JP5095332B2 - Radio correction clock - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece antenna having a function of receiving a predetermined radio wave including time information and correcting the time based on the information, and more particularly to a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece antenna.

  A radio-controlled timepiece is a function that corrects the time error by receiving a standard radio wave (eg, 40 kHz radio wave) containing time information and date information from a cesium atomic clock with an accuracy of 1 second per million years. It is a watch equipped with. For this reason, it is possible to always display an accurate time as compared with a quartz timepiece in which an error of about 20 seconds per month is generated, and it is possible to save time and effort.

In the radio-controlled timepiece, reception performance is determined by antenna characteristics and reception circuit characteristics.
As a type of receiving antenna, the standard radio wave has a long wavelength of around 5 km, and it is difficult to resonate in the wavelength direction inside the wristwatch. Therefore, a coiled bar antenna in which a conducting wire is wound around a core made of a ferromagnetic material or the like is used. It is common to use. An electromotive force is obtained in the coil by the magnetic flux passing through the bar antenna.

  The receiving circuit detects time information based on the output of the receiving antenna and transmits it to the watch movement. A timepiece movement is a composite part in which circuit elements such as a battery and a time measuring circuit necessary for timepiece operation are combined into one unit. In some cases, time display means such as a dial or a liquid crystal display device may be included.

  A wristwatch-type radio-controlled watch has a function as a watch in addition to its function as a watch, so design and texture are important. In particular, a high-class feeling as a watch is an important element, and a metal exterior that makes the exterior of the watch body made of metal is desired.

  However, when the output of the receiving antenna is housed in a metal exterior, it extremely decreases. This is because eddy currents are generated on the metal exterior surface, and the standard radio wave flux cannot penetrate the watch exterior, making it difficult to enter the interior of the watch. The magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the antenna is caused by the eddy current generated on the metal exterior surface. This is because the current flowing through the receiving antenna is hindered by being blocked by the antimagnetic flux.

That is, the wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece has a problem that it is difficult to receive a standard radio wave although a metal exterior is desired. For this reason, there are many proposals for technologies that can be received even with a metal exterior. For example, a technique for improving the shape of an antenna. By improving the reception sensitivity of the antenna, more standard radio waves can be received.
As already described, wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepieces often use a bar antenna, and a technique for improving the reception sensitivity by improving the shape of the bar antenna is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a radio-controlled timepiece in which a conventional antenna shown in Patent Document 1 is housed, and has been rewritten so as not to depart from the gist thereof for easy explanation.
In FIG. 8, 501 is a metal watch exterior, 502 is an antenna core, 503 is a winding portion in which a conducting wire is wound in the longitudinal direction of the antenna core 502, 504 is a bulging portion of the antenna core 502, and 505 is a magnetic sheet portion. , 506 is a dial, and 507 is a hook for connecting the watch exterior 501 and a watch band (not shown).
The prior art antenna shown in Patent Document 1 includes an antenna core 502, a winding portion 503, a bulging portion 504, and a magnetic sheet portion 505. Note that the winding portion 503 is actually a thin conducting wire wound in an orderly manner, but is shown in a cylindrical shape for easy viewing. Further, parts not necessary for the description are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an antenna and a dial 506 inside a watch exterior 501. If the dial 506 side is provided with a windshield means (not shown) provided on the watch exterior 501 and the opposite side is provided with a back cover side (not shown), the antenna is provided on the back cover side so as to overlap the dial 506 in a plane. Magnetic sheet portions 505 are provided on the bulging portions 504 provided at both ends of the antenna core 502. The magnetic sheet portion 505 is provided on the lower surface of the dial 506 on the windshield means side (not shown).

  With this configuration, the magnetic sheet portion 505 becomes a radio wave receiving surface, and can efficiently collect magnetic flux from the windshield means side where the magnetic flux entry is difficult to be blocked by the watch exterior 501. Can be led to the antenna core 502 more. Further, since the magnetic sheet portion 505 is provided on the lower surface of the dial 506, the time notification by the dial 506 is not hindered.

JP 2006-333183 A (page 15, FIG. 11)

The invention described in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 can efficiently collect magnetic flux from the windshield side where magnetic flux easily enters by providing a magnetic sheet portion 505 having a large area on the windshield side as a magnetic flux collecting mechanism. is there.
However, according to the examination by the inventors, it was found that there are the following two problems.

