JP2973303B2 - Radio-controlled clock - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece that receives time information transmitted by radio waves and corrects the time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, standard radio waves with time information superimposed have been transmitted under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. The long wave standard radio wave is transmitted on a carrier wave of 40 kHz. A radio-controlled timepiece that receives the radio waves and corrects the time has been put to practical use (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-27266).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time code of a long-wave standard time signal (JG2AS), which is a code represented by a binary number. The 0.8 second mark 501 indicates "0", the 0.5 second mark indicates "1", and the 0.2 second mark indicates a position or reference marker. FIG. 5 shows that the date is 34 days as an integrated date from January 1, the time is 10: 8, and DUT1 = −0.3.

The radio-controlled timepiece has a radio wave receiving function, a time correcting function, and the like in addition to a time measuring function and a time displaying function. It can be performed.

On the other hand, there has been a demand for an electronic timepiece that does not require battery replacement, and an electronic timepiece having a power generator and a power storage device for storing power generated by the power generator has been developed. As the power generator, a power generator using a heat generator that can be reduced in size and weight has been developed.

[0006]

In the case of an electronic wristwatch, a thermoelectric generator generates heat by obtaining a temperature difference by absorbing heat from an arm and radiating heat to outside air. Therefore, when the arm is removed from the arm, power generation is stopped without obtaining a temperature difference, and if power is not generated for a long time, all the power charged in the battery will be consumed. In addition, there is a problem that power generation is stopped, and if this state continues for a long time, all the power of the battery is consumed.

[0007] Since a thermoelectric generator generates a small amount of electric power, it is difficult to mount the thermoelectric generator on the wrist when the battery is empty to charge the battery with sufficient power in a short time. For example, if the thermoelectric conversion element has a temperature difference of about 2 ° C., the generated voltage is 0.4
V, the internal resistance is about 1500 Ω, and the input impedance of the boosting means for boosting the generated voltage is 1500 Ω. Even if the loss of the boosting means is ignored and considered, the output power is about 13.3 μW. The power consumption of the electronic wristwatch is about 1 to 2 μW, and the storage amount is about 6.5 J when a button-type battery having a diameter of 6 mm of a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the battery. To fully charge the battery with the arm, 135.8 even if the consumption and the loss in the load circuit are ignored.
It will take time.

Therefore, when the power generation of the thermoelectric generator is stopped for a long time as described above, the storage voltage of the storage battery is reduced or the storage battery is completely consumed, the clock malfunctions and the time becomes inaccurate or stops. There is a problem that you do. Also, in the case of a solar power generator, there is a similar problem even when another power generator is used, such as a problem similar to the above because the power generation stops if the device is placed in an environment where light cannot be received for a long time.

As one method for solving this problem, there has been proposed a method of reducing the power consumption by reducing the number of times the second hand of the timepiece is driven when the storage voltage is reduced (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 7-1995).
-287080). However, even with this method, although the power consumption can be reduced, the motor for driving the hour, minute and second hands and the like consumes large power, and if the power generation of the generator is stopped for a long time, the stored power is consumed. .

Therefore, when a generator and a battery are simply provided in a radio-controlled timepiece, if the environment in which the generator cannot generate power continues for a long time, the stored power is consumed and the watch malfunctions or stops operating. There was a problem. Also,
There has been a problem that the radio wave cannot be normally received, or even if it can be received, the time cannot be correctly corrected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a radio-controlled timepiece that suppresses a decrease in stored power of a battery and enables accurate time display.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention comprises a radio-controlled timepiece having a clock body circuit for measuring and displaying time and a radio wave receiving circuit for receiving time information by radio waves and correcting the time of the clock body circuit. Modified clock circuit, power generation means, power storage means for charging the power generated by the power generation means, and switch means for supplying power from the power storage means to at least a part of the circuit constituting the radio wave correction clock circuit, Detecting the output voltage of the power generation means or power storage means, closing the switch means when the output voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage, and equal to or lower than the second voltage which is the same or different from the first voltage At this time, a detection signal for opening the switch means is output, and a control signal for operating the radio wave receiving circuit is output when the output voltage becomes equal to or higher than the first voltage. It is characterized in that it comprises a detection circuit.

