JP3835308B2 - Timing device system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention, TotalEquipment systemToRelated.
[0002]
[Background]
2. Description of the Related Art There are known electronic devices that receive wireless information from the outside and perform operation correction, for example, a radio timepiece that receives time information from the outside and corrects the time.
This radio-controlled timepiece has an antenna for receiving time information from the outside, a receiving means for processing the information received by the antenna, a storage means for storing information from the receiving means, and stepping that is driven and controlled according to the stored time information. A motor and a pointer indicating the time that is moved by the stepping motor are provided.
According to such a configuration, a radio wave carrying accurate time information is received by the antenna. Then, this time information is processed (for example, amplified, demodulated) by the receiving means, and a series of time information is stored in the storage means. The stepping motor is driven and controlled based on the stored time information, and an accurate time is indicated by rotating the hands. Since such work is automatically performed and accurate time can be displayed, the radio timepiece has excellent convenience.
[0003]
The long-wave standard radio waves received by conventional radio-controlled watches can be received indoors in wooden houses, but in condominiums and steel-framed buildings, reinforcing bars and steel frames function as shields. Receiving at is very difficult.
For this reason, a normal radio timepiece must be installed at a specific place where it can be received such as by a window, and the user cannot freely determine the installation position, so that the convenience is not so high.
Therefore, a repeater (relay device) that receives longwave standard radio waves and transmits it again is placed near a receivable window, and other radio clocks receive radio waves from the repeaters and display the correct time. To be done.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
At this time, the repeater uses radio waves of the same frequency for reception and transmission. That is, at present, in Japan, as shown in FIG. 9, it is operated at two types of frequencies: a standard radio transmitting station with a transmission frequency of 40 kHz and a standard radio transmitting station with a transmission frequency of 40 kHz, and a standard radio transmitting station with a transmission frequency of 60 kHz. ing. In FIG. 9, the electric field strength with respect to the distance (km) is a value obtained by theoretical calculation.
By the way, the repeater transmits a 40 kHz radio wave when receiving a 40 kHz standard radio wave centered on eastern Japan, and transmits a 60 kHz radio wave when receiving a 60 kHz standard radio wave centered on west Japan. The frequency of radio waves and transmitted radio waves were the same.
[0005]
For this reason, when a repeater that transmits and receives 40 kHz radio waves is used, the reach of the radio wave from the repeater to the radio clock is smaller than when a repeater that transmits and receives 60 kHz radio waves is used. There is a problem that the position is easily limited and the convenience is low.
That is, for each radio wave of 40 kHz and 60 kHz, when an antenna of the same size is used, the radio wave of 60 kHz has a shorter wavelength, so that the antenna gain can be improved by about 7 db. Since this has the same effect at the time of transmission and reception, when a repeater is used, the transmission of the repeater and the reception of the radio clock are each performed at a frequency of 60 kHz as compared with the case of the radio frequency of 40 kHz. However, there is a problem that the antenna gain is reduced by about 14 db, and the reach of the radio wave is shortened accordingly.
[0006]
Such a problem is not limited to repeaters that transmit and receive long-wave standard radio waves, but is common to repeaters that include time information and have different frequency bands, for example, FM radio waves.
[0007]
  It is an object of the present invention to increase the reach of radio waves when transmitting received radio waves, and to reduce restrictions on the location of a receiver that receives the radio waves.TotalEquipment systemTheIt is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Of the present inventionTiming device systemIs a receiving circuit capable of receiving radio waves including a time code,
  A current time information storage unit for sequentially updating and storing current time information with reference to time information based on the time code received by the receiving circuit;
  A transmission circuit capable of transmitting a radio wave including a time code based on the current time information;
  A control unit for controlling operations of the reception circuit and the transmission circuit.A relay device for a timing device,
  A time measuring device system comprising: a time measuring device that automatically selects and receives radio waves of a plurality of frequencies and updates and displays the current time according to time information based on a time code included in the radio waves,
The timing device receives radio waves transmitted from the transmission circuit of the timing device relay device;
  The control unit includes the time measuring device.To get time informationControl to transmit the highest frequency radio wave among the receivable frequencies
  It is characterized by that.
