JP7061488B2 - Electronic clock - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic clock.

As a conventional electronic clock, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic clock with a power generation mechanism having a normal state, a charge warning state, and a stop warning state. Here, the normal state is a state in which each part of the electronic clock with a power generation mechanism is operating normally. The charge warning state is a state in which the power is low and a state indicating that charging is required is displayed. The stop warning state is a state in which the operation is stopped due to insufficient power for operating each part. In this electronic clock with a power generation mechanism, the transition from the normal state to the charge warning state is performed on condition that the output voltage of the power generation means falls below the first predetermined voltage. Then, in the electronic clock with a power generation mechanism, the transition from the charge warning state to the normal state is performed on condition that the output voltage is continuously equal to or higher than the first predetermined voltage for a certain period of time. Further, the electronic clock with a power generation mechanism shifts from the charge warning state to the stop warning state on condition that the output voltage of the power generation means falls below the third predetermined voltage smaller than the first predetermined voltage. Then, the electronic clock with a power generation mechanism ends the stop warning state on condition that the output voltage is smaller than the first predetermined voltage and exceeds the second predetermined voltage larger than the third predetermined voltage. Note that Patent Document 2 describes, for example, a technique applied when the time display is returned to the current time from the state in which the operation of each part of the electronic timepiece is stopped as described above.

Japanese Patent No. 3706415 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-304555

An electronic clock as in Patent Document 2, for example, stops the time display function from a state in which each part is operating normally according to a usage situation, and only clocks the time to reduce power consumption relatively. There is a function to extend the battery life as a power saving state, but if the watch cannot be charged for a long time, it will be in a stop warning state with less power consumption than the power saving state without time display and time counting.
The stop warning state stops except for the functions related to charging, but the battery capacity gradually decreases due to the self-discharge of the battery and the leak current of the stopped watch circuit, and the power is charged when the watch cannot be charged for a long time. Then, the period until each part returns to the normal operation state becomes long.
For this reason, the user must store the watch in a non-charged state for a long period of time, and when using the watch, the watch must be charged for a long time, which is not easy to use.

The electronic clock of the present disclosure has a more appropriate operating state depending on the situation, such as shortening the period from when there is not enough electric power to operate each part to when the electric power is charged and each part returns to the normal operating state. The purpose is to provide an electronic clock to be secured.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic clock according to the present invention detects a battery that can be charged and discharged, a clock operating unit that operates by the power supplied from the battery and displays a time, and a voltage of the battery. The voltage detection unit and the clock operation unit are controlled, and the operation mode is executed when the normal operation mode in which the time is displayed by the clock operation unit and the preset power saving conditions are satisfied, and the operation mode is consumed from the normal operation mode. A power saving mode in which the power is low, a charging warning mode in which a charging warning is issued when the detected battery voltage, which is the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detection unit, becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value, and the detected battery voltage are described above. It is executed when it becomes a second threshold value or less different from the first threshold value, and includes a control unit that switches to a power cutoff mode that consumes less power than the power saving mode, and the control unit changes from the normal operation mode to the above. The second threshold value is set to a different value depending on whether the mode is changed to the charging warning mode or the charging warning mode, and the second threshold is set to a different value when the power saving mode is changed to the charging warning mode. It is characterized in that the second threshold value is set to a relatively large value as compared with the case where the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode .

Further, in the electronic clock, when the battery is charged in the power cutoff mode and the detected battery voltage is larger than the third threshold value, the control unit returns from the power cutoff mode to another mode and controls the control. The unit has a value of the third threshold value larger than the second threshold value when the normal operation mode is shifted to the charge warning mode and smaller than the second threshold value when the power saving mode is shifted to the charge warning mode. In addition, the same value can be set in the case of shifting from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode and in the case of shifting from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode.

Further, in the electronic timepiece, the control unit may set the first threshold value to a different value in the case of the normal operation mode and the case of the power saving mode.

Further, in the electronic timepiece, the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes, and the control unit may set the second threshold value to a different value for each of the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode. can.

Further, in the electronic timepiece, the control unit may set the first threshold value to a different value for each of the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode.

Further, in the electronic clock, the control unit sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively high in the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode to relatively small values. The first threshold value and the second threshold value in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively low can be set to relatively large values.

Further, in the electronic timepiece, the control unit sets the second threshold value in the second mode, which consumes the least power next to the first mode, in the first mode in the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode. It can be set to be equal to or lower than the first threshold value in.

Further, the electronic clock includes a time measuring unit that operates by the power supplied from the battery and measures the time displayed by the clock operating unit, and the power saving mode maintains the supply of power from the battery to the time measuring unit. However, it is a mode in which the operating portion of the clock operating unit is reduced from the normal operating mode, and the power cutoff mode is a mode in which the supply of power from the battery to the clock operating unit and the timekeeping unit is cut off. Can be.

In the electronic clock according to the present invention, the control unit controls the clock operation unit, and the operation mode can be switched to a normal operation mode, a power saving mode, a charge warning mode, or a power cutoff mode. In this case, the electronic clock shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode and from the power saving mode to the charge warning mode when the threshold value for determining the transition from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode is changed by the control unit. It is set to a different value depending on the case. With this configuration, it is possible to secure an operating state in which the electronic clock can shift from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode at appropriate timings corresponding to each of the normal operation mode and the power saving mode. As a result, the electronic timepiece has an effect that an appropriate operating state can be ensured according to the situation.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an electronic clock according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic circuit included in the electronic clock according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a charge warning determination voltage and a power cutoff determination voltage in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the voltage detection process in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of power cutoff mode processing in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a charge warning determination voltage and a power cutoff determination voltage in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of control in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the power saving mode setting process in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of time display processing in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[Embodiment 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment is an analog electronic clock that displays a time by a physical pointer 4. The electronic clock 1 includes an exterior case 2, a dial 3, a pointer 4, and a date plate 5. In addition to this, the electronic clock 1 is assembled to the outer case 2 and includes a transparent protective member that protects the dial 3, the pointer 4, the date plate 5, and the like.

The outer case 2 constitutes the outermost outer shell of the electronic timepiece 1. The outer case 2 is made of a material such as titanium or a titanium alloy. Here, the outer case 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer case 2 has a can 21. The can 21 is formed so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 2. A plurality of cans 21 are provided, and belts 22 are connected to each other. The belt 22 is a portion that is wound around an arm or the like and attached.

The dial 3 is arranged inside the outer case 2. The dial 3 has an index 31 and a sun window 32. The dial 3 is assembled to the outer case 2 so that the index 31 and the sun window 32 are exposed to the outside of the outer case 2. Here, the index 31 is a scale formed on the peripheral edge of the dial 3 and pointed to by the pointer 4. The indexes 31 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the dial 3. The sun window 32 is formed so as to penetrate the dial 3 and is a portion that exposes the characters on the sun plate 5 to the outside of the exterior case 2.

The pointer 4 is formed in a needle shape and is arranged on the front side (outside side of the outer case 2) of the dial 3. The pointer 4 includes a second hand 41, a minute hand 42, and an hour hand 43. The second hand 41, the minute hand 42, and the hour hand 43 are arranged coaxially and rotate with the central axis X as the center of rotation.

The date plate 5 is formed in a disk shape and is arranged on the back surface side (inside side of the exterior case 2) of the dial plate 3. A part of the sun plate 5 is exposed on the front surface side of the dial 3 through the sun window 32. On the day plate 5, a plurality of characters in a series of characters that identify the calendar are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The date plate 5 rotates with the above-mentioned center axis X as the center of rotation.

The electronic clock 1 includes an electronic circuit 100 built in the outer case 2, and the rotation of the pointer 4 and the date plate 5 is controlled by the electronic circuit 100. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can display the time according to the relative positional relationship between the pointer 4 and the date plate 5 with respect to the dial 3. Hereinafter, each configuration of the electronic circuit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the white arrow indicates the flow of electric energy (electric power), and the solid arrow indicates the flow of the signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic circuit 100 includes a power supply unit 110, a clock operation unit 120, a timekeeping unit 130, and a control unit 140. The power supply unit 110, the clock operation unit 120, the timekeeping unit 130, and the control unit 140 may be referred to as a power supply block, a clock operation block, a timekeeping block, and a control block in the electronic circuit 100, respectively.

