JP4970910B2 - Electronic clock - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of an electronic timepiece that electromagnetically corrects time.

  Conventionally, the time correction of electronic timepieces, especially the time adjustment of hand-display-type electronic timepieces using hands, has been performed by a mechanical adjustment mechanism. Alternatively, an electronic timepiece having an electromagnetic correction mechanism that combines a crown and an electrical switch and fast-forwards a motor to adjust the hands by a radio timepiece that needs to synchronize an electronic counter and a pointer is disclosed (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  The correction mechanism of an electronic timepiece disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like includes an electrical switch that interlocks with the rotation operation of the crown, a switch interval measurement circuit that measures a time interval of a switch signal from the electrical switch, and the measurement circuit. It consists of a correction signal output circuit that outputs signals with different numbers and frequencies based on the switch interval measurement data from, a drive circuit that drives the pulse motor based on the correction signal, a correction signal control circuit that controls the correction signal output circuit, etc. Is done.

  This conventional electronic watch gradually increases the number of correction pulses in proportion to the speed of rotation of the crown, so even with electromagnetic correction, a correction close to the operating feeling of mechanical crown correction is achieved. It is shown that it can be done.

  As another conventional example, a first means for generating a control pulse corresponding to a manual operation and a slow speed of the manual operation are detected based on the control pulse, and a pulse corresponding to the speed of the manual operation is generated. The first means includes a rotating mechanism coupled to the crown, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the rotating body, and an electronic timepiece correcting mechanism comprising contact pieces contacting and separating from the electrodes. It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). This conventional electronic timepiece correction mechanism changes the number of correction pulses in accordance with the manual operation speed, so that it is easy to correct the time of the timepiece and is excellent in operability.

JP 58-68685 A (2nd page, Fig. 1) JP-A-53-139573 (2nd page, FIG. 2)

  However, the correction mechanism of the conventional pointer display type electronic timepiece determines the correction amount only by the rotation amount and the rotation speed of the crown regardless of the operation position of the crown in the axial direction. However, the crown, which is a manual operation member of an electronic timepiece, has a normal position close to the exterior, a one-stage pulling position that pulls out one step in the axial direction from the exterior, a two-step pulling position that pulls out two steps from the exterior, and the like. Since the proximity distance with the exterior differs depending on the operation position, there is a great difference in operability when the user operates the crown with a finger.

FIG. 17 illustrates the operation position of the crown of the conventional pointer display type electronic timepiece. In FIG. 17, the external appearance of the electronic timepiece includes a display unit 6 having a pointer for displaying time, an exterior 7 covering the display unit 6, a crown 10, and the like. Here, the normal position of the crown 10 is arranged so that a part of the crown 10 is fitted in the concave portion 7a of the exterior 7 as shown in the figure, and when attempting to operate the crown 10 in this state, the crown 10 is picked. The finger (not shown) is obstructed by the exterior 7 and it is difficult to pick the crown 10 and the operability is very poor. In addition, the crown 10 is located slightly away from the exterior 7 at the one-step pull position of the crown 10, so that the operability is slightly improved. At the two-step pull position of the crown 10, the crown 10 is farthest from the exterior 7. The operability is good because it is in a different position.

  Here, for example, when the user of the electronic timepiece operates the crown 10 at the normal position shown in the figure to correct the pointer, it is difficult to pick the crown 10 at the normal position, so the user turns the crown 10 to change the pointer. If the crown 10 is continuously moved, the crown 10 does not rotate as expected, and a problem that the pointer advances only slightly is likely to occur.

  In addition, the correction contents of the crown are switched for each operation position. For example, when the second minute hand correction is performed at the two-step operation position of the crown, a relatively large number of correction pulses are often required. When the hour hand is corrected to correct the time difference at the normal position, a small correction pulse is often sufficient.

  As described above, the conventional electronic timepiece has a drawback that the operability is greatly different depending on the operation position of the crown, and correction suitable for the correction contents to be switched depending on the operation position of the crown is necessary. However, as in the past, if the correction amount is determined only by the rotation amount or rotation speed of the crown regardless of the operation position of the crown, depending on the operation position, the pointer may move against the user's intention, resulting in poor operability. There is a big problem in using an electronic timepiece that gives the person a sense of discomfort and irritation. In particular, recent wristwatches are given priority to design, and in many cases, the crown is mostly fitted into the exterior at the normal position of the crown, and improving the operability at the normal position of the crown is an important issue. .

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an electromagnetic correction type electronic timepiece having excellent operability for correcting a pointer regardless of the operation position of the crown.

  In order to solve the above problems, the electronic timepiece of the present invention employs the following configuration.

An electronic timepiece according to the present invention includes a time measuring means for measuring a reference signal from a time reference source, a time display means for displaying time information of the time measuring means, a driving means for driving the time display means, and a time of the time measuring means. An electronic timepiece having a crown for correcting information by manual operation, a crown position detecting means for detecting the axial position of the crown and outputting a crown position signal, and a crown rotation signal by detecting the rotation state of the crown The crown rotation detection means for outputting the crown, and the crown rotation signal measurement condition is varied according to the position of the crown in the axial direction. Based on the measurement information of the crown rotation signal measured by the varied measurement condition, the time counting means It includes a correction control means for varying the corrected amount of time information, a correction control means, the crown rotation signal in response to the axial position of the crown Timer setting means for changing the timer time as a measurement condition, measuring means for measuring the number of times the crown rotation signal is generated within the timer time, and correction amount of time information of the time measuring means based on the measurement information from the measuring means And a correction signal generating means for varying.

Thereby, the correction amount of the time information suitable for each operation position in the axial direction of the crown can be varied based on the rotation state of the crown , and is measured within the timer time that is varied based on the operation position of the crown. Because the amount of correction of time information is variable depending on the crown rotation signal, it is possible to select an appropriate correction amount for each operation position, and it is easy to operate, making up for the drawbacks of the crown switch, which has different operability depending on the operation position. An easy-to-use electronic timepiece can be provided. Moreover, since the rotation state of the crown is measured by the number of occurrences within the timer time, the correction amount changes stepwise for an instantaneous change in the rotation state, and a reliable time correction without a sense of incongruity can be realized. .

Further, a time counting means for measuring a reference signal from the time reference source, a time display means for displaying time information of the time counting means, a driving means for driving the time display means, and time information of the time counting means by manual operation. An electronic timepiece having a crown for correction, crown position detecting means for detecting the position of the crown in the axial direction and outputting a crown position signal, and crown rotation for detecting the rotation state of the crown and outputting a crown rotation signal The measurement condition of the crown rotation signal is varied according to the detection means and the position of the crown in the axial direction, and the correction amount of the time information of the time counting means based on the measurement information of the crown rotation signal measured by the varied measurement condition includes a correction control means for varying the the, correction control means is the measurement condition of the crown rotation signal in response to the axial position of the crown Clock setting means for changing the frequency of the lock signal, measuring means for measuring the period of the crown rotation signal by this clock signal, and correction for changing the correction amount of the time information of the time measuring means based on the measurement information from the measuring means And a signal generating means.

Thereby, the correction amount of the time information suitable for each operation position in the axial direction of the crown can be varied based on the rotation state of the crown , and is measured by a clock signal that is varied based on the operation position of the crown. Since the amount of correction of the time information can be changed by the crown rotation signal, it is possible to select an appropriate amount of correction for each operating position, which compensates for the drawbacks of the crown switch, which has different operability depending on the operating position, and is easy to use. An easy-to-use electronic timepiece can be provided. Further, since the rotation state of the crown is measured at the period of the crown rotation signal (that is, time interval), an instantaneous change in the rotation state can be measured quickly, and a time response with good response can be realized.

  The correction signal generating means outputs a correction signal whose correction amount is varied based on a change in measurement information from the measurement means, and the time information of the time measuring means is corrected by the correction signal.

  As a result, the amount of correction of the time information is varied in accordance with the change in the rotation state of the crown. Therefore, the correction according to the intention of the user is possible, and an easy-to-use electronic timepiece can be provided.

  The correction signal generating means outputs a correction signal in which the correction amount is divided into at least two stages based on the change of the measurement information from the measuring means, and the time information of the time counting means is corrected by the divided correction signal. It is characterized by that.

  As a result, the amount of correction of time information can be divided into at least two types according to changes in the rotation state of the crown, making it possible to make detailed corrections according to the user's intention and providing an easy-to-use electronic timepiece. I can do it.

  The correction control means is characterized in that the correction signal selects a correction digit for correcting the time information of the time counting means based on the position of the crown in the axial direction detected by the crown position detecting means.

  As a result, the amount of correction can be changed according to the correction digit selected by the operation position of the crown in the axial direction (that is, the minute digit, hour digit, etc.), so fine adjustments suitable for the correction digit can be set. This makes it possible to provide an electronic watch with excellent operability.

Further, if the crown control signal is detected during the driving of the driving means, the correction control means outputs a correction signal for correcting the correction amount of the time information of the time measuring means by one step, and the correction signal is output after the driving of the driving means is completed. And driving means.

  As a result, the crown rotation signal is detected and the correction signal is output even when the driving means is being driven, so that the driving means can be additionally driven after the driving means is driven and used in accordance with the rotational state of the crown. It is possible to provide an electronic watch that is easy to use.

  Further, the crown rotation detecting means outputs 5 to 20 crown rotation signals for one rotation of the crown.

  As a result, the rotational state of the crown can be detected in detail, so that the pointer can be reliably corrected even when the crown is delicately rotated.

  The electronic timepiece is a pointer display type timepiece.

  As a result, the electromagnetic pointer correction of the pointer display type timepiece can be performed with an operation feeling close to the crown operation of the mechanical type correction, so that an easy-to-use pointer display type electronic timepiece with excellent operability can be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the correction amount of the time information suitable for each operation position in the axial direction of the crown is variable based on the rotation state of the crown, so that the disadvantage of the crown whose operability differs depending on the operation position is compensated. An operational feeling close to the crown operation for mechanical correction can be obtained, and an easy-to-use electronic timepiece with excellent operability can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is an explanatory view for explaining the appearance and the operation position of the crown of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correction mode of the year and month since the leap year according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration around the crown of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating the configuration of the crown position detection switch of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating the configuration of the crown rotation detection switch of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the crown rotation detection switch of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a measurement routine for explaining the outline of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a correction routine for explaining the outline of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the correction operation of the sections 1 and 2 at the crown 1-step position of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the correction operation of the sections 3 and 4 at the crown 1-step position of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining a correction operation at the crown two-step pulling position of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining a correction operation at the crown normal position of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a measurement routine for explaining the outline of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining the correction operation of the sections 1 and 2 at the crown 1-step position of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining the correction operation of the sections 3 and 4 at the crown 1-step position of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the electrical configuration of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the number of times the crown rotation signal is generated is measured by a timer and the correction amount of the time information of the time measuring means is varied. Further, it is assumed that the electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment is a radio wave correction clock that receives a standard radio wave and automatically corrects the time.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A time reference source 2 includes a crystal oscillator and a frequency dividing circuit, and outputs a 1-second signal P1 and a control clock signal P2 that are reference signals. Reference numeral 3 denotes a clock circuit as time measuring means, which inputs a 1-second signal P1 and measures and stores time information such as seconds, minutes, hours, days, and months, and a motor control signal P3 based on the time information. Output.

  A motor drive unit 4 receives the motor control signal P3 and outputs two motor drive signals P4 and P5. Reference numeral 5a denotes a second step motor (hereinafter abbreviated as a second motor) that drives the second hand and the minute hand as driving means, and is driven by a motor drive signal P4. Reference numeral 5b denotes an hour / day step motor (hereinafter abbreviated as hour / day motor) for driving the hour hand and the date plate as driving means, which is driven by a motor drive signal P5. Reference numeral 6 denotes a display unit as a time display means, which includes a second hand, a minute hand, an hour hand, and the like.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a crown, which includes two crown position detection switches S3 and S4 as crown position detection means and two crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 as crown rotation detection means. One terminal of the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 is connected to the power source Vdd, and crown position signals P6 and P7 are output from the other terminal, respectively. Also, one terminal of the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 is connected to the power source Vdd, and crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are output from the other terminal, respectively. The details of the crown 10, the crown position detection switches S3 and S4, and the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 will be described later.