One problem is that the reception sensitivity of standard radio waves cannot be adjusted.
The radio-controlled timepiece differs in distance from the standard radio wave transmission station depending on the location where it is used. In particular, since a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece may move with the user, the distance to the transmitting station may change each time a standard radio wave is received.

When the radio-controlled timepiece is used at a place far from the transmitting station, the reception sensitivity improves as the antenna is enlarged and the gain structure is increased because the electric field strength is low. On the other hand, when used in a location close to the transmitting station, the electric field strength is high, so in an antenna with a high gain structure, the output amplitude becomes too large, and the signal amplified through the amplifier circuit is saturated. An error occurs under a strong electric field.
In addition to the distance between the place of use and the standard radio wave transmitting station as described above, the standard radio wave is also affected by the influence of weather, shielding such as buildings, and the ionosphere. Even in regions, there are differences in electric field strength.

  The invention described in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a magnetic sheet portion 505 is provided to collect more magnetic flux in the antenna core 502, and thus can be said to be an antenna having a high gain structure. In the case of such an antenna, when the radio-controlled timepiece is used in a place close to the transmitting station, a malfunction is induced and the reception sensitivity of the standard radio wave is lowered.

The other problem occurs when a structure different from the magnetic sheet portion 505 is provided on the lower surface of the dial 506.
In the invention described in the prior art shown in Patent Document 1, the magnetic sheet portion 505 is pasted on the back of the dial 506. However, depending on the type of clock, a day of the week plate representing the day of the week, such as a clock with a calendar. A plate material having a rotating ring shape called a date plate representing the date is arranged immediately below the dial 506. If a structure different from the magnetic sheet portion 505 such as a day of the week plate or a date plate is provided on the lower surface of the dial 506, not only the magnetic sheet portion 505 is difficult to be provided, but also the antenna core 502 is disposed on the day of the week plate or the date plate. It must fit within an area of a very small radius around the circumference.
When such a restriction is applied, the magnetic flux collection efficiency of the antenna is reduced due to the reduction of the winding portion 503 of the antenna core 502 or the reduction of the antenna size itself.

  The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention has been made to solve such problems, and by changing the reception sensitivity of standard radio waves, stable reception can be performed regardless of the usage environment, and the antenna can be made compact. The technology which can receive standard radio wave well even if it is changed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention employs the following structure.

A radio-controlled timepiece that has an antenna and receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave, receives the standard radio wave, obtains time information, and corrects the time based on the time information,
It has a magnetic flux collector that consists of a magnetic material for collecting magnetic flux from standard radio waves, and has a rotatable plate-like member. When the antenna receives the standard radio wave, the plate-like member rotates to collect magnetic flux. The antenna and a part of the antenna are overlapped with each other in a plane, and a part of the antenna and the magnetic flux collecting part are magnetically coupled.

  The magnetic flux collecting unit is provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member.

  Either the magnetic flux collecting part has a protrusion that protrudes in the direction of the antenna, or a part of the antenna has a protrusion that protrudes in the direction of the magnetic flux collecting part. The feature is that the distance is close.

  The plate-like member is for displaying information on the date or day of the week or information on the state of the clock.

  It has a motor that drives the notification means for reporting either the time, date or day of the week information, or clock status, and rotates the plate-like member when the antenna is not receiving standard radio waves. And a control means for allowing the motor and the magnetic flux collecting section to overlap in a plane.

  The antenna includes an antenna core made of a magnetic material, a winding portion formed by winding a conductive wire around the antenna core, and at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the antenna core at the same body as the antenna core or the antenna core and magnetism. And a part of the antenna core is an extension part.

The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention has a plate-like member that includes a magnetic flux collecting unit made of a magnetic material for collecting magnetic flux from a standard radio wave, and by magnetically coupling the magnetic flux collecting unit and the antenna, Reception sensitivity can be improved. By doing in this way, an antenna becomes large by the part of the magnetic flux collection part provided in a plate-shaped member substantially, and more magnetic flux can be guide | induced to an antenna.
Further, by rotating this plate-like member, the magnetic coupling between the magnetic flux collecting unit and the antenna can be released. By doing so, the reception sensitivity can be changed according to the environment of the watch.
Further, since the magnetic flux collecting unit is provided, the antenna itself can be reduced in size. For this reason, an antenna can be mounted even in a limited part inside the watch.
Further, when a motor for driving a watch hand or the like is mounted, when the antenna is not receiving a standard radio wave, the plate member is rotated so that the motor and the magnetic flux collecting unit provided on the plate member are planar. To overlap. That is, the magnetic flux collecting part is caused to function as a magnetic plate. As a result, even if the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high, the magnetic resistance of the motor is improved and malfunctions are eliminated.