The power supply unit 110 is a power source for the electronic clock 1. The power supply unit 110 supplies electric power to each unit in the electronic clock 1, such as the clock operation unit 120, the timekeeping unit 130, and the control unit 140. The power supply unit 110 includes a battery 111, a power generation unit 112, a voltage detection unit 113, and a power generation detection unit 114. The battery 111, the power generation unit 112, the voltage detection unit 113, and the power generation detection unit 114 may be referred to as a battery block, a power generation block, a voltage detection block, and a power generation detection block in the electronic circuit 100, respectively.

The battery 111 is a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. The battery 111 is, for example, a lithium ion battery or the like. The battery 111 can be charged by the electric power generated by the power generation unit 112. The battery 111 can supply the charged electric power to the clock operating unit 120, the time measuring unit 130, the control unit 140, and the like as driving power. Further, although not shown, the battery 111 can similarly supply electric power to the voltage detection unit 113, the power generation detection unit 114, and the like.

The power generation unit 112 is a circuit capable of generating electric power. Here, the power generation unit 112 includes, for example, a photovoltaic element arranged under the dial 3. A plurality of photovoltaic elements form a so-called solar cell as an aggregate, and the received light is converted into electric energy. The power generation unit 112 can generate power by, for example, irradiating the photovoltaic element with external light such as sunlight. The power generation unit 112 can supply the generated electric power to the battery 111 and charge the battery 111. Further, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 112 can be supplied as driving power to the clock operation unit 120, the timekeeping unit 130, the control unit 140, the power generation detection unit 114, and the like without going through the battery 111.

The voltage detection unit 113 is a circuit that detects the voltage of the battery 111. The signal indicating the detection result by the voltage detection unit 113 (the signal indicating the voltage of the battery 111) is transmitted to the control unit 140 or the like.

The power generation detection unit 114 is a circuit that detects the presence or absence of power generation by the power generation unit 112. A signal indicating the detection result by the power generation detection unit 114 (a signal indicating the presence or absence of power generation by the power generation unit 112) is transmitted to the control unit 140 or the like.

The clock operation unit 120 operates by the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 and displays the time. The pointer 4 and the date plate 5 described above also form a part of the clock operating unit 120. The clock operating unit 120 has a plurality of motor units 121, 122, 123, 124. The motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 may be referred to as motor blocks in the electronic circuit 100, respectively. The motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 are circuits that are operated by electric power supplied from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111. The motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 convert the electric power (electrical energy) supplied from the power supply unit 110 into mechanical rotational power (rotational energy). The motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 are configured to include, for example, stepping motors, respectively. The motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 are rotationally driven by a stepping motor in response to a drive signal received from the control unit 140. The clock operating unit 120 rotates the pointer 4 and the date plate 5 by transmitting the rotational force of the stepping motors of the motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 to the pointer 4 and the date plate 5 via a train wheel or the like. .. As a result, in the clock operation unit 120, the pointer 4 such as the second hand 41, the minute hand 42, and the hour hand 43 is moved, and the day plate 5 shifts. Here, in the clock operation unit 120, the second hand 41 is rotated by the motor unit 121, the minute hand 42 is rotated by the motor unit 122, the hour hand 43 is rotated by the motor unit 123, and the day plate 5 is rotated by the motor unit 124. (Hereinafter, these operations may be referred to as "time display operation".)

The time measuring unit 130 is a circuit that operates by the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 and measures the time (time inside the clock) displayed by the clock operating unit 120. The timekeeping unit 130 includes, for example, an oscillator, an oscillation circuit, a compensation circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, and the like, and generates a clock signal having a predetermined frequency as a reference for timekeeping inside the electronic clock 1, and generates the clock signal. Time is measured by counting the pulses included in the signal (hereinafter, this operation may be referred to as "timekeeping operation"), and a timed signal indicating the timed result is transmitted to the control unit 140. The timekeeping unit 130 may be configured in whole or in part as a part of the control unit 140 described below.

The control unit 140 is a circuit that collectively controls each unit of the electronic clock 1. The control unit 140 executes various arithmetic processes for realizing various functions in the electronic clock 1. The control unit 140 is communicably connected to each unit such as the power supply unit 110, the clock operation unit 120, and the timekeeping unit 130, and can exchange various signals with each other. The control unit 140 is composed of an integrated circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer including a storage unit 141 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an arithmetic unit 142 such as a central arithmetic circuit. The storage unit 141 stores conditions and information necessary for various processes in the control unit 140, various programs and applications executed by the control unit 140, control data, and the like. The storage unit 141 can temporarily store various information detected by the voltage detection unit 113 or the power generation detection unit 114, and the calculation unit 142 reads out these information as needed. The storage unit 141 also functions as a work memory of the arithmetic unit 142, and information to be processed by the arithmetic unit 142 is written. Display position information and the like are also stored. The arithmetic unit 142 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 141 based on various input signals and the like, and when the program operates, various output signals are transmitted to each unit to realize various functions. Execute the process. For example, the calculation unit 142 executes a process of determining the time (time inside the clock) to be displayed by the clock operation unit 120 based on the time measurement signal received from the clock unit 130, and the motor units 121 and 122 are based on the determined time. , 123, 124 to transmit a drive signal, control the rotation of the pointer 4 and the day plate 5, and execute the process of moving the hands. Can be done.

The electronic clock 1 may further include an antenna, a tuning circuit, a receiving circuit, and the like. The tuning circuit tunes the antenna and tunes the antenna to a predetermined frequency, for example, by switching the capacitance of the capacitor. The receiving circuit may have a function as a radio-controlled clock that detects a standard radio wave from a signal received by an antenna and transmits the standard radio wave to the control unit 140 to adjust the time.

The control unit 140 of the present embodiment switches the operation mode to a plurality of modes according to the usage status and the status of the power supply unit 110, thereby ensuring a more appropriate operating state according to the situation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 140 is functionally conceptually configured to include a display time determination unit 142a, a hand movement processing unit 142b, and a mode switching unit 142c.

As described above, the display time determination unit 142a is a unit that executes a process of determining the time (clock internal time) to be displayed by the clock operation unit 120 based on the clock signal received from the clock unit 130.

As described above, the hand movement processing unit 142b transmits a drive signal to the motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 based on the time determined by the display time determination unit 142a, and controls the rotation of the pointer 4 and the date plate 5 to control the hand movement. This is the part that executes the process of performing.

The mode switching unit 142c is a unit that controls each unit of the electronic clock 1 including the power supply unit 110, the clock operating unit 120, the timing unit 130, and the like, and executes a process of switching the operation mode to a plurality of modes. The mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment can switch the operation mode to a total of four modes: a normal operation mode, a power saving mode, a charge warning mode, or a power cutoff mode.

The normal operation mode is a mode in which the time is displayed by the clock operation unit 120, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the clock operation unit 120 and the timekeeping unit 130, and the clock operation unit 120, In addition, it is a mode in which the time measuring unit 130 is normally operated without any functional limitation. In other words, the normal operation mode is a mode in which the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 and the time measurement operation by the time measurement unit 130 are not limited. For example, in the electronic clock 1, in the normal operation mode, the clock operation unit 120 operates with a one-second hand movement. Here, the 1-second hand movement is a hand movement state in which the second hand 41 is moved every second.

The power saving mode is a mode that consumes less power than the normal operation mode, and is sometimes called a power save mode. In the power saving mode, at least a part of the power supplied to the clock operating unit 120 is cut off while maintaining the power supply from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the clock operating unit 130 to limit the function of the clock operating unit 120. This is a mode in which the number of operating parts of the clock is reduced from that of the normal operating mode. In other words, the power saving mode is a mode in which the time measuring operation by the time measuring unit 130 is not limited, while at least a part of the time display operation by the clock operating unit 120 is limited, and the power consumption is less than the normal operation mode. .. In the power saving mode of the present embodiment, the power supply from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the clock operating unit 120 is cut off as much as possible, and the pointer 4 (second hand 41, minute hand 42, hour hand 43) of the clock operating unit 120, day. It will be described as a mode in which all time display operations by the board 5 are stopped. In the power saving mode, the electronic clock 1 can suppress power consumption by completely stopping the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120, while the clock operation unit 120 is continued by the clock operation unit 130. It is possible to maintain the state of grasping the exact time (time inside the clock) for displaying by.