  S1 is a push switch, which is arranged independently of the crown 10, one terminal is connected to the power supply Vdd, and the push switch signal P10 is output from the other terminal. Reference numeral 20 denotes a correction control unit as a correction control unit, which includes a timer setting unit 21 as a timer setting unit, a measurement unit 22 as a measurement unit, and a correction signal generation unit 23 as a correction signal generation unit. The correction control unit 20 inputs crown position signals P6 and P7, crown rotation signals P8 and P9, a push switch signal P10, and a control clock signal P2.

  The timer setting unit 21 of the correction control unit 20 inputs the crown position signals P6 and P7 and outputs a timer signal P11. The measuring unit 22 receives crown rotation signals P8 and P9, measures the number of occurrences by an internal timer, and outputs measurement data P12 as measurement information. That is, the measurement data P12 indicates the number of times the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are generated, and the value corresponds to the amount of rotation of the crown 10. The correction signal generator 23 receives the measurement data P12 and outputs a correction signal P13 for correcting the time information of the clock circuit 3. The correction signal P13 is a signal that represents the correction amount of the time information by, for example, the number of pulses.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes an ultra-small antenna that receives standard radio waves. A receiving unit 31 receives a received radio wave from the antenna 30, selectively amplifies a weak standard radio wave, converts it into a digital signal, and outputs a demodulated signal P14. A radio wave correction unit 32 receives the demodulated signal P14, decodes the time information format by a decoding algorithm, acquires standard time information, and outputs standard time data P15. The clock circuit 3 inputs the standard time data P15 and corrects the stored time information to the standard time.

  Each electronic circuit constituting the electronic timepiece 1 is preferably constituted by a one-chip microcomputer except for some special circuits. In this embodiment, the radio wave correction timepiece is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to an electronic timepiece having no radio wave correction function.

Next, the external appearance and basic operation of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). In FIG. 2A, the external appearance of the electronic timepiece 1 includes a display unit 6, an exterior 7 made of metal, a crown 10, a push switch S1, and the like. The display unit 6 includes a second hand 6a, a minute hand 6b, an hour hand 6c, and a date plate 6d for displaying a date. Further, the crown 10 is arranged in the 3 o'clock direction on the side surface of the exterior 7 and is close to the exterior 7 in the normal position.
A part of the crown is placed in the exterior 7, but the crown 10 is pushed and pulled in the axial direction of the arrow A by the operation of the user (not shown), so that it is slightly away from the exterior 7. It is possible to move to a certain one-step pulling position and a two-step pulling position that is the position farthest from the exterior 7.

  Further, the crown 10 is rotated as indicated by an arrow B to correct the time display displayed on the display unit 6. Note that rotating the crown 10 in the 12 o'clock direction is defined as normal rotation, and rotating the crown 10 in the 6 o'clock direction is defined as reverse rotation. The push switch S1 is disposed on the side surface of the exterior 7 slightly away from the crown 10, and is operated by pressing. The positions of the crown 10 and the push switch S1 are not limited. Reference numeral 8 denotes a band for mounting the electronic timepiece 1 on the user's arm.

  Here, an example of the basic operation of the crown 10 and the push switch S1 will be described. In the state where the crown 10 is placed at the normal position, the electronic timepiece 1 performs a normal hand movement operation and continues the time display. When the crown 10 is in the normal position and the push switch S1 is pressed once, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the time difference correction mode. In the time difference correction mode, the time difference can be corrected by moving the hour hand 6c in units of one hour by rotating the crown 10 forward or backward.

  The electronic timepiece 1 is an uncorrected timepiece at the end of the month. When the crown 10 is pulled in the axial direction of the arrow A to the one-step pulling position, the mode shifts to the correction mode for the elapsed year and month since the leap year. Here, based on FIG.2 (b), operation of the correction mode of the elapsed year and month from a leap year is demonstrated. In FIG. 2 (b), in the correction mode of the year and month since the leap year, when the second hand 6a is at 0 to 3 seconds, it indicates 12 months, and when the second hand 6a is at 5 to 8 seconds, 1 It indicates the month, and when the second hand 6a is between 10 seconds and 13 seconds, it indicates February. Similarly, the month from January to December is displayed according to the position of the second hand 6a.

  In the month display, when the second hand 6a is at the first step position, that is, the 0 second position in the December display, the 5 second position in the 1 month display, and the 10 second position in the 2 month display. Indicates that the year is a leap year. In the month display, the second hand 6a is located at the second step position, that is, the 1 second position in the December display, the 6 second position in the 1 month display, and the 11 second position in the 2 month display. Sometimes, it indicates that the year is the first year after the leap year. In the month display, the second hand 6a is located at the third step position, that is, the 2 second position in the December display, the 7 second position in the 1 month display, and the 12 second position in the 2 month display. Sometimes it indicates that the year is the second year after the leap year.

  In the month display, the second hand 6a is positioned at the fourth step position, that is, the 3 second position in the December display, the 8 second position in the January display, and the 13 second position in the February display. In some cases, the year is the third year after the leap year. The same applies to the display from March to November. That is, in the correction mode of the year and month since the leap year, the elapsed year from the leap year (that is, how many years have passed since the leap year) and the month from January to December are displayed according to the position of the second hand 6a. . Then, by rotating the crown 10 forward in this correction mode, the second hand 6a is advanced step by step in the order of leap year, first year, second year, third year and leap year of the next month every month. I can do it.

  Similarly, by reversing the crown 10 in this correction mode, the second hand 6a is moved to the third year, the second year, the first year, the leap year, and the third year of the previous month for each month. It can be advanced by reverse feed one by one. The position of the second hand 6a shown in FIG. 2 (b) represents December in the third year from the leap year. Further, since there is an interval of one step (1 second) between the third year and the leap year, only when the second hand 6a moves between the two years (2 seconds), control is performed to advance.

  Next, in FIG. 2A, when the crown 10 is set to the two-step pulling position, the electronic timepiece 1 fast-forwards the second hand 6a and places it at the 00 second position, and shifts to the time correction mode for seconds. In the second minute correction mode, the time can be adjusted by rotating the crown 10 forward or backward to cause the second hand 6a to rotate forward or backward in units of 60 seconds (that is, in units of one minute). The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment is a radio wave correction timepiece and includes a reception button for receiving a standard radio wave. However, the description is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

  In addition, the radio-controlled timepiece needs to first match the hands with a reference position (for example, 12:00:00) in order to match the hands with the internal time information before starting use. The transition to the reference position correction mode is performed, for example, by continuously pressing the push switch S1 for 10 seconds or more. In the reference position correction mode, the hour hand 6c is corrected at the first pulling position, and the second hand 6a and the minute hand 6b are corrected at the second pulling position. These correction operations are time correction and time difference correction for normal seconds. Since this is basically the same as the operation of, the description is omitted. The basic operation and the correction method shown here are merely examples, and are not limited.

  Next, the peripheral mechanism of the crown 10 of the electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a substantially disk-shaped ground plate that holds various components of the electronic timepiece 1. Reference numeral 12 denotes a winding stem that serves as an axis of the crown 10, and is engaged with the inside of the side surface of the main plate 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a setting lever, which is a plate-like component that engages with the winding stem 12 and determines the axial position of the winding stem 12 when the winding stem 12 is pushed and pulled with respect to the main plate 11. A crown position switch spring 14 is fixed to the setting lever 13 and is rotated together with the setting lever 13 by pushing and pulling the winding stem 12.

  A crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is located at the tip of the crown position switch spring 14 and acts as a contact point for the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 described above. A switch wheel 15 is engaged with the winding stem 12 and rotates by the rotation of the winding stem 12. Reference numeral 16 denotes a neutral spring, the tip of which engages with the teeth of the switch wheel 15, and the neutral spring 16 moves left and right as the switch wheel 15 rotates. The neutral spring 16 is supported by a neutral spring main body portion 16a, and the neutral spring main body portion 16a is fixed to the main plate 11.

  A crown rotation switch spring 17 is fixed to the neutral spring 16 and operates to the left and right according to the movement of the neutral spring 16. Reference numeral 17a denotes a crown rotation switch spring contact portion, which is located at the tip of the crown rotation switch spring 17 and functions as a contact point of the above-described crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4. Reference numeral 18 denotes a guide plate that contacts the neutral spring 16 and guides the movement of the neutral spring 16.

  Next, the structure and operation of the crown position detection switch of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, when the crown 10 is operated to push and pull the winding stem 12 in the direction of arrow A, the winding stem 12 which is the shaft of the crown 10 and the crown 10 is moved to the normal position and the one-step pulling position by the action of the setting lever 13. It moves to one of the three positions of the 2-step pulling position. The setting lever 13 engaged with the winding stem 12 rotates as shown in the figure by pushing and pulling the winding stem 12 with a pin 19 fixed to the base plate 11 as a fulcrum.

Here, the crown position switch spring 14 fixed to the setting lever 13 rotates along with the rotation of the setting lever 13, whereby the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is referred to as H0, H1, and H2, as shown in the figure. Move to three positions. That is, when the crown 10 is in the normal position, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is at the position H0, and when the crown 10 is in the one-step pull position, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is at the position H1. When the crown 10 is in the two-step pull position, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is in the position H2.

  Although not shown, a circuit board is disposed in parallel with the ground plate 11 on the upper surface of the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a, and the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a is connected to the circuit board while being in contact with the circuit board. Move by sliding on the substrate. No electrodes are formed on the circuit board corresponding to the position H0 of the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a, and electrodes are formed on the circuit boards corresponding to the positions H1 and H2.

  That is, an electrode of the crown position detection switch S3 is formed on the circuit board corresponding to the position H1, and when the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a moves to the position H1, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a and the crown position detection switch S3 The electrodes are electrically connected. Further, an electrode of the crown position detection switch S4 is formed on the circuit board corresponding to the position H2, and when the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a moves to the position H2, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a and the crown position detection switch S4 The electrodes are electrically connected. Further, the crown position switch spring contact portion 14 a is connected to the power source Vdd through the main plate 11.

  With the above configuration, when the crown 10 is in the normal position, no electrodes are formed on the circuit board corresponding to the position H0, so that the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 are both OFF. In addition, when the crown 10 is in the one-step pulling position, the electrodes of the crown position detection switch S3 formed on the circuit board come into contact with the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a and are connected to the power source Vdd. The position detection switch S3 is turned on, and the crown position signal P6 is output.

  Further, when the crown 10 is in the two-step pulling position, the electrode of the crown position detection switch S4 formed on the circuit board is in contact with the crown position switch spring contact portion 14a and connected to the power source Vdd. The position detection switch S4 is turned ON, and the crown position signal P7 is output. By the above operation, the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 can detect the position of the crown 10 in the axial direction.

  Next, the configuration of the crown rotation detection switch of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the switch wheel 15 engages with the winding stem 12 and rotates in both directions indicated by an arrow B with the winding stem 12 as an axis. The neutral spring 16 meshes with the teeth of the switch wheel 15, and the neutral spring 16 moves slightly to the left and right on the drawing as the switch wheel 15 rotates. Since the crown rotation switch spring 17 is fixed to the neutral spring 16, the crown rotation switch spring 17 moves slightly to the left and right as the neutral spring 16 moves.

  A circuit board 9 has a board hole 9a in a part thereof. Here, the circuit board 9 is shown as a cross-sectional view around the board hole 9a. Here, crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are formed on opposing side surfaces of the substrate hole 9a. The crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a is placed inside the substrate hole 9a, and the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are formed on the side surfaces of the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a and the substrate hole 9a. Are arranged close to each other. The crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17 a is connected to a power source Vdd via a neutral spring 16.

  With the above configuration, when the switch wheel 15 is rotated by the winding stem 12, the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a moves to the left and right in the drawing, so that it is formed on the side surface where the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a and the substrate hole 9a face each other. The electrodes of the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected to the power source Vdd.

  That is, when the switch wheel 15 is rotated to the right in the drawing by the winding stem 12, the neutral spring 16 is moved to the right, whereby the crown rotation switch spring 17 is also moved to the right. Then, the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a contacts with the electrode of the crown rotation detection switch K3, and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON. Further, when the switch wheel 15 is rotated leftward in the drawing by the winding stem 12, the neutral spring 16 is moved leftward, whereby the crown rotation switch spring 17 is also moved leftward. Then, the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a comes into contact with the electrode of the crown rotation detection switch K4, and the crown rotation detection switch K4 is turned ON.

