JP7203642B2 - electronic clock - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic timepieces.

Conventionally, there is a technique for stopping the operation of an electronic device. Patent Document 1 discloses a mode switching unit for switching the operation mode of a driven unit between a normal drive mode and a power saving mode, and a power supply unit which stores power when the mode switching unit is in the power saving mode. A technique for an electronic device is disclosed that includes an operation stop unit that stops the operation of a drive control unit when it is determined that the amount of electrical energy present has become smaller than a predetermined amount of electrical energy.

Japanese Patent No. 3525897

There is still room for improvement in extending the operating time of electronic timepieces. For example, if the conditions for stopping the electronic timepiece are made more appropriate, power consumption can be reduced and the operating time can be extended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic timepiece that can extend its operating time.

An electronic timepiece according to the present invention comprises a power generation mechanism, a battery charged with power generated by the power generation mechanism, hands including a second hand, a drive source for rotating the hands, and the power supplied from the battery. A drive circuit for driving a drive source, and a control circuit for controlling the drive circuit, wherein the control circuit operates in a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption and in a state in which the power generation mechanism does not generate power. A first stop operation is performed to stop the drive circuit and the control circuit when the determination time has elapsed, and the control circuit is in the power saving mode and in a state where the voltage of the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the second stop operation is performed. A second stop operation for stopping the drive circuit and the control circuit is executed when the determination time of (1) has elapsed.

An electronic timepiece according to the present invention includes a power generation mechanism, a battery charged with power generated by the power generation mechanism, hands including a second hand, a drive source for rotating the hands, and a drive source powered by power supplied from the battery. A drive circuit for driving and a control circuit for controlling the drive circuit are provided. The control circuit executes a first stop operation of stopping the drive circuit and the control circuit when the first determination time elapses in a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption and in a state where the power generation mechanism does not generate power. The control circuit executes a second stop operation of stopping the drive circuit and the control circuit when the second determination time has elapsed in the power saving mode and in a state where the voltage of the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

The electronic timepiece according to the present invention performs a first stop operation based on the elapsed time when no power is generated, and a second stop operation based on the elapsed time when the battery voltage is below a predetermined value. Therefore, the electronic timepiece according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing a drop in battery voltage and extending the operating time.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an electronic timepiece according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the electrostatic motor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrostatic motor according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining mode transitions of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is another diagram illustrating mode transition of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to a second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is another flowchart according to the second modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to a third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is another flowchart according to the third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is still another flowchart according to the third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to a fifth modification of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is another flowchart according to the fifth modification of the embodiment.

An electronic timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or substantially the same components.

[Embodiment]
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. This embodiment relates to an electronic timepiece. 1 is a front view of an electronic timepiece according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic timepiece according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic motor according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment. 5 is a diagram for explaining mode transitions of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6 is another diagram for explaining mode transitions of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment.

The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment is an analog electronic timepiece that displays the time with a second hand 2, a minute hand 3, and an hour hand 4, as shown in FIG. The electronic timepiece 1 has an exterior case 31 , a dial 32 , a second hand 2 , a minute hand 3 , an hour hand 4 , and an operating section 18 . The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment is a wristwatch worn on a user's arm. The electronic timepiece 1 displays the current time with three hands (second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4).

The dial 32 has scales 33 and hour characters 34 . A scale 33 is an index indicated by a pointer. The scales 33 are arranged on the outer edge of the dial 32 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The hour characters 34 are numbers indicating the time corresponding to each scale 33 . The operation unit 18 is an operation input unit operated by a user. The operation part 18 of this embodiment is a crown. The electronic timepiece 1 accepts various corrections by the user while the operation unit 18 is pulled out. The electronic timepiece 1 allows the user to correct the positions of the hour hand 4 and the minute hand 3 while the operation unit 18 is pulled out to one step.

A power saving display 35 and a charging warning display 36 are provided on the exterior case 31 . The power saving display 35 is characters or symbols indicating that the electronic timepiece 1 is in the power saving mode. As will be described later, the electronic timepiece 1 indicates to the user that the current mode is the power saving mode by pointing the second hand 2 to the power saving display 35 . The power saving display 35 of this embodiment is arranged at the 12 o'clock position. As will be described later, the electronic timepiece 1 points the second hand 2 to the charging warning display 36 when in the charging warning state. The charge warning display 36 of this embodiment is arranged at the 4 o'clock position. Note that the power saving display 35 and the charging warning display 36 may be provided on the dial 32 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic timepiece 1 further includes a second hand wheel 5, a minute hand wheel 6, an hour hand wheel 7, a first reduction mechanism 8, a second reduction mechanism 9, a third reduction mechanism 10, a first motor 11, It has a second motor 12 , a first drive circuit 13 , a second drive circuit 14 , a first detector 15 , a second detector 16 , a battery 17 , a counter 19 , a control circuit 20 , and a generator mechanism 21 .

Both the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 may be electromagnetic motors or electrostatic motors driven by electrostatic force. One of the first motor 11 and the second motor 12 may be an electrostatic motor and the other an electromagnetic motor. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first motor 11 is an electrostatic motor and the second motor 12 is an electromagnetic motor.

The second wheel 5 is connected to the second hand 2 and rotates together with the second hand 2 . The second wheel 5 is fixed to a second hand rotation shaft SS which is the rotation shaft of the second hand 2 . The second wheel 5 is a rotary gear having teeth formed on its outer periphery. The second hand rotating shaft SS is rotatably supported inside the exterior case 31 .

The minute hand wheel 6 is connected to the minute hand 3 and rotates together with the minute hand 3 . The minute hand wheel 6 is fixed to a minute hand rotating shaft MS that is the rotating shaft of the minute hand 3 . The minute hand wheel 6 is a rotary gear having teeth formed on its outer periphery. The minute hand rotating shaft MS is rotatably supported inside the exterior case 31 .

The hour hand wheel 7 is connected to the hour hand 4 and rotates together with the hour hand 4 . The hour hand wheel 7 is fixed to the hour hand rotation shaft HS, which is the rotation shaft of the hour hand 4 . The hour wheel 7 is a rotary gear having teeth formed on its outer periphery. The hour hand rotating shaft HS is rotatably supported inside the exterior case 31 . The hour hand rotation axis HS, the minute hand rotation axis MS, and the second hand rotation axis SS are arranged coaxially.

The first speed reduction mechanism 8 connects the electrostatic motor 11 and the second wheel 5 . The first deceleration mechanism 8 is a deceleration train wheel having at least one gear, and transmits the rotational force generated by the electrostatic motor 11 to the seconds wheel 5 . The first speed reduction mechanism 8 is arranged on the back side of the dial 32 . The first speed reduction mechanism 8 shifts the rotation of the rotating shaft of the electrostatic motor 11 at a first speed reduction ratio and transmits the speed to the second wheel 5 .

The second speed reduction mechanism 9 connects the electromagnetic motor 12 and the minute hand wheel 6 . The second speed reduction mechanism 9 is a reduction gear train having at least one gear, and transmits the rotational force generated by the electromagnetic motor 12 to the minute hand wheel 6 . The second speed reduction mechanism 9 is arranged on the back side of the dial 32 . The second speed reduction mechanism 9 shifts the rotation of the rotating shaft of the electromagnetic motor 12 at a second speed reduction ratio and transmits the speed to the minute hand wheel 6 .

The third speed reduction mechanism 10 connects the electromagnetic motor 12 and the hour hand wheel 7 . The third speed reduction mechanism 10 is a reduction gear train having at least one gear, and transmits the rotational force generated by the electromagnetic motor 12 to the hour hand wheel 7 . The third speed reduction mechanism 10 is arranged on the back side of the dial 32 . The third speed reduction mechanism 10 shifts the rotation of the minute hand wheel 6 at a third speed reduction ratio and transmits it to the hour hand wheel 7 . The third speed reduction mechanism 10 of this embodiment is interposed between the minute hand wheel 6 and the hour hand wheel 7 .

The electrostatic motor 11 is, for example, an electret motor that uses an electret as an electrostatic material and rotationally drives a rotor using electrostatic interaction between a charging section and an electrode facing the charging section. The electrostatic motor 11 continuously rotates the second hand 2 by continuous rotational driving. The electrostatic motor 11 has a rotor 111, two stators 112 and 113, and a rotating shaft 114, as shown in FIGS. The rotor 111 is arranged between two stators 112,113. The rotor 111 is arranged coaxially with the two stators 112 and 113 with a gap therebetween. The rotary shaft 114 is rotatably supported.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic motor 11 is connected to the battery 17 via the first drive circuit 13 . The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 17 supplies power to the first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14, which will be described later.