The charge warning mode is a mode for giving a charge warning, and is a mode for urging the user to charge by giving a charge warning. The charge warning mode is a mode in which the clock operation unit 120 displays the time in a mode different from the normal operation mode, the power saving mode, the power cutoff mode, and the like to give a charge warning, and the power supply unit including the battery 111. It is assumed that power is supplied from 110 to the clock operation unit 120 and the clock unit 130, and there is no limitation on the clock operation by the clock unit 130, while the clock operation unit 120 operates with a 2-second hand movement. .. The 2-second hand movement is a hand movement state in which the second hand 41 is moved every 2 seconds. In the charge warning mode, the electronic clock 1 can suppress power consumption by operating the clock operation unit 120 with the 2-second hand movement. At the same time, it is possible to indicate that charging is required by displaying the time in a mode different from other modes by the clock operating unit 120. Further, in the charge warning mode, the electronic clock 1 can maintain a state in which the accurate time (time inside the timepiece) for being displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is grasped by continuing the clock operation by the clock unit 130. can.

The power cutoff mode is a mode that consumes less power than the power saving mode, and is sometimes called a power break mode. The power cutoff mode is a mode in which the power supply from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the clock operation unit 120 and the timekeeping unit 130 is cut off to limit the functions. In other words, the power cutoff mode is a mode in which the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 and the time measurement operation by the time measurement unit 130 are limited. As a result, the power cutoff mode becomes a mode that consumes less power than the power saving mode. In the power cutoff mode of the present embodiment, the power supply from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the clock operation unit 120 and the timekeeping unit 130 is cut off as much as possible, and the pointer 4 (second hand 41, minute hand 42, It will be described as a mode in which the hour hand 43), all the time display operations of the day plate 5, and the time measuring operation of the time measuring unit 130 are stopped. The electronic clock 1 maintains power supply from, for example, the power generation unit 112 and the battery 111 to the voltage detection unit 113 and the power generation detection unit 114 even in the power cutoff mode, and the voltage detection unit 113 and the power generation detection unit 114 maintain the power supply. The detection operation and the mode switching by the mode switching unit 142c are possible.

The mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode between the normal operation mode, the power saving mode, the charge warning mode, and the power cutoff mode as follows. Information regarding conditions for switching each mode (for example, information regarding a threshold value described later) is set and stored in advance in the storage unit 141.

The mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode and shifts to the power saving mode when the power saving condition preset in the normal operation mode is satisfied. The power saving condition of the present embodiment is, for example, that the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 cannot be charged for a predetermined period (for example, about 7 days), and the power saving mode is in this case. Is executed. The mode switching unit 142c determines that the power saving condition is satisfied when the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 cannot be charged for a predetermined period set in advance, and the operation mode is changed from the normal operation mode. Switch to power saving mode. In this case, the mode switching unit 142c can determine whether or not the power generation unit 112 has generated power and the battery 111 has been charged based on the detection results of the voltage detection unit 113 and the power generation detection unit 114. As a result, the electronic clock 1 consumes power by the power saving mode when the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 is not charged for a long period of time, for example, when the electronic clock 1 is not used for a long period of time. It is possible to suppress the consumption of power of the battery 111.

Then, for example, when the power generation unit 112 generates power in the power saving mode and the charging of the battery 111 is restarted, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode and returns to the normal operation mode. .. The power saving return condition from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode is not limited to this, and may be other conditions.

The charge warning mode is executed when the condition of the charge warning set in advance in the normal operation mode or the power saving mode is satisfied. That is, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the normal operation mode or the power saving mode to the charging warning mode and shifts to the charging warning mode when the charging warning condition preset in the normal operation mode or the power saving mode is satisfied. .. The charge warning condition of the present embodiment is that the detected battery voltage Vd, which is the voltage of the battery 111 detected by the voltage detection unit 113, is equal to or less than the charge warning determination voltage V1 as the preset first threshold value. That is, the charge warning mode of the present embodiment is executed when the detected battery voltage Vd becomes the charge warning determination voltage V1 or less in the normal operation mode or the power saving mode. The mode switching unit 142c determines that the charge warning condition is satisfied when the detected battery voltage Vd becomes the charge warning determination voltage V1 or less in the normal operation mode or the power saving mode, and sets the operation mode from the normal operation mode or the power saving mode. Switch to charge warning mode. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can be charged by the charge warning mode, for example, when the voltage of the battery 111 is relatively low with the passage of time or the like. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to the same voltage value V11 in the normal operation mode and the power saving mode.

Further, in the mode switching unit 142c, when the detected battery voltage Vd becomes larger than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (voltage value V11) due to the power generation by the power generation unit 112 and the charging of the battery 111 in the charge warning mode. The operation mode is switched from the charge warning mode to the normal operation mode and returned to the normal operation mode.

The condition for returning the charge warning from the charge warning mode to the normal operation mode is not limited to this, and may be other conditions. For example, the mode switching unit 142c may set the charge warning determination voltage V1 to a voltage value V11hys different from the voltage value V11. The voltage value V11hys is a value provided with hysteresis with respect to the voltage value V11, and is set to a value slightly larger than the voltage value V11. Then, the mode switching unit 142c determines that the charge warning recovery condition is satisfied when the detected battery voltage Vd becomes larger than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (voltage value V11hys) in the charge warning mode, and sets the operation mode to the charge warning. Switch from mode to normal operation mode. In this case, in other words, the voltage value V11 corresponds to the charge warning determination voltage for the charge warning transition determination, and the voltage value V11hys corresponds to the charge warning determination voltage for the charge warning return determination. As a result, the mode switching unit 142c can suppress frequent switching of the operation mode, and can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

The power cutoff mode is executed when the power cutoff condition preset in the charge warning mode is satisfied, and the mode switching unit 142c charges the operation mode when the power cutoff condition preset in the charge warning mode is satisfied. Switch from the warning mode to the power cutoff mode and shift to the power cutoff mode. The power cutoff condition of the present embodiment is a power cutoff condition as a second threshold value in which the detected battery voltage Vd, which is the voltage of the battery 111 detected by the voltage detection unit 113, is a preset threshold value and is different from the charge warning determination voltage V1. The determination voltage is V2 or less. That is, the power cutoff mode of the present embodiment is executed when the detected battery voltage Vd becomes the power cutoff determination voltage V2 or less in the charge warning mode. Here, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 as the second threshold value is preset as a value smaller than the charge warning determination voltage V1 as the first threshold value, and in the mode switching unit 142c, the detected battery voltage Vd shuts off the power supply in the charge warning mode. When the determination voltage becomes V2 or less, it is determined that the power cutoff condition is satisfied, and the operation mode is switched from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode. As a result, the electronic clock 1 is consumed by the power cutoff mode when the power generation unit 112 does not generate electricity and the battery 111 is not charged for a long period of time, for example, when the electronic clock 1 is not used for a long period of time. It is possible to minimize the power consumption and minimize the power consumption of the battery 111.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment has a power cutoff determination voltage V2 different between the case where the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode and the case where the power saving mode is changed to the charge warning mode. Set the voltage values to V21 and V22. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can shift from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode at appropriate timings corresponding to the normal operation mode and the power saving mode, for example.

Specifically, the mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to a relatively large value when the power saving mode is changed to the charge warning mode as compared with the case where the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode. do. As shown in FIG. 3, the mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to the first voltage value V21 when the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode. On the other hand, the mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to a second voltage value V22 larger than the voltage value V21 when the power saving mode is changed to the charge warning mode. As a result, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the charge warning mode, the amount of power of the battery 111 remains relatively large as compared with the case where the normal operation mode shifts to the charge warning mode. It is possible to shift from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode at an early timing. On the other hand, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode, contrary to the above, the electronic clock 1 warns the charge at a relatively later timing than when the power saving mode shifts to the charge warning mode. It is possible to shift from the mode to the power cutoff mode.

Further, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the power cutoff mode to another mode, here, the charge warning mode, and charges from the power cutoff mode when the power cutoff recovery condition preset in the power cutoff mode is satisfied. Return to mode. The power cutoff / return condition of the present embodiment is that the power generation unit 112 generates power in the power cutoff mode, the battery 111 is charged, and the detected battery voltage Vd is set from the power cutoff / return determination voltage V2hys as a preset third threshold value. It's a big thing.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the power cutoff return determination voltage V2ys as the third threshold value is hysteresis (voltage value V21) with respect to the power supply cutoff determination voltage (power cutoff transition determination voltage) V2 (voltage value V21) for the normal operation mode. It is a value provided with a dead zone) and is set to a value slightly larger than the voltage value V21. As shown in FIG. 3, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment has a power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys larger than the voltage value V21 which is the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 when the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode. Set the voltage value smaller than the voltage value V21, which is the power cutoff determination voltage V2 when the power saving mode is changed to the charge warning mode. Then, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment shifts the power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode and from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode. Set the voltage value V2hys to the same value as in the case of shifting to. In this case, in other words, the voltage values V21 and V22 correspond to the determination voltage for determining the power cutoff transition, and the voltage value V2hys corresponds to the determination voltage for determining the power cutoff return.