  Next, a specific operation of the crown rotation detection switch K3 for detecting the rotation of the crown 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, if the winding stem 12 that is the shaft of the crown 10 rotates in the direction of arrow C (that is, clockwise), the neutral spring 16 that meshes with the switch wheel 15 that rotates together with the winding stem 12 is in the direction of arrow D ( That is, it moves in the right direction on the drawing. The movement of the neutral spring 16 causes the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a to receive a pulling force in the direction of arrow D, thereby causing the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a and the crown on the circuit board 9 adjacent to the right side thereof. The electrodes of the rotation detection switch K3 are in contact with each other as shown, and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on.

  Here, when the neutral spring 16 moves in the direction of arrow D, the neutral spring 16 comes into contact with the guide plate 18 located on the right side, and the neutral spring 16 rises along the slope of the guide plate 18 in the direction of arrow E. When 16 rises to a certain height, the tip of the neutral spring 16 is disengaged from the teeth of the switch wheel 15, and the neutral spring 16 is engaged with the next tooth of the switch wheel 15. Here, when the neutral spring 16 is disengaged from the meshed teeth of the switch wheel 15, the force for pulling the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a in the direction of arrow D is released, and the crown rotation switch spring contact portion 17a is returned to its original position. Returning, the contact with the electrode of the crown rotation detection switch K3 is released and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned OFF.

  Here, if the guide plate 18 is not present, the neutral spring 16 moves only in the direction of the arrow D. Therefore, in order for the neutral spring 16 to be disengaged from the engagement with the switch wheel 15, the switch wheel 15 must rotate greatly. Therefore, the number of teeth of the switch wheel 15 cannot be increased. That is, the neutral spring 16 can be detached with a small rotation angle of the switch wheel 15 by the action of the guide plate 18, and the number of teeth of the switch wheel 15 can be increased. Therefore, the action of the guide plate 18 that guides the movement of the neutral spring 16 and moves the neutral spring 16 in the direction of arrow E is important.

  In addition, although FIG. 6 demonstrated the effect | action when the switch wheel 15 rotated rightward on drawing, when the switch wheel 15 rotated leftward on drawing, crown rotation detection switch K4 is ON / OFF operation | movement. Since the operation is the same, the description is omitted.

  By the above operation, the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 can repeat the ON / OFF operation for each tooth of the switch wheel 15 to detect the rotation state of the crown 10 in detail. In this embodiment, since the number of teeth of the switch wheel 15 is 15, the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are turned ON / OFF 15 times by one rotation of the crown 10, and the crown rotation signal P8 or P9 is output. Here, if the number of teeth of the switch wheel is designed between 5 and 20, and if 5 to 20 crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are output by one rotation of the crown 10, the rotation of the crown 10 is appropriately set. It has been confirmed by experiments that it is possible to detect the current and to perform the ON / OFF operation with certainty.

Next, an outline of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. As a premise of the description, the configuration of the electronic timepiece of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, and the correction operation described will be the forward rotation processing of the crown 10. Further, the flowchart of this embodiment includes a measurement routine 1 shown in FIG. 7 and a correction routine shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the timer setting unit 21 of the correction control unit 20 inputs the crown position signal P6 and determines whether the crown position detection switch S3 is ON (step ST1). If the determination is affirmative (that is, S3: ON), the process proceeds to step ST2, and if the determination is negative (that is, S3: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST3.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST1, the timer setting unit 21 shifts to the correction mode for the year and month since leap year because the crown 10 is in the one-stage drawing position, and the passage from the leap year as a correction digit. The year and month digits are selected, the timer set value is set to 180 mS, the timer signal P11 is output, and the process proceeds to the next step (step ST2). At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 2B, the position of the second hand 6a represents the elapsed year and month since the leap year, and the second hand 6a is moved every second by turning on the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 due to the rotation of the crown 10. Driven, the years and months since leap year are corrected.

  If a negative determination is made in step ST1, the timer setting unit 21 inputs the crown position signal P7 and determines whether the crown position detection switch S4 is ON (step ST3). If the determination is affirmative (that is, S4: ON), the process proceeds to step ST4, and if the determination is negative (that is, S4: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST5.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST3, the timer setting unit 21 shifts to the correction mode for the second because the crown 10 is in the two-step drawing position, and the minute digit is selected as the correction digit. The timer set value is set to 120 mS, the timer signal P11 is output, and the process proceeds to the next step (step ST4). In the second correction mode, the second hand 6a is driven by 60 pulses (ie, 60 seconds) by turning on the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 due to the rotation of the crown 10.

  If a negative determination is made in step ST3, the timer setting unit 21 determines that the crown 10 is in the normal position because both the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 are OFF. When the push switch S1 is turned on, the mode shifts to the time difference correction mode, the hour digit is selected as the correction digit, the timer set value is set to 240 mS, and the timer signal P11 is output, and the process proceeds to the next step ( Step ST5). In this time difference correction mode, the hour hand 6c is driven by 20 pulses each time the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are turned on by the rotation of the crown 10. The reason why the 20 pulses are driven is that the hour hand 6c advances by 1 hour by driving the hour / day motor 5b by 20 pulses. That is, in the time difference correction mode, correction is performed hourly.

  As described above, the timer setting unit 21 performs control to detect the operation position of the crown 10 in the axial direction, vary the timer time, and select a correction digit of the time information. The timer time is a measurement time for measuring the number of times the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are generated. By varying the timer time, the measurement conditions for the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are varied.

  Here, the reason for selecting the longest timer time at the normal position of the crown 10 is that the operability is poor at the normal position and the rotation operation of the crown 10 tends to become dull. To compensate for this, the long timer time is set. This is for reliably measuring the number of times the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are generated. The reason for selecting the shortest timer time at the second pulling position of the crown 10 is that the operability is best at the two pulling position and the crown 10 can be rotated quickly, so measurement is performed with a short timer time. This is to achieve a measurement balance with other operation positions. Thereby, the fault from which operativity changes with the operation positions of the crown 10 can be compensated by changing measurement conditions.

  In this embodiment, the timer time is set to 240 mS at the normal position of the crown 10, 180 mS at the 1st pulling position, and 120 mS at the 2nd pulling position, but is not limited to this value, and can be changed arbitrarily. good. Although different timer times are set for the crown 10 at the normal position, the first pulling position, and the second pulling position, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the timer time at the normal position may be set to 240 mS, and the timer times at the first and second pulling positions may be set to 160 mS.

  Next, the measuring unit 22 of the correction control unit 20 inputs the timer signal P11 from the timer setting unit 21 to set the selected timer time in the internal timer, and also inputs the crown rotation signal P8 to detect the crown rotation. It is determined whether the switch K3 is turned on (step ST6). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (ie, K3: ON), it is determined that the crown 10 has been rotated in the forward rotation direction, and the process proceeds to step ST8. If the determination is negative (that is, K3: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST7.

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST6, the measurement unit 22 inputs the crown rotation signal P9 and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K4 is turned on (step ST7). If the determination is affirmative (ie, K4: ON), the crown 10 has been rotated in the reverse rotation direction, and the process proceeds to the reverse rotation process. Note that the reverse rotation processing of the crown 10 is basically the same as the normal rotation processing except that the correction is performed by delaying the time, and thus the description thereof is omitted. If the determination is negative (ie, K4: OFF), the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are both OFF and the crown 10 is not rotated, so the process returns to step ST1 and steps ST1 to ST7. Repeat the process.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST6, the measurement unit 22 recognizes that the crown 10 has been rotated in the forward rotation direction, and determines whether or not the internal timer is operating (step ST8). Here, if the determination is affirmative (that is, the timer is continuing), it is determined that the crown rotation detection switch K3 has been turned on again within the timer time (for example, within 180 ms when the crown 10 is in the one-step retracted position), and step ST9. Proceed to If the determination is negative (that is, the timer has expired and the timer is stopped), it is determined that the crown rotation detection switch K3 has not been turned on within the timer time, and the crown rotation detection switch K3 has been newly turned on. The process proceeds to step ST10.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST8, the measurement unit 22 adds 1 to the measurement data P12, which is the number of occurrences of the crown rotation signal P8, because the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on again within the timer time. And output to the next correction routine (step ST9).

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST8, the measurement unit 22 starts an internal timer in which a timer time is set in advance (step ST10). As described above, if the crown 10 is in the normal position, the timer time is set to 240 mS, if the crown 10 is in the one-step retracted position, the timer time is set to 180 ms, and if the crown 10 is in the two-step retracted position, the timer time is set. Is set to 120 mS.

  Next, since the crown rotation detection switch K3 is newly turned on, the measurement unit 22 initializes the measurement data P12 and outputs it as count 1, and proceeds to the next correction routine (step ST11). Note that a count of 1 in the measurement data P12 means that the crown rotation detection switch K3 is newly turned on once.

Next, the correction routine will be described with reference to FIG. This correction routine is performed by measuring data P12.
Depending on the count value, it is determined whether the normal correction operation is executed or the shift to the continuous hand movement correction mode is performed, and the respective correction operations are executed. Here, the correction signal generation unit 23 of the correction control unit 20 inputs the measurement data P12, and determines whether or not to shift to the continuous hand movement correction mode from the count value (step ST20). Here, if the measurement data P12 is, for example, count 4, the determination is affirmative and the process proceeds to step ST27 in which the operation moves to the continuous hand movement correction mode. If the measurement data P12 is, for example, 3 or less, the determination is negative and normal correction is performed. It progresses to step ST21 which is operation | movement.

  Note that the measurement data P12 having a count of 4 means that the crown rotation detection switch K3 has been turned ON four times within the timer time (for example, within 180 ms), which means that the user of the electronic timepiece 1 has set the crown 10 considerably. By rotating at a speed of. That is, when the user of the electronic timepiece rotates the crown 10 at a considerable speed, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

  Further, the count value of the measurement data P12 that shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications. Further, the count value for shifting to the continuous hand movement correction mode according to the operation position of the crown 10 may be a different value. For example, when the crown 10 is in the 1-step pulling position, the measurement data P12 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode with a count of 4, and the measurement data P12 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode with a count of 3 in the 2-step pulling position. At the position, control may be performed such that the measurement data P12 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode with a count of 2.

  As described above, by changing the timer time according to the operation position of the crown 10 and by changing the count value of the measurement data P12 that shifts to the continuous movement correction mode, the shift to the continuous movement correction mode corresponding to the correction content is made. In addition, it is possible to realize a transition to the continuous hand movement correction mode that compensates for the defect of the crown whose operability varies depending on the operation position.

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST20, the process proceeds to a normal correction operation, and the correction control unit 20 inputs a signal (not shown) from the motor drive unit 4 to check whether the motor drive unit 4 is driving the motor. Determination is made (step ST21). If the determination is affirmative (that is, the motor is being driven), the process proceeds to step ST22. If the determination is negative (that is, the motor is stopped), the process proceeds to step ST24. “Motor driving” indicates that the motor driving unit 4 is driving the motor 5a or the hour / day motor 5b for the second time and the display unit 6 is in the hand moving state.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST21, the measurement unit 22 inputs the crown rotation signal P8 and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on (step ST22). If the determination is affirmative (that is, K3: ON), the process proceeds to the next step. If the determination is negative (that is, K3: OFF), the process returns to step ST21 to determine again whether the motor is being driven.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST22, the measurement unit 22 adds 1 to the measurement data P12 when the timer is continuing. When the timer is stopped, the timer is newly started, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to count 1 (step ST23). And after execution of step ST23, it returns to step ST20 and repeats the transition determination to continuous hand movement correction mode.

Next, if a negative determination (ie, motor stop) is made in step ST21, the motor drive unit 4 has finished driving the motor, so the correction signal generation unit 23 of the correction control unit 20 The measurement data P12 is input, the number of pulses is set as the correction amount of the correction signal P13 based on the measurement data P12, and after the correction signal P13 is output to the clock circuit 3, the process proceeds to the next step (step ST24). The correction signal P13 input to the timepiece circuit 3 includes correction digit information indicating the hour and minute based on the operation position information of the crown 10 as well as a correction amount for correcting the time information.