The first drive circuit 13 is electrically connected to the control circuit 20 and operates according to commands from the control circuit 20 . The first drive circuit 13 generates drive pulses from power supplied from the battery 17 and outputs the generated drive pulses to the electrostatic motor 11 . The stators 112 and 113 generate an electrostatic force by driving pulses and give a rotational force to the rotor 111 .

The rotor 111 is a disk-shaped member formed of a substrate material such as a silicon substrate, a glass epoxy substrate provided with an electrode surface for charging, or an aluminum plate. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of charging units 111a are formed on both surfaces of the rotor 111, respectively. The charging units 111a are arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft 114 . In the rotor 111, the charging portion 111a on the upper surface and the charging portion 111a on the lower surface are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction. The charging portion 111a of this embodiment is a thin film made of an electret material. Through holes 111b are formed in the rotor 111 between adjacent charging portions 111a.

The stators 112 and 113 are non-rotatably fixed and face each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 114 . The stators 112 and 113 are, for example, disk-shaped. A plurality of first electrodes 112 a and a plurality of second electrodes 112 b are formed on the surface of the stator 112 facing the rotor 111 . The first electrode 112a and the second electrode 112b are fixed electrodes. The first electrodes 112a and the second electrodes 112b are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction.

Each first electrode 112a is electrically connected to the first drive circuit 13 via a common wiring. That is, a common drive pulse is input to each first electrode 112a. Each second electrode 112b is electrically connected to the first drive circuit 13 via a common wiring. That is, a common drive pulse is input to each second electrode 112b.

A plurality of third electrodes 113 a and a plurality of fourth electrodes 113 b are formed on the surface of the stator 113 facing the stator 111 . The third electrode 113a and the fourth electrode 113b are fixed electrodes. The third electrodes 113a and the fourth electrodes 113b are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction.

Each third electrode 113a is electrically connected to the first drive circuit 13 via a common wiring. That is, a common drive pulse is input to each third electrode 113a. Each fourth electrode 113b is electrically connected to the first drive circuit 13 via a common wiring. That is, a common drive pulse is input to each fourth electrode 113b.

Each electrode 112a, 112b, 113a, 113b generates an attractive force or a repulsive force with the charging section 111a according to the polarity generated by the drive pulse. The first drive circuit 13 outputs drive pulses having mutually different phases to the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b. As a result, the polarities of the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b change to positive and negative in different phases. The first drive circuit 13 rotates the rotor 111 in the forward rotation direction R1 or the reverse rotation direction R2 by driving pulses for the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, 113b. The forward rotation direction R1 is the clockwise rotation direction when the dial 32 is viewed from the front side. The reverse rotation direction R2 is a rotation direction opposite to the forward rotation direction R1.

In FIG. 3, since the electrodes 113a and 113b on the bottom surface are shifted from the electrodes 112a and 112b on the top surface by half the width of the electrodes in the circumferential direction, the phases of the electrodes are different from each other. Outputs drive pulses. When the electrodes 112a and 112b on the upper surface and the electrodes 113a and 113b on the lower surface are arranged vertically symmetrically, the same drive pulse applied to the electrodes 112a and 112b on the upper surface is applied to the electrodes 113a and 113b on the lower surface. 113b may also be added.

The first drive circuit 13 continuously rotates the second hand 2 by continuously outputting drive pulses at the first drive frequency. The first drive frequency is a frequency that rotates the second hand 2 1/60 times per second in the forward rotation direction R1. The electrostatic motor 11 generates a rotational force in the forward rotation direction R1 by driving pulses of the first driving frequency. The second hand 2 rotates in the forward rotation direction R<b>1 due to the rotational force of the electrostatic motor 11 .

The electromagnetic motor 12 is a motor using electromagnetic induction, such as a stepping motor. The electromagnetic motor 12 rotates the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 by intermittent driving that repeats a driving state and a temporary stop holding state. The electromagnetic motor 12 is connected to the battery 17 via the second drive circuit 14 .

The second drive circuit 14 is electrically connected to the control circuit 20 and operates according to commands from the control circuit 20 . The second drive circuit 14 generates drive pulses from power supplied from the battery 17 and outputs the generated drive pulses to the electromagnetic motor 12 . The electromagnetic motor 12 rotates the rotor by the magnetic field generated by the stator by driving pulses.

The control circuit 20 is a circuit that drives and controls the electrostatic motor 11 and the electromagnetic motor 12 . The control circuit 20 has a clock section (clock circuit) that calculates the clock internal time. The control circuit 20 of this embodiment calculates the clock internal time based on the signal output from the counter 19 . A counter 19 generates a pulse signal from the clock signal generated by the oscillator. The counter 19 outputs a carry-up signal at predetermined intervals based on the generated pulse signal. The clock section of the control circuit 20 calculates the internal time of the clock based on the carry-up signal obtained from the counter 19 .

The control circuit 20 controls the first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14 so as to synchronize the time indicated by the hands (second hand 2, minute hand 3, hour hand 4) with the timepiece internal time. More specifically, the control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 by the first drive circuit 13 so that the position of the second hand 2 corresponds to the timepiece internal time. Further, the control circuit 20 moves the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 by the second drive circuit 14 so that the positions of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 correspond to the timepiece internal time.

The control circuit 20 causes the second hand 2 to stop by the first drive circuit 13 in accordance with the operation of the operation section 18 . The control circuit 20 determines whether or not to stop the second hand 2 according to the position of the operation section 18 . The operating portion 18 of this embodiment is movable to a plurality of stage positions along the axial direction of the operating portion 18 . Among the plurality of stage positions of the operating portion 18, the position pushed in to the center of the clock is called "0th stage", and the stage position pulled out by one stage from the 0th stage position is called "1st stage".

When the step position of the operating portion 18 is the first step, the minute hand wheel 6 or the hour hand wheel 7 is connected to the operating portion 18 . In this case, the rotation of minute hand 3 and hour hand 4 is mechanically restricted. In step 1, the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operating portion 18 . The user can correct the time of the electronic timepiece 1 by setting the stage position of the operation unit 18 to the first stage. The control circuit 20 stops the second hand 2 when the stage position of the operation unit 18 is the 1st stage. For example, when the control circuit 20 detects that the step position of the operation section 18 has changed to step 1, it immediately stops the second hand 2 . When the second hand 2 is to be stopped, the control circuit 20 causes the first drive circuit 13 to perform holding control to hold the rotational position of the second hand 2 .

In holding control, the first drive circuit 13 fixes the polarity of at least one set of electrodes among the four sets of electrodes from the first electrode 112a to the fourth electrode 113b to positive or negative. The first drive circuit 13 may fix the polarities of four sets of electrodes from the first electrode 112a to the fourth electrode 113b. The polarities of the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b may be, for example, polarities that cause the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b to exert an attractive force on the charging section 111a at the position facing each other. Rotation of the rotor 111 is stopped by fixing the polarities of the electrodes 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b. The control circuit 20 starts moving the second hand 2, the minute hand 3, and the hour hand 4 when it detects that the stage position of the operation unit 18 is the 0th stage.

A power generation mechanism 21 is connected to the battery 17 . The battery 17 is charged with electric power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 . The power generation mechanism 21 of this embodiment is an electrostatic induction type power generation mechanism. Of course, a mechanism such as a solar power generation mechanism, an electromagnetic power generation mechanism, a thermal power generation mechanism, or an electromagnetic induction power generation mechanism may be used as the power generation mechanism 21 . The power generation mechanism 21 has, for example, a rotor and a stator similar to the rotor 111 and the stator 112 described above. An oscillating weight that rotates according to the movement of the arm on which the electronic timepiece 1 is worn is connected to the rotor via a gear train. When the electronic timepiece 1 is vibrated, the rotor rotates in conjunction with the oscillating weight, and power is generated by relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. The electronic timepiece 1 has a voltage detection section that detects the voltage of the battery 17 . The control circuit 20 acquires the voltage value of the battery 17 from the voltage detector.

The control circuit 20 acquires the hand position of the second hand 2 based on the detection result of the first detection section 15 . The first detection unit 15 is, for example, an optical detection mechanism, and includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a detection hole. The detection hole is a through hole formed in the train wheel that constitutes the first speed reduction mechanism 8 . The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element face each other in the axial direction of the train wheel with the train wheel of the first speed reduction mechanism 8 interposed therebetween. The light receiving element detects light emitted from the light emitting element and passing through the detection hole. The control circuit 20 acquires the hand position of the second hand 2 based on the detection result of the light receiving element.