When the battery 111 is charged in the power cutoff mode and the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the power cutoff / return determination voltage V2hys, the mode switching unit 142c determines that the power cutoff / return condition is satisfied, and switches the operation mode to the power cutoff. Return from mode to charge warning mode. As a result, the mode switching unit 142c can suppress the frequent switching of the operation mode, can suppress unnecessary power consumption, and cut off the power supply in the normal operation mode and the power saving mode. By setting the return determination voltage V2hys to a common voltage value V2hys, it is possible to relatively accelerate the recovery from the power cutoff mode when the power saving mode is reached to the power cutoff mode.

When returning from the power cutoff mode to the charge warning mode, the mode switching unit 142c resumes the time counting operation by the time measuring unit 130 and the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 by various known methods. , Needle alignment may be performed. For example, when the electronic timepiece 1 has a radio wave correction function, the timekeeping operation by the timekeeping unit 130 and the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 may be restarted based on the received standard radio wave.

Next, an outline of an example of control in the electronic clock 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. An example of simple control up to the power cutoff mode will be described with reference to FIG. 4, and then a more detailed example of control will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, in the mode switching unit 142c of the control unit 140, whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the voltage value V11 as the charge warning determination voltage V1 in a state where the operation mode is the normal operation mode or the power saving mode. (Step S1). In this case, the mode switching unit 142c can improve the accuracy of voltage detection by using, for example, the detection battery voltage Vd based on the detection results of a plurality of times by the voltage detection unit 113 (even in the voltage detection described below). The same is true.). When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the voltage value V11 as the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S1: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c repeatedly executes the process of this step S1. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the voltage value V11 as the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S1: No), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S2.

In the process of step S2, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the normal operation mode or the power saving mode to the charge warning mode, and shifts to the charge warning mode (step S2).

Next, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the transition to the charge warning mode is a transition from the power saving mode (step S3). When it is determined that the mode switching unit 142c is not the transition from the power saving mode, that is, the transition from the normal operation mode (step S3: No), the mode switching unit 142c shifts to the process of step S4. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the transition has been made from the power saving mode (step S3: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c shifts to the process of step S5.

In the process of step S4, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the voltage value V21 as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S4), and the detected battery voltage Vd is the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2. When it is determined that the voltage value is larger than the voltage value V21 (step S4: Yes), the process of step S4 is repeatedly executed. Further, when the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the voltage value V21 as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S4: No), the process proceeds to the process of step S6.

In the process of step S5, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the voltage value V22 as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S5). Here, the voltage value V22 is a value relatively larger than the voltage value V21. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the voltage value V22 as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S5: Yes), the process of this step S5 is repeatedly executed. Further, when the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the voltage value V22 as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S5: No), the process proceeds to the process of step S6.

In the process of step S6, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode, and shifts to the power cutoff mode (step S6).

Next, as described above, an example of more detailed control will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. In the following description, "PSF" is a flag indicating a power saving (power save) state, "PSF = 0" indicates a non-power saving state in which hand movement is performed, and "PSF = 1" is. , Indicates that the hand movement is not performed and the power is saved. Further, "VF" is a flag indicating the hand movement state, "VF = 0" indicates that the hand movement is 1 second, and "VF = 1" indicates that the hand movement is 2 seconds. Further, "PScount" represents a counter value for counting a period during which power generation by the power generation unit 112 and charging of the battery 111 are not performed. Further, "V1" represents the above-mentioned charge warning determination voltage V1, and "V11" represents the above-mentioned voltage value V11. Further, "V2" represents the above-mentioned power cutoff determination voltage V2, "V21" represents the above-mentioned voltage value V21 for the normal operation mode, and "V22" represents the above-mentioned voltage value V22 for the power saving mode. show. Further, "V2hys" represents the above-mentioned "power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys (voltage value V2hys)".

In the example shown in FIG. 5, first, the mode switching unit 142c of the control unit 140 has "PSF = 0", "VF = 0", "PScount = 0", "V1 = V11", "V2 =" as initial values. Set to "V21" (step S101). In this state, the operation mode of the electronic clock 1 is the normal operation mode, and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to the voltage value V21 for the normal operation mode.

Next, the mode switching unit 142c executes a voltage detection process for detecting the detected battery voltage Vd by the voltage detection unit 113 (step S102). This voltage detection process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, the hand movement processing unit 142b of the control unit 140 determines whether or not it is a so-called positive second (hand movement timing) (step S103). When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the seconds are not positive (step S103: No), the hand movement processing unit 142b repeatedly executes the processing of this step S103. When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the seconds are positive (step S103: Yes), the hand movement processing unit 142b shifts to the processing of step S104.

Next, in the process of step S104, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not there is power generation by the power generation unit 112 and charging of the battery 111 based on the detection result by the power generation detection unit 114 or the like (step S104). When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the power generation unit 112 has generated power and the battery 111 is charged (step S104: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S105. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that there is no power generation by the power generation unit 112 or charging of the battery 111 (step S104: No), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S109.

The mode switching unit 142c is set to "PSF = 0", "PScount = 0", and "V2 = V21" in the process of step S105 (step S105). For example, when "PSF", "PScount", and "V2" originally have this value, the mode switching unit 142c maintains that value (the same shall apply hereinafter).

Next, the hand movement processing unit 142b determines whether or not the time displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is an even number of seconds (step S106). The time displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is determined by the display time determination unit 142a based on the clock signal received from the clock unit 130. When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the time displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is an even number of seconds (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to the processing of step S107. When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the time displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is not an even number of seconds, that is, an odd number of seconds (step S106: No), the process proceeds to the processing of step S108.

In the process of step S107, the hand movement processing unit 142b transmits a drive signal to the motor units 121, 122, 123, and 124 based on the time determined by the display time determination unit 142a to control the rotation of the pointer 4 and the date plate 5. The hand is moved, and the current time is displayed by the clock operation unit 120 (step S107). After that, the control unit 140 returns to the process of step S102 and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes.

In the process of step S108, the hand movement processing unit 142b determines whether or not "VF = 0", that is, whether or not the hand movement state is 1 second hand movement (step S108).

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that "VF = 0", that is, the hand movement state is 1 second hand movement (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S107, and the clock operation unit 120 determines the current time. Is displayed (step S107). As a result, the electronic clock 1 displays the current time with a one-second hand movement by the clock operating unit 120. After that, the control unit 140 returns to the process of step S102 and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes.

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that "VF = 0", that is, "VF = 1" and the hand movement state is 2 seconds hand movement (step S108: No), the process of step S107 is not performed. The process returns to the process of step S102, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. That is, in this case, the hand movement processing unit 142b does not move the hand. As a result, the electronic clock 1 displays the current time by the clock operating unit 120 with a 2-second hand movement.

In the process of step S109, the mode switching unit 142c sets “PScount = PScount + 1”, that is, adds “1” to “PScount” and counts up (increments) (step S109).

Next, in the mode switching unit 142c, whether or not the "PScount" is larger than 3600 × 24 × 7, in other words, 7 days as a predetermined period from the stop of power generation by the power generation unit 112 (start of counting of the “PScount”). It is determined whether or not it has passed (step S110).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the “PScount” is 3600 × 24 × 7, in other words, 7 days have not passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S110: No), step S106. Move to the processing of. That is, in this case, the mode switching unit 142c maintains the operation mode in the normal operation mode.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that "PScount" is larger than 3600 x 24 x 7, in other words, 7 days have passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S110: Yes), "PSF = 1". , "V2 = V22" (step S111). As a result, the mode switching unit 142c switches the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode, and sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to the voltage value V22 for the power saving mode. After that, the control unit 140 returns to the process of step S102 and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the voltage detection process in step S102 described above will be described in more detail.

In the voltage detection process shown in FIG. 6, first, the mode switching unit 142c detects the detected battery voltage Vd by the voltage detecting unit 113 (step S201).

Next, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd detected in the process of step S201 is larger than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S202). In this case, the voltage value V11 is set as the charge warning determination voltage V1. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S202: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S203. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S202: No), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S204.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the charge warning determination voltage V1 (step S202: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c sets “VF = 0” (step S203). That is, the mode switching unit 142c sets the hand movement state to 1 second hand movement, and ends the voltage detection process this time. As a result, when the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or higher than the charge warning determination voltage V1, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the normal operation mode.