  Here, when the crown 10 is in the one-step pulling position, as described above in step ST2, it is the correction mode for the elapsed year and month since the leap year, and if the measurement data P12 is 1, the correction signal P13 of one pulse, for example, It is added to the elapsed year and month digits which are the correction digits of the time information, and if the measurement data P12 is count 2, the two-pulse correction signal P13 is added to the elapsed year and month digits which are the correction digits of the time information. If the measurement data P12 is a count of 3, a three-pulse correction signal P13 is added to the elapsed year and month digits that are the correction digits of the time information.

  Further, at the two-step pull position of the crown 10, as described above in step ST4, the second correction mode is set. If the measurement data P12 is equal to or greater than 1, the digit of the time information as the correction digit is set to one step. In order to advance (ie, 1 minute), one pulse of the correction signal P13 is added to the minute digit of the clock circuit 3. Here, even if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice or more while the motor 5a is being driven for a second, and the count value of the measurement data P12 becomes 2 or more, the second and subsequent times are not changed unless the continuous hand movement correction mode is entered. The ON signal expires and the correction signal P13 is set to one pulse, and it is prohibited to advance the time one minute or more continuously. Thus, in the normal correction operation for seconds, the continuous correction operation is prohibited, and is distinguished from the correction operation in the continuous hand movement correction mode described later.

  Further, at the normal position of the crown 10, as described above in step ST5, the time difference correction mode is set. If the measurement data P12 is greater than or equal to 1, the hour digit of the time information as the correction digit is set by one step (ie, 1). In order to advance (time), one pulse of the correction signal P13 is added to the hour digit of the clock circuit 3. Here, even if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice or more while the hour / day motor 5b is being driven and the count value of the measurement data P12 becomes 2 or more, the second and subsequent times are not changed unless the continuous hand movement correction mode is entered. The ON signal expires and the correction signal P13 is set to one pulse, and it is prohibited to continuously advance the time difference. Thus, even in the normal correction operation of the time difference, the continuous correction operation is prohibited, and is distinguished from the correction operation in the continuous hand correction mode described later.

  Next, the clock circuit 3 inputs the correction signal P13 from the correction signal generator 23, corrects the stored time information according to the correction signal P13, and corresponds to the corrected time information with the motor 5a and the hour. A motor control signal P3 for driving the date motor 5b is output (step ST25). Here, for example, if the correction signal P13 is a minute digit correction signal, the minute time information is corrected and the motor control signal P3 for driving the motor 5a for the second is output, and the hour digit is corrected. If it is a signal, the time information of the hour is corrected and a motor control signal P3 for driving the hour / day motor 5b is output.

  Next, the motor drive unit 4 outputs motor drive signals P4 and P5 based on the motor control signal P3, and drives the motor 5a or hour / day motor 5b for seconds (step ST26). Here, for example, if the display unit 6 is advanced by 1 second, in order to advance the second hand 6a by 1 second, a one-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output to the motor 5a for a second. If the display unit 6 is advanced by 1 minute, a 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output to the motor 5a for a second in order to advance the second hand 6a by 60 seconds. This is because the second hand 6a is advanced by 60 seconds and the minute hand 6b is advanced by 1 minute by driving the motor 5a for 60 seconds.

  If the display unit 6 is advanced by 1 hour, a 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is output to the hour / day motor 5b in order to advance the hour hand 6c by 1 hour. This is because, as described above, the hour hand 6c advances by one hour by driving the hour / day motor 5b by 20 pulses.

  Next, after step ST26 is completed, the process returns to step ST1, which is the first of the measurement routine 1, and the input determination operation of the crown position detection switches S3, S4 and the crown rotation detection switches K3, K4 is continued again.

  Next, the continuous hand movement correction mode will be described. If an affirmative determination is made in step ST20, the correction control unit 20 first enters the continuous hand movement preparation period, and prohibits the reception of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 (step ST27).

  Next, the correction signal generator 23 outputs a predetermined correction signal P13 according to the operation position of the crown 10 to correct the time information of the timepiece circuit 3. Here, when the crown 10 is corrected to the elapsed year and the month from the leap year at the one-stage pulling position, for example, the correction signal P13 of 8 to 12 pulses is output to correct the elapsed year and the month from the leap year. Further, when the crown 10 is corrected for the second at the two-stage pulling position, or the time difference is corrected at the normal position, and the second minute motor 5a or the hour / day motor 5b is being driven, the correction signal P13 during the continuous hand movement preparation period Is not output (step ST28).

  Next, the motor drive unit 4 outputs motor drive signals P4 and P5 having a frequency lower than that of the motor drive signals P4 and P5 in the continuous hand correction mode in the continuous hand preparation period, and executes motor drive (step ST29). Here, for example, when the crown 10 is in the one-step pulling position and the year and month have been corrected since the leap year, if the frequency of the motor drive signals P4 and P5 in the continuous hand movement correction mode is 64 Hz, 1/2 of that 8 to 12 pulses of the 32 Hz motor drive signals P4 and P5 are output according to the correction signal P13. Further, in the case where the crown 10 is corrected for the second at the two-stage pulling position or the time difference at the normal position, if the frequency of the motor drive signals P4 and P5 in the continuous hand movement correction mode is 64 Hz, 1 / 2 32 Hz motor drive signals P4 and P5 are output for a predetermined period.

  The reason for outputting the motor drive signals P4 and P5 having a frequency lower than the frequency of the motor drive signals P4 and P5 in the continuous hand movement correction mode by providing this continuous hand movement preparation period is the continuous hand movement. This is to inform the user of the transition to the continuous movement correction mode by temporarily reducing the movement speed when shifting to the correction mode.

  Next, the correction signal generation unit 23 of the correction control unit 20 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode when the continuous hand preparation period ends (step ST30). In this continuous hand movement correction mode, the correction signal P13 is continuously output according to the respective operation positions, and the time information of the clock circuit 3 is continuously corrected. For example, in the case where the crown 10 is corrected to the year and month since the leap year at the one-step pull position, the correction signal P13 is continuously output to continuously indicate the year and month digits since the leap year of the clock circuit 3. Add and correct. Further, when the crown 10 is corrected for the second at the two-stage pulling position, the correction signal P13 is continuously output, and the digits of the clock circuit 3 are continuously added and corrected. Further, when the crown 10 is corrected for the time difference at the normal position, the correction signal P13 is continuously output, and the hour digit of the timepiece circuit 3 is continuously added for correction (step ST31).

  Next, the clock circuit 3 outputs a motor control signal P3 based on the time information that is continuously added and corrected, and the motor drive unit 4 continuously outputs the motor drive signal P4 or P5 based on the motor control signal P3. The motor 5a or the hour / day motor 5b is driven for a second and continuous hand movement is executed (step ST32).

Here, when the crown 10 is corrected to the elapsed year and month from the leap year at the one-step pulling position, the motor 5a is driven for a second by a motor drive signal P4 of, for example, 64 Hz, and the hands are continuously moved. In addition, when the crown 10 is corrected for the second at the two-stage pulling position, the second hand motor 5a is driven by a motor drive signal P4 of, for example, 64 Hz with 60 pulses as a set, and the hands are continuously moved. In addition, when the crown 10 is used to correct the time difference at the normal position, the hour / day motor 5b is driven by a motor drive signal P5 of, for example, 64 Hz with a set of 20 pulses, and the hands are continuously moved.

  Next, the measurement unit 22 inputs the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K3 or K4 is turned on (step ST33). If the determination is affirmative, it is determined that the crown 10 has been operated in the forward or reverse direction, and the process proceeds to step ST34. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step ST31, and steps ST31 to ST33 are repeated, and the continuous hand movement correction is continued while checking the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4.

  Further, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST33, the correction control unit 20 ends the continuous hand correction mode (step ST34). That is, the correction signal P13 is stopped, the motor drive is terminated, the process returns to the first step ST1 of the measurement routine 1, and the input determination operation of the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 and the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 is continued again. . Note that it is preferable to reduce the power consumption by detecting the ON state of each switch by interruption processing and stopping the processing except the normal hand movement operation when the crown 10 is not operated.

  Here, as is apparent from the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the present invention varies the timer time as a measurement condition for measuring the rotational state of the crown 10 according to the operation position of the crown 10 in the axial direction. The main feature is that the amount of correction of the time information is changed based on the number of times the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are measured by the variable timer time, and the pointer is corrected.

  Next, a specific example of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the timing charts of FIGS. As a premise for the description, the configuration of the electronic timepiece of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, and the correction operation to be described is the forward rotation correction of the crown 10, and the reverse rotation correction is basically the same, and the description thereof will be omitted. First, based on FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, an example of the operation in the correction mode of the year and month display since the leap year when the user of the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment has moved the crown 10 to the one-step pull position. Will be explained.

  9 and 10, it is assumed that the timer time for setting the crown 10 at the first pulling position is 180 mS as described above. Then, the correction amount of the correction signal P13 will be described by dividing it into four stages of Category 1 to Category 4 based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10. That is, category 1 is the case where the crown 10 is slowly rotated and the number of ON times within the timer time is 1 (ON number: small). Category 2 is the case where the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster and the number of ON times within the timer time is 2 (ON frequency: medium). Category 3 is a case where the crown 10 is rotated fast and the number of ON times within the timer time is 3 (ON number: many). Category 4 is a case where the crown 10 is further rotated faster, the number of ONs within the timer time is four, and the mode is shifted to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

  Here, in category 1, when the user slowly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM1 of 180 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T1).

  In synchronization with this timing T1, measurement data P12 of count 1 is output from the measurement unit 22, and a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output from the correction signal generation unit 23 that inputs the measurement data P12. Then, a motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected by the correction signal P13, and a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for one second is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure. The

  Here, in the section 1, since the crown 10 is slowly rotated, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON again during the period of the timer TM1, and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again after the timer TM1 is ended. (Timing T2). The timer TM2 is newly started from this timing T2, and the measurement data P12 of count 1 is output again in synchronization with this timing T2, and the motor control signal is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected based on this measurement data P12. P3 is output, and the motor drive signal P4 is output again by one pulse as shown in FIG.

  That is, in category 1, every time the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON, the measurement data P12 of count 1 is output, and a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. As a result, a one-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output, so that the second hand 6a advances every one-second step in accordance with the slow rotation operation of the crown 10 by the user, and the elapsed year and month since the leap year are corrected. Slowly and reliably executed.

  Next, in category 2, when the user rotates the crown 10 slightly faster in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM3 of 180 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T3). In synchronization with the timing T3, the measurement data P12 and the correction signal P13 are output in the same manner as in the operation of the section 1, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 in which the time information is corrected. Thus, one pulse of the motor drive signal P4 is output.

  Here, since the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster in the section 2, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again during the timer TM3 (timing T4). Another timer TM4 is newly started from this timing T4, and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again during the period of the timer TM3, so that the measurement data P12 measured by the timer TM3 is incremented by one. Two measurement data P12 is output, and a correction signal P13 of two pulses is output as a correction amount by the measurement data P12. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and the motor driving signal P4 is output from the motor driving unit 4 as two pulses as illustrated. In addition, since the timer TM4 is newly started, another measurement data P12 by the timer TM4 is initialized and the count becomes 1.

  Also, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again during the period of the timer TM4 (timing T5). Here, since the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again during the period of the timer TM4, the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM4 is added by 1, and the measurement data P12 of count 2 is output. The two-pulse correction signal P13 is output again. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and the motor driving signal P4 is output from the motor driving unit 4 as two pulses as illustrated. In addition, the timer TM5 is newly started from this timing T5.

  That is, in section 2, the correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as the correction amount when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is first turned on, and the correction signal P13 of 2 pulses is output as the correction amount when the crown is turned on for the second time and thereafter. The second hand 6a first advances by 1 second, and the next advances by 2 seconds. As a result, it is possible to accelerate the correction of the years and months since the leap year in accordance with the slightly faster rotation operation of the crown 10 by the user.

Next, in section 3 of FIG. 10, when the user quickly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM6 of 180 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T6). In synchronization with this timing T6, measurement data P12 and a correction signal P13 are output in the same manner as in the operation of section 1, and a motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and is shown in FIG. Thus, one pulse of the motor drive signal P4 is output.