  A so-called radio timepiece can be used as the timekeeping device, but it is not limited to the radio timepiece, and can also be used for timekeeping devices incorporated in various electronic devices such as a video deck, an audio device, a television, and a refrigerator.
[0009]
In the present invention, when external radio waves are received by the receiving circuit, time information based on the time code included in the radio waves received by the current time information storage unit is stored and sequentially updated. The transmission circuit transmits a radio wave including a time code based on the time information in the current time information storage unit. At this time, the time measuring device that receives the transmission radio wave transmits the radio wave having the highest frequency among the receivable frequencies. For example, if the timing device is a radio timepiece capable of receiving radio waves of two frequencies of 40 kHz and 60 kHz, even if the timing device relay device receives 40 kHz radio waves from the outside, the timing device has a frequency of 60 kHz. Send radio waves.
For this reason, the antenna gain is improved by about 7 db at the time of transmission and at the time of reception as compared with the case of transmitting and receiving between the time measuring device relay device and the time measuring device by the same 40 kHz radio wave as the external radio wave. That is, when considering the entire transmission / reception system, the antenna gain is improved by about 14 db, and the reach of radio waves is greatly increased. Therefore, even in indoor use, for example, it is possible to improve the reception state in a room adjacent to the wall, etc., and there are less restrictions on the installation location of each time measuring device, and the convenience can be greatly improved. .
[0010]
Here, the receiving circuit is configured to be able to select and receive radio waves of a plurality of frequencies, and is controlled by the control unit so as to receive periodically based on the current time information in the current time information storage unit. It is preferable that
The receiving circuit of the timing device may select a radio wave of a specific frequency, but if it is configured to be able to select and receive radio waves of a plurality of frequencies, it can be received depending on the area, such as a long wave standard radio wave Even when the frequencies are different, the relay device for the timing device can be shared. For this reason, since one type is sufficient when manufacturing a relay apparatus, manufacturing work can be simplified and productivity can be improved.
Further, since the reception operation of the radio wave by the reception circuit is controlled to be performed periodically, it is not necessary to always operate the reception circuit, and energy saving can be achieved.
[0011]
In addition, the control unit first receives at the frequency of the radio wave previously received by the receiving circuit, and if it cannot be received at that frequency, the control unit sequentially switches and receives a plurality of frequencies until the radio wave including the time code is received. It is preferable to make it.
In most cases, the timing device relay device receives radio waves of the same frequency. Therefore, if the frequency of the previously received radio wave is stored and the receiving circuit is tuned to the frequency and the receiving operation is performed, the radio wave can be received quickly.
In addition, when moving from East Japan to West Japan, etc., and changing the location where the timing device repeater is installed, it may not be possible to receive radio waves of the previously received frequency. Therefore, the user does not need to perform any operation and the convenience can be prevented from being lowered.
[0012]
It is preferable that the control unit activates the transmission circuit at least every current hour in the current time information stored in the current time information storage unit so that a radio wave including the time code is transmitted.
In many cases, time measuring devices such as radio clocks are usually set to receive radio waves at the set time and set the time. For this reason, even in the relay device for the time measuring device, if it is set so that the radio wave including the time code is transmitted every hour, it can be surely received by each timing device that receives the radio wave every hour.
[0013]
Here, it is preferable that an antenna shared by the reception circuit and the transmission circuit is provided, and the control unit is configured to switch and operate the reception circuit and the transmission circuit.
In the present invention, it is not necessary to perform the reception operation continuously at all times, and it may be performed periodically. Therefore, the transmission operation can be performed while the reception operation is not performed. Therefore, one antenna can be shared for reception and transmission, the number of antennas to be installed can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the relay device can be downsized.
[0014]
In addition, at least two antennas, a reception-dedicated antenna and a transmission-dedicated antenna, may be provided, a reception-dedicated antenna may be connected to the reception circuit, and a transmission-dedicated antenna may be connected to the transmission circuit.
If each of the reception circuit and the transmission circuit has a dedicated antenna, the transmission operation by the transmission circuit can be performed simultaneously even while the reception circuit is performing the reception operation.
[0015]
  Here, the frequency of the radio wave transmitted from the transmission circuitTo the highest frequency that can be received by the timing device.User in advanceIn the control unitConfigured to be configurableing
  It is preferable.
