JP5946368B2 - Electronic watch with solar cell - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece with a solar cell that includes a solar cell (solar cell) that photoelectrically converts received light such as sunlight, and uses generated power obtained by the solar cell as a timepiece drive source.

  In an electronic timepiece with a solar cell that uses the generated power obtained from the solar cell as a clock drive source, for example, the solar cell is placed on the back side of a semi-transparent dial, or the solar cell is placed on the outer surface of the dial surface. Conventionally known is a structure arranged substantially vertically around the part. However, in such a solar cell arrangement structure, since the dark blue color of the solar cell can be seen through the windshield, the aesthetic appearance is impaired. In addition, since the solar cell is arranged almost vertically around the outer periphery of the dial surface, the distance from the windshield to the dial, which is the time display surface, becomes too long, and the time display surface can be seen in the back. As a result, there is a problem that the visibility of the display is also lowered.

  For this reason, in order to prevent the solar cell from being seen from the outside of the windshield glass, for example, in Patent Document 1, the power generation surface is directed outward on the back side in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge portion of the non-permeable dial. The solar cell is arranged almost vertically, and a reflective plate that is inclined in front of the power generation surface of the solar cell is arranged, and the external light incident through the transmission part provided on the outer peripheral side of the dial is reflected by the reflective plate. A structure that leads to a power generation surface of a solar cell is disclosed. In addition, this reflecting plate is arrange | positioned below the dial.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a solar cell is arranged on the back side of a display panel, and light is guided from a light intake portion provided around the display panel to the solar cell through a light guide.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-16491 JP 2008-209368 A

  By the way, in the solar cell arrangement structure of the electronic timepiece with solar cell as in Patent Document 1, when light is incident on the transmitting portion on the outer periphery side of the dial at a high incident angle with respect to the windshield surface (with respect to the windshield surface). This means that the angle formed between the normal line and the incident direction of light with respect to the windshield surface is small), and the incident light can be efficiently reflected to the power generation surface of the solar cell by reflecting the incident light with the reflector.

  However, if this electronic watch with solar cell is a wristwatch type, the windshield glass from the light source (sunlight outdoors, illumination light from the ceiling indoors, etc.) depending on the position of the arm and body posture, etc. The incident angle of light incident on the light beam changes greatly. For this reason, with the structure of Patent Document 1, light is incident at a low incident angle (meaning that the angle between the normal to the windshield glass surface and the incident direction of light on the windshield glass is large), particularly with respect to the windshield glass. In the incident state, the amount of light incident on the reflecting plate from the transmission part on the outer periphery side of the dial plate decreases, so the amount of light guided to the power generation surface of the solar cell also decreases, and a sufficient amount of power generation cannot be obtained.

  Similarly, in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to sufficiently guide the light incident from all directions through the windshield to the solar cell under the display panel only by the function of the light guide means, so that the generated power can be increased sufficiently. There wasn't.

  Therefore, the present invention efficiently guides light to the power generation surface of the solar cell arranged substantially vertically on the back side of the outer peripheral edge of the dial even in a situation where light is incident on the windshield at a low incident angle. An object is to provide a solar cell-equipped electronic timepiece capable of obtaining a sufficient amount of power generation.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the electronic timepiece with solar cell according to the present invention, a band-shaped solar cell having a power generation region formed on the surface is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the dial around the back side of the dial. In an electronic timepiece with a solar cell, a first reflecting surface disposed so that at least the upper side is above the surface of the dial, and the surface of the dial so as to face the power generation region of the solar cell A second reflecting surface arranged to be on the lower side, and the first and second reflecting surfaces are inclined, and are incident from above or / and obliquely above the dial. The reflected light is reflected by the first reflecting surface and / or the second reflecting surface, and the reflected light is guided to the power generation region of the solar cell.

  According to the electronic timepiece with solar cell according to the present invention, the light incident from the upper side or / and the diagonally upper side of the dial plate is reflected by the first reflection surface or / and the second reflection surface, and the reflection thereof. Since light can be guided to the power generation region of the solar cell, the power generation amount of the solar cell can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased even in a situation where light is incident at a low incident angle.

The top view which shows the surface side (dial board side) of the electronic timepiece with solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. AA sectional view taken on the line AA of FIG. The perspective view which shows a solar cell. The figure which shows the state which opened the solar cell planarly. The perspective view which shows the turning ring of the state cut | disconnected along the radial direction. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a facing ring. The figure which showed the cross section in crown (wind truth) position. The perspective view which shows the winding stem inserted in the hole of the counterfeit ring in Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which showed the reflection direction in a reflective surface when the light from which an incident angle differs injects into a dial ring respectively. The figure which showed the reflective direction in the reflective surface when the light from which an incident angle differs in the case where it was assumed that the 1st inclined surface of the dial ring was a vertical dial surface. Sectional drawing which shows the dial ring in the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. The top view which shows the surface side (dial board side) of the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the turning ring of the state cut | disconnected along the diagonal direction in Embodiment 2. FIG. The perspective view which shows the winding stem inserted in the hole of the counterfeit ring in Embodiment 2. FIG. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the dial ring in Embodiment 3. FIG. The top view which shows the surface side (dial board side) of the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. BB sectional drawing of FIG. The figure which shows the state which opened the solar cell in Embodiment 4 planarly. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on the modification of this invention. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the external appearance of the inner frame used in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 5 (except Embodiment 2), (b) is a figure which shows the external appearance of the inner frame used in Embodiment 6. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the state by which each component was assembled | attached of the electronic timepiece with a solar cell which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.
<Embodiment 1>
1 is a plan view showing a surface side (a dial side) of an electronic timepiece with a solar cell according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. In addition, the electronic timepiece with solar cell in the present embodiment is an example of a wristwatch type that uses the generated power obtained by the solar cell (solar cell) as a clock driving source and displays the time with hands (hour hand, minute hand, second hand). It is.