The control circuit 20 acquires the hand positions of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 based on the detection result of the second detector 16 . The second detector 16 has, for example, the same configuration as the first detector 15 . The detection hole of the second detection portion 16 is provided, for example, in the train wheel of the second speed reduction mechanism 9 . In this case, the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the second detection unit 16 are arranged to face each other in the axial direction of the train wheel with the train wheel of the second speed reduction mechanism 9 interposed therebetween. The control circuit 20 acquires the hand positions of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 based on the results of detection by the light receiving elements of the second detection section 16 .

The control circuit 20 of this embodiment has a power saving mode for reducing power consumption in the electronic timepiece 1, as described below. The power saving mode is a mode in which at least the second hand 2 out of the second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4 is stopped to reduce power consumption. The power saving modes include a first power saving mode PS1 and a second power saving mode PS2. The first power saving mode PS1 is a power saving mode in which the second hand 2 is stopped when the power generation mechanism 21 continues to not generate power. The second power saving mode PS2 is a power saving mode in which the second hand 2 is stopped when the voltage of the battery 17 is low.

The control circuit 20 of this embodiment executes a stop operation when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied in the power saving mode. The stop operation is an operation of stopping power supply to the first drive circuit 13 , the second drive circuit 14 , and the control circuit 20 . By performing the stop operation, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the power break mode. In the power break mode, the power consumption of the electronic timepiece 1 is minimized and voltage drop of the battery 17 is suppressed.

Mode transition in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows mode transition when the stage position of the operation unit 18 is 0 stage. In the present embodiment, a mode in which the second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4 are all moving in the electronic timepiece 1 is referred to as a "normal mode."

(First power saving mode PS1)
The control circuit 20 monitors whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power in the normal mode. The control circuit 20 determines whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power based on the value of the current flowing from the power generation mechanism 21 to the battery 17, for example. The control circuit 20 counts the time elapsed without power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as "non-power generation time"). The control circuit 20 changes the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power saving mode PS1 as indicated by an arrow Y1 in FIG. The determination time T1 is, for example, 10 minutes.

When shifting to the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 stops the second hand 2 at the first position. The first position in this embodiment is the 12 o'clock position. In other words, the first position of the second hand 2 is the position pointing to the power saving display 35, and the pointer indicates that the non-power generation time has exceeded the predetermined judgment time and the power saving state has been entered. The control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 to the first position by the first drive circuit 13 and stops the second hand 2 at the first position. The control circuit 20 may stop the second hand 2 when the second hand 2 reaches the first position with normal hand movement. The control circuit 20 may move the second hand 2 to the first position at a speed or in a rotational direction different from normal hand movement. For example, the control circuit 20 may rotate the second hand 2 to the first position at a rotation speed faster than the normal hand movement speed, and stop the second hand 2 at the first position.

The control circuit 20 detects the needle position when shifting from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1. For example, the control circuit 20 may detect the position of the second hand 2 after stopping the second hand 2 at the first position. If the detected position of the second hand 2 deviates from the first position, the control circuit 20 corrects the position of the second hand 2 . The control circuit 20 may detect the position of the second hand 2 before stopping the second hand 2 at the first position. By grasping the actual position of the second hand 2, the second hand 2 can be accurately stopped at the first position.

Since the control circuit 20 of this embodiment does not detect the position of the pointer while the timepiece is being used in the normal mode, the position of the pointer may deviate from its intended position due to an external shock or the like applied to the timepiece. There is no need to correct the position even if the If the first power saving mode PS1 is entered while the hands are misaligned, the second hand 2 cannot point to the power saving display at 12 o'clock, and the user may suspect a malfunction. Therefore, the needle position is detected before or after shifting to the first power saving mode PS1, and the needle position is corrected so that the pointer can accurately indicate the power saving display.

The control circuit 20 monitors whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power in the first power saving mode PS1. When the control circuit 20 detects power generation in the power generation mechanism 21, it counts the power generation time. This power generation time is counted while the power generation mechanism 21 is continuously generating power, and is reset when power generation is no longer detected. That is, in the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 counts the continuous power generation time by the power generation mechanism 21. FIG. The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment lowers the clock of the counter 19 in the first power saving mode PS1 and the second power saving mode PS2 compared to the normal mode. For example, the clock frequencies in the power saving modes PS1 and PS2 may be 1/10 of the clock frequency in the normal mode. As a result, even if the power generation time or non-power generation time becomes longer, the counter does not have to be enlarged, so the circuit scale can be reduced and the current consumption can be reduced.

In addition, since the duration for determining power generation is shorter than the duration for determining no power generation, the clock frequency of the normal mode is used when measuring the power generation time. may be counted at the clock frequency of As a result, it is possible to keep the measurement resolution of the power generation time fine, and to accurately measure the time. The frequency division number 1/10 of the clock frequency described above is an example, and is not limited to this.

The control circuit 20 returns the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode as indicated by an arrow Y2 in FIG. 5 when the power generation time reaches or exceeds a predetermined third determination time P3. This third determination time P3 is, for example, 5 seconds.

The control circuit 20 restarts the movement of the second hand 2 when returning from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode. At this time, the control circuit 20 may start moving the second hand 2 at the timing when the position of the second hand 2 corresponding to the timepiece internal time reaches the first position. Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may move the second hand 2 to a position corresponding to the timepiece internal time before starting the normal movement of the second hand 2 .

The control circuit 20 detects the needle position when shifting from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode. For example, the control circuit 20 detects the position of the second hand 2 after the second hand 2 starts rotating. If the detected position of the second hand 2 deviates from the position corresponding to the timepiece internal time, the control circuit 20 can correct the position of the second hand 2 by means of the first drive circuit 13 . Here, the needle position detection performed when shifting from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode does not necessarily have to be performed under conditions where the positional deviation of the pointer is unlikely to occur. For example, when the normal mode returns to the normal mode in a short period of time after shifting from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1, the needle position detection does not have to be performed because the possibility of the pointer position deviation occurring is low.

Further, the detection of the needle position consumes electric power because the measurement is performed by causing the optical element to emit light while rotating the gear that is interlocked with the needle by operating the motor. Therefore, the hand position detection performed at each mode transition may be partially omitted depending on the balance of electric power and the possibility of the positional deviation of the hands.

In the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 counts the duration of the first power saving mode PS1. The control circuit 20 executes the first stop operation when the first determination time P1 elapses without the return condition from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode being satisfied. The first determination time P1 is, for example, one month. Note that the duration of the first power saving mode PS1 may be reset when power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 is detected. In this case, when power generation is no longer detected, the counting of the duration is started again. The control circuit 20 may perform the first stop operation when the non-power generation time is equal to or longer than the first determination time P1 in the first power saving mode PS1.

The first stop operation is an operation of stopping power supply to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14. FIG. The control circuit 20 outputs, for example, a command signal to the power supply circuit including the battery 17 to stop power supply to the control circuit 20 , the first drive circuit 13 , and the second drive circuit 14 . In response to this command signal, power supply to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14 is stopped.

(First power break mode PB1)
The control circuit 20 whose power supply is stopped stops operations including calculation of the clock internal time. Further, by stopping the power supply to the first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14, the second hand 2, the minute hand 3, and the hour hand 4 stop moving. Second hand 2 remains stationary at the first position. The minute hand 3 and hour hand 4 stop at the positions when the power supply is stopped. By executing the first stop operation, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the first power break mode PB1 as indicated by an arrow Y3 in FIG. The first power break mode PB1 is a power break mode when the first stop condition is satisfied. The first stop condition is satisfied when the first determination time P1 has elapsed while the power generation mechanism 21 is not generating power.

The electronic timepiece 1 starts counting the power generation time when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power in the first power break mode PB1. The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment has an activation circuit that activates the control circuit 20 when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power. The activated control circuit 20 counts the power generation time of the power generation mechanism 21 . The power generation time is counted while the power generation mechanism 21 continuously generates power, and is reset when power generation is no longer detected. Further, when a predetermined time elapses without power generation in the power generation mechanism 21, power supply to the control circuit 20 is stopped.

When the condition for returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode is satisfied, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the normal mode as indicated by an arrow Y4 in FIG. Conditions for returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode are met when the power generation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination time T2 and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1. The value of the first voltage V1 is greater than the value of the lower limit voltage VL, which will be described later. The determination time T2 is, for example, 5 seconds.

The control circuit 20 resumes movement of the second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4 when conditions for returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode are satisfied. Specifically, control circuit 20 restarts power supply from battery 17 to first drive circuit 13 and second drive circuit 14 . The control circuit 20 uses the first drive circuit 13 to restart the movement of the second hand 2 from the position where the second hand 2 was stopped in the first power break mode PB1. The control circuit 20 causes the second drive circuit 14 to restart the movement of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 from the position where the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 were stopped in the first power break mode PB1.