  The frequency of the radio wave transmitted by the relay device to the time measuring device capable of receiving radio waves of multiple frequencies is, for example, the radio wave transmitted by the time measuring device among the multiple radio waves transmitted from the relay device. It may be determined by sending back the frequency of. In this case, there is an advantage that the frequency of the transmission radio wave can be automatically set. On the other hand, it is necessary to return a radio signal from the timing device side to the relay device, and it is necessary to incorporate a transmission circuit in the timing device.
  On the other hand, if the user presets the frequency of the radio wave transmitted from the transmission circuit as in the present invention, it is not necessary to incorporate the transmission circuit in the timing device, and the cost of the timing device can be reduced. There is an advantage.
[0016]
Moreover, it is preferable that the radio wave received by the receiving circuit and the radio wave transmitted from the transmission circuit are both long wave standard radio waves.
In addition to the long wave standard radio wave (JJY), the radio wave including the time code includes, for example, an FM multiple wave used for FM broadcasting, a radio wave for GPS, and the like. There is an advantage that the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.
[0017]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit switches a tuning capacitor connected to an antenna used in a transmission circuit and a reception circuit to switch a transmission / reception frequency.
As a method of switching the tuning capacitor, a capacitor having a fixed capacitance value may be switched by an analog switch and connected to the antenna, or a capacitance value may be changed by switching a voltage applied to the varactor diode.
If such a tuning capacitor is switched to switch the transmission / reception frequency, the cost can be reduced and the size can be easily reduced.
[0018]
Moreover, it is preferable that the timing device relay device includes time display means capable of displaying the current time information in the current time information storage unit.
The relay device for the timekeeping device may have a function of receiving an external radio wave and transmitting it to the timekeeping device. However, a time display means such as a pointer for displaying current time information or a digital display device is also provided. If equipped, it can also be used as a radio clock. In particular, the clock function can be realized at a relatively low cost because the clock function and the repeater function can be used together only by adding the time display means.
[0019]
Further, the timing device relay device includes a photovoltaic power generation unit that generates electric power from light energy, and a power storage unit that accumulates the electric power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit, the reception circuit, the transmission circuit, and the current time information storage unit The control circuit is preferably driven by electric power from the power storage unit.
The clock device relay device is often provided at the window so that it can easily receive external radio waves. Therefore, if a solar battery having a photovoltaic power generation unit and a power storage unit is provided, each circuit and the like can be driven by the power generated by sunlight, and energy saving can be achieved. In addition, battery replacement can be made unnecessary and maintenance work can be easily performed as compared with the case of battery driving. Furthermore, compared to the case where a commercial power supply from an outlet is used, the degree of freedom of installation location is increased, and a cord is not required, so that handling is facilitated and design design can be improved.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a radio timepiece 1 with a repeater function (hereinafter, a repeater radio timepiece) as a relay device for a timekeeping device of the present invention. Further, FIG. 1 shows a wall-mounted radio clock 100 and a table clock radio clock 110 as time-keeping devices that receive radio waves from the repeater radio-controlled timepiece 1 and display the time as the time-measurement system of the present invention.
The repeater radio timepiece 1 is installed at a position where it can easily receive external radio waves such as near a window. The wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 and the table clock-type radio timepiece 110 are installed indoors and do not need to receive external radio waves, but are installed at positions where radio waves from the repeater radio timepiece 1 can be received.
[0026]
Note that the clock device relay device is not limited to the repeater radio timepiece 1 in which the radio timepiece is incorporated, and a repeater 2 having only a repeater function may be used. That is, the repeater 2 may be installed in place of the repeater radio timepiece 1.
[0027]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the repeater radio timepiece 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the repeater radio timepiece 1 includes an antenna 3 that receives a radio wave including a time code and transmits a radio wave including a time code, and a frequency selection unit that selects a frequency of the radio wave received or transmitted by the antenna 3. 4, a reception unit 5 that processes radio wave information received by the antenna 3, a transmission unit 6 that processes a time code transmitted by the antenna 3, and a central control circuit 7 as a control unit that controls the overall operation. And a time display unit 8 as a time display means for displaying the time, an external operation input unit 9, and a battery 74 for supplying power.