(Overall configuration of electronic watch with solar cell)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar cell-equipped electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment has a disk-like shape inside a windshield 3 (see FIG. 2) provided on the surface side of an exterior case (watch case) 2. A dial 4 is installed, and hands (hour hand 5, minute hand 6, second hand 7) are coaxially installed at the center of the dial 4. In the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge portion of the dial 4 in the outer case 2, a turn ring 9 that holds the solar cell 8 and functions as a light guide element is disposed (the turn ring 9 that is a feature of the present invention). Details will be described later).

  Between the back side of the dial 4 in the exterior case 2 and the back cover 10, a watch movement 11, a watch circuit board 12 for driving the watch movement 11, a watch movement 11, the watch circuit board 12, and a turn ring 9 A middle frame 13 for holding the solar cell 8, a plate-like connection spring 14 for electrically connecting the solar cell 8 and the electrode of the timepiece circuit board 12, and a circuit pressing plate 15 for holding and holding the timepiece circuit board 12 are incorporated. Further, a crown 16 that is an external operation member is installed on the outer surface of the exterior case 2 on the “3 o'clock” side, and a winding stem 16 a that is a rod-shaped operation unit connected to the crown 16 is connected to the watch movement 11. Connected to the internal train wheel.

  The middle frame 13 is formed with a concave holding portion 13a for inserting and holding the lower side of the turn ring 9, and the bottom surface of the middle frame 13 has a plate shape between the solar cell 8 and the watch circuit board 12. A hole 13b for arranging the connection spring 14 is formed. Further, one end side (the opposite side of the timepiece circuit board 12) of the circuit pressing plate 15 is disposed between the back cover 10 and the middle frame 13.

  Thus, the middle frame 13 is disposed between the exterior case 2 and the watch movement 11, holds the watch movement 11 on the inner surface of the exterior case 2, and also holds the facing ring 9, and the outer surface of the facing ring 9. The upper surface, the lower surface, the inner peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface are positioned without backlash with the windshield 3, the outer case 2, and the outer peripheral edge of the dial 4.

(Configuration of solar cell 8)
3 is a perspective view showing the solar cell 8, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the solar cell 8 is opened in a planar shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the solar cell 8 is an elongated belt-like solar cell in which an amorphous silicon layer or the like is formed on a base substrate 8 a made of PET film, and has flexibility, such as sunlight. Photoelectric generation region 8b that receives light and generates electric power, and extraction electrodes 8c and 8d as terminals for extracting electric power generated in solar cell 8 are arranged on the side end portion on the back side of photovoltaic generation region 8b. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell 8 is disposed substantially vertically below the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the dial 4, and is arranged on a turn ring 9 described later with the photovoltaic region 8 b facing the exterior case 2. Is retained. In addition, since the solar cell 8 has flexibility, when it is made into a ring shape as shown in FIG. 3, a tension for returning to the original linear state acts.

  The extraction electrodes 8c and 8d are electrically connected to electrodes (not shown) of the timepiece circuit board 12 via connection springs 14, and the generated power from the solar cell 8 is stored in a secondary battery (not shown). After that, it is supplied to the circuit part of the timepiece circuit board 12, the pointer drive motor of the timepiece movement 11, and the like.

(Configuration of counter ring 9)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the facing ring 9 in a state cut along the radial direction, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the facing ring 9. 5 shows a state where the solar cell 8 is not held, and FIG. 6 shows a state where the solar cell 8 is held.

  The turn ring 9 is formed by resin molding using a light-transmitting resin material. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a planar solar cell having a step by a predetermined thickness along the circumferential direction on the substantially vertical inner peripheral surface (the surface on the timepiece movement 11 side) of the dial ring 9. The holding surface 9a is formed slightly above and below the vicinity of the center which is substantially the same position as the surface of the dial 4. Further, a planar first inclined surface 9 b and a second inclined surface 9 c are formed on the outer peripheral surface (surface on the exterior case 2 side) of the facing ring 9. In addition, the holding | maintenance part 13a of the inner frame 13 where the 1st inclined surface 9b contact | connects the inner peripheral surface (look-back surface) of the exterior case 2 and the 2nd inclined surface 9c contact | connects the 1st inclined surface 9b and the 2nd inclined surface 9c. It inclines according to each inclination.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the winding stem 16 a connected to the crown 16 passes through the dial ring 9 and is connected to the timepiece movement 11. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the dial ring 9 is formed with a hole 9d for allowing the winding stem 16a to pass therethrough. The portion in which the hole 9d is formed is one step higher than the solar cell holding surface 9a. Thus, the winding stem penetration portion in which the solar cell holding surface 9a and the hole 9d are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the dial ring 9 as described above. 9e is formed. In FIG. 8, the solar cell 8 is held on the solar cell holding surface 9a.

  The circumferential length of the solar cell holding surface 9a of the turn ring 9 corresponds to the length of the belt-like solar cell 8, and the width of the solar cell holding surface 9a is slightly longer than the width of the solar cell 8. Has been. The depth of the solar cell holding surface 9 a is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the solar cell 8.