  Here, since the crown 10 is rotated quickly in the section 3, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice after the timer TM6 is started (timing T7, T8). The timer TM7 is newly started from the second ON at this timing T7, and the measurement data P12 by the timer TM6 is added by 1, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output, and the measurement data P12 is used as a correction amount. A two-pulse correction signal P13 is output. Thus, two pulses of the motor drive signal P4 are output from the motor drive unit 4 at timing T7 as shown in the figure. In addition, since the timer TM7 is newly started, another measurement data P12 by the timer TM7 is initialized and the count becomes 1.

  In addition, the timer TM8 is newly started from the third ON at the timing T8, and the measurement data P12 by the timer TM6 is incremented by 1, and the measurement data P12 of the count 3 is output. As a result, a three-pulse correction signal P13 is output. As a result, the motor drive signal P4 is output by three pulses as shown in the figure from the motor drive unit 4 at the timing T8. In addition, the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM7 is incremented by 1 to be counted 2, and the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM8 is initialized to be counted 1.

  Furthermore, when the third crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on during the period of the timer TM7, the timer TM9 is newly started, and the measurement data P12 by the timer TM7 is incremented by 1, and the count 3 is output. The measurement data P12 outputs a three-pulse correction signal P13 as a correction amount (timing T9). As a result, the motor driving signal P4 is again output by three pulses as shown in the figure from the motor driving unit 4 at the timing T9. In addition, the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM8 is incremented by 1 to be counted 2, and the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM9 is initialized to be counted 1.

  Thereafter, every time the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON three times within each timer time, the measurement data P12 measured by each timer is output with a count of 3, and a correction signal of 3 pulses as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. P13 outputs. As a result, the operation of outputting three pulses of the motor drive signal P4 is repeated.

  That is, in category 3, the correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as the correction amount when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is first turned on, and the correction signal P13 of 2 pulses is output as the correction amount when the crown is turned on for the second time. When ON, the three-pulse correction signal P13 is output as the correction amount, so that the second hand 6a first advances by 1 second, then advances by 2 seconds, and thereafter, continues to advance by 3 seconds. As a result, the correction speed is increased stepwise in accordance with the fast rotation operation of the crown 10 by the user. In this state, the switch is advanced by 3 seconds by one switch ON, and more accelerated correction can be performed.

  Next, in category 4, when the user rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction faster and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM10 of 180 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T10). The measurement data P12 and the correction signal P13 are output in synchronization with the timing T10, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 in which the time information is corrected. Thus, one pulse of the motor drive signal P4 is output.

  Here, in the section 4, the crown 10 is rotated faster, so the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON three times after the timer TM10 is started (timing T11, T12, T13). The measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM10 is incremented by 1 by the second ON at the timing T11, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output. The measurement data P12 outputs a two-pulse correction signal P13 as a correction amount. Thus, two pulses of the motor drive signal P4 are output from the motor drive unit 4 at timing T11 as shown in the figure.

  In addition, the measurement data P12 by the timer TM10 is incremented by 1 by the third ON at the timing T12, and the count 3 measurement data P12 is output. The correction data P13 of 3 pulses is output as a correction amount by the measurement data P12. . As a result, the motor drive signal P4 is output from the motor drive unit 4 at timing T12 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM10 is incremented by 1 by the fourth ON at the timing T13, and the measurement data P12 having a count of 4 is output. As the measurement data P12 becomes count 4 at this timing T13, as described above in step ST20 of the correction routine, the correction control unit 20 enters the continuous hand movement preparation period in order to shift to the continuous hand movement correction mode, and a correction signal is generated. The correction signal P13 for each pulse is continuously output from the unit 23 at a predetermined interval.

  As a result, 8 to 12 pulses of a motor drive signal P4 of, for example, 32 Hz having a frequency half that of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement correction mode are output, and then the continuous hand movement preparation period ends (timing T14). The length of the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications, and the number of pulses of the motor drive signal P4 is not limited. Further, the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement preparation period may be different from the drive frequency in the continuous hand movement correction mode, and may be a frequency higher than the drive frequency in the continuous hand movement correction mode, for example.

  Next, after completion of the continuous hand movement preparation period, the continuous hand movement correction mode is started at timing T14. As a result, the correction signal P13 is output continuously from the correction signal generator 23 at predetermined intervals, and the time information of the timepiece circuit 3 is continuously corrected by the correction signal P13. As a result, a motor drive signal P4 having a frequency of, for example, 64 Hz is continuously output from the motor drive unit 4, and the second hand 6a is continuously moved. That is, in the continuous hand movement correction mode of section 4, since one pulse of the correction signal P13 is continuously output, the correction signal P13 having the largest correction amount compared to the other sections is output. .

  Next, when the user operates the crown 10 and the crown rotation detection switch K3 or K4 is turned ON while the second hand 6a is continuously operating in the continuous hand correction mode, the correction control unit 20 ends the continuous hand correction mode. Since the output of the correction signal P13 is stopped, the motor drive signal P4 is stopped and the continuous hand movement of the second hand 6a is stopped (timing T15). That is, in the continuous hand movement correction mode at the position where the crown 10 is retracted, even if the user does not operate the crown 10, the second hand 6a continues to operate continuously, and the elapsed year and month display since the leap year can be corrected at high speed. Can be done. Further, the continuous hand movement can be stopped immediately by the user operating the crown 10 once while seeing the hand movement state.

  Note that the reason for outputting a motor drive signal P4 having a frequency lower than the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement correction mode by providing a continuous movement operation preparation period for a predetermined period before shifting to the continuous hand movement correction mode is described above. As described above, when shifting to the continuous hand movement correction mode, the needle movement speed is temporarily reduced to notify the user of the transition to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

As described above, in this embodiment, the rotation state of the crown 10 is measured by the number of times the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are generated within the timer time. Therefore, the correction amount is stepwise with respect to the instantaneous change in the rotation state. For this reason, the user can operate the crown 10 while confirming the movement of the pointer, and can surely correct the time without any sense of incongruity. In the correction of the crown 10 in the first pulling position of this embodiment, the correction amount of the correction signal P13 is divided into four stages based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10, but the four stages are described. The number of sections is not limited, and the number of sections may be arbitrarily set in two or more stages.

  As explained in section 2 and section 3, when the crown 10 is rotated quickly, the number of times the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are turned on increases, and it is necessary to simultaneously operate a plurality of timers that start when the crown is turned on. The measuring unit 22 needs to be configured to control a plurality of timers simultaneously.

  Next, an example of the operation in the second display correction mode when the user of the electronic timepiece 1 has moved the crown 10 to the two-step pulling position will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the timer for setting the crown 10 at the two-step pulling position is 120 mS as described above. Then, the correction signal P13 is divided into three stages of sections 1 to 3 based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10 and will be described.

  That is, category 1 is the case where the crown 10 is slowly rotated and the number of ON times within the timer time is 1 (ON number: small). Category 2 is a case where the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on again while the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster and the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is being output (ON count: medium). Further, in the third category, the crown 10 is rapidly rotated and the number of ON times within the timer time is three times, and the mode is shifted to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

  Here, in category 1, when the user slowly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM20 of 120 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T20).

  In synchronization with this timing T20, measurement data P12 of count 1 is output from the measurement unit 22, and a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as a correction amount from the correction signal generation unit 23 that inputs the measurement data P12. Then, a motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected by the correction signal P13, and as shown in FIG. A drive signal P4 is output. With the output of 60 pulses, the second hand 6a advances 60 seconds, and the minute hand 6b advances 1 minute.

  Here, in the section 1, since the crown 10 is slowly rotated, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON again during the period of the timer TM20, and the crown is also output during the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4. The rotation detection switch K3 is never turned on. Then, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again after the end of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 (timing T21). The timer TM21 is newly started from this timing T21, count 1 measurement data P12 initialized again in synchronization with this timing T21 is output, and a 1-pulse correction signal P13 is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. To do. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected, and the motor drive signal P4 is output again by 60 pulses as shown in FIG.

Further, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again after the end of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 (timing T22). The timer TM22 is newly started from this timing T22, count 1 measurement data P12 initialized again in synchronization with this timing T22 is output, and a 1-pulse correction signal P13 is again generated as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. Output. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected, and the motor drive signal P4 is output again by 60 pulses as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the section 1 in which the crown 10 is at the 2-step pulling position, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned on again during the timer period that starts when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on. The data P12 is continuously output with count 1. Further, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON during the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4. As a result, each time the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON, a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output as a correction amount, and a motor drive signal P4 of 60 pulses is output by this correction signal P13, and the second hand 6a is set to 60 seconds. Proceeds and the correction in 1 minute unit is surely executed.

  Next, in category 2, when the user rotates the crown 10 slightly faster in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM23 of 120 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T23). Measurement data P12 is output in synchronization with this timing T23, and a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and 60 pulses of the motor drive signal P4 are output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  In addition, since the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster in section 2, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again while the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is being output (timing T24), the timer TM24 is renewed from this timing T24. The measurement data P12 is reset to the count 1 and output again, and a 1-pulse correction signal P13 is output again as a correction amount by the measurement data P12. Then, after the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is stopped, the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output again by the correction signal P13.

  When the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on within the time of the timer TM23 and the crown rotation signal P8 is generated, the measurement data P12 is incremented by 1, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output. However, even if the correction signal generator 23 receives the count 2 measurement data P12, it outputs the 1-pulse correction signal P13 as described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After stopping, a set of 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output again.

  Next, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again while the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is being output (timing T25), the timer TM25 is newly started from this timing T25, and the measurement data P12 is again counted 1. Initialized and output, a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output again as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. Then, after the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is stopped, a set of 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is output again by the correction signal P13.

  Thereafter, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON once during the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 (timing T24, T25, T27), the 60-pulse motor drive signal is output after the output of the motor drive signal P4 is stopped. P4 is sequentially output one by one.

That is, in category 2, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on while the motor drive signal P4 of 60 pulses is output and the motor 5a is being driven for a second, the timer is turned on even if the ON timing is within the timer time. Even if it is out of time, a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as the correction amount, and after completion of driving of the motor 5a by this correction signal P13, a set of 60 pulses of motor drive signal P4 is output again.

  As a result, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 continues to be turned ON once every second while the motor 5a is being driven, the motor 5a is continuously driven by the motor drive signal P4 and the second hand 6a is continuously driven as shown in the figure. Hand movement is performed. For this reason, since the display for the second can be corrected according to the rotation state of the crown 10, the correction according to the intention of the user is possible, and an easy-to-use electronic timepiece can be provided.

  When the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice or more during the driving of the motor 5a for a second by the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 (for example, at timings T25 and T26), as described above, 2 The ON (timing T26) after the first time expires. The reason why the second and subsequent ON is not accepted is distinguished from the continuous hand movement correction mode, which will be described later. If the user stops the rotation operation of the crown 10, the hand movement is immediately stopped so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. It is to make it.

  Next, in category 3, when the user quickly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measuring unit 22 starts the timer TM28 of 120 mS, the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1, and a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12 (timing T28). As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and 60 pulses of the motor drive signal P4 are output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Here, since the crown 10 is rapidly rotated in the section 3, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice after the timer TM28 is started (timing T29, T30). The measurement data P12 by the timer TM28 is incremented by 1 by the second ON at the timing T29, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output. Further, the measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM28 is further incremented by 1 by the third ON at the timing T30, and the measurement data P12 of count 3 is output.

  Since the measurement data P12 becomes count 3 at this timing T30, as described above, the correction control unit 20 enters the continuous movement preparation period in order to shift to the continuous movement correction mode, and the motor drive signal in the continuous movement correction mode. A motor drive signal P4 having a frequency of 1/2 of P4, for example, 32 Hz is output for a predetermined period, and then the continuous hand movement preparation period is ended (timing T31). The length of the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications, and the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited.

  Here, in this embodiment, in order to enter the continuous hand movement preparation period as described above, it is assumed that the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON three times in the timer TM28. In order to turn on three times in the timer TM28, since the crown 10 has a certain angle by one rotation of the crown 10, that is, in this embodiment, the number of teeth of the switch wheel 15 is 15 as described above, approximately (360 (° ÷ 15 sheets) × 3 = 72 ° needs to be rotated. Therefore, the continuous hand movement correction mode is executed only when the user performs an operation intended for continuous hand movement, so that the continuous hand movement correction mode is not entered due to a malfunction.