In the process of step S204, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd detected in the process of step S201 is larger than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S204). In this case, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 0", that is, the voltage value V21 for the normal operation mode is set when the hand movement is performed in the normal operation mode. On the other hand, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 1", that is, the voltage value V22 for the power saving mode is set when the hand movement is not performed in the power saving mode. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S204: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S205. When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S204: No), the mode switching unit 142c proceeds to the process of step S206.

The mode switching unit 142c is set to "VF = 1", "PSF = 0", and "PScount = 0" in the process of step S205 (step S205). That is, when the detection battery voltage Vd is larger than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 and is equal to or less than the charge warning determination voltage V1, the mode switching unit 142c sets the hand movement state to 2 seconds regardless of the normal operation mode or the power saving mode. Ends the voltage detection process of. As a result, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the charge warning mode.

In the process of step S206, the mode switching unit 142c executes the power cutoff mode process for shifting the operation mode to the power cutoff mode when the detected battery voltage Vd is smaller than the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S206). The voltage detection process ends. This power cutoff mode process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the power cutoff mode process in step S206 described above will be described in more detail.

In the power cutoff mode process shown in FIG. 7, the mode switching unit 142c is set to "V2 = V2hys" (step S301). The voltage value V2hys is a value corresponding to the above-mentioned power supply cutoff recovery determination voltage V2hys, and is a voltage value larger than the voltage value V21 and smaller than the voltage value V22 as described above. That is, in other words, the mode switching unit 142c sets the value of the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to a value corresponding to the power supply cutoff return determination voltage V2hys.

Next, the mode switching unit 142c cuts off the power supply to the parts other than the power generation detection unit 114, leaving the minimum necessary (mode switching unit 142c, power generation detection unit 114), and turns it off (step S302). As a result, the mode switching unit 142c shifts the operation mode to the power cutoff mode.

Next, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not there is power generation by the power generation unit 112 and charging of the battery 111 based on the detection result by the power generation detection unit 114 (step S303).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that there is no power generation by the power generation unit 112 or charging of the battery 111 (step S303: No), the mode switching unit 142c supplies the voltage detection unit 113 and the control unit 140 with the minimum necessary power (mode switching). The unit 142c and the power generation detection unit 114) are left and shut off to turn off (step S304). The mode switching unit 142c maintains the state when the power supply to the voltage detection unit 113 and the control unit 140 is already cut off. After that, the control unit 140 returns to the process of step S303 and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the power generation unit 112 has generated power and the battery 111 is charged (step S303: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c supplies power to the voltage detection unit 113 and the control unit 140 to turn them ON (step S303: Yes). S305). The mode switching unit 142c maintains the state when power is supplied to the voltage detection unit 113 and the control unit 140.

Next, the mode switching unit 142c detects the detected battery voltage Vd by the voltage detecting unit 113 (step S306).

Next, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the detected battery voltage Vd detected in the process of step S306 is larger than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (step S307). In this case, by the process of step S301, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to the voltage value V2hys corresponding to the power supply cutoff recovery determination voltage which is the third threshold value instead of the voltage values V21 and V22 corresponding to the second threshold value. There is. When the electronic clock 1 shifts from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode, the battery 111 needs to be charged by the capacity between the voltage value V21 and the voltage value V2hys, so that the battery 111 is charged by the power generation unit 112. Is not determined to be larger than the power cutoff recovery determination voltage V2 (= voltage value V2hys) here unless the battery is charged by a certain amount (see FIG. 3 and the like). On the other hand, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the charging warning mode, the electronic clock 1 can consume the capacity between the voltage value V22 and the voltage value V2hys, so that even if the detected battery voltage Vd is the voltage value V22 or less. If unnecessary power consumption is suppressed and a relatively large amount of power remains in the battery 111, power is generated in step S303, and if it is determined that the battery 111 is charged, the detected battery voltage Vd is immediately used as the power source. It is determined that the cutoff / recovery determination voltage is larger than the voltage V2 (= voltage value V2hys) (see FIG. 3 and the like).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (here, the voltage value V2hys) (step S307: No), the process proceeds to the process of step S304, and the process proceeds to step S303. Return and repeat the subsequent processing.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the detected battery voltage Vd is larger than the power cutoff determination voltage V2 (here, the voltage value V2hys) (step S307: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c cancels the power cutoff mode process, so that "V2 = V21". Set to to prevent immediate return to power cut mode processing. Further, the mode switching unit 142c sets "PSF = 0", "VF = 1", "PScount = 0", and the time measuring unit 130 to 0:00:00, so that the charging warning mode is set after the power cutoff mode processing is canceled. (Step S308).

Next, the mode switching unit 142c supplies electric power to each unit to turn it on (step S309). As a result, the mode switching unit 142c returns the operation mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the current power cutoff mode process.

In the electronic clock 1 described above, the control unit 140 controls the clock operation unit 120, and the operation mode can be switched to a normal operation mode, a power saving mode, a charge warning mode, or a power cutoff mode. The electronic clock 1 suppresses power consumption by a power saving mode when the power generation unit 112 does not generate electricity and the battery 111 is not charged for a long period of time, for example, when the electronic clock 1 is not used for a long period of time. It is possible to suppress the consumption of power of the battery 111. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can continue the timekeeping operation by at least the timekeeping unit 130 for a longer period of time. Then, for example, when the voltage of the battery 111 relatively decreases with the passage of time or the like, the electronic clock 1 can be charged by the charge warning mode before reaching the power cutoff mode. Then, the electronic clock 1 is set by the power cutoff mode when the power generation by the power generation unit 112 and the battery 111 are not charged for a longer period of time, for example, when the electronic clock 1 is not used for a long period of time. It is possible to cut off the supply of electric power to the operating unit 120 and the clock unit 130. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can minimize the power consumption and minimize the power consumption of the battery 111. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can suppress the charge amount of the battery 111 required for returning to the other mode from the state of reaching the power cutoff mode, and the period until returning to the other mode again can be suppressed. It is possible to secure an operating state that can be made relatively short. In this case, in the electronic clock 1, the control unit 140 shifts the power cutoff determination voltage V2 for determining the transition from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode, and from the power saving mode. Since the value is set differently depending on the case of shifting to the charging warning mode, it is possible to switch from the charging warning mode to the power cutoff mode at an appropriate timing according to each of the normal operation mode and the power saving mode. The state can be secured. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can secure an appropriate operating state depending on the situation.

In the electronic clock 1 described above, when the control unit 140 shifts from the power saving mode to the charge warning mode, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is relatively large as compared with the case where the normal operation mode shifts to the charge warning mode. Set to a value. As a result, the electronic clock 1 secures an operating state in which, for example, the period from the state in which the power saving mode is reached to the power cutoff mode through the charge warning mode to the return to the other mode can be shortened. can do.

That is, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the charge warning mode, the electronic clock 1 shifts from the charge warning mode to the power cutoff mode at a relatively earlier timing than when the normal operation mode shifts to the charge warning mode. can do. As a result, when the electronic clock 1 shifts to the charge warning mode after shifting to the power saving mode, the power consumption of the battery 111 is suppressed as compared with the case where the normal operation mode shifts to the charge warning mode. It is possible to shift to the power cutoff mode with a relatively large amount remaining. As a result, for example, when the electronic clock 1 shifts to the power saving mode and reaches the power cutoff mode through the charge warning mode when not in use for a long period of time, the electronic clock 1 goes from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode. In comparison with the above, the charge amount of the battery 111 required for returning to another mode can be further suppressed. As a result, when the electronic clock 1 shifts to the power saving mode and reaches the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode, it returns to another mode again as compared with the case where the power cutoff mode is reached from the normal operation mode. It is possible to further shorten the period until the electronic clock is used, and the usability of the electronic clock can be improved.

The electronic clock 1 always goes through the charge warning mode before going from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode, thereby suppressing the sudden transition from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode and stopping the function, and the power of the battery 111. It is possible to warn of a decrease in quantity and the need for charging. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can ensure the minimum necessary usability. In other words, the electronic clock 1 always intervenes a charge warning mode between the power saving mode and the power cutoff mode, thereby reducing the trade-off of shifting to the power cutoff mode at a relatively early timing in the case of the power saving mode. can do.