Hereinafter, the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used for explanation, parts that are not particularly necessary are omitted in order to make the drawings easier to see. For example, the inside of a movement or a dial.
In the movement, circuit elements such as a battery and a clock circuit necessary for clock operation are unitized, but are not shown. The dial is actually provided with a decorated time character, a three-dimensional structure for time notification, a print for dial decoration, or the like. The structure may be a laminated structure, but is not shown.

  First, a first embodiment of the radio-controlled timepiece of the invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views schematically showing the positional relationship of each component, not shown. It is the figure seen from the windshield means side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention as viewed from the 3 o'clock direction or the 9 o'clock direction.

[Description of structure: FIGS. 1 to 4]
1 to 4, 100 is an antenna core, 101 is a winding portion in which a conductor is wound around the antenna core 100, 102 a and 102 b are extended portions provided at the end of the antenna core 100, and 103 a and 103 b are magnetic flux collections. , 104 is a plate-like member, 106 is a dial, 108 is a drive shaft, 109 is a watch movement, 110 is a watch exterior, 111 is a motor, 112 is a mechanical drive unit composed of a plurality of gears connected to the motor 111, etc. It is.
The motor 111 rotationally drives the drive shaft 108 and the plate-like member 104 via the mechanical drive unit 112. A long hand and a short hand (not shown) are connected to the drive shaft 108 to notify the time in the direction indicated by the time hand.

Reference numeral 200 denotes an antenna, which includes an antenna core 100, a winding part 101, and extension parts 102a and 102b. Note that the winding portion 101 is actually a thin conductive wire wound in an orderly manner in the longitudinal direction of the antenna core 100, but is illustrated in a cylindrical shape for easy viewing.
The antenna core 100 and the extension parts 102a and 102b are made of a magnetic material, and can be made of, for example, a ferrite material. Of course, you may comprise by the laminated body of an amorphous thin film.
The antenna core 100 and the extension portions 102a and 102b are configured integrally, or are physically connected using screws, an adhesive, or the like, or are in a magnetically coupled state so that magnetic flux flows. It has become. That both are magnetically connected means such a state.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the antenna 200 is installed in the watch exterior 110 near the center at 9 o'clock in this example. For this reason, the extension part 102a comes to the position of about 11 o'clock of the watch, and the extension part 102b comes to the position of about 7 o'clock. Of course, since the size and shape of the watch exterior 110 and the watch movement 109 change in relation to the specification and design of the watch, the installation position of the antenna 200 also changes accordingly.

  The extended portions 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 are portions provided for magnetic coupling with magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b provided on the back surface of the plate-like member 104 described later. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the planar shape is a wing shape such as a polygonal shape or a fan shape, and the cross-sectional shape is bent in the direction of the dial 106 as shown in FIG. If both are brought closer, the magnetic coupling between the extension and the magnetic flux collector will be stronger. The difference between the shapes shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B will be described later.

  The plate-like member 104 is incorporated in the watch movement 109 and is rotatable about the drive shaft 108 by the mechanical drive unit 112. This rotation can be freely selected from clockwise or counterclockwise, and is controlled by a control means (not shown) incorporated in the watch movement 109 including its rotation speed. The plate member 104 is connected to the mechanical drive unit 112 and is rotated by the control means described above. Magnetic flux collectors 103 a and 103 b are provided on the lower surface of the plate-like member 104.

  The magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b of the plate member 104 are provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the plate member 104 as shown in FIGS. The plate-like member 104 has a ring shape, but is also provided with a predetermined width in the width direction. The width of the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b in the plate-like member 104 and the length along the circumferential direction can be freely selected. Since the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b are magnetically coupled to the expansion units 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 to become substantially a part of the antenna, the shape of the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b is the antenna reception performance and the electric power of the radio-controlled watch This is because it can be determined from various characteristics. However, the length of the magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member 104 is limited, which will be described later.