  Then, both end portions 8e and 8f of the solar cell 8 formed into a ring shape as shown in FIG. 3 are in contact with both side surfaces 9f and 9g of the winding stem penetration portion 9e, respectively, so that the solar cell holding surface 9a of the turn ring 9 It is attached so that the photovoltaic region 8b side contacts. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell 8 is arranged in a vertical state below the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the dial 4. At this time, as described above, tension is applied to the ring-shaped solar cell 8 so as to return to the original linear state, so that the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 is pressed against the circular solar cell holding surface 9a. To be held.

  In this way, the solar cell 8 can be reliably and easily held on the solar cell holding surface 9a by the tension to return to the original linear state of the solar cell 8 itself. Further, the solar cell 8 can be accurately and easily positioned on the solar cell holding surface 9a only by bringing both end portions 8e and 8f into contact with both side surfaces 9f and 9g of the winding stem penetration portion 9e. Can be done.

  Further, since the winding stem 16a is passed through the hole 9d provided in the winding stem penetrating portion 9e of the counter ring 9 (see FIG. 8), it is not necessary to provide a hole for passing the winding stem 16a through the solar cell 8. . That is, when a hole is made in the solar cell 8 and the winding stem 16a and the watch movement 11 are connected, the distance between the solar cell 8 and the winding stem 16a becomes very close. For this reason, noise such as static electricity generated outside enters from the crown 16 exposed to the outside, and flows directly to the solar cell 8 through the winding stem 16a, which may destroy the solar cell 8. .

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the winding stem 16a is passed through the hole 9d provided in the winding stem penetrating portion 9e of the counter ring 9, the solar cell 8 is separated from the winding stem 16a by a certain distance. And can be structured to resist static electricity.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer peripheral surface of the dial ring 9 (surface on the exterior case 2 side) is a flat first slope that is inclined so that the upper and lower ends are inclined inwardly (toward the dial 4). A surface 9b and a second inclined surface 9c are formed. In other words, each of the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c is a reflecting surface that is inclined so as to gradually approach the center side of the dial 4 as the distance from the dial 4 increases.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first inclined surface 9 b is located at an angle θ1 (hereinafter referred to as “inclined angle θ1”) with respect to a straight line H parallel to the solar cell holding surface 9 a of the dial ring 9 (the dial 4 side). The second inclined surface 9c is inclined inward (dial plate 4 side) by an angle θ2 (hereinafter referred to as “inclination angle θ2”) with respect to the straight line H.

  The refracting portion 9z where the lower end of the first inclined surface 9b is in contact with the upper end of the second inclined surface 9c is located slightly below the position of the surface of the dial 4. This is the same position as the arrival position of light that enters the windshield 3 at the lowest incident angle among the light incident through the windshield 3. By setting in this way, it is possible to receive light entering at the lowest incident angle with respect to the windshield 3 by the first inclined surface 9b, so that the solar cell 8 can be irradiated with light. .

  In addition, a reflective film 9h is formed on the surfaces of the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c by coating a metal thin film having a high light reflectance. Thereby, the 1st inclined surface 9b and the 2nd inclined surface 9c function as a 1st reflective surface and a 2nd reflective surface, respectively.

  The reflective film 9h is an aluminum thin film having a thickness of about 300 nm formed by, for example, a vacuum deposition method. Thus, since the reflective film 9h is coated on the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c inclined inward to form the reflective surface, the light is incident on the turn ring 9 through the windshield 3 as will be described later. The reflected light (sunlight or the like) is reflected by the first inclined surface 9 b and the second inclined surface 9 c and enters the photovoltaic region 8 b of the solar cell 8.

  The inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 9b and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 9c vary depending on the size of the electronic timepiece with solar cell, the width of the turning ring 9, etc., but are set in the range of about 5 to 45 degrees. Is preferred.

  The time was visually observed on the surface of the side surface portion 9i1 of the facing portion 9i formed on the upper portion of the solar cell holding surface 9a of the facing ring 9 and the flat upper surface portion 9i2 in close contact with the lower surface of the outer edge portion of the windshield 13. A metallic glossy film 9k having transparency for improving the appearance at the time is disposed. In the first embodiment, the side surface portion 9 i 1 of the turn-back portion 9 i is a flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the dial 4.

  The facing portion 9i of the facing ring 9 has an influence on the design when it is conspicuous due to excessive metallic luster. Therefore, the transmittance of the metallic glossy film 2k is preferably 65 to 85%. For example, it is desirable to change the transmittance of the metallic glossy film 9k within the above range according to the color of the exterior case 2.

(Operation of the turning ring 9 as a light guide element)
Next, the operation of the dial ring 9 as a light guide element will be described with reference to FIG.

  Depending on the posture state when the electronic timepiece with solar cell having the turn ring 9 is worn on the arm and the position of a light source such as the sun, the light (sunlight etc.) turns the turn portion 9i (side surface portion 9i1, upper surface portion) of the turn ring 9. 9i2) enters the turning ring 9.

  For example, in FIG. 9, light rays A and B are optical paths when they are incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a high incident angle, and these light rays A and B enter from the upper surface portion 9i2 side of the turn-back portion 9i. The light is reflected by the second inclined surface 9 c on the side, and enters the photovoltaic region 8 b of the solar cell 8. Further, the light ray E enters from the upper surface portion 9i2 side of the turning portion 9i, is refracted and reflected by the first inclined surface 9b, and further reflected by the second inclined surface 9c and enters the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8. .