On the other hand, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode, contrary to the above, the electronic clock 1 warns the charge at a relatively later timing than when the power saving mode shifts to the charge warning mode. It is possible to shift from the mode to the power cutoff mode. In other words, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode, the period of the charge warning mode before reaching the power cutoff mode is set as compared with the case where the power saving mode shifts to the charge warning mode. It can be secured for a relatively long time. As a result, for example, when the electronic clock 1 shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode, it can prevent the electronic clock 1 from immediately shifting to the power cutoff mode, so that usability can be improved.

In the electronic clock 1 described above, the control unit 140 shifts the power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys for determining the return from the power cutoff mode from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode and the power cutoff mode from the power saving mode. It is set to the same value that is common to the case of migration to. As a result, the electronic clock 1 can actually accelerate the recovery from the power cutoff mode when the power saving mode is reached to the power cutoff mode. That is, after the electronic clock 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode, if the detected battery voltage Vd is equal to or less than the voltage value V22 but is larger than the power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys, the battery 111 is detected to be charged. You can immediately return from the power off mode to the charge warning mode. As a result, the electronic clock 1 is left stored in, for example, a drawer of a desk, and is taken out of the drawer to the battery 111 in a state of shifting from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode, the charge warning mode, and the power cutoff mode. As soon as charging is started, the power cutoff mode can be resumed.

As described above, the electronic timepiece 1 can secure an appropriate operating state according to the situation, so that, for example, it is possible to achieve both shortening of the recovery period from the power cutoff mode and ensuring usability in a well-balanced manner. ..

[Embodiment 2]
The electronic clock according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes. In the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by a common reference numeral, and the common configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted as much as possible.

The electronic clock 1A (see FIGS. 1 and 2) according to the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 differs from the above-mentioned electronic clock 1 in that the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes. .. Further, the electronic clock 1A is different from the above-mentioned electronic clock 1 in terms of the set values of the charge warning determination voltage V1 as the first threshold value and the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 as the second threshold value. The other configurations of the electronic clock 1A are substantially the same as those of the electronic clock 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, the power saving mode of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of different modes, and as a plurality of different modes, a total of 3 of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode. Consists of two different modes. The first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode are all modes that consume less power than the normal operation mode, and the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode are. Both are common in that the power supply from the power supply unit 110 including the battery 111 to the timing unit 130 is maintained. On the other hand, the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode are different from each other in terms of the functional limitation for the clock operating unit 120, in other words, the number of operating parts. Here, in the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode, the mode of the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 is different from each other, so that the power consumption in each mode is different from each other. The first power saving mode is a mode in which only the time display operation by the second hand 41 of the clock operation unit 120 is stopped. The second power saving mode is a mode for stopping the time display operation by the second hand 41 and the minute hand 42 of the clock operation unit 120. The third power saving mode is a mode for stopping the time display operation by all of the second hand 41, the minute hand 42, the hour hand 43, and the day plate 5 of the clock operation unit 120. As a result, the first power saving mode becomes a mode in which the power consumption is relatively larger than that of the second power saving mode and the third power saving mode. The second power saving mode is a mode in which the power consumption is relatively less than that of the first power saving mode and relatively higher than that of the third power saving mode. The third power saving mode is a mode in which the power consumption is relatively smaller than that of the first power saving mode and the second power saving mode.

The first power saving mode is executed when the preset first power saving condition is satisfied, and the second power saving mode satisfies the second power saving condition which is a preset power saving condition and is different from the first power saving condition. The third power saving mode is executed when the third power saving condition different from the first power saving condition and the second power saving condition is satisfied, which is a preset power saving condition. The first power saving condition of the present embodiment is that, for example, the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 cannot be charged for a preset first predetermined period (for example, about 7 days). The second power saving condition is, for example, a second predetermined period (for example, about 14 days), which is a predetermined period in which the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 is charged in advance and is longer than the first predetermined period. There is no such thing. The third power saving condition is, for example, a third predetermined period (for example, about 30 days), which is a predetermined period in which the power generation unit 112 does not generate power and the battery 111 is charged in advance and is longer than the second predetermined period. There is no such thing. That is, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment satisfies the first power saving condition when the power generation unit 112 does not generate power in the normal operation mode and the battery 111 cannot be charged for the preset first predetermined period. The operation mode is switched from the normal operation mode to the first power saving mode to shift to the first power saving mode. The mode switching unit 142c determines that the second power saving condition is satisfied when the power generation unit 112 does not generate power in the first power saving mode and the battery 111 cannot be charged for the preset second predetermined period. , The operation mode is switched from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode to shift to the second power saving mode. The mode switching unit 142c determines that the third power saving condition is satisfied when the power generation unit 112 does not generate power in the second power saving mode and the battery 111 cannot be charged for the preset third predetermined period. , The operation mode is switched from the second power saving mode to the third power saving mode to shift to the third power saving mode.

The mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to a different value in the case of the normal operation mode and the case of the power saving mode. Further, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment has a plurality of different modes of the power saving mode, that is, a charge warning determination voltage V1 and a power supply cutoff determination voltage for each of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode. Set V2 to a different value. Here, the mode switching unit 142c sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively high in a plurality of different modes of the power saving mode to relatively small values. , The charge warning determination voltage V1 and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively low are set to relatively large values. That is, the mode switching unit 142c makes the charge warning determination voltage V1 in the first power saving mode and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 relative to the charge warning determination voltage V1 and the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 in the second power saving mode. Set to a small value. The mode switching unit 142c makes the charge warning determination voltage V1 in the second power saving mode and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 relatively smaller than the charge warning determination voltage V1 and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the third power saving mode. Set to a value. The mode switching unit 142c is set to the charge warning determination voltage V1 or less at the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the second mode, which consumes the least power next to the first mode, in a plurality of different modes of the power saving mode. That is, the mode switching unit 142c sets the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 in the second power saving mode (corresponding to the second mode), which consumes the least power next to the first power saving mode (corresponding to the first mode). 1 Set the charge warning judgment voltage V1 or less in the power saving mode. The mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the third power saving mode (corresponding to the second mode), which consumes the least power next to the second power saving mode (corresponding to the first mode), to the first power saving mode. Set the charge warning judgment voltage V1 or less in the mode.

In the example of FIG. 8, the mode switching unit 142c sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to the voltage value V111 in the normal operation mode. Further, the mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to the voltage value V210 when the mode shifts from the normal operation mode to the charge warning mode. The mode switching unit 142c sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to the voltage value V111 which is the same value as in the normal operation mode in the case of the first power saving mode. The mode switching unit 142c sets the power cutoff determination voltage V2 to a voltage value V221 larger than the voltage value V210 when shifting from the first power saving mode to the charge warning mode. In the case of the second power saving mode, the mode switching unit 142c sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to a voltage value V112 larger than the voltage value V111. When the mode switching unit 142c shifts from the second power saving mode to the charge warning mode, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to a voltage value V222 that is larger than the voltage value V221 and the same value as the voltage value V111. In the case of the third power saving mode, the mode switching unit 142c sets the charge warning determination voltage V1 to a voltage value V113 larger than the voltage value V112. When the mode switching unit 142c shifts from the third power saving mode to the charge warning mode, the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to a voltage value V223 that is larger than the voltage value V222 and the same value as the voltage value V112. Further, the mode switching unit 142c changes the power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys from the first power saving mode to the charge warning mode, which is larger than the voltage value V210 which is the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 when the normal operation mode is changed to the charge warning mode. Set to a value smaller than the voltage value V221, which is the power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the case of transition. In addition, the mode switching unit 142c of the present embodiment also shifts the power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode, and the first power saving mode and the second power saving mode. The voltage value V2hys is set to the same value as when the power cutoff mode is entered from each power saving mode of the third power saving mode via the charge warning mode.

