and a communication start signal to other electronic devices connected to the charging device 1. Further, using two communication means of the electronic timepiece side coil 26, the charging device side coil 35, the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25, an external device such as a PC and the electronic timepiece 2 are used. Can also be transmitted via the charging device 1. Communication with these other electronic devices is performed using the external connection terminal 36.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the external connection terminal 36 provided in the charging apparatus 1 of the present invention, and specifically describes the external connection terminal 36. Reference numeral 36a denotes a power connection terminal for receiving power from an external power supply device. 36b is a USB port and 36c is a serial port. It is well known that the USB port 36b can supply power in addition to information transmission when connected to a PC.
In the embodiment of the present invention, connection with an external device such as an external power supply or a USB port of a PC is described via the external connection terminal 36. Of course, the number of external connection terminals 36 needs to be one. It is also possible to provide a plurality of external connection terminals, for example, a plurality of serial ports and USB ports. With such a configuration, it is possible to control power transmission (charging) and information transmission at the same time, so that the time required for communication can be shortened.

  Transmission and reception of signals to and from other electronic devices via the external connection terminal 36 can individually perform various controls using the signals. For example, if another electronic device is a PC, an indication that the electronic timepiece 2 is transmitting power or transmitting / receiving information is displayed on the PC, or the electronic timepiece 2 is charged at the end of the day. If it is set in advance, it is possible to automatically charge at an arbitrary time, and it is also possible to display a schedule table for the next day. As described above, since a method and a configuration for performing another operation using a certain signal are already known, description thereof will be omitted.

[Description of the configuration when the charging device of the present invention and the electronic timepiece are set: FIG. 4]
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the electronic timepiece 2 is installed in the charging device 1. The upper fitting portion 10 includes an upper positioning protrusion 13 for positioning with the watch case 22, a charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 provided for the charging device 1 and the electronic timepiece 2 to communicate by light, and a light emitting means 33. And have.
The upper fitting part 10 does not overlap with the display body 23 so much. The upper fitting part 10 is connected to the lower fitting part 11 without causing rattling by the connecting part 12. The upper fitting part 10 can be comprised with metals, such as aluminum. By using such a material, sufficient rigidity and high processing accuracy can be ensured, so that even if a part of the electronic timepiece 2 is pressed, a sufficient urging force can be obtained.

FIG. 4 is an example showing an overlap between the electronic timepiece 2 and the upper fitting portion 10, but hardly covers the display body 23. The smaller this overlap is, the easier the browsing of the display body 23 is. Therefore, it is preferable that the area of the overlapping portion does not exceed half of the area of the display body 23. With such a configuration, even when the electronic timepiece 2 is installed in the charging device 1, the user can always see the time information displayed on the display body 23.
In addition, when the electronic timepiece 2 has a solar battery system, a solar panel is often provided on the front surface, the back surface, or the lateral portion of the display body 23. Even in such a configuration, the area where the upper mating portion 10 covers the solar panel is very small, the light applied to the solar panel is not blocked, and the charging efficiency is not lowered.
Furthermore, as already described, the light emitting means 33 can be made to emit light and charged using the solar battery system of the electronic timepiece 2, but of course, the place where the charging device 1 is installed is illuminated by a room light or the like. Even if it is a case or a case where sunlight irradiates, the light emission means 33 can also be light-emitted. In the case of such a configuration, the amount of light applied to the solar panel of the electronic timepiece 2 increases, so that the time required for charging can be further shortened.

  FIG. 4 also shows an example in which a solar panel 37 is provided in a part of the connecting portion 12. The solar panel 37 can divert the generated power to power for causing the light emitting means 33 to emit light by a power supply circuit and a control circuit (not shown). Of course, it can also be used for a part of the electric power for driving the charging device side coil 35.

[Description of Specific Operation of Charging Start of the Present Invention: FIG. 5]
Next, operation | movement of the charging device 1 of this invention is demonstrated using a timing chart. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the start of charging (communication). Reference numeral 70 is a charger side coil output power, 71 is a charger side light emitting / receiving element output, 72 is an electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element output, T0 is a time when the electronic timepiece 2 is installed in the charging device 1, Ta is a period, and Tb is The time when the operation preparation of the charging circuit means for charging the power to the power storage means provided in the electronic timepiece 2 is completed is shown. L1 is an initial weak level, and L2 is a normal output level. FIG. 5 shows time on the horizontal axis and output level on the vertical axis.