  The light ray C is an optical path when it is incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at an incident angle lower than that of the light ray A. In particular, in the case of a wristwatch, the incidence of light that is likely to occur when worn on the wrist. It is an optical path. This light ray C enters from the side surface portion 9i1 side of the turn-back portion 9i, is refracted and reflected by the first inclined surface 9b, and enters the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8.

  The light beam D is an optical path when it is incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a lower incident angle than that of the light beam C. This is also a light path that is likely to occur when the wristwatch is worn on the wrist. The incident optical path. This light ray D enters from the side surface portion 9i1 side of the turning portion 9i, is reflected by the first inclined surface 9b, and enters the upper portion of the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8.

  In this way, the dial ring 9 has the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c whose tip side is inclined inward, and the reflective film 9h is coated on the surface to form a reflecting surface. Even in a situation where light rays are incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a high incident angle to a low incident angle, the incident light is reflected by the first inclined surface 9b and / or the second inclined surface 9c, and is transmitted from the dial 4. In addition, light can be efficiently received by the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 that is vertically arranged on the lower side. Thereby, the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased.

  Therefore, for example, when the reflecting surface for reflecting incident light (corresponding to the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c) is a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the dial 4, the windshield 3 When the light is incident on the surface at a low incident angle, the light reflected toward the solar cell 8 disposed vertically below the dial 4 is greatly reduced. In the present embodiment described above, Even when the light is incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a low incident angle, a decrease in light reflected toward the solar cell 8 is suppressed, and a stable power generation amount can be obtained.

  Here, assuming that the first inclined surface 9b of the turning ring 9 is not inclined and is a vertical turning surface, and light is reflected by the vertical turning surface, the light is reflected as shown in FIG. . That is, in this case, the position of the vertical straight line H shown in FIG. 6 can be regarded as the reflecting surface 9h. As shown in FIG. 10, when the reflected light of the light beams C and D is incident on the vertical reflecting surface 9h, it is reflected at the same angle as the incident angle. The light is reflected on the surface side of the dial 4 without going to the 8 side.

  Therefore, especially in the case of a wristwatch, if it has a vertical reflecting surface 9h as shown in FIG. 10, it is incident on the paths of light rays C and D, which are light incident light paths that are likely to occur when worn on the arm. Since the generated power cannot be generated by the generated light, the power generation efficiency cannot be increased as compared with the reflecting surfaces (the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c) of the inclined surface as in the present embodiment.

  Moreover, in the structure which arrange | positions the solar cell 8 vertically so that it may be located under the dial 4 on the dial ring 9 arrange | positioned in the outer periphery vicinity of the dial 4 like this embodiment, the windshield 3 Since the solar cell 8 cannot be seen through, there is an advantage that restrictions on the material and design of the dial 4 can be eliminated.

  In the turn ring 9 of the present embodiment, the metallic glossy film 2k is disposed on the turn portion 9i (side surface portion 9i1, upper surface portion 9i2). However, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper surface portion 9i2 of the turn ring 9 is provided. The structure which arrange | positions the metallic glossy tone film 9k only to the side may be sufficient.

  As described above, by arranging the metallic glossy film 9k only on the upper surface portion 9i2 of the turning ring 9, the transmittance of the side surface portion 9i1 of the turning portion 9i is increased, so that the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be further increased. It becomes.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the surface side (the dial side) of the electronic timepiece with solar cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The electronic timepiece with solar cell in the present embodiment is an example of a wristwatch type in which the dial is square and the time is displayed with hands (hour hand, minute hand, second hand). In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the member which has the same function as the electronic timepiece with a solar cell of Embodiment 1.

  As shown in FIG. 12, this solar cell-equipped electronic timepiece 1a also has a solar cell 8 in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the square-shaped dial 4 in the exterior case 2 as a light guide element, as in the first embodiment. A square turn ring 9 having the above functions is provided. Since the configuration other than the rectangular turn ring 9 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, only the square turn ring 9 will be described in this embodiment.

(Configuration of counter ring 9)
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the facing ring 9 in a state cut along the diagonal direction. In FIG. 13, the solar cell 8 is not held.

  The turn ring 9 is formed by resin molding using a light-transmitting resin material. As shown in FIG. 13, the planar solar cell holding surface 9 a having a step by a predetermined thickness along the circumferential direction on the substantially vertical inner peripheral surface (the surface on the timepiece movement 11 side) of the dial ring 9. However, as in the first embodiment, it is formed slightly above and below the vicinity of the center which is substantially the same position as the surface of the dial 4.

  A first inclined surface 9b and a second inclined surface 9c are formed on the outer peripheral surface (surface on the exterior case 2 side) of the facing ring 9. The first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c are coated with a reflective film as in the first embodiment and function as reflective surfaces. Details of the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the winding stem 16 a which is a rod-like operating portion connected to the crown 16 is connected to a watch movement (not shown) through the turning ring 9, so that the winding stem 16 a is passed through the turning ring 9. For this purpose, a hole 9d is formed. Thus, the winding stem penetration part 9e provided with the rectangular solar cell holding surface 9a and the hole 9d is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the dial ring 9. Further, a turning portion 9 i is formed on the turning ring 9. As in the first embodiment, a transparent metallic glossy film having transparency is disposed in the turning portion 9i.

  The circumferential length of the solar cell holding surface 9a of the turn ring 9 corresponds to the length of the belt-like solar cell 8, and the width of the solar cell holding surface 9a is slightly longer than the width of the solar cell 8. Has been. The depth of the solar cell holding surface 9 a is formed to be substantially the same as the thickness of the solar cell 8.