  The magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b adhere the ferrite thin plate to the back surface of the plate member 104 with a known adhesive or the like. Of course, this is merely an example, and magnetic powder may be applied to the portions constituting the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b on the back surface of the plate-like member 104. Furthermore, although not illustrated, a concave portion may be provided in the plate-like member 104, and the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b may be fitted therein.

  The magnetic flux collecting units 103a and 103b are provided on the lower surface of the plate-like member 104 as already described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are views of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention viewed from the windshield means (not shown). Originally, the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b provided on the lower surface of the plate-like member 104 are not visible. In order to make it easy to see the relative positional relationship with respect to 200, the plate-like member 104 is shown in FIGS.

[Description of receiving operation: FIGS. 1 and 2]
Next, the manner in which the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention receives standard radio waves will be described. There are two operation modes of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention: a radio wave reception mode for receiving standard radio waves, and a hand movement mode for not receiving standard radio waves as in normal hand movement.
The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention changes the radio wave reception sensitivity of the antenna 200 by rotating the plate member 104 in the radio wave reception mode.

2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the radio wave reception mode and the hand movement mode. FIG. 2A illustrates the expansion units 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collection unit 103a of the plate member 104 in the radio wave reception mode. , 103b indicate a state in which they overlap each other in a planar manner. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the extension portions 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collection portions 103a and 103b of the plate-like member 104 are in positions that do not overlap each other in the hand movement mode.

  The plate-like member 104 is rotatably provided around the drive shaft 108 as already described. In order for the expansion units 102a and 102b and the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b to be magnetically coupled, it is necessary for both of them to overlap in a plane. Since the plate-like member 104 is provided with the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b in advance at predetermined positions, the plate-like member 104 is rotated so that the two overlap in a plane.

FIG. 2 (a) shows that when the plate member 104 is rotated and indicated by the dial of the watch, the magnetic flux collecting part 103a comes to cover the portion from about 11:00 to 12:00, and from about 6 o'clock. The magnetic flux collecting part 103b comes to cover the 7 o'clock part, and overlaps the extension parts 102a and 102b in a plane.
Both the expansion part and the magnetic flux collecting part are made of a magnetic material, and thus are magnetically coupled when they both overlap in a plane.
In the state shown in FIG. 2A, in the radio wave reception mode, the expansion units 102a and 102b, which are portions that collect the magnetic flux of the antenna 200, are enlarged by the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b, respectively. Thus, more magnetic flux can be guided to the antenna core 100 (substantially the same state as the antenna 200 is large). For this reason, since the receiving sensitivity of the antenna 200 is improved, even if the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is low, it can be received.

FIG. 2B shows a state when the plate-like member 104 is rotated about 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 2A, and covers a portion from about 2 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Thus, the magnetic flux collecting unit 103b comes to cover the portion from about 9 o'clock to 10 o'clock so that the magnetic flux collecting unit 103a comes, and the magnetic flux collecting units 103a, 103b and the expansion units 102a, 102b are flat. There is no overlap. Since both the extension part and the magnetic flux collecting part do not overlap in plan, they are not magnetically coupled.
Such a state is a hand movement mode in which the standard radio wave is not received, or a state in which magnetic flux generated by the standard radio wave is collected by the antenna 200 alone.
In the state shown in FIG. 2B, in the radio wave reception mode, even when the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high, the gain of the antenna on which the magnetic flux collecting units 103a and 103b are not acting is reduced ( Therefore, the signal processing can be performed without saturating the signal in the receiving circuit.

  As described above, the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention can switch the reception sensitivity of the antenna according to the electric field strength of the standard radio wave. A control example for rotationally driving the plate-like member 104 according to the standard radio wave will be described later.

[Description of an example of using the magnetic flux collector as a magnetic-resistant plate]
Further, when the plate-like member 104 is rotated so that the magnetic flux collecting portion comes to the position shown in FIG. 2B, the magnetic flux collecting portion 103 a covers the upper part of the motor 111. At this time, in the hand movement mode in which the standard radio wave is not received, the magnetic flux collecting unit 103a is configured to shield the magnetic flux from the standard radio wave from affecting the coil of the motor 111 because the magnetic flux collecting unit is made of a magnetic material. Can function as. That is, the magnetic flux collecting unit 103a functions as a magnetic-resistant plate of the motor 111. As a result, even when the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high, the magnetic resistance of the motor 111 is improved, and no stable operation can be performed without malfunction.