Next, after completion of the continuous hand movement preparation period, the continuous hand movement correction mode is started at timing T31. In this continuous hand movement correction mode, the correction signal P13 is continuously output from the correction signal generator 23 at predetermined intervals, and the time information of the minute digits of the clock circuit 3 is continuously output by the correction signal P13. Will be corrected. As a result, the motor driving unit 4 continuously outputs a motor driving signal P4 with 60 pulses as a set at a frequency of, for example, 64 Hz, and the second hand 6a is continuously moved. That is, in section 1 and section 2, a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as a correction amount for one crown rotation signal P8, but in the continuous hand movement correction mode of section 3, compared to other sections. A correction signal P13 having a large correction amount is output.

  Next, when the user operates the crown 10 and the crown rotation detection switch K3 or K4 is turned ON while the second hand 6a is continuously operating in the continuous hand correction mode, the correction control unit 20 ends the continuous hand correction mode. Then, when the output of the 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 is completed, the continuous hand movement of the second hand 6a is stopped (timing T32). In other words, in the continuous hand movement correction mode in which the crown 10 is pulled to the second position, the second hand 6a continues to move continuously even if the user does not operate the crown 10, so that the second display can be corrected at high speed. In addition, the continuous hand movement can be stopped immediately by the user operating the crown 10 once while seeing the hand movement state.

  The 60-pulse motor drive signal P4 started at the timing T28 has a continuous hand preparation period from the intermediate timing T30, and the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 temporarily decreases. It is 60 pulses and does not change. Further, in the correction of the crown 10 at the two-stage pulling position according to the present embodiment, the correction signal P13 is described in three stages based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10, but the three-stage classification includes There is no limitation, and the number of sections may be arbitrarily set in two or more stages.

  Next, an example of the time difference correction operation in the time difference correction mode when the user of the electronic timepiece 1 places the crown 10 in the normal position will be described with reference to FIG. At the normal position of the crown 10, the push switch S1 is turned on once as described above to shift to the time difference correction mode. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the timer time for setting the crown 10 at the normal position is 240 mS as described above. Then, the correction signal P13 is divided into three stages of sections 1 to 3 based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10 and will be described. The sections 1 to 3 are the same as the sections of the crown 10 at the two-stage pulling position.

  Here, in category 1, when the user slowly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM40 of 240 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T40).

  In synchronization with this timing T40, measurement data P12 of count 1 is output from the measurement unit 22, and a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output from the correction signal generation unit 23 that inputs the measurement data P12. Then, a motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected by the correction signal P13, and a 20-pulse motor drive signal as a set for driving the hour / day motor 5b as shown in FIG. P5 is output. By this 20-pulse motor drive signal P5, the hour hand 6c advances by 1 hour.

Here, since the crown 10 is slowly rotated in the section 1, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON again during the period of the timer TM40, and the crown is also output during the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5. The rotation detection switch K3 is never turned on. Then, after completion of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again (timing T41). The timer TM41 is newly started from this timing T41, the count 1 measurement data P12 initialized again in synchronization with this timing T41 is output, and a 1-pulse correction signal P13 is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. To do. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and the motor drive signal P5 is output again by 20 pulses from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Further, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again after the end of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 (timing T42). The timer TM42 is newly started from this timing T42, and the count 1 measurement data P12 initialized again in synchronism with this timing T42 is output, and the 1-pulse correction signal P13 as a correction amount is again output by this measurement data P12. Output. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information is corrected, and the motor drive signal P5 is output again by 20 pulses from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  That is, in the section 1 in which the crown 10 is in the normal position, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON again during the timer period that starts when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON. As for P12, count 1 is continuously output. Further, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is not turned ON while the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is being output. As a result, each time the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON, a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as a correction amount, and a motor drive signal P5 of 20 pulses is output by this correction signal P13, and the hour hand 6c is set to 1 hour. Advance and correction in units of one hour are executed reliably.

  Next, in category 2, when the user rotates the crown 10 slightly faster in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. Thereby, the measurement part 22 starts the timer TM43 of 240 mS, and the measurement data P12 is initialized to the count 1 (timing T43). In synchronization with this timing T43, measurement data P12 is output, and a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected, and the motor driving signal P5 is output from the motor driving unit 4 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, since the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster in the section 2, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again while the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is being output (timing T44), the timer TM44 is renewed from this timing T44. The measurement data P12 is reset to the count 1 and output again, and a 1-pulse correction signal P13 is output again as a correction amount by the measurement data P12. Then, after the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is stopped, the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is output again by the correction signal P13.

  If the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on within the time of the timer TM43 and the crown rotation signal P8 is generated again, the measurement data P12 is incremented by 1, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output. However, since the correction signal generator 23 outputs the 1-pulse correction signal P13 as described above even when the count 2 measurement data P12 is input, the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is stopped again. A set of 60 pulses of motor drive signal P4 is output.

  Next, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON again while the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is being output (timing T45), the timer TM45 is newly started from this timing T45, and the measurement data P12 is again counted 1. Initialized and output, a correction signal P13 of one pulse is output again as a correction amount by this measurement data P12. Then, after the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is stopped, a set of 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is output again by the correction signal P13.

  Thereafter, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on once during the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 (timing T46), a set of 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is set after the output of the motor drive signal P5 is stopped. Output sequentially.

  That is, in category 2, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on while the motor drive signal P5 of 20 pulses is output and the hour / day motor 5b is being driven, the timer is turned on even if the ON timing is within the timer time. Even if it is out of time, a correction signal P13 of 1 pulse is output as a correction amount, and after completion of driving of the hour / day motor 5b by this correction signal P13, a set of 20 pulses of motor drive signal P5 is output again.

  As a result, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 continues to be turned ON once each time while the hour / day motor 5b is being driven, the hour / day motor 5b is continuously driven by the motor drive signal P5 as shown in the figure, and the hour hand 6c is continuously turned on. Hand movement is performed. For this reason, since the time difference can be corrected according to the rotation state of the crown 10, the correction according to the intention of the user is possible, and an easy-to-use electronic timepiece can be provided.

  When the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on twice or more while the hour / day motor 5b is driven by the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5, the second and subsequent turns are invalidated as described above. The reason why the second and subsequent ONs are not accepted is the same as in the correction mode for the second by the second pulling position of the crown 10.

  Next, in category 3, when the user quickly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated. As a result, the measurement unit 22 starts a timer TM47 of 240 mS, the measurement data P12 is initialized to count 1, and a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output as a correction amount by this measurement data P12 (timing T47). As a result, the motor control signal P3 is output from the timepiece circuit 3 whose time information has been corrected, and the motor driving signal P5 is output from the motor driving unit 4 as shown in FIG.

  Here, since the crown 10 is rapidly rotated in the section 3, the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON twice after the timer TM47 is started (timing T48, T49). The measurement data P12 obtained by the timer TM47 is incremented by 1 by the second ON at the timing T48, and the count 2 measurement data P12 is output. Further, the measurement data P12 by the timer TM47 is further incremented by 1 by the third ON at the timing T49, and the measurement data P12 of count 3 is output.

  When the measurement data P12 reaches count 3 at this timing T49, the correction control unit 20 enters a continuous hand preparation period in order to shift to the continuous hand correction mode, and 1 / of the motor drive signal P5 in the continuous hand correction mode. A motor drive signal P5 having a frequency of 2, for example, 32 Hz is output for a predetermined period, and then the continuous hand movement preparation period ends (timing T50). Note that the length of the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications, and the frequency of the motor drive signal P5 in the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited.

  Next, after completion of the continuous hand movement preparation period, the continuous hand movement correction mode is started at timing T50. In this continuous hand movement correction mode, the correction signal P13 is output continuously from the correction signal generator 23 at a predetermined interval, and the time information of the digit of the time of the clock circuit 3 is continuously output by the correction signal P13. Will be corrected. As a result, the motor drive unit 4 continuously outputs a motor drive signal P5 with 20 pulses as a set at a frequency of 64 Hz, for example, and the hour hand 6c is continuously moved.

  Next, when the user operates the crown 10 and the crown rotation detection switch K3 or K4 is turned ON while the hour hand 6c is continuously operating in the continuous hand correction mode, the correction control unit 20 ends the continuous hand correction mode. Then, when the output of the 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 is finished, the continuous hand movement of the hour hand 6c is stopped (timing T51). That is, in the continuous hand correction mode at the normal position of the crown 10, the hour hand 6c continues to operate even if the user does not operate the crown 10, so that the time difference display can be corrected at high speed. The user can immediately stop the continuous hand movement by operating the crown 10 once while seeing the hand moving state.

  The 20-pulse motor drive signal P5 started at the timing T47 has a continuous hand movement preparation period from the intermediate timing T49, and the frequency of the motor drive signal P5 temporarily decreases. It is 20 pulses and does not change. Further, in the correction at the normal position of the crown 10 of the present embodiment, the correction signal P13 has been described in three stages based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10, but is limited to the three-stage classification. Instead, the number of sections may be arbitrarily set in two or more stages.

  As described above, the electronic timepiece of the present invention varies the timer time based on the operation position of the crown 10 in the axial direction, and displays time information according to the number of generations of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 measured by the timer time. Since the correction amount is variable, it is possible to select a correction amount of time information suitable for each operation position of the crown 10, and compensate for the disadvantage of the crown whose operability differs depending on the operation position, which is close to the crown operation of the mechanical correction. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use electronic timepiece excellent in operation that can provide an operational feeling.

  In particular, although the normal position of the crown 10 is very poor in operability as described above, it is possible to detect the rotational state of the crown 10 by increasing the timer time for measuring the rotational state of the crown 10 as in this embodiment. It is easy to provide an electronic timepiece that is easy to operate, compensating for poor operability even at the normal position.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment is characterized in that the period of the crown rotation signal is measured by a clock signal and the correction amount of the time measuring means is varied. The electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment is a radio wave correction timepiece that receives a standard radio wave and automatically corrects the time as in the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers and are duplicated. Is omitted.

  In FIG. 13, reference numeral 40 denotes an electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A correction control unit 25 as a correction control unit includes a clock setting unit 26 as a clock setting unit, a period measurement unit 27 as a measurement unit, and a correction signal generation unit 28 as a correction signal generation unit. The correction control unit 25 inputs crown position signals P6 and P7, crown rotation signals P8 and P9, a push switch signal P10, and a control clock signal P2.

  The clock setting unit 26 of the correction control unit 25 inputs the crown position signals P6 and P7, and outputs a clock signal P16 whose frequency is varied according to the operation position of the crown 10 in the axial direction. The period measurement unit 27 receives the crown rotation signals P8 and P9, measures the time interval (that is, the period) with the clock signal P16, and outputs period measurement data P17 as measurement information. The period measurement data P17 corresponds to the rotation speed of the crown 10. The correction signal generator 28 receives the period measurement data P17 and outputs a correction signal P13 for correcting the time information of the clock circuit 3. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, an outline of the correction operation of the electronic timepiece 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on a flowchart. Here, the flowchart of the present embodiment is composed of the measurement routine 2 shown in FIG. 14 and the correction routine shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment described above, and the description of the parts overlapping with the correction routine of the first embodiment is omitted. To do. As a premise of the description, the configuration of the electronic timepiece 40 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13, and the correction operation described will be the forward rotation processing of the crown 10.

  In FIG. 14, the clock setting unit 26 of the correction control unit 25 receives the crown position signal P6 and determines whether the crown position detection switch S3 is ON (step ST40). If the determination is affirmative (that is, S3: ON), the process proceeds to step ST41. If the determination is negative (that is, S3: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST42.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST40, the clock setting unit 26 is in the one-stage drawing position, so that the mode shifts to the year and month correction mode since the leap year, and the correction digit from the leap year is displayed. The digits of the elapsed year and month are selected, the frequency of the clock signal P16 is output as, for example, 256 Hz, and the process proceeds to the next step (step ST41). In this year and month correction mode since the leap year, the second hand 6a is driven every second by turning on the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 by the rotation of the crown 10, and the year and month since the leap year are corrected.