  In addition, semicircular arc-shaped recesses 9m are formed at four corners (three corners in FIG. 13) of the solar cell holding surface 9a of the turning ring 9. The radius of curvature of the semicircular arc-shaped recess 9m is set to, for example, about 500 μm.

  Then, both end portions 8e and 8f of the solar cell 8 as shown in FIG. 4 are brought into contact with both side surfaces 9f and 9g of the winding stem penetrating portion 9e, respectively, so that the rectangular solar cell holding surface 9a of the dial ring 9 It is attached so that the photovoltaic region 8b side contacts. Thereby, the solar cell 8 is arranged in a vertical state below the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the dial 4. At this time, since the tension to return to the original linear state is acting on the solar cell 8, the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 is held so as to be pressed against the rectangular solar cell holding surface 9a. .

  In this way, the solar cell 8 can be reliably and easily held on the solar cell holding surface 9a by the tension to return to the original linear state of the solar cell 8 itself. Further, the solar cell 8 can be accurately and easily positioned on the solar cell holding surface 9a only by bringing both end portions 8e and 8f into contact with both side surfaces 9f and 9g of the winding stem penetration portion 9e. Can be done.

  Further, since the winding stem 16a is passed through the hole 9d provided in the winding stem penetrating portion 9e of the counter ring 9, there is no need to provide a hole for passing the winding stem 16a through the solar cell 8. The effect of this is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Further, as described above, since the semicircular arc-shaped concave portions 9m are formed at the four corners of the solar cell holding surface 9a, the solar cell 8 is in close contact with the solar cell holding surface 9a at the four corners. Without bending, it is bent at 90 degrees so as to have R (R) in the space in the semicircular arc-shaped recess 9m.

  By the way, the solar cell 8 having flexibility as shown in FIG. 4 does not cause a crack in the solar cell 8 even if it is bent into a circular shape as in the first embodiment. When amorphous silicon is used, if it is bent at 90 degrees in accordance with the corners of the quadrangle, cracking may occur at the bent portion, resulting in power generation failure.

  On the other hand, in the turn ring 9 of the present embodiment, since the semicircular arc-shaped recesses 9m are formed at the four corners of the solar cell holding surface 9a as described above, the solar cell 8 is a half at the corner. It is bent 90 degrees so as to have R in the space in the arc-shaped recess 9m. Therefore, even when the solar cell 8 is held on the quadrangular solar cell holding surface 9a, the corners are not cracked and a stable power generation amount can be obtained.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the dial ring 9 has a first inclined surface 9b and a second inclined surface 9c whose tip side is inclined inward, and a reflective film is coated on these surfaces to form a reflective surface. Therefore, even in a situation where light rays are incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a high incident angle to a low incident angle, the incident light is reflected by the first inclined surface 9b and / or the second inclined surface 9c, and the dial plate The light can be efficiently received by the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 that is vertically arranged below 4. Thereby, the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased.

<Embodiment 3>
In the dial ring 9 according to the first and second embodiments, the side surface portion 9i1 of the dial portion 9i is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the dial 4, but this embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). Then, the side surface portion 9i1 of the turning portion 9i is inclined by an angle θ3 (hereinafter referred to as “inclination angle θ3”) outward (to the first inclined surface 9b side) with respect to the surface of the dial 4. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The turning portion 9i in FIG. 15A is a case where the inclination angle θ3 of the side surface portion 9i1 is about 15 degrees, and the turning portion 9i in FIG. 15B has an inclination angle θ3 of the side surface portion 9i1 of about 30 degrees. Is the case. The inclination angle θ3 varies depending on, for example, the size of the electronic timepiece with solar cell, the width of the turning portion 9i, and the like, but a range of about 5 to 45 degrees is preferable.

  In the turning ring 9 of FIG. 15A, a metallic glossy film 9k having light transmittance is arranged on the side surface portion 9i1 and the upper surface portion 9i2 of the turning portion 9i. 15B has a structure in which the upper surface portion 9i2 of the facing portion 9i is held on the inner peripheral surface side of the outer case 2, so that only the side surface portion 9i1 has a light glossiness. A film 9k is arranged.

  In this way, by inclining the side surface portion 9i1 of the facing portion 9i outward (to the first inclined surface 9b side) with respect to the surface of the dial 4, the width of the side surface portion 9i1 can be made longer than that in the vertical state. it can. This makes it possible to increase the amount of power generated by the solar cell 8 by making more light incident on the side surface portion 9i1 of the turning portion 9i.

  Further, when the side surface portion 9i1 of the turn-back portion 9i is largely inclined as shown in FIG. 15B, time letters and the like can be printed on the surface of the side surface portion 9i1.

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the surface side (the dial side) of the electronic timepiece with solar cell according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same function as the electronic timepiece with a solar cell of Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the electronic timepiece with solar cell 1 b according to the present embodiment includes an operation button 20 for performing, for example, ON / OFF operation of a stopwatch in addition to the crown 16. The structure of the turning ring 9 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the case of a conventional electronic timepiece with a solar cell having an operation button 20 in addition to the crown 16, the bar-like operation portion of the operation button 20 extends to the internal timepiece movement side. For this reason, conventionally, it has been necessary to provide through holes for passing the operation buttons 20 through the turn ring 9 and the solar cell 8. For this reason, in the configuration in which the bar-shaped operation part side of the operation button 20 is passed through this through hole, noise such as static electricity generated outside enters from the operation button 20 exposed to the outside and passes through the bar-shaped operation part of the operation button 20. If the solar cell 8 flows directly to the solar cell 8, the solar cell 8 is destroyed, or the photovoltaic power generation region of the solar cell 8 is reduced to reduce the generated power.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the contact portion 14 a on the other end side of the plate-like connection spring 14 whose one end side is electrically connected to the electrode of the timepiece circuit board 12 is It is held in a space portion 21 formed outside the surface 9c. The space portion 21 is formed between the middle frame 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2.