[Explanation of restrictions on shape of magnetic flux collector]
The magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b are provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member 104 as described above, but the length is limited. When elongating along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member 104, the magnetic flux collecting parts should not be too close to each other.
The reason is that a magnetic flux path is formed between the magnetic flux collector 103a and the magnetic flux collector 103b. If this unexpected magnetic flux path is formed, the magnetic flux flowing toward the antenna core 100 of the antenna 200 is reduced, and improvement in reception sensitivity cannot be expected.
The plate-like member 104 has a ring shape, but its width may be extended in the center direction of the ring (the direction of the drive shaft 108) to have a shape close to a flat plate shape. It is necessary to consider not to do too much.
Such a distance varies depending on the shape and thickness of the magnetic material constituting the magnetic flux collecting units 103a and 103b, and therefore, according to the shape of the radio wave correction watch to be mounted, the shape of the antenna 200, and the reception sensitivity. select.

[Description of the difference in the number of magnetic flux collectors: Fig. 3]
In the above description, the magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b provided on the plate-like member 104 are 2 with a predetermined length and a predetermined width along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member 104, as shown in FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when the electric field intensity of the standard radio wave received by the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention is low (such as when the radio wave is far from the standard radio wave transmitting station), the plate member 104 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. When the extension part of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collecting part of the plate-like member 104 are magnetically coupled, the reception sensitivity can be improved, and when the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high (when it is close to the standard radio wave transmitting station) 2), by rotating the plate member 104 to the position shown in FIG. 2B, it is possible to receive by the antenna 200 alone, but the electric field strength of the standard radio wave received by the radio-controlled timepiece is high or low. It may be intermediate.

  In order to cope with such a case, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined number of magnetic flux collecting portions 103a and 103b provided on the plate-like member 104 are provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the plate-like member 104. Provide. In other words, different magnetic flux collection units 103c and 103d having a planar area different from that of the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b are provided, and these are expanded and coupled to the expansion units 102a and 102b.

  The magnetic flux collection units 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d are provided on the lower surface of the plate-like member 104 in the same manner as the configuration described with reference to FIG. 2, but make it easy to see the relative positional relationship with the antenna 200. Therefore, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 is expressed as if the plate member 104 is transmitted.

  FIG. 3 (a) shows that when the plate member 104 is rotated and indicated by the dial of the watch, the magnetic flux collecting part 103a comes to cover the portion from about 11:00 to 12:00, and from about 6 o'clock. The magnetic flux collector 103d comes to cover the approximately 1 o'clock portion so that the magnetic flux collector 103b comes to cover the approximately 5 o'clock portion so that the magnetic flux collector 103b comes to cover the 7 o'clock portion. Thus, only the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b overlap the expansion units 102a and 102b in a plan view.

FIG. 3B shows a state when the plate-like member 104 is rotated about 180 degrees clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 3A. Cover the approximately 11 o'clock part so that the magnetic flux collecting part 103a comes to cover the part from 5 o'clock to 6 o'clock, and so that the magnetic flux collector 103b comes to cover the part from 1 o'clock to 1 o'clock The magnetic flux collecting unit 103d comes to cover the approximately 7 o'clock part so that the magnetic flux collecting unit 103c comes, and only the magnetic flux collecting units 103c and 103d overlap with the expansion units 102a and 102b in a plane. .

  FIG. 3C shows a state where the plate-like member 104 is further rotated about 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 3B. Cover the approximately 2 o'clock part so that the magnetic flux collecting part 103a comes to cover the part from about 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock, and so that the magnetic flux collection part 103b comes to cover the part from about 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock The magnetic flux collecting unit 103d comes so as to cover the approximately 10 o'clock portion so that the magnetic flux collecting unit 103c comes in, and any of the magnetic flux collecting units 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d It does not overlap on a plane.