(Second power saving mode PS2)
Control circuit 20 monitors the voltage of battery 17 in the normal mode. When the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or lower than the predetermined lower limit voltage VL, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power saving mode PS2 as indicated by arrow Y5 in FIG.

When shifting to the second power saving mode PS2, the control circuit 20 stops the second hand 2 at the second position. The second position of this embodiment is the 4 o'clock position. That is, the second position of the second hand 2 is the position pointing to the charging warning display 36 . The control circuit 20 causes the second hand 2 to move to the second position and stop by the first drive circuit 13 . The control circuit 20 may stop the second hand 2 when the second hand 2 reaches the second position with normal hand movement. The control circuit 20 may move the second hand 2 to the second position at a speed or in a rotational direction different from normal hand movement. For example, the control circuit 20 may rotate the second hand 2 to the second position at a rotation speed faster than the normal hand movement speed and then stop it.

The control circuit 20 detects the needle position when shifting from the normal mode to the second power saving mode PS2. For example, the control circuit 20 may detect the position of the second hand 2 after stopping the second hand 2 at the second position. If the detected position of the second hand 2 deviates from the second position, the control circuit 20 corrects the position of the second hand 2 . The control circuit 20 may detect the position of the second hand 2 before stopping the second hand 2 at the second position. By grasping the actual position of the second hand 2, the second hand 2 can be accurately stopped at the second position.

The control circuit 20 monitors whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power in the second power saving mode PS2. When the control circuit 20 detects power generation in the power generation mechanism 21, it counts the power generation time. The power generation time counted in the second power saving mode PS2 is the cumulative power generation time. The control circuit 20 counts the accumulated power generation time when power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 is detected.

The control circuit 20 counts carry signals sent from the counter 19 . In the second power saving mode PS2, the counter 19 outputs carry-up signals at longer intervals than in the normal mode. For example, in the second power saving mode PS2, the counter 19 outputs a carry-up signal at intervals of 1 second. The control circuit 20 calculates the accumulated power generation time by counting the carry-up signal sent from the counter 19 . Note that the counter 19 of the present embodiment is configured to send a carry-up signal in synchronization with the timing at which the control circuit 20 wakes up. For example, the control circuit 20 wakes up at the timing of performing the reference clock oscillation frequency adjustment processing by logical regulation, and shifts to a sleep state when the reference clock oscillation frequency adjustment processing by logical regulation and counting of the accumulated power generation time are completed. The cumulative power generation time is reset when a predetermined period of time elapses from the start of counting the power generation time. In other words, the control circuit 20 calculates the accumulated power generation time in a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one day.

When the cumulative power generation time reaches or exceeds the fourth determination time P4, the control circuit 20 restores the electronic timepiece 1 to the normal mode as indicated by an arrow Y6 in FIG. The fourth determination time P4 is longer than the third determination time P3. The fourth determination time P4 is, for example, 5 minutes. The fourth determination time P4 is determined, for example, so that the voltage of the battery 17 can be increased appropriately. The fourth determination time P4 is determined based on, for example, the capacity of the battery 17, the power generation capacity of the power generation mechanism 21, and the like.

In the present embodiment, it is appropriately determined to return to the normal mode based on the accumulated power generation time. For example, it is conceivable to determine the recovery based on the voltage of the battery 17 . Here, when the battery 17 is charged, the voltage of the battery 17 temporarily rises due to the polarization action. In this case, it may be determined to return to the normal mode based on the instantaneous value of the voltage even though the remaining charge of the battery 17 has not sufficiently recovered. As a result, frequent mode transitions may be repeated between the normal mode and the second power saving mode PS2. According to the present embodiment, even if the generated voltage fluctuates in a short period of time, or if the generated voltage decreases only for a short period of time during power generation, the accumulated power generation period can be measured based on the accumulated power generation time. Since the charge recovery amount of the battery 17 can be accurately grasped by this, the restoration determination is made after the remaining charge amount of the battery 17 is appropriately recovered.

The control circuit 20 resumes movement of the second hand 2 when returning from the second power saving mode PS2 to the normal mode. At this time, the control circuit 20 may start moving the second hand 2 at the timing when the position of the second hand 2 corresponding to the timepiece internal time reaches the second position. Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may move the second hand 2 to a position corresponding to the timepiece internal time before starting the normal movement of the second hand 2 .

The control circuit 20 detects the needle position when shifting from the second power saving mode PS2 to the normal mode. For example, the control circuit 20 detects the position of the second hand 2 after the second hand 2 starts rotating. If the detected position of the second hand 2 deviates from the position corresponding to the timepiece internal time, the control circuit 20 can correct the position of the second hand 2 by means of the first drive circuit 13 . Here, it is not always necessary to detect the position of the hands when shifting from the second power saving mode PS2 to the normal mode if the conditions are such that the position of the hands is less likely to shift. For example, when the normal mode returns to the normal mode in a short period of time after shifting from the normal mode to the second power saving mode PS2, the needle position detection does not have to be performed because there is a low possibility that the pointer position will be misaligned.

The control circuit 20 executes the second stop operation when the second determination time P2 elapses without the return condition from the second power saving mode PS2 to the normal mode being satisfied. The second stop operation is an operation of stopping power supply to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14. FIG. The control circuit 20 outputs, for example, a command signal to the power supply circuit including the battery 17 to stop power supply to the control circuit 20 , the first drive circuit 13 , and the second drive circuit 14 . In response to this command signal, power supply to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14 is stopped. The second determination time P2 is shorter than the first determination time P1. The second determination time P2 is, for example, three days.

The control circuit 20 whose power supply is stopped stops operations including calculation of the clock internal time. Further, by stopping the power supply to the first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14, the second hand 2, the minute hand 3, and the hour hand 4 stop moving. Second hand 2 remains stationary at the second position. The minute hand 3 and hour hand 4 stop at the positions when the power supply is stopped. By executing the second stop operation, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the second power break mode PB2 as indicated by an arrow Y7 in FIG. The second power break mode PB2 is a power break mode when the second stop condition is satisfied. The second stop condition is satisfied when the second determination time P2 elapses without the cumulative power generation time becoming equal to or greater than the fourth determination time P4. It should be noted that the second stop condition may be satisfied when the no power generation time is equal to or longer than the second determination time P2.

The electronic timepiece 1 acquires the voltage of the battery 17 when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power in the second power break mode PB2. The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment has an activation circuit that activates the control circuit 20 when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power. The activated control circuit 20 acquires the voltage of the battery 17 . When the voltage of the battery 17 is stably equal to or higher than the first voltage V1, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the normal mode as indicated by an arrow Y8 in FIG.

For example, the control circuit 20 determines that the condition for returning from the second power break mode PB2 to the normal mode is satisfied when the state in which the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1 continues for a predetermined time or longer. The predetermined time is preferably several minutes or more, for example, 5 minutes. The predetermined time is determined so that the return determination can be performed without being affected by the temporary voltage rise due to the polarization action. According to the present embodiment, even if the voltage of the battery 17 temporarily rises due to the polarization action, the return to the normal mode cannot be determined immediately. Therefore, the return determination to the normal mode is appropriately made.

The control circuit 20 resumes movement of the second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4 when conditions for returning from the second power break mode PB2 to the normal mode are satisfied. Specifically, the control circuit 20 causes the first drive circuit 13 to restart the movement of the second hand 2 . The first drive circuit 13 restarts the movement of the second hand 2 from the position where the second hand 2 was stopped in the second power break mode PB2. The control circuit 20 restarts the movement of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 by the second drive circuit 14 . The second drive circuit 14 resumes movement of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 from the position where the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 were stopped in the second power break mode PB2.

When the voltage of the battery 17 drops in the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power saving mode PS2 as indicated by arrow Y9 in FIG. For example, when the voltage of the battery 17 reaches the lower limit voltage VL, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power saving mode PS2. In this case, the control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 from the first position to the second position and stops it.

The first power break mode PB1 and the second power break mode PB2 are in the same power break state. It is possible to appropriately select under which condition, Y4 or Y8, the normal mode is to be restored.

The transition condition from the first power saving mode PS1 indicated by the arrow Y2 in FIG. 5 to the normal mode may be the cumulative power generation time, and the transition from the second power saving mode PS2 indicated by the arrow Y6 in FIG. 5 to the normal mode. The transition condition of may be continuous power generation time. Even under such conditions, the fourth determination time P4 is longer than the third determination time P3.