  Further, a plate-like contact portion 15 a on the tip end side of the circuit holding plate 15 that holds and holds the timepiece circuit board 12 is disposed in the space portion 21 so as to face the contact portion 14 a of the connection spring 14. The plate-like contact portion 15a has a spring shape that is elastically deformed by a pressing force when the rod-like operation portion 20a of the operation button 20 is pushed. When the contact portion 14a of the connection spring 14 and the plate-like contact portion 15a of the circuit pressing plate 15 are in electrical contact, an operation signal is input to the timepiece circuit board 12, and the timepiece movement 11 responds to the pressing operation of the operation button 20. Driven.

  The distal end side of the rod-like operation portion 20 a of the operation button 20 is inserted through the through hole formed in the exterior case 2 into the space portion 21 via the C ring 22.

  When the operation button 20 is pushed inward by the operation of the operator, the tip of the rod-like operation part 20a presses the plate-like contact part 15a, so that the elastically deformed plate-like contact part 15a is electrically connected to the contact part 14a. To touch. As a result, an operation signal is input to the timepiece circuit board 12 and the timepiece movement 11 is driven in response to the pressing operation of the operation button 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, the solar cell 8 held by the turn ring 9 is an elongated strip-shaped five-stage solar cell in which an amorphous silicon layer or the like is formed on a base substrate 8a made of PET film, as shown in FIG. is there. This solar cell 8 has flexibility and has photovoltaic regions 8b1, 8b2, 8b3, 8b4, and 8b5 that generate electricity by receiving light, and is connected in series by a transparent electrode film (not shown). Extraction electrodes 8d and 8c are provided as terminals for extracting electric power generated in the solar cell 8 at the side end portions on the back side of the regions 8b1 and 8b5, respectively. The extraction electrodes 8c and 8d are electrically connected to electrodes (not shown) of the timepiece circuit board 12 via electrode connection springs (not shown).

  Even when the operation button 20 is provided in addition to the crown 16 as in the electronic timepiece with solar cell 1b of the present embodiment, the operation button 20 is passed through the turn ring 9 and the solar cell 8 as described above. Since there is no need to provide a through hole, the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased as in the first embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the solar cell 8 is vertically disposed on the dial ring 9 disposed in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the dial 4 so as to be positioned below the dial 4. As in the modification shown in FIG. 19, the planar solar cell 23 may be further arranged on the back side of the transparent dial 4 by forming the dial 4 with a transparent material. . Other configurations are the same as those of the electronic timepiece with solar cell of the first embodiment.

  In this configuration, the generated power can be further increased by further arranging the solar cell 23 on the back side of the dial 4.

<Embodiment 5>
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of an electronic timepiece with solar cell according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and shows a cross section at the same position as the cross section along line AA of FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same function as the electronic timepiece with a solar cell of Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, the facing surface 2a inclined to the inner peripheral surface side (the dial plate 4 side) of the outer case 2 is not provided without installing the facing ring 9 used in the first embodiment. With the inclined surfaces 30a of the light guide ring 30 held by the recesses of the middle frame 13 as second inclined surfaces, a reflective film (such as a metal thin film having a high light reflectivity) is coated on these inclined surfaces. The first reflecting surface 31a and the second reflecting surface 31b are used. Thus, in this embodiment, it is the structure which has arrange | positioned the solar cell 8 and the light guide ring 30 as a light guide member in the recessed part of the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG.

  The solar cell 8 has a photovoltaic region 8b formed on the vertical solar cell holding surface 30b of the light guide ring 30 so as to face the second reflecting surface 31b around the lower periphery of the outer peripheral side of the dial 4. 2 is held in a ring shape so as to face the reflecting surface 31b side. Further, the outer peripheral edge 4a of the dial 4 is light transmissive so that light enters the second reflecting surface 31b and the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 from the windshield 3 side. A time character (not shown) or the like may be partially provided on the outer peripheral edge 4 a of the dial 4. In this case, since the amount of light blocked by time characters is small, there is almost no decrease in power generation efficiency. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 20, the upper surface of the light guide ring 30 is covered with the outer peripheral edge portion 4 a having light transmittance of the dial 4, but the upper surface of the light guide ring 30 is not covered with the dial 4. For example, the metallic glossy film 9k (see FIG. 11) used in the above embodiment may be provided on the upper surface of the light guide ring 30.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the facing surface 2a inclined toward the inner peripheral surface side of the exterior case 2 is defined as the first inclined surface, and the inclined surface 30a of the light guide ring 30 is defined as the second inclined surface. The inclined surface 30a is coated with a reflective film to form a first reflective surface 31a and a second reflective surface 31b.

  Thereby, also in the situation where a light ray is incident on the surface of the windshield 3 at a low incident angle from a high incident angle, the incident light is converted into the first reflecting surface 31a and / or the second reflecting surface as in the first embodiment. Light can be efficiently received by the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 which is reflected by the reflecting surface 31b and arranged vertically below the dial 4. Therefore, the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased. In addition, since a watch model that does not include a dial ring can be provided, the dial area can be increased.