When the output voltage of the power generation means or the power storage means is equal to or higher than the first voltage, the voltage detection means closes the switch means. As a result, the radio-controlled clock circuit operates,
The time measured by the clock main circuit is displayed. When the radio wave receiving circuit is activated and time information is received by radio waves, the time of the clock main body circuit is corrected, and thereby the correct time is displayed on the clock main body circuit. When the output voltage of the power generation means or the power storage means becomes equal to or lower than the second voltage, the voltage detection means outputs a detection signal to open the switch means. This stops the function of the radio wave correction circuit,
Power consumption of the power storage means can be suppressed. When the output voltage of the power generation means or the power storage means becomes the first voltage or more again, the voltage detection means outputs a detection signal to close the switch means. Thus, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit operates. At the same time, the voltage detecting means outputs a control signal and activates the radio wave receiving circuit. The radio wave receiving circuit receives the time information by radio waves and corrects the time of the clock main body circuit, and the correct time is displayed on the clock main body circuit. The second voltage may be the same as the first voltage, or may be a different voltage.

The oscillation circuit of the watch body circuit may be always supplied with power from the power storage means, and the other circuits may be supplied with power via the switch means. Further, the oscillation circuit and the frequency dividing circuit of the watch main body circuit may always be supplied with power from the power storage means, and the other circuits may be supplied with power via the switch means. Furthermore, it is more suitable when the power generation means has a power generator whose generated voltage varies with time. Further, the power generating means may be constituted by a thermoelectric generator and a boosting means for boosting and outputting a generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator, and the boosting means may be controlled by an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit.

[0015] By supplying power to a part or the whole of the timepiece main circuit at all times and controlling the operation and stop of the timepiece main circuit by the output of the switch means, the power consumption of the power storage means is suppressed. Can be When the output voltage of the power generation means or the power storage means is equal to or higher than the first voltage, the voltage detection means keeps the switch means closed. As a result, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit operates and displays the time measured by the watch body circuit. Further, when the radio wave receiving circuit is activated and receives time information by radio waves, the time of the watch main body circuit is corrected,
Thus, the accurate time is displayed on the clock main body circuit. When the output voltage of the power generation means or the power storage means becomes equal to or lower than the second voltage, the voltage detection means outputs a detection signal to open the switch means. As a result, the function of the radio wave correction circuit is stopped, and power consumption of the power storage unit is suppressed.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an output unit of a power generation unit 101 is a power storage unit 102.
And each input section of the voltage detecting means 103.
As the power generation means 101, a power generator that can be reduced in size and weight, such as a thermal power generator or a solar power generator, is preferable. As a thermoelectric converter, a P-type thermoelectric material element and an N-type thermoelectric material element are sandwiched between two substrates, and the P-type thermoelectric material element and the N-type thermoelectric material element are made of a conductive material such as metal on the substrate. PN connection via
.., P, N, P, N, P, N,... When a temperature difference is applied to the two substrates, an electromotive force having a voltage corresponding to the temperature difference is generated, and a high voltage electromotive force can be obtained by increasing the number of PN connections. The temperature difference for power generation is obtained by the difference between the body temperature when the watch is worn on the wrist and the outside temperature.

When a thermoelectric converter is used, it is preferable to include a booster circuit that boosts the generated voltage to a voltage at which the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105 can operate. As a booster circuit, a switched capacitor type that repeats the action of generating a boosted voltage by charging multiple capacitors in parallel connection and switching each capacitor to series connection with a switch element, or a switch that switches the current flowing through the coil A method of boosting the voltage by using a self-induced current of a generated coil by opening and closing the element is suitable for miniaturization. When a thermoelectric converter is used, a booster circuit is not required if a voltage that can operate the radio-controlled clock circuit 105 can be obtained.