[0028]
The antenna 3 is a ferrite antenna, receives a radio wave on which time information is superimposed, and transmits time information.
FIG. 3 shows a time code format of a long wave standard radio wave (JJY) as a radio wave on which the time information received by the antenna 3 is superimposed. In this time code format, one signal is transmitted every second, and one record is formed in 60 seconds. That is, one frame is 60-bit data.
As shown in FIG. 3, the time code format of the long wave standard radio signal includes the following items: minute of the current time, hour, day of the current year since January 1, year (last 2 digits of the year), day of the week and Includes leap seconds. The value of each item is configured by a combination of numerical values assigned every second, and ON / OFF of this combination is determined from the type of signal. Incidentally, in the figure, “P” indicates a position marker, which is a signal whose position is determined in advance, and “N” indicates that the item is ON and is subject to addition. "0" indicates that the item is OFF and is not subject to addition.
The long wave standard radio wave is transmitted at 40 kHz and 60 kHz as described in the background art, and the time code of both waves is the same.
[0029]
The configuration of the frequency selection unit 4, the reception unit 5, and the transmission unit 6 described in FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The frequency selection unit 4 is composed of a variable capacitance tuning capacitor connected to the coil of the antenna 3. The frequency of the radio wave received by the antenna 3 is selected by adjusting the capacity of the tuning capacitor. The capacity adjustment of the tuning capacitor is performed based on a frequency selection signal output from the central control circuit 7.
The receiving unit 5 includes a receiving circuit 51 and a storage circuit 52.
The reception circuit 51 amplifies the long wave standard radio signal received by the antenna 3, a bandpass filter 512 that extracts only a desired frequency component from the amplified long wave standard radio signal, and smoothes the long wave standard radio signal. A demodulating circuit 513 that performs normalization and demodulation, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit 514 that controls the gain of the amplifying circuit 511 so that the reception level of the long wave standard radio wave signal is constant, and the decoded long wave standard radio wave signal And a decoding circuit 515 for outputting the data.
As the band-pass filter 512, for example, a filter in which a frequency of 40 kHz is extracted and a filter that extracts a frequency of 60 kHz are arranged in parallel can be used.
The receiving circuit 51 automatically selects and receives one of the 40 kHz or 60 kHz long wave standard radio waves, which normally has the better condition. Usually, the receiving circuit 51 stores the frequency of the previous reception and performs the receiving operation at that frequency. Do.
[0030]
The time information received and signal processed by the receiving circuit 51 is output to the storage circuit 52 and stored therein. Since the time information is data at one minute intervals, it is possible to determine the accuracy of reception by receiving time information of at least two frames and determining whether the received time information is at one minute intervals. Therefore, the time information is temporarily stored in the storage circuit 52 in order to judge the accuracy of the received time information.
[0031]
The transmission unit 6 includes a transmission circuit. The transmission unit (transmission circuit) 6 includes an oscillation circuit 61 that generates a carrier wave having a constant frequency, a modulation circuit 62 that modulates data to be transmitted so as to be superimposed on the carrier wave, An amplifying circuit 63 that amplifies the AC voltage from the modulation circuit 62 is provided. As the frequency to be transmitted from the transmission circuit 6, the highest frequency among the frequencies that can be received by the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 is selected. Generally, the radio timepiece used in Japan has the highest frequency of 60 kHz, and therefore transmits at a frequency of 60 kHz.
The oscillation circuit 61 oscillates a 60 kHz carrier wave for transmission at 60 kHz. The modulation method and signal code in the modulation circuit 62 are the same as those of the long wave standard radio wave.
[0032]
The operations of the reception circuit 51 and the transmission circuit 6 are controlled by signals from the central control circuit 7. The receiving circuit 51 enters an operating state when it receives a reception control signal (RX-EN signal) from the central control circuit 7. When the transmission circuit 6 receives the transmission control signal (TX-EN signal) from the central control circuit 7, the transmission circuit 6 enters an operation state.