<Embodiment 6>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the first inclined surface 9 b and the second inclined surface 9 c side of the facing ring 9 are arranged with the inclined inner peripheral surface (facing surface) of the outer case 2 and the inclined holding portion 13 a of the inner frame 13. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the first inclined surface 9b of the facing ring 9 is held by the inclined surface 32a of the first middle frame 32 and the second inclined surface of the facing ring 9 is used. 9c is comprised so that it may hold | maintain with the holding | maintenance part 13a which the middle frame 13 inclined like the 1st Embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first and fourth embodiments, and redundant description is omitted.

  The side opposite to the inclined surface 32a of the first middle frame 32 (the outer case 2 side) is a vertical surface, and the first inner frame 32 is a vertical inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and the first inclined surface of the facing ring 9. 9b. A projecting hook portion 32b is formed at the lower portion of the first middle frame 32. By engaging the hook portion 32b with a recess 13c formed in the middle frame 13 as a second middle frame, the first middle frame 32 is engaged. A frame 32 is integrally connected to the middle frame 13.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the electronic timepiece with solar cell of the present embodiment has an operation button 20 for performing ON / OFF operation of a stopwatch and the like as in the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the contact portion 14 a on the other end side of the plate-like connection spring 14 whose one end side is electrically connected to the electrode of the timepiece circuit board 12 is outside the second inclined surface 9 c of the dial ring 9. It is held in the formed space portion 21. Further, a plate-like contact portion 15 a on the tip end side of the circuit holding plate 15 that holds and holds the timepiece circuit board 12 is disposed in the space portion 21 so as to face the contact portion 14 a of the connection spring 14.

  The plate-like contact portion 15a has a spring shape that is elastically deformed by a pressing force when the rod-like operation portion 20a of the operation button 20 is pushed. When the contact portion 14a of the connection spring 14 and the plate-like contact portion 15a of the circuit pressing plate 15 are in electrical contact, an operation signal is input to the timepiece circuit board 12, and the timepiece movement 11 responds to the pressing operation of the operation button 20. Driven.

  Thus, in this embodiment, it is the structure which hold | maintained the 1st inclined surface 9b of the dial ring 9 with the inclined surface 32a of the 1st middle frame 32, and is the other side (exterior case) of the inclined surface 32a of the 1st intermediate frame 32 2 side) is a vertical surface, and the first middle frame 32 is provided between the vertical inner peripheral surface of the outer case 2 and the first inclined surface 9 b of the dial ring 9.

  For this reason, when performing an inclined process on the inner peripheral surface (reflecting surface) of the outer case 2, a skilled processing technique is required, but in this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface (reflecting surface) of the outer case 2 is vertical. Since it is only necessary to process the surface (cylindrical surface), it can be easily processed.

<Embodiment 7>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the solar cell 8 is arranged so that the photovoltaic region 8b faces the exterior case 2 side with the watch movement 11 side as the back, but in Embodiment 7, as shown in FIG. The solar cell 8 has a configuration in which the outer case 2 side is back and is held in the housing recess 13d of the middle frame 13 so that the photovoltaic region 8b faces the timepiece movement 11 side.

  In this case, the second inclined surface 9c of the turning ring 9 is formed so as to face the photovoltaic region 8b with the timepiece movement 11 side as the back. In other words, the first reflecting surface (the first inclined surface 9b of the turn ring 9) is a reflecting surface that is inclined so as to gradually approach the center side of the dial 4 as it is away from the dial 4, and the second reflecting surface. The surface (the second inclined surface 9 c of the dial ring 9) is a reflecting surface that is inclined so as to gradually move away from the center side of the dial 4 as it is separated from the dial 4. The first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c are formed with a reflective film by coating a metal thin film having a high light reflectivity, as described above, whereby the first inclined surface 9b. And the second inclined surface 9c function as a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, respectively.

  The tip of the connection spring 14 is connected to extraction electrodes 8 c and 8 d provided on the back surface of the solar cell 8 through the hole 13 b of the middle frame 13. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the present embodiment having the solar cell 8 (photoelectric power generation region 8b) having such an arrangement and the first inclined surface 9b and the second inclined surface 9c of the dial ring 9, a high incident angle with respect to the surface of the windshield 3 Even in a situation where light rays are incident at a low incident angle, the incident light is reflected from the first reflecting surface (first inclined surface 9b) to the second reflecting surface (second inclined surface 9c), and the dial 4 It is possible to efficiently receive light to the photovoltaic region 8b of the solar cell 8 that is vertically arranged below. Thereby, the power generation amount of the solar cell 8 can be stabilized and the power generation amount can be increased.

  Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, the overall appearance of the middle frame 13 described in the embodiment of the present invention and the procedure for assembling the middle frame 13 and the like to the outer case 2 will be described here.

  FIG. 24 is an external view of the middle frame 13 used in Embodiments 1 to 6 (excluding Embodiment 2), and (a) is used in Embodiments 1 to 5 (excluding Embodiment 2). FIG. 6B is an external view of the middle frame 13 used in the sixth embodiment.

  In any case, the outer shape of the timepiece movement is substantially circular, and the time display portion (dial plate) has a medium frame structure when it is circular. Since the middle frame 13 is formed by plastic molding, when the outer shape of the timepiece movement and the shape of the time display portion are other than circular, the outer shape structure can be changed as appropriate to fit the outer case.

  For example, since many watch movements often have a substantially circular outer shape, the movement engaging portion 13e of the inner frame 13 that engages with the watch movement is circular. However, as in the second embodiment, the time display portion ( Since there are many watches having a rectangular shape, in this case, the holding portion 13a of the inner frame 13 has a rectangular groove (a square annular groove) that surrounds the watch movement when viewed in plan. The outer shape of the middle frame 13 may be formed in a rectangular shape in accordance with the rectangular shape of the time display unit when viewed in plan. Of course, the shape of the turning ring or the light guide ring may be formed in accordance with the rectangular holding portion 13a.