In the normal mode, when the operating portion 18 is pulled to change the step position from step 0 to step 1, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the time correction mode as indicated by arrow Y10 in FIG. In the time adjustment mode, the control circuit 20 causes the second hand 2 to stop by the first drive circuit 13 . The position at which the second hand 2 is stopped is the position of the second hand 2 when shifting to the time adjustment mode. That is, the second hand 2 is stopped at an arbitrary position when shifting from the normal mode to the time adjustment mode. Also, the rotation of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 is mechanically restricted. In the time correction mode, the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 can be rotated by rotating the operation unit 18 to correct the displayed time. The control circuit 20 may stop the operation of the second drive circuit 14 in the time adjustment mode. In the time correction mode, the internal clock time is reset.

In the time adjustment mode, when the stage position of the operation unit 18 changes from the 1st stage to the 0th stage, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the normal mode, as indicated by arrow Y11 in FIG. The control circuit 20 restarts the movement of the second hand 2, the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 to perform hand movement in the normal mode. The control circuit 20 detects the hand position when shifting from the time adjustment mode to the normal mode. Control circuit 20 detects the positions of second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4, respectively. The control circuit 20 sets the timepiece internal time based on the detected hand position.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, the first stop operation and second stop operation performed in the time adjustment mode will be described. FIG. 6 shows mode transition when the stage position of the operation unit 18 is the first stage. In the time adjustment mode, the movement of the second hand 2 is stopped. In other words, the time correction mode is a kind of power saving mode in which the second hand 2 is not driven.

(First power break mode PB1)
In the time adjustment mode, control circuit 20 counts the elapsed time since the time adjustment mode was started. When the elapsed time from the start of the time correction mode reaches the determination time T3 or longer, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1 as indicated by an arrow Y21 in FIG. first stop action). The determination time T3 is shorter than the first determination time P1, which is the threshold for shifting from the first power saving mode PS1 to the first power break mode PB1. The determination time T3 is, for example, one day. The control circuit 20 may perform the first stop operation when the non-power-generating time is equal to or longer than the determination time T3 in the time adjustment mode.

As a situation where the time adjustment mode continues for a long time, for example, the user may store the electronic timepiece 1 while forgetting to return the stage position of the operation unit 18 to the 0th stage. Further, in order to suppress consumption of the battery 17, the electronic timepiece 1 may be set to the time correction mode and stored in a warehouse or the like. In such a case, the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 automatically shifts to the first power break mode PB1, thereby effectively suppressing the voltage drop of the battery 17. FIG.

When shifting to the first power break mode PB1, the control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 to the first position and stops the second hand 2 at the first position. The control circuit 20 detects the hand position when shifting from the time adjustment mode to the first power break mode PB1. For example, the control circuit 20 detects the position of the second hand 2 after the second hand 2 starts rotating. The control circuit 20 calculates a target amount of rotation of the second hand 2 from the current position to the first position based on the detected position of the second hand 2 . The control circuit 20 causes the first drive circuit 13 to move the second hand 2 to the first position based on the target amount of rotation. Detection of the hand position may be performed after stopping the second hand 2 at the first position. After stopping the second hand 2 at the first position, the control circuit 20 stops power supply to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14. FIG.

The electronic timepiece 1 starts counting the power generation time when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power in the first power break mode PB1. The power generation time is counted while the power generation mechanism 21 continuously generates power, and is reset when power generation is no longer detected. When the conditions for returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the time adjustment mode are satisfied, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the time adjustment mode as indicated by an arrow Y22 in FIG. The condition for returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the time adjustment mode is satisfied when the power generation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined judgment time T4 and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1. The determination time T4 is, for example, 5 seconds.

(charging warning mode)
Control circuit 20 monitors the voltage of battery 17 in the time adjustment mode. When the voltage of the battery 17 becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage VL, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the charging warning mode WNG as indicated by an arrow Y23 in FIG. The charging warning mode WNG is a mode for warning the user or the like that the voltage of the battery 17 is low.

The control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 to the second position and stops the second hand 2 at the second position when shifting from the time correction mode to the charging warning mode WNG. The control circuit 20 detects the hand position when shifting from the time correction mode to the charging warning mode WNG. For example, the control circuit 20 detects the position of the second hand 2 after the second hand 2 starts rotating. The control circuit 20 calculates a target amount of rotation of the second hand 2 from the current position to the second position based on the detected position of the second hand 2 . The control circuit 20 causes the first drive circuit 13 to move the second hand 2 to the second position based on the target amount of rotation. Detection of the hand position may be performed after stopping the second hand 2 at the second position.

The control circuit 20 monitors whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power in the charging warning mode WNG. When the control circuit 20 detects power generation in the power generation mechanism 21, it counts the power generation time. The power generation time counted in the charge warning mode WNG is the cumulative power generation time. The control circuit 20 counts the cumulative power generation time each time power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 is detected. The cumulative power generation time is reset when a predetermined period of time elapses from the start of counting the power generation time. In other words, the control circuit 20 calculates the accumulated power generation time in a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one day. Returning from the charging warning mode WNG to the time correction mode is based on the accumulated power generation time, so even if the power generation voltage fluctuates in a short period of time, or if the power generation voltage drops for a short time during power generation, the power generation time is accumulated. Since the charge recovery amount of the battery 17 can be accurately grasped by measuring the remaining charge of the battery 17, the return determination is made after the remaining charge amount of the battery 17 is appropriately recovered.

The control circuit 20 returns the electronic timepiece 1 to the time adjustment mode as indicated by an arrow Y24 in FIG. 6 when the cumulative power generation time reaches the determination time T5 or longer. The length of the determination time T5 is, for example, five minutes, which is the same as the length of the fourth determination time P4. When returning to the time adjustment mode, the control circuit 20 may move the second hand 2 to a position different from the second position. The control circuit 20, for example, moves the second hand 2 to a position different from the first position and the second position. By changing the position of the second hand 2 to a position different from the second position, the user can know that the voltage of the battery 17 has recovered. The control circuit 20 may, for example, return the second hand 2 to the position before shifting to the charging warning mode WNG.

When returning to the time adjustment mode, if the stage position of the operation unit 18 is 0 stage, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 from the time adjustment mode to the normal mode. By shifting to the normal mode, the second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4 are restarted.

In the charge warning mode WNG, the control circuit 20 counts the elapsed time after the start of the charge warning mode WNG. The control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power break mode PB2 as indicated by an arrow Y25 in FIG. . The determination time T6 is, for example, three days. By setting a relatively long time as the determination time T6, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the voltage of the battery 17 has decreased.

When shifting to the second power break mode PB2, the control circuit 20 stops supplying power to the control circuit 20, the first drive circuit 13, and the second drive circuit 14 while keeping the second hand 2 stopped at the second position. stop. By shifting the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power break mode PB2, consumption of the battery 17 is suppressed in advance.

The electronic timepiece 1 acquires the voltage of the battery 17 when the power generation mechanism 21 generates power in the second power break mode PB2. When the power generating mechanism 21 generates power, the starting circuit starts the control circuit 20 . The activated control circuit 20 acquires the voltage of the battery 17 . When the voltage of the battery 17 is stably equal to or higher than the first voltage V1, the control circuit 20 shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the time adjustment mode as indicated by an arrow Y26 in FIG. For example, when the voltage of the battery 17 remains at the first voltage V1 or higher for five minutes or more, the control circuit 20 determines that the conditions for returning from the second power break mode PB2 to the time adjustment mode are satisfied.

As described above, the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment includes, as an example, the power generation mechanism 21, the battery 17, the hands including the second hand 2, the electrostatic motor 11 and the electromagnetic motor 12 that rotate the hands, the first drive It has a circuit 13 , a second drive circuit 14 , and a control circuit 20 . The battery 17 is charged with power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 . The hands include second hand 2, minute hand 3, and hour hand 4. The first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14 drive the electrostatic motor 11 and the electromagnetic motor 12 with power supplied from the battery 17 . The control circuit 20 controls the first drive circuit 13 and the second drive circuit 14 .

The control circuit 20 controls the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the A first stop operation for stopping the control circuit 20 is executed. Further, the control circuit 20 controls the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the control circuit 13 when the second determination time P2 has elapsed in the power saving mode and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage VL. A second stopping operation to stop circuit 20 is performed. The means for stopping the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the control circuit 20 is, for example, to stop the power supply to each of the circuits 13, 14, and 20. FIG. The control circuit 20 may stop at least some functions, preferably most functions, of each circuit 13, 14, 20 to reduce power consumption.

The electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment performs the first stop operation based on the non-power-generating time and the second stop operation based on the voltage of the battery 17 . In this manner, the first stop operation is executed in the non-power-generating state, and the second stop operation is executed based on the voltage drop, so that the operating time of the electronic timepiece 1 can be extended.