FIG. 5 shows a timing chart of the RX-EN signal and the TX-EN signal. The reception circuit 51 receives time information when a forced reception operation is performed by the external operation input unit 9 or before every hour, and the transmission circuit 6 always transmits except when the reception circuit 51 is in operation. is doing. The receiving circuit 51 and the transmitting circuit 6 are alternately in an operating state and are not simultaneously in an operating state. That is, the RX-EN signal and the TX-EN signal do not become Hi simultaneously. The reception operation of the repeater radio timepiece 1 before every hour is because the initial setting of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 that receives the radio waves generally performs the reception operation every hour. This is because it is necessary to be in a transmission state at every hour after receiving the time.
[0033]
A switching circuit 41 is provided between the reception circuit 51 and the transmission circuit 6. When the reception circuit 51 is in an operating state in response to the input of the RX-EN signal, the switching circuit 41 connects the reception circuit 51 and the antenna 3 and disconnects the antenna 3 and the transmission circuit 6. The switching circuit 41 connects the antenna 3 and the transmission circuit 6 and disconnects the antenna 3 and the reception circuit 51 when the transmission circuit 6 is in operation in response to the input of the TX-EN signal.
[0034]
The central control circuit 7 includes a reference signal generation circuit 72 that generates a pulse signal having a constant period from the reference vibration from the reference vibrator 71, and a current time information storage unit 73.
The current time information storage unit 73 stores the time information from the receiving unit 5 and counts pulse signals with a constant period, thereby sequentially updating the stored time and storing the current time. The time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 is output to the transmission circuit 6 and transmitted. The time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 is output to the time display unit 8 and displayed.
The central control circuit 7 receives or transmits the reception control signal (RX-EN signal) for controlling the operation of the reception circuit 51, the transmission control signal (TX-EN signal) for controlling the operation of the transmission circuit 6, and the antenna 3. A frequency selection signal for selecting a frequency is output.
[0035]
The time display unit 8 may be a pointer type or a digital display type, and displays the time stored in the current time information storage unit 73.
The external operation input unit 9 is constituted by a crown or the like. The external operation input unit 9 is used when the operation of the receiving circuit 51 is forcibly performed or when the frequency of a radio wave to be transmitted is selected.
[0036]
FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the wall-mounted radio clock 100 or the table clock radio clock 110. The wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 includes an antenna 101 that receives radio waves transmitted from the repeater radio timepiece 1, a frequency selection circuit 102 that selects the frequency of radio waves received by the antenna 101, and processes the radio waves received by the antenna 101 as time information. A receiving circuit 103 for outputting, a storage circuit 104 for storing time information output from the receiving circuit 103, a time display unit 107 having a pointer indicating the time, and a motor drive circuit 106 for driving the pointer of the time display unit 107; A control circuit 105 that controls the entire apparatus, a needle position detection circuit 108 that detects a pointer position, and a battery 109 as a power source.
It is assumed that the receiving circuit 103 can receive both 40 kHz and 60 kHz of the long wave standard radio wave.
It is assumed that this wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 is installed in a deep place such as a room and cannot receive a long-wave standard radio wave transmitted from a transmitting station.
[0037]
The operation of the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
First, the operation of the repeater radio timepiece 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.
The RX-EN signal is output from the central control circuit 7 before every hour. Then, the long wave standard radio wave is received by the antenna 3 of the repeater radio timepiece 1. At this time, the tuning capacitor of the frequency selector 4 is adjusted so that the better one of the 40 kHz and 60 kHz long wave standard radio waves can be received. The switching circuit 41 connects the antenna 3 and the reception circuit 51 and disconnects the antenna 3 and the transmission circuit 6. The long wave standard radio wave received by the antenna 3 is processed by the receiving circuit 51 and stored in the storage circuit 52.
[0038]
In the memory circuit 52, it is confirmed whether or not the received time information is normally received. For example, since the time information is transmitted as time information at one minute intervals, this confirmation method is determined based on whether or not the continuously received time information is time information at one minute intervals. The time information stored in the storage circuit 52 is output to the current time information storage unit 73, and the time stored in the current time information storage unit 73 is corrected. The current time information storage unit 73 sequentially updates the stored time information by counting the reference signals generated by the reference signal creation circuit 72. Time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 and sequentially updated is displayed on the time display unit 8. The time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 and sequentially updated is output to the transmission circuit 6 when the TX-EN signal is output from the central control circuit 7. Then, the time information is modulated by the modulation circuit 62 so that the time information is superimposed on the 60 kHz carrier wave oscillated by the oscillation circuit 61, the transmitter circuit 6 and the antenna 3 are connected, and the radio wave including the time information is transmitted from the antenna 3. Is sent.