Next, an example of control of the electronic clock 1A in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. Here, too, the description overlapping with FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and the like described above will be omitted as much as possible. In the following description, "PSF = 0" indicates that the power saving state is in which the hand movement is performed, and "PSF = 1" indicates that the power saving mode is the first power saving state in which the hand movement is not performed. , "PSF = 2" indicates that it is the second power saving mode in the power saving state in which the hand movement is not performed, and "PSF = 3" indicates that it is the third power saving mode in the power saving state in which the hand movement is not performed. .. Further, "V111", "V112", "V113", "V210", "V221", "V222", and "V223" have the above-mentioned voltage values V111, V112, V113, V210, V221, V222, and V223, respectively. show. Further, "V2hys" represents the above-mentioned "power cutoff return determination voltage V2hys (voltage value V2hys)", and is a value provided with a hysteresis with respect to the "voltage value V210" as in the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, first, the mode switching unit 142c of the control unit 140 has "PSF = 0", "VF = 0", "PScount = 0", "V1 = V111", "V2 =" as initial values. It is set to "V210" (step S401), and the process proceeds to the process of step S102 described above. In this state, the operation mode of the electronic clock 1A is the normal operation mode, the charge warning determination voltage V1 is set to the voltage value V111 for the normal operation mode, and the power cutoff determination voltage V2 is the voltage value V210 for the normal operation mode. Is set to.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines in the process of step S104 described above that there is power generation by the power generation unit 112 and charging of the battery 111 (step S104: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c shifts to the process of step S405. The mode switching unit 142c is set to "PSF = 0", "PScount = 0", "V1 = V111", and "V2 = V210" in the process of step S405 (step S405), and is used for the process of step S106 described above. Transition.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines in the process of step S106 described above that the time displayed by the clock operation unit 120 is an even number of seconds (step S106: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c shifts to the process of step S407. In the process of step S407, the hand movement processing unit 142b executes a time display process of displaying the current time by the clock operation unit 120 (step S407). This time display process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Further, the mode switching unit 142c executes the process of step S109 described above, then executes the process of setting the power saving mode for setting the power saving mode (S410), and shifts to the process of step S106. This power saving mode setting process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the power saving mode setting process in step S410 described above will be described in more detail.

In the power saving mode setting process shown in FIG. 10, first, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the “PScount” is larger than 3600 × 24 × 7, in other words, the power generation unit 112 stops power generation (starts counting “PScount”). ) To determine whether or not 7 days as the first predetermined period have elapsed (step S501).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the "PScount" is 3600 x 24 x 7 or less, in other words, seven days have not passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S501: No), step S502. Move to the processing of. In the process of step S502, the mode switching unit 142c sets “PSF = 0”, “V1 = V111”, and “V2 = V210” (step S502), and ends the voltage detection process this time. That is, in this case, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the normal operation mode.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the "PScount" is larger than 3600 × 24 × 7, in other words, 7 days have passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S501: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c performs the process of step S503. Transition. In the process of step S503, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the “PScount” is larger than 3600 × 24 × 14, in other words, the second predetermined period from the stop of power generation by the power generation unit 112 (start of counting of the “PScount”). It is determined whether or not 14 days have passed (step S503).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the “PScount” is 3600 × 24 × 14, in other words, 14 days have not passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S503: No), step S504. Move to the processing of. In the process of step S504, the mode switching unit 142c sets “PSF = 1”, “V1 = V111”, and “V2 = V221” (step S504), and ends the current voltage detection process. That is, in this case, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the first power saving mode.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the "PScount" is larger than 3600 × 24 × 14, in other words, 14 days have passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S503: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c performs the process of step S505. Transition. In the process of step S505, the mode switching unit 142c determines whether or not the “PScount” is larger than 3600 × 24 × 30, in other words, the third predetermined period from the stop of power generation by the power generation unit 112 (start of counting of the “PScount”). It is determined whether or not 30 days have passed (step S505).

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the “PScount” is 3600 × 24 × 30, in other words, 30 days have not passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S505: No), step S506. Move to the processing of. The mode switching unit 142c sets “PSF = 2”, “V1 = V112”, and “V2 = V222” in the process of step S506 (step S506), and ends the current voltage detection process. That is, in this case, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the second power saving mode.

When the mode switching unit 142c determines that the "PScount" is larger than 3600 × 24 × 30, in other words, 30 days have passed since the power generation was stopped by the power generation unit 112 (step S505: Yes), the mode switching unit 142c processes the step S507. Transition. In the process of step S507, the mode switching unit 142c sets “PSF = 3”, “V1 = V113”, and “V2 = V223” (step S507), and ends the current voltage detection process. That is, in this case, the mode switching unit 142c sets the operation mode to the third power saving mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the time display process in step S407 described above will be described in more detail.

In the time display process shown in FIG. 11, first, the hand movement processing unit 142b determines whether or not “PSF = 0”, that is, whether or not the operation mode is the normal operation mode or the charge warning mode (step). S601).

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that “PSF = 0”, in other words, the operation mode is the normal operation mode or the charge warning mode (step S601: Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S602. In the process of step S602, the hand movement processing unit 142b displays the second digit time of the current time by the second hand 41 of the clock operation unit 120 (step S602).

Next, the hand movement processing unit 142b displays the minute digit time of the current time by the minute hand 42 of the clock operation unit 120 (step S603).

Next, the hand movement processing unit 142b displays the hour digit time of the current time by the hour hand 43 of the clock operation unit 120 (step S604). In this case, the hand movement processing unit 142b also displays the current calendar by the day plate 5 of the clock operation unit 120. After that, the hand movement processing unit 142b ends the time display processing this time.

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that "PSF = 0", in other words, the operation mode is not the normal operation mode or the charge warning mode (step S601: No), the process proceeds to the process of step S605. In the process of step S605, the hand movement processing unit 142b determines whether or not “PSF = 1”, in other words, whether or not the operation mode is the first power saving mode (step S605).

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that “PSF = 1”, in other words, the operation mode is the first power saving mode (step S605: Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S603. That is, in this case, the hand movement processing unit 142b stops only the time display operation by the second hand 41 of the clock operation unit 120, and displays the current time by the minute hand 42, the hour hand 43, and the day plate 5.

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the operation mode is not the first power saving mode (step S605: No), the process proceeds to the process of step S606. In the process of step S606, the hand movement processing unit 142b determines whether or not “PSF = 2”, in other words, whether or not the operation mode is the second power saving mode (step S606).

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that “PSF = 2”, in other words, the operation mode is the second power saving mode (step S606: Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S604. That is, in this case, the hand movement processing unit 142b stops the time display operation by the second hand 41 and the minute hand 42 of the clock operation unit 120, and displays the current time by the hour hand 43 and the day plate 5.

When the hand movement processing unit 142b determines that the operation mode is not the second power saving mode but the third power saving mode (step S606), the time display processing this time is terminated as it is. That is, in this case, the hand movement processing unit 142b stops the time display operation by all of the second hand 41, the minute hand 42, the hour hand 43, and the day plate 5 of the clock operation unit 120.

As described above, in the process of step S202 of the voltage detection process described above, the charge warning determination voltage V1 is "PSF = 0", that is, when the normal operation mode in which the hand movement is performed is performed, and "PSF = 1". That is, the voltage value V111 is set in the case of the first power saving mode. The charge warning determination voltage V1 is set to "PSF = 2", that is, the voltage value V112 is set in the case of the second power saving mode. The charge warning determination voltage V1 is set to "PSF = 3", that is, the voltage value V113 is set in the case of the third power saving mode. The power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 0" in the process of step S204 of the voltage detection process described above, that is, the voltage value V210 for the normal operation mode is set when the hand movement is performed in the normal operation mode. Has been done. The power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 1", that is, the voltage value V221 for the first power saving mode is set in the case of the first power saving mode. The power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 2," that is, the voltage value V222 for the second power saving mode when the second power saving mode is set. The power cutoff determination voltage V2 is set to "PSF = 3," that is, the voltage value V223 for the third power saving mode when the third power saving mode is set. The mode switching unit 142c determines the operation mode switching based on these values.

The electronic clock 1A described above can ensure an appropriate operating state depending on the situation, similarly to the electronic clock 1 described above.

In addition, in the electronic clock 1A described above, the charge warning determination voltage V1 for determining the transition to the charge warning mode is set to a different value between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode by the control unit 140. Set. With this configuration, it is possible to secure an operating state in which the electronic clock 1A can shift to the charge warning mode at appropriate timings corresponding to the normal operation mode and the power saving mode. As a result, the electronic clock 1A can give a charge warning at a more appropriate timing in both the normal operation mode and the power saving mode, for example.

Further, the electronic clock 1A described above includes modes having a plurality of different power saving modes, here, a first power saving mode, a second power saving mode, and a third power saving mode, and the power cutoff determination voltage is determined by the control unit 140. V2 is set to a different value for each of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode. With this configuration, the electronic clock 1A can, for example, stepwise change the time display operation by the clock operation unit 120 in the power saving mode. In addition, the electronic clock 1A is in an operating state in which the charging warning mode can be switched to the power cutoff mode at appropriate timings in the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode. Can be secured.