In the power saving modes PS1 and PS2 of the present embodiment, at least the second hand 2 among the hands is stopped to suppress power consumption. Power consumption is suppressed by stopping at least the second hand 2 in the power saving mode. Further power saving is possible by executing the first stop operation and the second stop operation from the power saving mode.

The power saving mode of this embodiment includes a first power saving mode PS1 and a second power saving mode PS2. The first power-saving mode PS1 is a power-saving mode in which the second hand 2 is stopped when the power generation mechanism 21 continues to not generate power. The second power saving mode PS2 is a power saving mode in which the second hand 2 is stopped when the voltage of the battery 17 is low. Two power saving modes PS1 and PS2 enable effective power saving.

The second determination time P2 in the second power saving mode PS2 is shorter than the first determination time P1 in the first power saving mode PS1. When the voltage of the battery 17 is low, the stopping operation is performed within a short determination time, thereby enabling effective power saving.

The control circuit 20 of this embodiment stops the second hand 2 at the first position in the first power saving mode PS1, and stops the second hand 2 at the second position in the second power saving mode PS2. The second position is a different position than the first position. Since the stop position of the second hand 2 differs depending on the power saving modes PS1 and PS2, the user can easily visually recognize the state of the electronic timepiece 1. FIG.

When executing the first stop operation in the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 of this embodiment controls the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the second drive circuit 13 while keeping the second hand 2 stopped at the first position. Stop the control circuit 20 . In addition, when executing the second stop operation in the second power saving mode PS2, the control circuit 20 keeps the second hand 2 stopped at the second position, and controls the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the control circuit. Stop 20. The different stop positions of the second hand 2 allow the user to easily visually recognize the state of the electronic timepiece 1 .

The control circuit 20 of the present embodiment shifts the mode to the second power saving mode PS2 when the voltage of the battery 17 drops in the first power saving mode PS1. This effectively suppresses the voltage drop of the battery 17 .

In the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 of the present embodiment starts moving the second hand 2 when the time of power generation by the power generation mechanism 21 becomes equal to or longer than the third determination time P3, and in the second power saving mode PS2 power generation by the power generation mechanism 21. When the time reaches the fourth determination time P4 or longer, the second hand 2 starts moving. The fourth determination time P4 is longer than the third determination time P3. Therefore, the second hand 2 starts to move after the voltage of the battery 17 recovers appropriately.

In the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 of the present embodiment returns to the normal mode and starts moving the second hand 2 based on the comparison result between the continuous power generation time of the power generation mechanism 21 and the third determination time P3. Decide whether or not In addition, in the second power saving mode PS2, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to return to the normal mode and start moving the second hand 2 based on the result of comparison between the cumulative power generation time of the power generation mechanism 21 and the fourth determination time P4. determine whether By starting the movement of the second hand 2 based on the accumulated power generation time, the movement of the second hand 2 is started after the voltage of the battery 17 is appropriately recovered.

The control circuit 20 of this embodiment executes the first stop operation and the second stop operation when the second hand 2 is stopped by the user's operation on the operation unit 18 . As a result, the power consumption of the electronic timepiece 1 is suppressed, and the operating time is extended.

The control circuit 20 of the present embodiment causes the second hand 2 to stop by the first drive circuit 13 according to the operation of the operation section 18 . When the voltage of the battery 17 drops below the lower limit voltage VL while the second hand 2 is stopped, the control circuit 20 rotates the second hand 2 to the warning position indicating the voltage drop of the battery 17, and stops the second hand 2 at the warning position. . The warning position of this embodiment is the second position. By stopping the second hand 2 at the warning position, the user can be made aware of the drop in battery voltage.

In this embodiment, the condition for restarting the operations of the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the control circuit 20 in the power break modes PB1 and PB2 is that the voltage of the battery 17 is higher than the lower limit voltage VL. include. In this embodiment, when the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1, resumption of power supply is permitted. By not starting the movement of the hands until the voltage level of the battery 17 recovers, the operating time of the electronic timepiece 1 can be extended.

The control circuit 20 of this embodiment detects the position of the pointer when one mode is switched to another mode. The control circuit 20 detects the position of the second hand 2, for example, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving modes PS1 and PS2. By detecting the position of the second hand 2, the second hand 2 can be stopped at the correct position. The control circuit 20 also detects the position of the second hand 2 when returning from the power saving modes PS1 and PS2 to the normal mode. By detecting the position of the second hand 2, the position of the second hand 2 can be set to the correct position according to the timepiece internal time.

It should be noted that the control circuit 20 may detect the position of the hands when shifting from the first power-saving mode PS1 to the first power-break mode PB1 or when shifting from the second power-saving mode PS2 to the second power-break mode PB2. good. The control circuit 20 may store the detected pointer position in a non-volatile memory or the like.

Further, the control circuit 20 may detect the position of the hands when shifting from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode or when shifting from the second power break mode PB2 to the normal mode. In other words, the control circuit 20 may detect the pointer position when restarting the operations of the first drive circuit 13, the second drive circuit 14, and the control circuit 20. FIG. The electronic timepiece 1 may acquire the current time from the outside through communication. When shifting from the power break modes PB1 and PB2 to the normal mode, the control circuit 20 may correct the position of the hands based on the current time and the detected positions of the hands obtained from the outside.

[First modification of the embodiment]
A first modification of the embodiment will be described. The determination to return from the second power saving mode PS2 to the normal mode (see arrow Y6 in FIG. 5) may be made based on the voltage of the battery 17. FIG. For example, it may be determined to return to the normal mode when the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1 for a predetermined period of time. This eliminates the need for a processing circuit for accumulating time, and the area of the circuit can be reduced.

When the voltage of the battery 17 drops in the time correction mode, the control circuit 20 may shift to the second power break mode PB2 without going through the charging warning mode WNG. As a result, power is not consumed in the charging warning mode WNG, and the battery voltage does not drop.

The control circuit 20 may shift the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power saving mode PS1 when the power generation mechanism 21 is not generating power in the time adjustment mode. When shifting to the first power saving mode PS1, the control circuit 20 moves the second hand 2 to the first position and stops the second hand 2 at the first position. This can warn the user that the operating member 18 is on the first stage.

The minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 may be stopped in the first power saving mode PS1 and the second power saving mode PS2. In this case, the control circuit 20 causes the second drive circuit 14 to hold the positions of the minute hand 3 and the hour hand 4 in the first power saving mode PS1 and the second power saving mode PS2. This makes it possible to further reduce power consumption.

In determining whether to return from the second power saving mode PS2 or the charging warning mode WNG, determination may be made based on the voltage of the battery 17 instead of the cumulative power generation time. For example, the control circuit 20 may return the electronic timepiece 1 to the normal mode or the time adjustment mode when the voltage of the battery 17 remains at the first voltage V1 or higher for a predetermined period of time. This eliminates the need for a processing circuit for accumulating time, and the area of the circuit can be reduced.

[Second Modification of Embodiment]
A second modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the second modified example of the embodiment, and FIG. 8 is another flowchart according to the second modified example of the embodiment. The second modification of the embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that, for example, whether or not to return from the power break mode is determined based on the power generation amount.

When a mechanism that generates a stable amount of power per unit time, such as the electrostatic induction mechanism of the embodiment, is used as the power generation mechanism 21, the power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 when the user is active is becomes approximately constant. Therefore, the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 is substantially proportional to the power generation time of the power generation mechanism 21 . In other words, the charging time during which the power generation mechanism 21 charges the battery 17 substantially indicates the amount of charge to the battery 17 . The control circuit 20 of the second modified example makes a return determination from the second power break mode PB2 based on the power generation time in the power generation mechanism 21 . As a result, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the amount of charge in the battery 17 and perform the return determination. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electronic timepiece 1 from shifting to the charging warning mode or the like in a short time after returning to the normal mode because the light irradiation to the electronic timepiece 1 is temporary.

A method for determining return from the second power break mode PB2 in the second modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S10, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power. The control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S10, for example, when a current flowing from the power generation mechanism 21 to the battery 17 is detected. If the determination in step S10 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S20, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S20, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T7. The power generation time is, for example, the continuous power generation time in the power generation mechanism 21 . The determination time T7 may be, for example, 5 minutes. As a result of the determination in step S20, if the power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T7, the process proceeds to step S30, and if the negative determination is made, the control flow ends. Here, in step S20, instead of the continuous power generation time, determination may be made based on the cumulative power generation time up to the current time, and detailed description will be given later with reference to FIG.