As the power storage means 102, a lithium secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like can be used. The voltage detecting means 103 has one input connected to a reference voltage generator (not shown) and the other input connected to the power generating means 10.
It can be constituted by a comparator circuit connected to one input unit.

The output of the power storage means 102 is the switch means 1
04 is connected to the input unit. An output section of the switch means 104 is connected to a power supply terminal of the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105 so that power is supplied from the power storage means 102 to each circuit constituting the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105 via the switch means 104. It is configured. The first output of the voltage detecting means 103 is connected to the control input terminal of the switch means 104, and the second output is connected to the radio wave receiving circuit 115.
Is connected to the control input terminal of

On the other hand, the antenna 106 is connected to an input of a time correction circuit 116 via a reception circuit 107 and a time calculation circuit 108. Antenna 106, receiving circuit 10
7. The time calculation circuit 108 and the time correction circuit 116 constitute a radio wave reception circuit 115. Also, the oscillation circuit 109
The output part of the clock counter circuit 111 via the frequency dividing circuit 110
Connected to one of the input sections. Time correction circuit 111
Is connected to the output of the time adjustment circuit 116. The output unit of the time counting circuit 111 is a display unit 11
2 are connected.

The oscillating circuit 109, the frequency dividing circuit 110, the time counting circuit 111, and the display means 112 comprise a clock main body circuit 117.
Is composed. The radio wave receiving circuit 115 and the watch main body circuit 117 constitute a radio wave correcting clock circuit 105.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below. In the normal state with the watch on your wrist,
The power generation means 101 generates power by the temperature difference between the body temperature of the arm and the outside air temperature, and the power storage means 102 is charged. In this state, the voltage generated by the power generation means 101 is equal to or higher than the first voltage, which is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 1.5 V or higher, which is the normal operating voltage of an analog timepiece). Output the first detection signal 113, and the switch means 104 is closed in response to the first detection signal 113.

As a result, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105 is supplied with power from the power storage means 102 via the switch means 104 and is in an operating state. That is, the frequency dividing circuit 110 divides the output of the oscillation circuit 109 to generate a one-second signal, and outputs the signal to the time counting circuit 111. The time counting circuit 111 counts a signal from the frequency dividing circuit 110 and outputs the signal to the display unit 112. As a result, the time is displayed on the display unit 112.

In this state, when the radio wave receiving circuit 115 operates by manual operation or when a predetermined time comes, the time is adjusted by radio wave correction. That is, the long-wave standard radio wave received by the antenna 106 is
The demodulation is performed by the receiving circuit 107, the time code is calculated by the time calculation circuit 108, and a signal indicating the current time is output to the time correction circuit 116. Time correction circuit 1
16 corrects the time data of the time counting circuit 111 by outputting a signal indicating the current time, and outputs it to the display means 112. As a result, the correct current time corresponding to the time code is displayed on the display unit 112.

Next, by removing the timepiece from the wrist, the voltage generated by the power generation means 101 is equal to or less than the second voltage, which is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1.5 V or less, which is the normal operation voltage of an analog timepiece). , The voltage detection means 103 detects this and outputs a second detection signal 113.

The switch means 104 outputs the second detection signal 11
In response to the state 3, the power supply unit 102 is opened, and the power supply from the power storage unit 102 to the radio wave correction clock circuit 105 is stopped. As a result, the clock function of the radio wave correction clock circuit 105 stops, and the power consumption of the power storage unit 102 is suppressed.

When the watch is worn on the wrist in this state,
The power generation means 101 restarts power generation. Voltage detection means 103
Outputs a first detection signal 113 when detecting that the generated voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage. The switch unit 104 is closed in response to the first detection signal 113, and is supplied with power from the power storage unit 102 to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105, and the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 105 starts operating.