When the electronic timepiece 2 is installed at a predetermined position on the lower fitting portion 11 at time T0, the charging circuit built in the charging device 1 starts operating and drives the charging device side coil 35. At the same time, the charger side light emitting / receiving element 32 also outputs a charger side light emitting / receiving element output 71 which is an output (light emission) signal.
In this state, the charger side coil output power 70, which is the power applied to the charging device side coil 35 from the charging circuit built in the charging device 1, is the initial weak level L1, which is an output level necessary for normal communication. It is smaller than the normal output level L2. This is to prevent a malfunction due to malfunction when an object other than the assumed charged device (in this case, the electronic timepiece 2) rides on the lower fitting portion 11, and is a part of preliminary communication. .
The charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 outputs a charger side light emitting / receiving element output 71 which is a predetermined output (light emitting) signal every cycle Ta, and an electronic signal which is a response signal from the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25. The watch side light emitting / receiving element output 72 is waited. When the installation of the electronic timepiece 2 in the charging device 1 is completed, the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element output 72 from the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25 is supplied to the charger side light emitting / receiving element 3.
2 receives.
The communication at the initial weak level L1 between the charging device side coil 35 and the electronic timepiece side coil 26 and the communication between the charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32 and the electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving element 25 are preliminary communications. And it is also the characteristic of the charging device 1 of this invention.

By performing such preliminary communication, the charging device 1 recognizes the completion of the installation of the electronic timepiece 2 at the time Tb when the operation preparation of the charging circuit means is completed, and transmits a positioning completion signal.
Thereafter, the output of the charging circuit built in the charging device 1 is changed to the normal output level L2 to perform normal communication.
If the electronic clock side light emitting / receiving element output 72 from the electronic clock side light emitting / receiving element 25 cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time with respect to the charger side light emitting / receiving element output 71 from the charger side light emitting / receiving element 32, It recognizes that the object on the lower fitting part 11 is not the assumed electronic timepiece 2, and stops the charger side coil output power 70.

  The charging device 1 of the present invention can recognize whether the electronic timepiece 2 is correctly installed in the charging device 1 by performing preliminary communication with the electronic timepiece 2. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unexpected object from being installed in the charging device 1.

  The charging device of the present invention transmits power and information in a non-contact manner using light or magnetism in an electronic timepiece. Since it is non-contact, it can be applied to an electronic timepiece that requires a safer and more reliable charging means without deterioration or contamination of the connection terminals. Moreover, it is suitable for a high-functional and multifunctional electronic wrist watch with large power consumption.

It is sectional drawing explaining the part which installed the electronic timepiece in the charging device of this invention. It is sectional drawing explaining the state which lifted the upper fitting part of the charging device of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the external connection terminal provided in the charging device of this invention. It is a top view explaining a mode that the electronic timepiece was installed in the charging device of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining a state when the charging device of this invention starts operation | movement. It is the figure which showed the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charger 2 Electronic timepiece 10 Upper fitting part 11 Lower fitting part 12 Connection part 13 Upper positioning protrusion 14 Lower positioning protrusion 20 Electronic timepiece module 21 Surface glass 22 Timepiece case 23 Display body 24 Module circuit board 25 Electronic timepiece side light emitting / receiving Element 26 Electronic clock side coil 27 Back cover 28 Upper positioning part 29 Lower positioning part 31 Upper mating part circuit board 32 Charging device side light emitting / receiving element 32a Light emitting / receiving element communication guide inner wall 33 Light emitting means 34 Lower mating part circuit board 35 Charging apparatus Side coil 36 External connection terminal 36a Power supply connection terminal 36b USB port 36c Serial port 37 Solar panel

Claims (10)

An electronic timepiece charging device comprising an interface means and a connecting means for connecting to an external device or a power source, and having a charging function,
The interface means includes at least one of power supply means and information transmission / reception means,
A first block in contact with one surface of the electronic timepiece, a second block in contact with the other surface of the electronic timepiece, and the first block and the second block are coupled and biased in a predetermined direction. A connecting block having biasing means for
At least one of the first block and the second block is provided with the interface means,
The charging device, wherein the electronic timepiece is pressed and fixed between the first block and the second block.   The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit transmits at least one of electric power and information by electromagnetic induction coupling using a coil.   The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit transmits and receives information using light.   4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the first block or the second block includes a light emitting unit. 5.   5. The interface means provided in the first block and the interface means provided in the second block are different from each other in power transmission or information transmission / reception means. The charging device according to one.   6. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein power is transmitted or information is transmitted and received between the electronic timepiece and the external device using the connection unit.   7. At least one of the first block and the second block has guide means for guiding or positioning the electronic timepiece to a predetermined position. The charging device described.   After pressing and fixing the electronic timepiece with the first block and the second block, the interface means performs preliminary communication to confirm that the electronic timepiece is fixed at a predetermined position, and 8. The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a positioning completion signal is output based on a result of the preliminary communication and power transmission or information transmission / reception is started.   The charging according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first block presses a front surface of the electronic timepiece, and the second block presses a back surface of the electronic timepiece. apparatus.   The charging device according to claim 9, wherein an area of a portion where the first block and the electronic timepiece overlap does not exceed half of a time display area of the electronic timepiece.

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