  As described above, by rotating the plate-like member 104, when the expansion units 102a and 102b are magnetically coupled to the magnetic flux collecting units 103a and 103b, the magnetic flux is collected when magnetically coupled to the magnetic flux collecting units 103c and 103d. When not magnetically coupled to the collection units 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d, the three forms can be taken, and the substantial size of the antenna can be reduced to three. Therefore, it is possible to cope more with the level of the electric field strength of the standard radio wave received by the radio-controlled timepiece.

[Explanation of difference in shape between expansion part and magnetic flux collection part: Fig. 4]
As described above, the extended portions 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 have a planar shape such as a polygonal shape or a fan shape, and the cross-sectional shape is bent in the direction of the dial 106 as shown in FIG. ing. If both are brought closer, the magnetic coupling between the extension part and the magnetic flux collecting part becomes stronger, and the difference between FIG. 4A and FIG. This represents the difference in shape of the part.

This will be described based on the example shown in FIG. The shape shown in FIG. 4A is a flat shape where the expansion portion 102a (102b) and the magnetic flux collection portion 103a (103b) face each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, both faces each other. A protrusion is provided on the part.
Either shape can be freely selected from the shape inside the timepiece of the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention. For example, a protrusion may be provided to escape other parts constituting the radio-controlled timepiece. In any case, since the magnetic coupling becomes stronger as the distance between the extension part and the magnetic flux collection part becomes closer, select it in view of the material and planar shape of the extension part and the magnetic flux collection part. Also good.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 4B, an example is shown in which the protrusions are provided on both the expansion unit 102a (102b) and the magnetic flux collection unit 103a (103b), but either the expansion unit or the magnetic flux collection unit is shown. Needless to say, it can be freely selected from the internal shape of the watch as described above.

[Explanation when the plate-shaped member is also used as a date plate: FIGS. 5 and 6]
Next, a second embodiment of the radio-controlled timepiece of the invention will be described.
The plate-like member 104 is a member provided independently inside the watch. However, it can also be used as a known watch component. By doing so, it is possible to contribute to space saving inside the watch. Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same number is provided to the same structure and description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 schematically shows a state seen from a windshield means (not shown) for explaining the state of rotation of the date plate. It is a top view.
5 and 6, 105 is a day of the week plate for displaying the day of the week, 107 is a display window provided on the dial 106, and 114 is a date plate for displaying the date. Reference numerals 113 a and 113 b denote magnetic flux collecting units provided on the date plate 114.

  These magnetic flux collectors 113a and 113b are provided on the lower surface of the date plate 114. In order to make the relative positional relationship with the antenna 200 easier to see as in the description of the first embodiment, the date plate 114 is shown as being transmitted.

In the second embodiment of the radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention, an example will be described in which the plate member 104 described above is also used as the date plate 114. The date plate 114 is incorporated in the timepiece movement 109 and is rotatable around the drive shaft 108 by a motor 111 and a mechanical drive unit 112 as shown in FIG. Since the rotation direction and the rotation speed are already known in a timepiece with a calendar mechanism, the description thereof is omitted.
Similar to the magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b provided on the plate member 104, magnetic flux collectors 113a and 113b are provided on the lower surface of the date plate 114.

  The planar positional relationship when the magnetic flux collectors 113 a and 113 b are provided on the date plate 114 is provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the back surface of the date plate 114. The date plate 114 has a ring shape, and is also provided with a predetermined width in the width direction. The width of the magnetic flux collecting portions 113a and 113b and the length along the circumferential direction in the date plate 114 can be freely selected.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic flux collecting unit 113 a is provided so as to overlap with the portion of the date plate 114 displayed as approximately 6 to 12 days, and the magnetic flux collecting unit 113 b is approximately 21 days of the date plate 114. It is provided so that it may overlap with the portion indicated as ˜26 days.
As described above, in FIG. 6, in order to explain the positional relationship between the date information displayed on the date plate 114 and the magnetic flux collection units 113 a and 113 b and the positional relationship with the antenna 200, the information is transmitted through the date plate 114. The antenna 200 is indicated by a dotted line.

  The magnetic flux collectors 113a and 113b may be configured by applying a magnetic powder to a thin ferrite plate or a date plate 114, as with the magnetic flux collectors 103a and 103b already described. A concave portion may be provided in the plate 114, and the magnetic flux collecting portions 113a and 113b may be fitted therein.