At the same time, the voltage detecting means 103 outputs a control signal 114 to the radio wave receiving circuit 115,
15 starts operation. As a result, the current time information corresponding to the time code of the long wave standard radio wave is
6 is output to the time counting circuit 111, and the current time corresponding to the time code is displayed on the display means 112.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the voltage generated by the power generation means 101 is equal to or lower than the second voltage, the power supply to the radio-controlled clock circuit 105 is stopped.
02 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the power generation means 101 starts generating a voltage equal to or higher than the first voltage by, for example, wearing the watch on the wrist, the watch main body circuit 117 and the radio wave reception circuit 115
Starts operation, it is possible to display an accurate current time. In addition, power supply is stopped by removing the watch from the wrist, and power generation can be started, power supply can be started, and time can be adjusted by attaching the watch to the wrist. The performance is improved.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 1 is connected to the output of the power generation means 101, whereas in FIG. 2, the input of the voltage detection means 203 is connected to the output of the power storage means 202. The configuration is different from that of FIG. The operation of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described below. In the normal state where the watch is worn on the wrist,
01 generates electric power based on the temperature difference between the body temperature of the arm and the outside air temperature, and the electric storage means 202 is charged. In this state, the storage voltage of the power storage unit 202 is equal to or higher than the first voltage, which is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 1 V or higher, which may cause a malfunction of the analog timepiece motor without rotating).
3 detects this and outputs a first detection signal 213, and the switch means 204 is closed in response to the first detection signal 213.

Thus, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 205 is supplied with power from the power storage means 202 via the switch means 204 and is in an operating state. That is, the frequency dividing circuit 209 divides the output of the oscillation circuit 210 to generate a one-second signal, and outputs the signal to the time counting circuit 211. The time counting circuit 211 counts a signal from the frequency dividing circuit 210 and outputs the signal to the display unit 212. Thus, the time is displayed on the display unit 212.

In this state, when the radio wave receiving circuit 215 operates by manual operation or when a predetermined time comes, time adjustment by radio wave correction is performed. That is, the longwave standard radio wave received by the antenna 206 is
After being demodulated by the receiving circuit 207, the time code is processed by the time calculating circuit 208, and a signal representing the current time is output to the time correcting circuit 216. Time correction circuit 2
Reference numeral 16 outputs a signal indicating the current time, corrects the time data of the time counting circuit 211, and outputs it to the display means 212. Thus, the accurate current time corresponding to the time code is displayed on the display 212.

Next, power generation of the power generation means 201 is stopped by, for example, removing the timepiece from the wrist, and the storage voltage of the power storage means 202 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined value (for example, malfunction of the analog timepiece without rotation of the motor). When the potential becomes 1 V or more, the voltage detection unit 203 detects this and outputs a second detection signal 213. The switch unit 204 is opened in response to the second detection signal 213, stops supplying power to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 205, and suppresses power consumption of the power storage unit 202.

From this state, the power generation means 201 starts power generation by, for example, wearing the watch on the wrist again. When the storage voltage of the power storage means 202 becomes 1 V or more, the voltage detection means 203 detects this and the first Is output. The switch means 204 is closed in response to the first detection signal 213, and the power is supplied from the power storage means 202 to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 205, and the watch body circuit 217 starts operating. At the same time, the voltage detection means 203 outputs a control signal 214 to the radio wave reception circuit 215, and the radio wave reception circuit 215
The operation is started in response to # 4.