  If a negative determination is made in step ST40, the clock setting unit 26 inputs the crown position signal P7 and determines whether the crown position detection switch S4 is ON (step ST42). If the determination is affirmative (that is, S4: ON), the process proceeds to step ST43. If the determination is negative (that is, S4: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST44.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST42, the clock setting unit 26 shifts to the second correction mode because the crown 10 is in the two-stage drawing position, and the minute digit is selected as the correction digit. The frequency of P16 is output as 512 Hz, for example, and the process proceeds to the next step (step ST43). In the second correction mode, the second hand 6a is driven by 60 pulses (ie, 60 seconds) by turning on the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 due to the rotation of the crown 10.

  If a negative determination is made in step ST42, the clock setting unit 26 determines that the crown 10 is in the normal position because both the crown position detection switches S3 and S4 are OFF. When the push switch S1 is turned on, the mode shifts to the time difference correction mode, the hour digit is selected as the correction digit, the clock signal P16 is output as 128 Hz, for example, and the process proceeds to the next step (step ST44). In this time difference correction mode, the hour hand 6c is driven by 20 pulses (that is, one hour) by turning on the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 due to the rotation of the crown 10. The frequency of the clock signal P16 depending on the operation position of the crown 10 is not limited, and is preferably set to a frequency suitable for operation.

  As described above, the clock setting unit 26 performs control to detect the operation position of the crown 10 to vary the frequency of the clock signal P16 and to select the correction digit of the time information. The clock signal P16 is a clock signal for measuring the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9. By varying the frequency of the clock signal P16, the measurement conditions for the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 are varied. .

Here, the reason for selecting the lowest frequency at the normal position of the crown 10 is that the operability is poor at the normal position, so that the rotation operation of the crown 10 tends to become dull, and the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 becomes longer. easy. For this reason, the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 is measured with the clock signal P16 having a low frequency, and the long period is reliably measured. The reason why the highest frequency is selected at the two-step pull position of the crown 10 is that the operability is best at the two-step pull position and the crown 10 can be rotated quickly, so the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9. Tends to be short. For this reason, by measuring with the clock signal P16 having a high frequency, it is possible to prevent a decrease in resolution even in a short cycle and to balance measurement with other operation positions.

  Next, the period measurement unit 27 of the correction control unit 25 receives the clock signal P16 from the clock setting unit 26, and also inputs the crown rotation signal P8, and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on (step). ST45). Here, if an affirmative determination is made (ie, K3: ON), it is determined that the crown 10 has been rotated in the forward rotation direction, and the process proceeds to step ST47. If the determination is negative (that is, K3: OFF), the process proceeds to step ST46.

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST45, the period measurement unit 27 inputs the crown rotation signal P9 and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K4 is turned on (step ST46). If the determination is affirmative (ie, K4: ON), the crown 10 has been rotated in the reverse rotation direction, and the process proceeds to the reverse rotation process. Note that the reverse rotation processing of the crown 10 is basically the same as the normal rotation processing except that the correction is performed by delaying the time, and thus the description thereof is omitted. If the determination is negative (that is, K4: OFF), the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are both OFF, and the process proceeds to step ST50.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST45, the period measuring unit 27 determines whether the period is being measured based on the clock signal P16 (step ST47). If the determination is affirmative (that is, during the period measurement), it is determined that the crown rotation detection switch K3 has been turned ON again during the period measurement, and the process proceeds to step ST48. If the determination is negative (period measurement is stopped), it is determined that the crown rotation detection switch K3 has been newly turned on, and the process proceeds to step ST49.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST47, the period measurement unit 27 outputs the count value of the clock signal P16 as the period measurement data P17 because the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on during the period measurement. After resetting the count value, the cycle measurement is started again and the process proceeds to the correction routine shown in the first embodiment (step ST48).

  Further, if a negative determination is made in step ST47, the period measurement unit 27 counts the period measurement data P17 because the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on (ie, is newly turned on) while the period measurement is stopped. The value is reset to zero and output, period measurement is started, and the process proceeds to the correction routine shown in the first embodiment (step ST49).

  If a negative determination is made in step ST46, the period measurement unit 27 determines whether the internal count value has overflowed (step ST50). This determination is performed in order to stop the period measurement by detecting that the crown rotation detection switches K3 and K4 are OFF for a long time (that is, the crown 10 is in an unoperated state). If the determination is affirmative (with overflow), the process proceeds to the next step. If the determination is negative (without overflow), the process returns to the first step ST40 of the measurement routine 2. The count value at which the period measuring unit 27 overflows may be arbitrarily determined according to the operation position of the crown 10.

  Next, if an affirmative determination (with overflow) is made in step ST50, the crown 10 recognizes that it has not been operated, and the period measurement unit 27 stops period measurement (step ST51). Returning to step ST40, the input determination operation of each switch is continued. Here, when the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on after the period measurement is stopped, the period measurement data P17 is initialized to count 0, and the period measurement is restarted.

  Next, the correction routine of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Here, in the correction routine in the second embodiment, the period measurement data P17 output from the period measurement unit 27 is used as measurement information instead of the measurement data P12 in the first embodiment. As a premise for explanation, the configuration of the electronic timepiece 40 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, in FIG. 8, the correction signal generation unit 28 of the correction control unit 25 inputs the period measurement data P17, and determines whether to shift to the continuous hand movement correction mode from the count value (step ST20). Here, if the cycle measurement data P17 is, for example, a count of 15 or less, an affirmative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step ST27 where the continuous movement correction mode is entered. The process proceeds to step ST21 which is a normal correction operation.

  Here, assuming that the period measurement data P17 has a count of 15, when the clock signal P16 is 256 Hz, the period of the crown rotation signal P8 is about 60 mS. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the period of the crown rotation signal P8 is about 60 mS or less, the electronic timepiece 40 shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode. Note that the count value of the period measurement data P17 that shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode is not limited, and the count value that shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode may be different depending on the operation position of the crown 10.

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST20, the correction control unit 25 inputs a signal (not shown) from the motor driving unit 4 and determines whether the motor driving unit 4 is driving the motor (step ST21). If the determination is affirmative (that is, the motor is being driven), the process proceeds to step ST22. If the determination is negative (that is, the motor is stopped), the process proceeds to step ST24. “Motor driving” indicates that the motor driving unit 4 is driving the motor 5a or the hour / day motor 5b for the second time and the display unit 6 is in the hand moving state.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST21, the period measurement unit 27 inputs the crown rotation signal P8 and determines whether the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on (step ST22). If the determination is affirmative (that is, K3: ON), the process proceeds to the next step. If the determination is negative (that is, K3: OFF), the process returns to step ST21 to determine again whether the motor is being driven.

  Next, if an affirmative determination is made in step ST22, the period measurement unit 27 outputs the count value of the clock signal P16 as the period measurement data P17 when the period measurement is continuing. When the period measurement is stopped, the count value of the period measurement data P17 is reset to zero and output, and the period measurement is started (step ST23). And after execution of step ST23, it returns to step ST20 and performs transfer determination to continuous hand movement correction mode again.

  Next, if a negative determination is made in step ST21, since the motor drive unit 4 has finished driving the motor, the correction signal generation unit 28 of the correction control unit 25 receives the cycle measurement data P17 from the cycle measurement unit 27. Based on this period measurement data P17, the number of pulses is set as the correction amount of the correction signal P13. After the correction signal P13 is output to the clock circuit 3, the process proceeds to the next step (step ST24). The correction signal P13 input to the timepiece circuit 3 includes correction digit information indicating the hour and minute based on the operation position information of the crown 10 as well as a correction amount for correcting the time information.

Here, in the case where the crown 10 is corrected at the one-step pulling position, as described above in step ST41, it is the correction mode for the elapsed year and month since the leap year, and the cycle measurement data P17 is counted 0 (that is, the cycle measurement start). 1 hour), a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output to the digits of the elapsed year and month from the leap year of the clock circuit 3. Further, the cycle measurement data P17 is, for example, a count of 3
If 5, the two-pulse correction signal P13 is output to the digits of the elapsed year and month since the leap year of the clock circuit 3, and if the period measurement data P17 is, for example, a count 20, the three-pulse correction signal P13 is It is output to the digits of the elapsed year and month since the leap year of the clock circuit 3.

  Here, the count value of the period measurement data P17 represents the period of the crown rotation signal P8. The smaller the count value, the shorter the period of the crown rotation signal P8, that is, the crown 10 rotates faster. Further, when the count value of the period measurement data P17 is zero, it indicates that the crown rotation detection switch K3 is newly turned on.

  Further, when the crown 10 is corrected at the two-stage pulling position, as described above in step ST43, the correction mode is for the second, and the period measurement data P17 is counted 0 (when period measurement is started) or continuous hand movement correction. If it is larger than the count value for shifting to the mode, a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output to the minute digit of the clock circuit 3 in order to advance the minute digit by one step (ie, one minute).

  Further, when the crown 10 is corrected at the normal position, as described above in step ST44, it is the time difference correction mode, and the period measurement data P17 is shifted to the count 0 (at the start of the period measurement) or the continuous hand movement correction mode. If the count value is larger than the count value, a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output to the hour digit of the clock circuit 3 to advance the hour digit by one step (ie, one hour). As described above, in the normal correction operation in the second minute correction mode and the time difference correction mode, as in the first embodiment, the continuous correction operation is prohibited and is distinguished from the correction operation in the continuous hand movement correction mode.

  Next, the clock circuit 3 inputs the correction signal P13 from the correction signal generation unit 28, corrects the stored time information according to the correction signal P13, and corresponds to the corrected time information by the motor 5a for the second or The motor control signal P3 for driving the hour / day motor 5b is output (step ST25). Henceforth, since step ST26-ST34 is the same as that of the operation | movement flow of Example 1, description is abbreviate | omitted. In the second embodiment, after completion of the correction routine, the process returns to the first step ST40 of the measurement routine 2. Further, as in the first embodiment, it is preferable for the purpose of reducing power consumption that the ON state of each switch is detected by interrupt processing and the processing is stopped except for the normal hand movement operation when the crown 10 is not operated.

  Next, based on the timing charts of FIGS. 15 and 16, a specific example of the operation of correcting the year and month since the leap year at the crown 1 position of the electronic timepiece 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As a premise for explanation, it is assumed that a user (not shown) of the electronic timepiece 40 rotates the crown 10 in the normal rotation direction to correct it.

  In FIGS. 15 and 16, it is assumed that the frequency of the clock signal P16 at which the crown 10 is set at the one-stage pulling position is 256 Hz as described above, and the crown rotation signal P8 from the crown rotation detection switch K3 is generated by this clock signal P16. The period shall be measured. Then, the correction amount of the correction signal P13 will be described by dividing it into four stages of Category 1 to Category 4 based on the measurement information indicating the rotation state of the crown 10. That is, section 1 shows the case where the crown 10 is slowly rotated (cycle: long), section 2 shows the case where the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster (cycle: medium), and section 3 shows that the crown 10 is rotated fast. (Period: short). Section 4 is a case in which the crown 10 is further rotated faster and shifts to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

Here, in category 1, when the user slowly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated, and the period measuring unit 27 is caused by the clock signal P16 of 256 Hz. Period measurement is started (timing T60). At this timing T60, the cycle measurement data P17 is output with the count value reset to zero, whereby a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected. Then, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Here, in the section 1, the crown 10 is slowly rotated. Therefore, before the next crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the cycle measuring unit 27 overflows with the count value being 50, and the cycle measurement stops. . If the clock signal P16 is 256 Hz, the overflow time at the count 50 is about 195 mS, but the overflow count value is not limited and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications.

  If the next crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on after the period measurement is stopped due to the overflow, the period measurement unit 27 starts the period measurement again (timing T61). At this timing T61, the cycle measurement data P17 is output with the count value reset to zero again, whereby a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output, and the motor drive unit 4 drives the motor 5a as shown in the figure. One pulse of the motor drive signal P4 to be output is output.

  That is, in section 1, since the interval at which the crown rotation signal P8 is generated is long, the period measuring unit 27 overflows, and one pulse of the motor drive signal P4 is output every time the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on. As a result, the second hand 6a advances every one-second step in accordance with the slow rotation of the crown 10, and the correction of the year and month since the leap year is executed slowly and reliably.