  The magnetic flux collectors 113a and 113b are provided with a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the date plate 114 as described above. Although the length is limited, it is the same as the magnetic flux collection units 103a and 103b already described, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the radio wave reception mode for receiving the standard radio wave or the hand movement mode for performing normal hand movement, the date plate 114 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the drive shaft 108. In the position of the date plate 114 shown in FIG. 6 (a), the expansion portion 102a of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collection portion 113a of the date plate 114 are in positions where the expansion portion 102b and the magnetic flux collection portion 113b overlap each other in a plane. Yes, at the position of the date plate 114 shown in FIG. 6B, the extension portions 102a and 102b of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collection portions 113a and 113b of the date plate 114 are in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view.

For example, in the radio wave reception mode, when the electric field intensity of the standard radio wave received by the radio wave correction watch of the present invention is low (such as when the radio wave is far from the transmission station of the standard radio wave), the date plate 114 is rotated and shown in FIG. By setting the position, the extension part of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collecting part of the date plate 114 are magnetically coupled to improve reception sensitivity.
In the radio wave reception mode, when the electric field intensity of the standard radio wave received by the radio wave correction watch of the present invention is high (such as when it is close to the standard radio wave transmitting station), the date plate 114 is rotated, as shown in FIG. By setting the position, the extension part of the antenna 200 and the magnetic flux collecting part of the date plate 114 are not magnetically coupled, and the magnetic flux by the standard radio wave is collected by the antenna 200 alone, so even if the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high Since the gain of the antenna in which the magnetic flux collecting unit is not acting is lowered, signal processing can be performed without saturating the signal in the receiving circuit.

[Description of notification when receiving radio wave: Fig. 6]
The date plate 114 originally notifies the date. For example, the date plate 114 is rotated once by a predetermined angle once a day, and the date is confirmed from numbers that can be read at the position of the display window 107. The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention rotates the date plate 114. During or after the rotation, the correct date may not be displayed. Normally, the date is changed once a day, so there is no particular problem from the user's perspective, but for convenience to the user, the radio wave capture status when receiving radio waves is reported. You can also

  For example, characters, symbols, and pictograms for notifying the state when the standard radio wave is received alongside the characters for notifying the date on the date board 114 are displayed so that they can be read from the display window 107.

In the example shown in FIG. 6A, when the surface of the date plate 114 can be read from the display window 107, the characters “LOW” come to the position.
In FIG. 6A, the magnetic flux collection units 113a and 113b and the expansion units 102a and 102b are magnetically coupled, and the antenna 200 is in a state in which more magnetic flux can be collected. In order to notify that the required electric field strength is low, it is represented by the letters “LOW”.

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, when the surface of the date plate 114 can be read from the display window 107, the characters “HIGH” come to the position.
In FIG. 6B, the magnetic flux collecting units 113a and 113b and the expansion units 102a and 102b are not magnetically coupled, and the magnetic flux is collected by the antenna 200 alone. In such an environment where the electric field strength is weak, it is represented by letters “HIGH” representing the opposite state.

  In this way, when the plate member 104 is used as the date plate 114 also serving as an existing component of the timepiece of the watch, the standard radio wave reception environment is used due to characters different from the date notification provided on the surface of the date plate 114. It is also possible to notify the person.

[Description of control system: FIG. 7]
Next, an example in which the plate member 104 or the date plate 104 of the radio wave correction timepiece of the present invention is rotationally driven will be described.
FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram for controlling the antenna 200. In FIG. 6, 201 is an amplifier circuit, 201 a is a gain control terminal of the amplifier circuit 201, 202 is a decoder, and 203 is a sensor that detects the rotational position of the plate member 104 or the date plate 114.
By controlling the motor 111, the plate member 104 or the date plate 114 is rotated via a mechanical drive unit 112 (not shown in FIG. 6).
The position of the plate member 104 or the date plate 114 is always detected by the sensor 203, and the position information is transmitted in response to the request from the decoder 202.

  In the radio wave reception mode, the plate member 104 or the date plate 114 is first rotated to a position where the output of the antenna 200 is maximized. When the reception of the standard radio wave is started, the reception state is grasped by the decoder 202 through the antenna 200 and the amplifier circuit 201.