Similarly, in the electronic clock 1A described above, the charge warning determination voltage V1 is set to a different value for each of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode by the control unit 140. With this configuration, the electronic clock 1A ensures an operating state in which the electronic clock 1A can shift to the charge warning mode at an appropriate timing according to each of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode. Can be done.

Here, the electronic clock 1A described above has a charging warning determination voltage in a mode in which the power consumption is relatively high in the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode by the control unit 140. Set V1 and power cutoff judgment voltage V2 to relatively small values, and set the charge warning judgment voltage V1 and power cutoff judgment voltage V2 in a mode with relatively low power consumption to relatively large values. do. With this configuration, the electronic clock 1A secures an operating state in which the power saving mode with relatively low power consumption, for example, the power saving mode with more function restrictions, is more likely to shift to the charge warning mode and the power cutoff mode at an earlier timing. be able to. As a result, the electronic clock 1A can further shorten the period until the electronic clock 1A returns to the other mode when the power cutoff mode is reached. On the other hand, the electronic clock 1A can secure an operating state in which it is difficult to shift to the charge warning mode and the power cutoff mode at an earlier timing in the power saving mode in which the power consumption is relatively high, for example, the power saving mode in which the function restriction is smaller. .. As a result, the electronic timepiece 1A can achieve both shortening of the recovery period from the power cutoff mode and ensuring usability in a more suitable and well-balanced manner.

Further, the electronic clock 1A described above has a second mode in which the power saving mode is the second lowest power consumption next to the first mode in the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode by the control unit 140. The power cutoff determination voltage V2 in the first mode is set to be equal to or less than the charge warning determination voltage V1 in the first mode. With this configuration, the electronic clock 1A can always go through the charge warning mode before reaching the power cutoff mode in any of the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, and the third power saving mode of the power saving mode. For example, the electronic clock 1A is always charged before the power cutoff mode is reached without suddenly shifting to the power cutoff mode even when the power saving mode is switched from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode with the passage of time. You can go through the warning mode. As a result, the electronic clock 1A can ensure at least the minimum necessary usability.

The electronic clock according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims. The electronic clock according to the present embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modifications described above.

In the above description, the electronic clocks 1 and 1A have been described as being analog electronic clocks, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic clocks 1 and 1A may be, for example, a digital electronic clock in which the clock operating unit 120 digitally displays the time without using the pointer 4. Further, the electronic timepieces 1 and 1A have been described as being a wristwatch worn on the wrist via the belt 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic clocks 1 and 1A may be, for example, a table clock, a wall clock, a pocket watch or the like. Further, the electronic clocks 1 and 1A are used in, for example, various cameras, game devices, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), portable information terminal devices such as notebook personal computers, and electronic devices including home appliances and automobiles. It may be applicable.

In the above description, the clock operating unit 120 has been described as being provided with motor units 121, 122, 123, 124 corresponding to the second hand 41, the minute hand 42, the hour hand 43, and the day plate 5, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. For example, the clock operating unit 120 may use the motor unit 122 and the motor unit 123 as one by rotating and moving the minute hand 42 and the hour hand 43 in conjunction with each other via a train wheel or the like.

In the above description, the power generation unit 112 has been described as being configured to include a photovoltaic power generation element, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power generation unit 112 may be configured to include a piezoelectric element, and may be a so-called vibration power generation method in which the pressure generated on the vibration surface due to vibration is converted into electric power by the piezoelectric element. Further, the power generation unit 112 may be configured to include a thermoelectric conversion element, and may be a thermoelectric power generation method that generates power by converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

The contents of the normal operation mode, the power saving mode (the first power saving mode, the second power saving mode, the third power saving mode), the charge warning mode, and the power cutoff mode described above are not limited to the above. At least the power saving mode may have less power consumption than the normal operation mode, and the power cutoff mode may have less power consumption than the power saving mode. For example, in the above description, the electronic clocks 1 and 1A switch between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode by changing the operation of the second hand 41, the minute hand 42, the hour hand 43, and the day plate 5, but other additional functions. (For example, the alarm, lighting, radio wave transmission / reception function) may be changed to switch between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode. Further, the power saving conditions (1st power saving condition, 2nd power saving condition, 3rd power saving condition) are not limited to the above conditions.

Further, the control unit 140 described in the second embodiment sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively high in a plurality of different modes of the power saving mode to relatively small values. , The first threshold value and the second threshold value in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively low are set to relatively large values, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the reverse may be performed. The magnitude relationship may be changed individually.

In the above description, the power cutoff return determination voltage V2ys has been described as being a value provided with hysteresis with respect to the power supply cutoff determination voltage V2 (voltage value V21, voltage value V210) for the normal operation mode, but the present invention is limited to this. However, the value may be the same as the power cutoff determination voltage V2 for the normal operation mode. The power cutoff return determination voltage V2ys has been described as having the same value in the case of shifting from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode and the case of shifting from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode via the charge warning mode. Is not limited to this, and may be set to a different value.

As a reference example, the electronic timepiece may be configured not to have the above-mentioned charge warning mode. In this case, the electronic clock according to the reference example includes a battery that can be charged and discharged, a clock operating unit that operates by the power supplied from the battery and displays the time, and a voltage detecting unit that detects the voltage of the battery. A normal operation mode that controls the clock operation unit and displays the time by the clock operation unit, and a power saving mode that is executed when preset power saving conditions are satisfied and consumes less power than the normal operation mode. The detected battery voltage, which is the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detection unit, is equal to or less than the threshold value (power cutoff determination voltage) for determining the transition from the normal operation mode or the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode. A power cutoff mode that consumes less power than the power saving mode and a control unit that switches to the power cutoff mode are provided. May be configured to set different values. Even in this case, the electronic clock according to the reference example may be able to secure an appropriate operating state depending on the situation.

1, 1A Electronic clock 111 Battery 113 Voltage detection unit 120 Clock operation unit 130 Timekeeping unit 140 Control unit

Claims (8)

Batteries that can be charged and discharged and
A clock operating unit that operates by the power supplied from the battery and displays the time,
A voltage detector that detects the voltage of the battery and
The operation mode is controlled by controlling the clock operation unit.
The normal operation mode in which the time is displayed by the clock operation unit and
A power saving mode that is executed when the preset power saving conditions are satisfied and consumes less power than the normal operation mode, and a power saving mode.
A charge warning mode that is executed when the detected battery voltage, which is the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detection unit, becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value and gives a charge warning.
The power cutoff mode, which is executed when the detected battery voltage becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold value different from the first threshold value and consumes less power than the power saving mode,
Equipped with a control unit to switch to
The control unit sets the second threshold value to a different value depending on whether the normal operation mode is changed to the charging warning mode and the power saving mode is changed to the charging warning mode . The second threshold value is set to a relatively large value as compared with the case of shifting from the normal operation mode to the charging warning mode when shifting to the charging warning mode .
Electronic clock. When the battery is charged in the power cutoff mode and the detected battery voltage is larger than the third threshold value, the control unit returns from the power cutoff mode to another mode.
The control unit sets the third threshold value larger than the second threshold value when shifting from the normal operation mode to the charging warning mode, and from the second threshold value when shifting from the power saving mode to the charging warning mode. Set a small value and the same value when shifting from the normal operation mode to the power cutoff mode and when shifting from the power saving mode to the power cutoff mode.
The electronic clock according to claim 1. The control unit sets the first threshold value to a different value in the case of the normal operation mode and the case of the power saving mode.
The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2 . The power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes.
The control unit sets the second threshold value to a different value for each of the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode.
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The control unit sets the first threshold value to a different value for each of the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode.
The electronic clock according to claim 4 . The control unit sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value in the mode in which the power consumption is relatively high in the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode to relatively small values, and the power consumption is reduced. The first threshold value and the second threshold value in a relatively small mode are set to relatively large values.
The electronic clock according to claim 5 . In the plurality of different modes of the power saving mode, the control unit sets the second threshold value in the second mode, which consumes the least power next to the first mode, to the first threshold value or less in the first mode. Set to,
The electronic clock according to claim 5 or 6 . It is equipped with a time measuring unit that operates by the electric power supplied from the battery and measures the time displayed by the clock operating unit.
The power saving mode is a mode in which the operating portion of the clock operating unit is reduced from the normal operating mode while maintaining the power supply from the battery to the timing unit.
The power cutoff mode is a mode in which the supply of electric power from the battery to the clock operating unit and the time measuring unit is cut off.
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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