Thus, the radio wave correction as described above is performed. That is, a signal corresponding to the time code of the long-wave standard time signal is output to the time correction circuit 216, and the time correction circuit 216 outputs a signal representing the current time to correct the time data of the time counting circuit 211, Output to The display means 212 displays an accurate current time corresponding to the time code.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the storage voltage of power storage means 202 is equal to or lower than the second voltage, power supply to radio-controlled clock circuit 105 is stopped.
02 is suppressed. On the other hand, the power generation means 101 starts power generation by, for example, wearing a watch on the wrist, and the stored voltage becomes the first.
When the voltage becomes equal to or higher than the voltage, the clock main circuit 217 and the radio wave receiving circuit 215 start operating, so that it is possible to display an accurate current time. In addition, power supply is stopped by removing the watch from the wrist, and power generation can be started, power supply can be started, and time can be adjusted by attaching the watch to the wrist. Convenience is improved.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Power storage means 3
2 is configured to detect the stored voltage of the second clock and control the power supply to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 305 in the same manner as in FIG. Circuit 3
11 in that power is always supplied to the oscillation circuit 309 and the first frequency dividing circuit 310. The operation of the third embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

In a normal state in which the watch is worn on the wrist, the power generation means 301 generates power based on the temperature difference between the body temperature of the wrist and the outside air temperature.
The power storage means 302 is charged. In this state, since the storage voltage of the power storage means 302 is equal to or higher than the first voltage, which is a predetermined value, the voltage detection means 303 detects this and outputs the first detection signal 314, and the switch means 304 It is closed in response to the first detection signal 314.

Thus, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 305 is supplied with power from the power storage means 302 via the switch means 304 and is in an operating state. That is, the first frequency dividing circuit 310 and the second frequency dividing circuit 311 constituting the clock main body circuit 318 divide the output of the oscillation circuit 309 to generate a one-second signal, and output the signal to the time counting circuit 312. The time counting circuit 312 counts the signal from the second frequency dividing circuit 311 and displays
Output to 3. As a result, the time is displayed on the display unit 313.

In this state, the radio wave receiving circuit 316 is operated by manual operation or when a predetermined time comes, so that the time is adjusted by radio wave correction. That is, the longwave standard radio wave received by the antenna 306 is
After being demodulated by the reception circuit 307, the time code is processed by the time calculation circuit 308, and a signal representing the current time is output to the time correction circuit 317. Time correction circuit 3
Reference numeral 17 outputs a signal indicating the current time to correct the time data of the time counting circuit 312, and the time counting circuit 312 outputs the corrected time data to the display means 313.
As a result, the accurate current time corresponding to the time code is displayed on the display unit 313.

Next, the watch is removed from the wrist, etc.
01 is stopped, and the storage voltage of the power storage
When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value which is the voltage of
Detects this, and outputs a second detection signal 314. The switch unit 304 is opened in response to the second detection signal 314, stops supplying power to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 305, and suppresses power consumption of the power storage unit 302. At this time, power is continuously supplied to the oscillation circuit 309 and the first frequency dividing circuit 310.

In this state, the power generation means 301 starts power generation by, for example, wearing the watch on the wrist again. When the stored voltage of the power storage means 302 becomes higher than the first voltage, the voltage detection means 30
3 detects this and outputs a first detection signal 314.
Since the switch unit 304 is closed in response to the first detection signal 314, the radio-controlled timepiece circuit 305 is supplied with power from the power storage unit 302 and starts operating. At the same time, the voltage detecting means 303 outputs a control signal 315 to the radio wave receiving circuit 316, and in response to this, the radio wave receiving circuit 316 starts operating.

Thus, the radio wave correction as described above is performed. That is, a signal corresponding to the time code of the long-wave standard time signal is output to the time adjustment circuit 317, and the time adjustment circuit 317 outputs a signal indicating the current time, and
Twelve time data are corrected. The time counting circuit 312 outputs the corrected time data to the display means 313.
The display means 313 displays an accurate current time corresponding to the time code.