In response to the output, a command for adjusting the gain is transmitted from the decoder 202 to the gain control terminal 201a of the amplifier circuit 201. At this time, if the signal intensity is strong even if the gain adjustment range limit of the amplifier circuit 201 is full in the gain setting state of the amplifier circuit 201, the decoder 202 moves the position of the plate member 104 or the date plate 114 through the motor 111. Control is performed so that the gain of the antenna 200 decreases.
Thereafter, the gain of the amplifier circuit 201 is adjusted by retransmitting a command for adjusting the gain from the decoder 202 to the gain control terminal 201a.

In this way, by making the gain width of the amplification circuit 201 larger than the gain width of the antenna 200 that is variable by controlling the plate-like member 104 or the date board 114, the gain fluctuation amount of the antenna 200 can be adjusted. By combining with the gain adjustment amount of the amplifier circuit 201, it is possible to cope with the delicate signal intensity in the middle.
That is, according to the gain setting of the amplification circuit 201, the motor 111 controls the position of the plate member 104 or the date plate 114, that is, the magnetic flux collection units 103a (113a) and 103b (113b) first, and amplifies in that state. The optimum reception is performed by adjusting the gain of the circuit 201 again. Of course, there is other such optimal gain adjustment, but in any case, the gain by changing the size of the antenna substantially, rather than the width of the gain that can be handled by the combination of the conventional fixed antenna and amplifier circuit Needless to say, the range of adjustment that can be accommodated increases by the width.

  The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention can change the reception sensitivity according to the electric field strength of the standard radio wave. As a result, the reception sensitivity can be increased even in a narrow wristwatch, and reception problems caused by the position of the user do not occur. Therefore, the size is severely limited, and it is suitable for a portable type that moves with the user, particularly a wristwatch type radio-controlled timepiece.

It is a figure explaining the structure of 1st Embodiment of the electromagnetic wave correction timepiece of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of each component in 1st Embodiment of the electromagnetic wave correction timepiece of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference in the number of the magnetic flux collection parts in 1st Embodiment of the electromagnetic wave correction timepiece of this invention. It is a figure explaining the shape of the antenna of the radio wave correction timepiece of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of 2nd Embodiment of the electromagnetic wave correction timepiece of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the magnetic flux collection part in 2nd Embodiment of the electromagnetic wave correction timepiece of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the control system of the radio wave correction timepiece of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the prior art shown in patent document 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Antenna core 101 Winding part 102a, 102b Expansion part 103a-103d, 113a, 113b Magnetic flux collection part 104 Plate-shaped member 105 Day of the week board 106 Dial 107 Display window 108 Drive shaft 109 Movement for timepiece 110 Timepiece exterior 111 Motor 112 Machine drive Part 114 Sun plate 200 Antenna

Claims (6)

A radio-controlled timepiece having an antenna for receiving a standard radio wave and receiving means, receiving the standard radio wave to obtain time information, and correcting the time based on the time information;
While comprising a magnetic flux collecting part composed of a magnetic material for collecting magnetic flux by the standard radio wave,
A rotatable plate-like member having a display unit for displaying information on the date or day of the week, or information on the state of the clock, and a motor for rotating the plate-like member,
When the antenna receives the standard radio, the plate-like member is rotated by the motor, a part of the said magnetic flux collecting unit antenna so as to overlap in plan view, a portion of the antenna A radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the magnetic flux collector is magnetically coupled. When the antenna is not receiving the standard radio wave or when the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high, the plate-like member is rotated by the motor so that the magnetic flux collecting unit and a part of the antenna are planar. 2. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux collecting unit and a part of the antenna are not magnetically coupled so as not to overlap each other. When the antenna is not receiving the standard radio wave or when the electric field strength of the standard radio wave is high, the plate member is rotated by the motor so that the motor and the magnetic flux collecting unit overlap in a plane. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the radio wave. The radio wave correction timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic flux collecting unit is provided with a predetermined length along a circumferential direction of the plate-like member. The magnetic flux collecting part has a protrusion protruding in the direction of the antenna, or a part of the antenna has a protrusion protruding in the direction of the magnetic flux collecting part. Alternatively, the radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance from the magnetic flux collecting unit is made closer. The antenna is
An antenna core made of a magnetic material;
A winding portion formed by winding a conductive wire around the antenna core;
An extension portion composed of a magnetic body that is the same body as the antenna core or magnetically connected to the antenna core at at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the antenna core;
Have
The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a part of the antenna core is the extension portion.

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