  In FIG. 24B, a first middle frame 32 (see the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 21) is further provided, but the outer shape of the timepiece movement and the shape of the time display portion (dial plate) are other than circular. In some cases, the shape of the first middle frame 32 may be formed by appropriately matching the same shape as described above.

  Next, a procedure for assembling each part such as the middle frame 13 to the exterior case 2 in each of the above-described embodiments will be described.

  In the case of Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 7 (except Embodiment 6), the watch movement 11, the dial 4, the counter ring (the light guide ring 30 in Embodiment 5) 9, the solar cell 8, etc. It can be stored in the outer case 2 by being combined with the middle frame 13 and integrally formed from the back cover side of the outer case 2. Finally, fixing the back cover 10 to the exterior case 2 completes the assembly of the components to the exterior case 2.

  In the case of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the watch movement 11, the dial 4, the counter ring 9, the solar cell 8 and the like are combined with the intermediate frame 13, and then the first intermediate frame 32 is inverted. It can be stored in the exterior case 2 by being fixed to the upper side of 9 and integrally formed and putting it inside from the back cover 10 side of the exterior case 2. In FIG. 25, the hands (hour hand, minute hand, second hand) on the dial 4 are omitted.

  Although the present invention has been described in the above embodiments, other modifications are conceivable. For example, in each embodiment, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are configured as a single plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the reflecting surface may be a curved surface, a concave surface, a curved surface, You may comprise by the polygonal surface which combined the plane. Various modifications are possible to increase power generation efficiency.

  Moreover, in each above-mentioned embodiment, although the solar cell showed the example which uses a strip | belt-shaped thing, as a strip | belt-shaped solar cell, what includes the strip | belt shape which connected the several solar cell with the connection member is also included. In particular, when the time display (dial) is rectangular, cracks at the corners of the solar cell can be prevented by using a flexible connecting member for the solar cell corresponding to the corner. You can place solar cells with confidence.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1b Electronic timepiece with solar cell 2 Exterior case 4 Dial 8 Solar cell 9 Turn-around ring 9a Solar cell holding surface 9b First inclined surface 9c Second inclined surface 9h Reflective film 9i Look-back portion 11 Clock movement 13 Middle frame 30 Light guide Ring 32 first middle frame

Claims (7)

In an electronic timepiece with a solar cell in which a solar cell with a power generation region formed on the surface around the back side of the dial plate is arranged substantially perpendicular to the dial plate,
The first reflecting surface arranged so that at least the upper side is above the surface of the dial, and the lower side of the surface of the dial so as to face the power generation region of the solar cell A second reflecting surface, and the first and second reflecting surfaces are inclined,
Light incident from above or / and obliquely above the dial is reflected by the first reflecting surface and / or the second reflecting surface, and the reflected light is guided to the power generation region of the solar cell. Let it light ,
Between the outer peripheral edge portion of the dial and the inner peripheral surface of the exterior case, there is disposed a dial ring having two light-transmitting surfaces and two inclined surfaces formed on the outer surface opposite to the dial. Has been
The electronic timepiece with solar cell, wherein the first and second reflecting surfaces are the two inclined surfaces of the dial ring . The anti-reflecting surface is, the electronic timepiece with solar cell according to claim 1, characterized in that a reflecting surface formed by coating a reflective film. The electronic timepiece with solar cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solar cell is held such that the power generation region is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the dial ring. 4. The solar cell-attached electronic timepiece according to claim 1 , wherein the counter ring is held by an inner frame for accommodating a timepiece movement in the exterior case. 5. The said middle frame consists of the 1st middle frame holding the 1st reflective surface of the said dial ring, and the 2nd middle frame holding the said 2nd reflective surface, The Claim 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Electronic watch with solar cell. In an electronic timepiece with a solar cell in which a solar cell with a power generation region formed on the surface around the back side of the dial plate is arranged substantially perpendicular to the dial plate,
The first reflecting surface arranged so that at least the upper side is above the surface of the dial, and the lower side of the surface of the dial so as to face the power generation region of the solar cell A second reflecting surface, and the first and second reflecting surfaces are inclined,
Light incident from above or / and obliquely above the dial is reflected by the first reflecting surface and / or the second reflecting surface, and the reflected light is guided to the power generation region of the solar cell. Let it light,
Before Symbol wherein the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, wherein the to Luso Raseru that both a reflective surface inclined so as to approach gradually to the central side of the dial as the distance from the dial Electronic clock with. In an electronic timepiece with a solar cell in which a solar cell with a power generation region formed on the surface around the back side of the dial plate is arranged substantially perpendicular to the dial plate,
The first reflecting surface arranged so that at least the upper side is above the surface of the dial, and the lower side of the surface of the dial so as to face the power generation region of the solar cell A second reflecting surface, and the first and second reflecting surfaces are inclined,
Light incident from above or / and obliquely above the dial is reflected by the first reflecting surface and / or the second reflecting surface, and the reflected light is guided to the power generation region of the solar cell. Let it light,
The first reflecting surface before SL is a reflecting surface which is inclined so as to approach gradually to the central side of the dial as the distance from the dial, the second reflecting surface, the farther away from the dial features and to Luso electronic timepiece Raseru that from the dial center of a reflecting surface inclined away gradually.