[0039]
The reception and transmission operations of the repeater radio timepiece 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In ST1 (step 1), a reception operation is started by a forced reception operation or when a reception time is reached, and reception of time information is started. In ST2, the received time information is stored in the storage circuit 52. In ST3, it is determined that the time information is normally received, and when the time information is normally received (reception OK), the time information received in the current time information storage unit 73 is overwritten in ST4, and the time Information is updated. The time information stored in ST4 is transmitted by the transmission circuit 6 in ST5. In ST6, the time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 is always counted up using the reference signal from the reference signal generating circuit 72, and the current time information counted up at this time is continuously transmitted. This current time information is transmitted until the automatic reception time arrives at ST7. If it is determined in ST7 that the automatic reception time has been reached, the transmission of time information is stopped in ST8, and the reception operation in ST1 is started.
[0040]
On the other hand, if it is determined in ST3 that the time information cannot be correctly received, the accuracy of receiving the accurate time information is increased by repeating the reception operation to some extent. In order not to be disabled, the reception is given up and the time information stored in the current time information storage unit 73 is transmitted. That is, if it is determined in ST3 that the time information has not been correctly received, the number N of attempts to receive successfully in ST9 is counted. In ST10, the process returns to ST1 and repeats the reception operation until the number N of attempts that are not successful after reaching a predetermined value (desired value). If the number of unsuccessful receptions in ST10 exceeds a desired value, the receiving operation is given up and the time information in ST5 is transmitted.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
The wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 receives time information every hour. The time information transmitted from the repeater radio timepiece 1 is received by the antenna 3 of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 and processed by the receiving circuit 51. At this time, the frequency selection circuit 102 is automatically adjusted so as to receive radio waves with the best reception conditions. In this embodiment, since the radio wave transmitted from the repeater radio timepiece 1 is the radio wave that can be received best, the frequency selection circuit 102 is adjusted to receive the 60 kHz radio wave transmitted from the repeater radio timepiece 1. The
The time information processed by the receiving circuit 103 is buffered by the storage circuit 104, and then the time is displayed on the time display unit 107 via the motor driving circuit 106 according to a command from the control circuit 105.
[0042]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
Time information received from the repeater radio timepiece 1 can be transmitted by installing the repeater radio timepiece 1 at a position such as a window where a long wave standard radio wave can be received. Therefore, the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 installed at a position where the longwave standard radio wave cannot be directly received such as indoors can receive time information and indicate an accurate time.
The repeater radio-controlled timepiece 1 transmits the received time information at 60 kHz, which is the highest frequency that the wall-mounted radio-controlled timepiece 100 can receive, and the wall-mounted radio-controlled timepiece 100 receives 60 kHz of radio waves, so that the antenna gain can be increased. Therefore, the reach of radio waves can be greatly increased. This is because radio waves having a higher frequency can transmit and receive data better in transmission and reception using an antenna. Specifically, the antenna gain is higher by about 7 db when transmitting or receiving at 60 kHz than when transmitting or receiving at 40 kHz. Therefore, the 14 db antenna gain can be increased by performing transmission and reception at 60 kHz, rather than performing transmission and reception at 40 kHz. Therefore, even when the repeater radio timepiece 1 and the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 are installed with some walls separated, time information can be accurately transmitted and received. As a result, restrictions on the installation location of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 can be reduced.
[0043]
The repeater radio timepiece 1 is provided with a frequency selection unit 4 and can select the frequency of the radio wave to be received. Therefore, even when the frequency that can be received differs depending on the area, such as a long wave standard radio wave, the common repeater radio timepiece 1 is used. can do. Therefore, the manufacturing work of the repeater radio timepiece 1 can be simplified and the productivity can be improved.
Since the repeater radio timepiece 1 is provided with the switching circuit 41 in the antenna 3 and shares the antenna 3 for reception and transmission, the cost can be reduced and the repeater radio timepiece 1 can be miniaturized.