As described above, the power consumption is reduced by stopping the power supply to the circuit parts other than the oscillation circuit 309 and the frequency dividing circuit 310. Thus, there is no time loss until the oscillation circuit 309 starts oscillating, so that it is possible to start up smoothly. Further, the output signal of the first frequency dividing circuit 310 can be used as a clock signal for controlling the boosting means and the like. If the clock signal is unnecessary, the first frequency dividing circuit need not always be supplied with power. Further, the voltage detecting means 303 may detect the voltage generated by the power generating means 301.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a clock movement 401 including a radio-controlled clock circuit, a motor, a hand, and the like is disposed in the center of an upper portion of a heat radiating body 406 of the watch, and the upper portion is covered with a windshield 402.
On the other hand, at the lower part of the timepiece, a thermoelectric generator 403 is arranged such that one end thereof is in contact with the heat radiating drum 406 and the other end thereof is in contact with the back cover 405.

The lower periphery of the electronic wristwatch is constituted by a heat insulating member 404 made of plastic or the like, and shields heat conduction between the back cover 405 and the radiator 406. Thus, one end and the other end of the thermal power generator 403 are thermally shielded from each other. An antenna unit 408 having a ferrite bar antenna 407 is provided at the outer peripheral end of the timepiece. Antenna unit 40
Reference numeral 8 uses a heat insulating member such as plastic to shield heat conduction between the back cover 405 and the heat radiating drum 406.

When the timepiece constructed as described above is worn on the wrist, the body temperature of the wrist is transmitted to the other end of the thermoelectric generator 403 via the back cover 405. On the other hand, since one end of the thermoelectric generator 403 is held at the outside air temperature by the radiating body 406, the temperature difference between the body temperature and the outside air temperature causes
3 generates electricity. By removing the watch from the wrist, the temperature difference disappears, and the thermoelectric generator 403 stops generating power.

On the other hand, the long wave standard radio wave is received by the ferrite bar antenna 407, the time is corrected by the radio wave correction clock circuit as described above, and the accurate current time is displayed.

As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, the voltage detecting means 103, 203, 303 is provided with the power generating means 101, 201, 301 or the power storage means 102, 20.
When the output voltage of the second and the second voltage is equal to or higher than the first voltage, a first detection signal is output to the switch means 104, 204 and 304 to be closed, and when the output voltage is equal to or lower than the second voltage, the second detection signal is output. And outputs a control signal when the output voltage rises to or above the first voltage to output a radio wave receiving circuit 11.
5, 215 and 316 are operated. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed and accurate time display can be performed.

The oscillation circuit 30 of the watch body circuit 318
9 or by always supplying power to the oscillation circuit 309 and the frequency dividing circuit 310, there is no loss time until the oscillation circuits 109, 209, and 309 start oscillating. Further, when the power generation means 101, 201, 301 has a booster circuit, the booster circuit can be driven by the output of the frequency divider circuit, and quick charging can be performed without adding a new circuit. . Furthermore, it is particularly effective when a power generator such as a thermoelectric generator whose power generation voltage fluctuates with time is used as the power generation means.

In each of the above embodiments, the first voltage, which is the threshold voltage when switching the switch means 104, 204, 304 from the closed state to the open state and from the open state to the closed state, and the first voltage Although the two voltages are the same, a hysteresis characteristic can be provided. Different voltages can be used. For example, the storage voltage is the second voltage
When the voltage drops to 0 V or less, the switch means is opened to stop supplying power to the radio-controlled timepiece circuit.
When the voltage is restored to 1 V or more, the switch means may be closed again to operate the radio-controlled timepiece circuit and perform radio-wave correction.

In determining the threshold voltage,
Considering the power consumed by the timepiece, if the power is generated or stored in excess of the power, the switch means 104, 2
04 and 304 can be controlled to open and close. further,
Instead of detecting the power generation voltage of the power generation means and opening and closing the switch means, if a mechanical switch is provided and the power supply is started by manually operating it, the accurate time is displayed even by manual operation It becomes possible to do.

The power supply to the radio-controlled clock circuits 105 and 205 is always supplied from the power storage means 102 and 202, and the operation of the switch means 104 and 204 controls the operation and stop of the radio-controlled clock circuits 105 and 205. By controlling the opening and closing of the switch means 104 and 204 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the radio-controlled clock circuit 105,
It is also possible to control energy saving by controlling the operation and stop of the 05.