  Next, in category 2, when the user rotates the crown 10 slightly faster in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated, and the period measuring unit 27 is set to the 256 Hz clock signal P16. To start period measurement (timing T62). At this timing T62, the cycle measurement data P17 is output with the count value reset to zero, whereby a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected. Then, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Here, in the category 2, the crown 10 is rotated slightly faster, so that the next crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON when the count value of the period measuring unit 27 reaches the count 35, for example (timing T63). At this timing T63, the period measurement data P17 with a count of 35 is output, and a two-pulse correction signal P13 is output from the correction signal generator 28 that receives the period measurement data P17. As a result, the motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  At timing T63, the count value inside the period measuring unit 27 is reset to zero and the period measurement is continued. If the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on again when the count reaches 35 (timing T64), the period measurement data P17 of the count 35 is output again, and the correction signal generator 28 inputs the period measurement data P17. 2 outputs a correction signal P13 of two pulses. As a result, the motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  That is, in section 2, the first rotation of the crown rotation detection switch K3 outputs a one-pulse motor drive signal P4. After the second turn-on, the second-minute motor drive signal P4 is output. Is advanced by 1 second at first and then by 2 seconds from then on, and the correction of the elapsed year and month from the leap year is executed relatively quickly in accordance with the rotation of the crown 10. Note that the range of the period measurement data P <b> 17 in category 2 is, for example, count 30 to count 49.

  Next, in category 3, when the user quickly rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated, and the period measuring unit 27 is caused by the 256 Hz clock signal P16. Period measurement is started (timing T70). At this timing T70, the period measurement data P17 is output with the count value reset to zero, whereby a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected. Then, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Here, since the crown 10 is rapidly rotated in the section 3, the next crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned ON, for example, when the count value of the period measuring unit 27 reaches the count 20 (timing T71). At this timing T71, the cycle measurement data P17 with a count of 20 is output, and a correction signal P13 of 3 pulses is output from the correction signal generator 28 that inputs this cycle measurement data P17. As a result, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  At timing T71, the count value inside the period measuring unit 27 is reset to zero and the period measurement is continued. When the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on again when the count reaches 20 (timing T72), the period measurement data P17 of the count 20 is output again, and the correction signal generator 28 inputs the period measurement data P17. The three-pulse correction signal P13 is output again. As a result, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Thereafter, if the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on at the same timing (after timing T73), the motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is continuously output every three pulses.

  That is, in section 3, the first rotation of the crown rotation detection switch K3 outputs a 1-pulse motor drive signal P4, and the second and subsequent ONs output a 3-pulse motor drive signal P4. The correction of the elapsed year and the month is performed quickly in accordance with the quick rotation of the crown 10. Note that the range of the period measurement data P17 in section 3 is, for example, a range of count 16 to count 29.

  Next, in category 4, when the user further rotates the crown 10 in the forward rotation direction and the crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, the crown rotation signal P8 is generated, and the period measuring unit 27 is set to the 256 Hz clock signal P16. To start period measurement (timing T74). At this timing T74, the cycle measurement data P17 is output with the count value reset to zero, whereby a one-pulse correction signal P13 is output, and the motor control signal P3 is output from the clock circuit 3 whose time information is corrected. Then, a motor drive signal P4 for driving the motor 5a for 2 seconds is output from the motor drive unit 4 as shown in the figure.

  Here, in the section 4, the crown 10 is rotated more rapidly, so that the next crown rotation detection switch K3 is turned on, for example, when the count value of the period measuring unit 27 reaches the count 10 (timing T75). At the timing T75, the period measurement data P17 of count 10 is output, so that the correction control unit 25 enters the continuous hand movement preparation period as described above in step ST20 of the correction routine, and the correction signal generation unit 28 sets a predetermined interval. Thus, the correction signal P13 for each pulse is continuously output.

As a result, 8 to 12 pulses of, for example, 32 Hz motor drive signal P4 having a frequency half that of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement correction mode are output, and then the continuous hand movement preparation period ends (timing T76). The length of the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications, and the number of pulses of the motor drive signal P4 is not limited. Further, the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement preparation period is not limited.

  Next, after completion of the continuous hand movement preparation period, the continuous hand movement correction mode is started at timing T76. As a result, the correction signal P13 is output continuously from the correction signal generator 28 at predetermined intervals, and the time information of the timepiece circuit 3 is continuously corrected by the correction signal P13. As a result, a motor drive signal P4 having a frequency of, for example, 64 Hz is continuously output from the motor drive unit 4, and the second hand 6a is continuously moved.

  Next, when the user operates the crown 10 and the crown rotation detection switch K3 or K4 is turned ON while the second hand 6a is continuously operating in the continuous hand correction mode, the correction control unit 25 ends the continuous hand correction mode. Since the output of the correction signal P13 is stopped, the motor drive signal P4 is stopped and the continuous hand movement of the second hand 6a is stopped (timing T77). That is, in the continuous hand movement correction mode at the position where the crown 10 is retracted, even if the user does not operate the crown 10, the second hand 6a continues to operate continuously, and the elapsed year and month display since the leap year can be corrected at high speed. Can be done. Further, the continuous hand movement can be stopped immediately by the user operating the crown 10 once while seeing the hand movement state.

  Note that the reason for outputting a motor drive signal P4 having a frequency lower than the frequency of the motor drive signal P4 in the continuous hand movement correction mode by providing a continuous movement operation preparation period for a predetermined period before shifting to the continuous hand movement correction mode is described above. As described above, when shifting to the continuous hand movement correction mode, the needle movement speed is temporarily reduced to notify the user of the transition to the continuous hand movement correction mode.

  As described above, the electronic timepiece 40 of the present embodiment varies the frequency of the clock signal P16 based on the operation position of the crown 10, and based on the measurement information of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9 measured by the varied clock signal P16. Since the correction amount of the time information is variable, it becomes possible to select the correction amount of the time information suitable for each operation position as in the first embodiment, and compensates for the disadvantage of the crown that has different operability depending on the operation position. An easy-to-use electronic timepiece that can be easily operated regardless of the position can be provided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the rotation state of the crown 10 is measured at the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9, so that an instantaneous change in the rotation state can be measured quickly, and a time correction with a good response can be realized. Further, in the present embodiment, the correction operation of the crown 10 at the two-step pulling position or the normal position is basically the same as the correction operation at the one-step pulling position shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. Since the forms of the motor drive signals P4 and P5 are the same as the forms at the two-step pulling position or the normal position of the crown 10 shown in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Note that the count value of the period measuring unit 27 that classifies the correction amount of the time information is not limited, and may be arbitrarily determined based on specifications.

  As described above, the electronic timepiece 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention detects the rotation of the crown 10 by measuring the period of the crown rotation signals P8 and P9, but the basic operation for time correction is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same effect can be obtained. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described as an electronic timepiece with a pointer display type, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the present invention is not limited to a digital electronic timepiece or an electronic timepiece with a pointer display type / digital type. Can also be adapted.

  In addition, the block diagrams, explanatory diagrams, flowcharts, timing charts, and the like shown in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this configuration, and may be any configuration as long as they satisfy the gist of the present invention. May be. Further, the method for measuring the rotational state of the crown is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to any measuring method.

1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is explanatory drawing explaining the external appearance of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention, and the operation position of a crown, (b) is the correction mode of the elapsed year and month from the leap year of Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing demonstrated. It is a perspective view which shows the structure around the crown of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the crown position detection switch of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the crown rotation detection switch of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect | action of the crown rotation detection switch of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the measurement routine 1 explaining the outline of correction | amendment operation | movement of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the correction routine explaining the outline of correction operation | movement of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the correction operation | movement of the division 1 and the division 2 in the crown 1 step pulling position of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the correction | amendment operation | movement of the division 3 and the division 4 in the crown 1 step position of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining correction | amendment operation | movement in the crown 2 step position of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the correction | amendment operation | movement in the crown normal position of the electronic timepiece of Example 1 of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic timepiece of Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the measurement routine 2 explaining the outline of correction operation | movement of the electronic timepiece of Example 2 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining correction | amendment operation | movement of the division 1 and the division 2 in the crown 1 step position of the electronic timepiece of Example 2 of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the correction operation | movement of the division 3 and the division 4 in the crown 1 step pulling position of the electronic timepiece of Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the operation position of the crown of the conventional pointer display type electronic timepiece.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,40 Electronic timepiece 2 Time reference source 3 Clock circuit 4 Motor drive part 5a Second motor 5b Hour date motor 6 Display part 6a Second hand 6b Minute hand 6c Hour hand 6d Date plate 7 Exterior 8 Band 9 Circuit board 9a Substrate hole 10 Crown 11 Ground plate 12 winding stem 13 setting 14 crown position switch spring 14a crown position switch spring contact portion 15 switch wheel 16 neutral spring 16a neutral spring main body portion 17 crown rotation switch spring 17a crown rotation switch spring contact portion 18 guide plate 19 pins 20, 25 correction control Unit 21 Timer setting unit 22 Measurement unit 23, 28 Correction signal generation unit 26 Clock setting unit 27 Period measurement unit 30 Antenna 31 Reception unit 32 Radio wave correction unit S1 Push switch S3, S4 Crown position detection switch K3, K4 Crown rotation detection switch P1 1 second signal P2 Control clock signal P3 Motor control signal P4, P5 Motor drive signal P6, P7 Crown position signal P8, P9 Crown rotation signal P10 Push switch signal P11 Timer signal P12 Measurement data P13 Correction signal P14 Demodulation signal P15 Standard time data P16 Clock signal P17 Period measurement data

Claims (8)

Time measuring means for measuring a reference signal from a time reference source, time display means for displaying time information of the time measuring means, driving means for driving the time display means, and time information of the time measuring means manually An electronic timepiece having a crown for correction by operation,
Crown position detection means for detecting the position of the crown in the axial direction and outputting a crown position signal; crown detection means for detecting the rotation state of the crown and outputting a crown rotation signal; and position of the crown in the axial direction And a correction control unit that varies a measurement condition of the crown rotation signal in response to the variable and adjusts a correction amount of the time information of the clock timing unit based on measurement information of the crown rotation signal measured according to the variable measurement condition. , equipped with a,
The correction control means includes a timer setting means for varying a timer time which is a measurement condition of the crown rotation signal in accordance with the axial position of the crown, and a measurement for measuring the number of times the crown rotation signal is generated within the timer time. And a correction signal generating means for varying the amount of correction of the time information of the time measuring means based on the measurement information from the measuring means,
An electronic timepiece characterized by comprising: Time measuring means for measuring a reference signal from a time reference source, time display means for displaying time information of the time measuring means, driving means for driving the time measuring means, and time information of the time measuring means manually An electronic timepiece having a crown for correction by operation,
Crown position detection means for detecting the position of the crown in the axial direction and outputting a crown position signal; crown detection means for detecting the rotation state of the crown and outputting a crown rotation signal; and position of the crown in the axial direction And a correction control unit that varies a measurement condition of the crown rotation signal in response to the variable and adjusts a correction amount of the time information of the clock timing unit based on measurement information of the crown rotation signal measured according to the variable measurement condition. With
The correction control means includes a clock setting means for changing a frequency of a clock signal, which is a measurement condition of the crown rotation signal, according to a position in the axial direction of the crown, and a measurement for measuring a period of the crown rotation signal by the clock signal. And a correction signal generating means for varying the amount of correction of the time information of the time measuring means based on the measurement information from the measuring means,
An electronic timepiece characterized by comprising: The correction signal generating means outputs a correction signal in which the correction amount is varied based on a change in the measurement information from the measurement means, and the time information of the time counting means is corrected by the correction signal. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the electronic timepiece is characterized by the following. The correction signal generating means outputs a correction signal in which the correction amount is divided into at least two stages based on a change in the measurement information from the measurement means, and the time of the time measuring means is determined by the divided correction signal. 3. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the information is corrected. The correction control means selects a correction digit for the correction signal to correct time information of the time counting means based on the axial position of the crown detected by the crown position detecting means. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . If the crown rotation signal is detected during driving of the driving means, the correction control means outputs the correction signal for correcting the correction amount of the time information of the time counting means by one step, and the driving means electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for driving the drive means by the corrected signal after the drive-end. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the crown rotation detecting means outputs 5 to 20 crown rotation signals for one rotation of the crown. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the electronic timepiece is a pointer display type timepiece.

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