Since the repeater radio timepiece 1 includes the time display unit 8, the time display can be performed together with the function of a repeater that receives and transmits time information. At this time, since the receiving circuit 51 and the current time information storage unit 73 are common in the repeater function and the radio timepiece, the repeater is capable of displaying the time by a simple and low-cost process of providing the time display unit 8 in the repeater. Can do. Conversely, it is also possible to provide a repeater by providing the radio-controlled timepiece with the transmission circuit 6.
[0044]
Since the repeater radio timepiece 1 is in a transmission state at every hour on the hour, the time information is in a transmission state at an initial reception time of a wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 that is generally commercially available. Therefore, there is no need to re-set the reception time of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 that is commercially available, and convenience can be improved.
In addition, since the repeater radio timepiece 1 always transmits time information except during the reception operation, the time can be corrected by forcibly receiving the time information by the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 at any time.
[0045]
If the repeater radio timepiece 1 cannot receive the time information normally and cannot receive the time information normally even after trying to receive a predetermined number of times, it gives up and transmits the time information in the current time storage unit 73. It is possible to prevent the timepiece 1 from becoming incapable of transmitting and receiving.
[0046]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the repeater radio timepiece 1 according to the time measuring device relay device of the present invention.
The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a photovoltaic power generation unit 10 such as a solar cell that generates power with light energy, and a photovoltaic power generation unit. The secondary power supply 11 which stores the electric power generated by 10 is provided.
According to such a configuration, the repeater radio timepiece 1 is installed at a window or the like so as to easily receive the long wave standard radio wave, and therefore it is easy to obtain electric power by photovoltaic power generation. By providing the photovoltaic power generation unit 10, a battery becomes unnecessary, and maintenance such as battery replacement becomes unnecessary.
[0047]
  In addition, this departureTomorrowOf course, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  For example, the time measuring device relay device is not limited to the repeater radio timepiece 1 capable of displaying the time, but may be a repeater 2 having only a repeater function. If it is a repeater 2, it can install in the place which does not become obstructive by reducing in size.
  The time information received by the repeater radio timepiece 1 is not limited to the long wave standard radio wave, and may be an FM multiple wave or the like. Moreover, it may be adapted not only to Japanese longwave standard radio waves but also to frequency bands used overseas.
  The operation of the transmission circuit 6 may not be always performed except during the reception operation, but may be set to perform the transmission operation in accordance with the reception of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100, for example. In this way, power consumption can be reduced.
[0048]
The frequency selection unit 4 may not be a variable tuning capacitor, but may be ones in which capacitors having different capacitances are switched in parallel. The frequency of long wave standard radio waves that can be received in Japan is defined by 40 kHz and 60 kHz. Therefore, what is necessary is just to provide the capacitor | condenser which has the capacity | capacitance for receiving or transmitting the radio wave of 40 kHz and 60 kHz.
Further, the capacitance value may be changed by switching the voltage applied to the varactor diode.
[0049]
A computer comprising a CPU, ROM, and RAM is incorporated into the repeater radio timepiece 1, and a program is installed in this computer so that the computer functions as the receiving circuit 51, the storage circuit 52, the transmission circuit 6, and the current time information storage unit 73. It may be incorporated. In this way, since the set value can be easily changed, the type or code of the received or transmitted radio wave can be easily changed.
[0050]
TotalThe time device is not limited to the wall-mounted radio clock 100 and the table clock radio clock 110, but can also be used as a clock device incorporated in various electronic devices such as a wristwatch, a video, a television, and a mobile phone.
[0051]
The repeater radio timepiece 1 may not be configured to receive a plurality of frequencies but may be configured to receive only one type of radio wave. For example, when only one of East Japan and West Japan is used, it is only necessary to support one type of frequency.
The repeater radio timepiece 1 may always scan all the frequencies and select the frequency with the best reception condition, without storing the previously received frequency and performing the reception operation at that frequency.
The repeater radio timepiece 1 may include separate antennas 3 for reception and transmission without sharing the antennas 3 for reception and transmission.
Transmission of time information from the repeater radio timepiece 1 is performed such that the time information is transmitted once a day in accordance with the reception time of the wall-mounted radio timepiece 100 even if it is not in a transmission state at every hour. Also good.