[0054]

According to the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the stored power of the battery and to display an accurate time. It is more suitable when the power generation means has a power generator such as a thermal power generator whose generated voltage varies with time.

Further, by always supplying power to the oscillation circuit of the main body of the watch, there is no time loss from the start of power supply to the start of oscillation, as compared with the case where the supply of power to the oscillation circuit is stopped. . If the power is always supplied to the oscillation circuit and the frequency dividing circuit of the main body circuit of the watch, the time loss from the start of the power supply to the start of the oscillation is eliminated, the time can be promptly displayed, and the output signal of the frequency dividing circuit is used. Necessary circuits can be controlled.

Further, if the power generating means is constituted by a thermoelectric generator and a boosting means for increasing and outputting the generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator, and the operation thereof is controlled by an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit, The quick charging operation by the thermoelectric generator becomes possible without providing a special circuit for driving the booster.

Further, the power generating means may be constituted by a thermoelectric generator and a boosting means for boosting and outputting a generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator, and the boosting means may be controlled by an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic wristwatch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic wristwatch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a structure of an electronic wristwatch with a generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time code of a long-wave standard time signal (JG2AS).

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 201, 301 ... power generation means 102, 202, 302 ... power storage means 103, 203, 303 ... voltage detection means 104, 204, 304 ... switch means 105, 205, 305 ... radio wave Modified clock circuit 115, 215, 316: Radio wave receiving circuit 117, 217, 318: Clock main body circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G04G 1/00 310 G04C 9/02 G04C 10/00 G04G 5/00 G04G 7/02

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A radio-controlled timepiece circuit having a clock main body circuit for measuring and displaying time and a radio wave receiving circuit for receiving time information by radio waves and correcting the time of the clock main body circuit, a power generation means, and the power generation means. detecting a power storage means for charging the generated power in a switching means for feeding at least a portion of a circuit constituting said timepiece circuit from said storage means, the output voltage of the power generation means or said storage means Electric
A pressure detection circuit, wherein the switch means is closed when the output voltage of the voltage detection circuit is equal to or higher than a first voltage, and is equal to or lower than a second voltage which is equal to or different from the first voltage. A radio-controlled timepiece that outputs a detection signal for opening the switch means and outputs a control signal for operating the radio-wave receiving circuit when the output voltage becomes equal to or higher than the first voltage. 2. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation circuit of the timepiece main circuit is always supplied with power from the power storage means, and the other circuits are supplied with power via the switch means. 3. The radio wave according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation circuit and the frequency dividing circuit of the watch main body circuit are always supplied with power from the power storage means, and the other circuits are supplied with power via the switch means. Correction clock. 4. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation means includes a power generator whose generated voltage varies with time.
2. The radio-controlled watch according to 2 or 3. 5. The power generating means is constituted by a thermoelectric generator and a boosting means for boosting and outputting a generated voltage of the thermoelectric generator, and the boosting means is controlled by an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 4. 6. A radio-controlled timepiece circuit having a clock main body circuit for measuring and displaying time and a radio wave receiving circuit for receiving time information by radio waves and correcting the time of the clock main body circuit, a power generation means, and the power generation means. And a power storage means for charging the electric power generated by the radio wave correction clock circuit, wherein a part or all of the radio wave correction clock circuit is always supplied with power from the power storage means. switch means for outputting a control signal for controlling the stop, photoelectric detecting the output voltage of the power generation means or said storage means
A pressure detection circuit, and when the output voltage of the voltage detection circuit is equal to or higher than a first voltage, a part or all of the radio-controlled timepiece is operated by the switch means, and is the same as or equal to the first voltage. A voltage detection circuit for outputting a detection signal for stopping a part or all of the radio-controlled timepiece by the switch means when the voltage is equal to or lower than a second voltage which is a different voltage. Correction clock.