At step S30, the control circuit 20 permits cancellation of the second power break mode PB2. The control circuit 20, for example, turns on a flag indicating that the conditions for returning from the second power break mode PB2 to the normal mode are satisfied. When step S30 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S40, the control circuit 20 resets the power generation time. As a result, when the power generation mechanism 21 starts to generate power next time, the power generation time starts counting from zero. When step S40 is executed, this control flow ends. According to the control flow of FIG. 7, the second power break mode PB2 does not return to the normal mode unless the power generation mechanism 21 continues to generate power for a certain period of time or more, so the timepiece is temporarily exposed to light. However, PB2 is not released, and power can be saved.

It should be noted that the return determination from the second power break mode PB2 may be made based on the cumulative power generation time of the power generation mechanism 21 . Return determination based on accumulated power generation time will be described with reference to FIG. In step S110, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the power generation mechanism 21 is generating power. As a result of the determination in step S110, if it is affirmatively determined that there is power generation, the process proceeds to step S120, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S180.

In step S120, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not power generation has resumed. The control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step 120 when the power generation mechanism 21 restarts the power generation that has been interrupted. As will be described later, the control circuit 20 of the second modification records the cumulative power generation time in the non-volatile memory when power generation is interrupted (step S190). For example, the control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S120 when a negative determination was made in step S110 when this control flow was executed last time and the cumulative power generation time is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. As a result of the determination in step S120, if the power generation is restarted, the process proceeds to step S130, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S160.

In step S130, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the non-power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T8. The non-power generation time is the length of the period during which power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 was suspended. In other words, the non-power generation time is the elapsed time from the end of the previous power generation to the start of the current power generation. The determination time T8 is, for example, one day. As a result of the determination in step S130, if the non-power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T8, the process proceeds to step S140, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S150.

In step S140, control circuit 20 erases the cumulative power generation time from the memory. The control circuit 20 erases the cumulative power generation time recorded in the nonvolatile memory and resets the cumulative power generation time to zero. After step S140 is executed, the process proceeds to step S160.

At step S150, the control circuit 20 reads the cumulative power generation time from the nonvolatile memory. The control circuit 20 counts the accumulated power generation time with the accumulated power generation time read from the nonvolatile memory as an initial value. The control circuit 20 counts the accumulated power generation time based on the signal output from the counter 19, for example. After step S150 is executed, the process proceeds to step S160.

In step S160, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T9. The determination time T9 is, for example, 5 minutes. If the result of determination in step S160 is that the cumulative power generation time is equal to or greater than the determination time T9, the process proceeds to step S170, and if the determination is negative, this control flow ends.

At step S170, the control circuit 20 permits cancellation of the second power break mode PB2. After step S170 is executed, the control flow ends.

In step S180, control circuit 20 determines whether power generation has been interrupted. For example, the control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S180 when an affirmative determination was made in step S110 when this control flow was executed last time. As a result of the determination in step S180, if an affirmative determination is made that power generation in the power generation mechanism 21 has been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S190, and if a negative determination is made, this control flow ends.

In step S190, control circuit 20 records the cumulative power generation time in memory. The control circuit 20 records the value of the current cumulative power generation time in the nonvolatile memory. When step S190 is executed, this control flow ends.

According to the control flow of FIG. 8, the cumulative power generation time is reset when the non-power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T8. In other words, when power generation by the power generation mechanism 21 is interrupted for a long time, counting of the cumulative power generation time starts from zero. Therefore, according to this modification, the electronic timepiece 1 can be returned to the normal mode after the voltage of the battery 17 is recovered to an appropriate voltage level.

Note that the cumulative power generation time does not have to be reset. In this case, steps S130 and S140 may be omitted. That is, when power generation is restarted (step S120-Y), the cumulative power generation time is read from the memory (step S150), and the process proceeds to step S160.

As described above, the electronic timepiece 1 according to the second modification of the embodiment cancels the second power break mode PB2 based on the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 in the second power break mode PB2. In other words, when the drive circuits 13 and 14 and the control circuit 20 are stopped by the second stop operation, the electronic timepiece 1 causes the drive circuits 13 and 14 and the control circuit 20 to operate based on the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism 21. let it resume. In this modified example, the return determination is made based on the power generation time, so that the return determination is substantially based on the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 .

[Third modification of the embodiment]
A third modification of the embodiment will be described. 9 is a flowchart according to the third modified example of the embodiment, FIG. 10 is another flowchart according to the third modified example of the embodiment, and FIG. 11 is still another flowchart according to the third modified example of the embodiment. be. In the third modified example of the embodiment, the difference from the above-described embodiment is that the condition for shifting to the first power break mode PB1 is changed according to the power generation situation and the voltage of the battery 17, for example.

A method of determining the transition condition based on the cumulative power generation time will be described with reference to FIG. The control flow of FIG. 9 is started, for example, in the first power break mode PB1. In step S<b>210 , the control flow of the control circuit 20 is activated by the power generation of the power generation mechanism 21 .

At the next step S220, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not a condition for canceling the first power break mode PB1 is satisfied. The control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S220 when, for example, the continuous power generation time is equal to or longer than the judgment time T2 and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1. As a result of the determination in step S220, if it is affirmative that the cancellation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S230, and if the negative determination is made in step S220, the determination of step S220 is repeated.

At step S230, the control circuit 20 restores the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode. After step S230 is executed, the process proceeds to step S240.

In step S240, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the 20th day since the first power break mode PB1 was canceled. The control circuit 20 makes the determination in step S240, for example, based on the time that has elapsed since the normal mode was restored from the first power break mode PB1. As a result, when the return date from the first power break mode PB1 is taken as the start date, if today is the 20th day, the process proceeds to step S270 if the determination is affirmative, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S250.

In step S250, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the tenth day since the first power break mode PB1 was released. As a result of the determination in step S250, if it is affirmative that today is the 10th day with the return date from the first power break mode PB1 as the starting date, the process proceeds to step S260, and if the negative determination is made, step S260 is performed. Go to S240.

In step S260, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T10. The determination time T10 is, for example, a time shorter than the cumulative power generation time of 10 days under average usage conditions. In other words, the determination time T10 is the upper limit value for determining that the frequency of use of the electronic timepiece 1 is low, in other words, the upper limit value for determining that the power generation amount is insufficient. The determination time T10 is, for example, one hour. As a result of the determination in step S260, if the cumulative power generation time is equal to or longer than T10, the process proceeds to step S240, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S280.

In step S270, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T11. The determination time T11 is determined based on the same criteria as the determination time T10. The determination time T11 is longer than the determination time T10 in step S260, and is, for example, twice to five times the determination time T10. The determination time T11 may be two hours or five hours. It should be noted that the determination time T11 is the amount of power that the electronic timepiece 1 consumes in a day under normal usage conditions, and is the period from after the release of the first power break mode PB1 to when it is determined to switch to the first power break mode PB1. The power generation time corresponding to the amount of power consumption multiplied by the number of days may be used. As a result of the determination in step S270, if the cumulative power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T11, the process proceeds to step S290, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S280.

At step S280, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. For example, when the control circuit 20 determines that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use, it shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. In this case, the control circuit 20 may determine that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use when the power generation mechanism 21 is not generating power. Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may shift the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1 when the conditions for shifting from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1 are satisfied. When the electronic timepiece 1 shifts from the normal mode to the first power break mode PB1, this control flow ends.

In step S290, the control circuit 20 sets the first determination time P1 to one month. When step S290 is executed, this control flow ends.

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, when a negative determination is made in step S260 or step S270, instead of shifting to the first power break mode PB1, the first determination time P1 may be changed. For example, when negative determinations are made in steps S260 and S270, the first determination time P1 may be set to a period shorter than one month in step S280.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method of determining conditions for shifting to first power break mode PB1 based on the voltage of battery 17 will be described. The control flow of FIG. 10 is started, for example, in the first power break mode PB1. In step S<b>310 , the control flow of the control circuit 20 is activated by the power generation of the power generation mechanism 21 .

In the next step S320, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not a condition for canceling the first power break mode PB1 is satisfied. The control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S320, for example, when the continuous power generation time is equal to or longer than the judgment time T2 and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1. As a result of the determination in step S320, if the cancellation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S330, and if the determination is negative, the determination in step S320 is repeated.

At step S330, the control circuit 20 restores the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power break mode PB1. After step S330 is executed, the process proceeds to step S340.

In step S340, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 17 is equal to or less than the first remaining amount. The first remaining capacity is, for example, 20% of the capacity of the battery 17 . As a result of the determination in step S340, if the battery remaining amount is equal to or less than the first remaining amount, the process proceeds to step S370, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S350.