[0052]
As a power source, either the battery 74 or the photovoltaic unit 10 may be provided, and both the battery 74 and the photovoltaic unit 10 may be provided in order to stabilize the power source. A commercial power supply may be used from an outlet.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, the present inventionTotal ofEquipment systemToAccording to this, when the received radio wave is transmitted, the reach of the radio wave can be increased, and the restrictions on the installation location of the receiver that receives the radio wave can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a use state in a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a repeater radio timepiece in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a time code format of a long wave standard radio wave.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reception unit and a transmission unit of the repeater radio timepiece in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart of control signals for controlling the reception unit and the transmission circuit in the first embodiment.
6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wall-mounted radio timepiece in the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the repeater radio timepiece in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a second embodiment of the present invention.InIt is a block diagram which shows the structure of a repeater radio timepiece.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a reception area and a frequency band of a long wave standard radio wave.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Repeater radio timepiece (clocking device relay device), 2 ... Repeater (timer relay device), 3 ... Antenna, 4 ... Frequency selection part (tuning capacitor), 6 ... Transmission unit (transmission circuit), 7 ... Central control circuit (control unit), 8 ... Time display unit (time display means), 10 ... Photovoltaic unit, 11 ... Secondary power supply (storage unit) ), 51... Receiving circuit, 73... Current time information storage unit, 100.

Claims (11)

A receiving circuit capable of receiving radio waves including a time code;
A current time information storage unit for sequentially updating and storing current time information with reference to time information based on the time code received by the receiving circuit;
A transmission circuit capable of transmitting a radio wave including a time code based on the current time information;
A controller for controlling the operations of the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit, and a relay device for a timing device,
A time measuring device system comprising: a time measuring device that automatically selects and receives radio waves of a plurality of frequencies and updates and displays the current time according to time information based on a time code included in the radio waves,
The timing device receives radio waves transmitted from the transmission circuit of the timing device relay device;
The said control part is controlled to transmit the electromagnetic wave of the highest frequency among the frequencies which the said timing device can receive in order to acquire time information . The time measuring device system characterized by the above-mentioned . In the time measuring device system according to claim 1,
The receiving circuit is configured to be able to select and receive radio waves of a plurality of frequencies, and is controlled by the control unit so as to periodically receive based on the current time information in the current time information storage unit. A time measuring device system characterized by that. In the time measuring device system according to claim 2,
The control unit first receives at the frequency of the radio wave previously received by the receiving circuit, and if it cannot be received at that frequency, the control unit sequentially switches and receives a plurality of frequencies until a radio wave including a time code is received. A time measuring device system characterized by . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-3,
The said control part operates a transmission circuit at the time of every correct hour in the present time information of the said present time information storage part, and makes it the transmission state of the electromagnetic wave containing the said time code . The time measuring device system characterized by the above-mentioned . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-4,
A timer system comprising: an antenna shared by the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit, wherein the control unit is configured to switch and operate the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-4,
There are at least two antennas, a receive-only antenna and a transmit-only antenna,
A timer system for reception, wherein a reception-dedicated antenna is connected to the reception circuit, and a transmission-dedicated antenna is connected to the transmission circuit . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-6,
The frequency of the radio wave transmitted from the transmitting circuit, that the user the highest frequency among the receivable frequency for the clocking device obtains time information is configured to be set in advance the control unit A timekeeping device system. In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-7,
Both the radio wave received by the receiving circuit and the radio wave transmitted from the transmission circuit are long wave standard radio waves . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-8,
The said control part switches the tuning capacitor | condenser connected to the said antenna used with the said transmission circuit and the said receiving circuit, and switches the frequency of transmission / reception . The time measuring device system characterized by the above-mentioned . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-9,
A time measuring device system comprising time display means capable of displaying the current time information in the current time information storage unit . In the time measuring device system in any one of Claims 1-10,
A photovoltaic unit that generates power from light energy, and a power storage unit that accumulates the power generated by the photovoltaic unit,
Clocking system the reception circuit, transmission circuit, current time information storage unit, the control unit, characterized in that it is driven by the power from the power storage unit.

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