In step S350, the control circuit 20 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 17 is equal to or less than the second remaining amount. The second remaining amount is greater than the first remaining amount. The second remaining amount is, for example, 50%. As a result of the determination in step S350, if the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the second remaining amount, the process proceeds to step S380, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S360.

In step S360, the control circuit 20 sets the first determination time P1 to one month. When step S360 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S370, the control circuit 20 sets the first determination time P1 to ten days. When step S370 is executed, this control flow ends. That is, when the remaining battery power is low, the first determination time P1 is shortened compared to when the battery power is high.

In step S380, the control circuit 20 sets the first determination time P1 to 20 days. When step S380 is executed, this control flow ends.

According to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the condition for shifting from the first power saving mode PS1 to the first power break mode PB1 is changed according to the remaining amount of the battery 17 when returning from the first power break mode PB1 to the normal mode. be. More specifically, when the remaining amount of battery 17 is low, compared to when the remaining amount of battery 17 is large, the first power break mode PB1 when shifting from first power saving mode PS1 to first power break mode PB1 is reduced. The determination time P1 is shortened. Also, the lower the remaining battery charge, the shorter the first determination time P1. According to this modified example, when the remaining amount of the battery 17 is low, the mode shifts to the first power break mode PB1 in a short time after shifting to the first power saving mode PS1. As a result, voltage drop of the battery 17 is suppressed. Here, after canceling the first power break mode PB1 and shifting to the normal mode, if the remaining battery level fluctuates depending on the power consumption state of the watch or the power generation state, it is set when canceling the first power break mode PB1. The first determination time P1 may be changed. Specifically, when the first determination time P1 is set to 10 days in accordance with the cancellation of the first power break mode PB1, and the remaining battery level becomes, for example, greater than 20% of the fully charged amount after that, the One judgment time P1 may be reset to 20 days.

Referring to FIG. 11, a method of determining conditions for shifting to first power break mode PB1 based on accumulated power generation time and battery voltage will be described. The control flow of FIG. 11 is started, for example, in the first power break mode PB1. In step S<b>410 , the control flow of the control circuit 20 is activated by the power generation of the power generation mechanism 21 .

At the next step S420, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the conditions for canceling the first power break mode PB1 are satisfied. The control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination in step S420 when, for example, the continuous power generation time is equal to or longer than the judgment time T2 and the voltage of the battery 17 is equal to or higher than the first voltage V1. As a result of the determination in step S420, if the cancellation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S430, and if the determination is negative, the determination in step S420 is repeated.

At step S430, the control circuit 20 restores the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power break mode PB1. After step S430 is executed, the process proceeds to step S440.

In step S440, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the first remaining level. The first remaining capacity is, for example, 20% of the capacity of the battery 17 . As a result of the determination in step S440, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S450, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S500.

In step S450, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the 20th day since the first power break mode PB1 was canceled. If the result of determination in step S450 is that today is the 20th day from the return date, the process proceeds to step S480, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S460.

In step S460, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the tenth day since the first power break mode PB1 was canceled. As a result of the determination in step S460, if it is determined that today is the 10th day from the return date, the process proceeds to step S470, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S440.

In step S470, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T10. The determination time T10 is, for example, one hour. As a result of the determination in step S470, if the cumulative power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T10, the process proceeds to step S440, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S490.

In step S480, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T11. The determination time T11 is longer than the determination time T10, for example, two hours. As a result of the determination in step S480, if the accumulated power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T11, the process proceeds to step S560, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S490.

At step S490, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. For example, when the control circuit 20 determines that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use, it shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. In this case, the control circuit 20 may determine that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use when the power generation mechanism 21 is not generating power. Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may shift the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1 when the conditions for shifting from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1 are met. When the electronic timepiece 1 shifts from the normal mode to the first power break mode PB1, this control flow ends.

In step S500, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the second remaining level. The second remaining amount is greater than the first remaining amount, for example 50%. As a result of the determination in step S500, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S510, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S560.

In step S510, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the 20th day since the first power break mode PB1 was canceled. As a result of the determination in step S510, if it is affirmative that today is the 20th day from the return date, the process proceeds to step S540, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S520.

In step S520, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not it is the tenth day since the first power break mode PB1 was canceled. As a result of the determination in step S520, if it is determined that today is the 10th day from the return date, the process proceeds to step S530, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S440.

In step S530, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T12. The determination time T12 is a time shorter than the determination time T10 in step S470, for example, half the determination time T10. The determination time T12 may be 30 minutes. As a result of the determination in step S530, if the cumulative power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T12, the process proceeds to step S440, and if the negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S550.

In step S540, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time after cancellation is equal to or longer than the determination time T13. The determination time T13 is a time shorter than the determination time T11 in step S480, for example, half the determination time T11. The determination time T13 may be, for example, one hour. As a result of the determination in step S540, if the cumulative power generation time is equal to or longer than the determination time T13, the process proceeds to step S560, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S550.

At step S550, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. For example, when the control circuit 20 determines that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use, it shifts the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1. In this case, the control circuit 20 may determine that the electronic timepiece 1 is not in use when the power generation mechanism 21 is not generating power. Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may shift the electronic timepiece 1 to the first power break mode PB1 when the conditions for shifting from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1 are satisfied. When the electronic timepiece 1 shifts from the normal mode to the first power break mode PB1, this control flow ends.

In step S560, the control circuit 20 sets the first determination time P1 to one month. When step S560 is executed, this control flow ends.

In the flowchart of FIG. 11, when negative determinations are made in steps S470, S480, S530, and S540, instead of shifting to the first power break mode PB1, the first determination time P1 is changed. may be For example, the first determination time P1 may be set to a period shorter than one month.

As described above, the control circuit 20 of the third modified example of the embodiment, when the power generation amount of the power generation mechanism 21 during a certain period in the past is small (for example, S270-N in FIG. 9), the power generation mechanism 21 The first determination time P1 is shortened compared to when the amount of power generation is large (for example, S270-Y in FIG. 9). In the example of FIG. 9, the first determination time P1 is substantially zero when the power generation amount of the power generation mechanism 21 is small. According to this modification, the electronic timepiece 1 early shifts to the first power break mode PB1 when the power generation amount is not sufficient.

In addition, the control circuit 20 of the third modification can control the voltage of the battery 17 when the voltage of the battery 17 is low (eg, step S350-Y in FIG. 10) and when the voltage of the battery 17 is high (eg, step S350-N in FIG. 10). By comparison, the first determination time P1 is shortened (step S380). Therefore, when the battery voltage is low, the electronic timepiece 1 quickly transitions to the first power break mode PB1 to reduce power consumption.

Further, the control circuit 20 of the third modification shortens the first determination time P1 as the voltage of the battery 17 is lower. For example, when the remaining battery level is 20% or less (step S340-N in FIG. 10), the shortest first determination time P1 is 10 days. If the remaining battery level is greater than 20% and less than or equal to 50% (step S350-Y in FIG. 10), the first determination time P1 is set to 20 days. When the remaining battery level exceeds 50% (step S350-N in FIG. 10), the first determination time P1 is set to the longest one month. Therefore, as the remaining battery power decreases, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the first power break mode PB1 in a short period of time to reduce power consumption.

[Fourth modification of the embodiment]
A fourth modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. The fourth modified example of the embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the charge warning period is determined according to, for example, the most recent power generation situation.

A method of determining the charge warning period in the fourth modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . The control flow of FIG. 12 is started, for example, in the time adjustment mode. In step S<b>610 , the control circuit 20 detects the voltage of the battery 17 . After step S610 is executed, the process proceeds to step S620.

In step S620, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to shift the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the charging warning mode WNG. For example, when the battery voltage detected in step S610 is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage VL, the control circuit 20 makes an affirmative determination to shift to the charging warning mode WNG. As a result of the determination in step S620, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S630, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S610.

At step S630, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the accumulated power generation time B for a given period up to the present is equal to or greater than the determination time T14. The fixed period is, for example, 24 hours. The determination time T14 is, for example, 30 minutes. As a result of the determination in step S630, if the cumulative power generation time B is equal to or longer than the determination time T14, the process proceeds to step S640, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S650.

In step S640, the control circuit 20 sets the second determination time P2 to three days. The second determination time P2 is a determination time for determining transition from the second power saving mode PS2 to the second power break mode PB2. The control circuit 20 further sets the determination time T6 to three days. The determination time T6 is a determination time for determining transition from the charging warning mode WNG to the second power break mode PB2. The control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the charging warning mode WNG, and sets the determination period until shifting to the second power break mode PB2 to three days. When step S640 is executed, this control flow ends.

At step S650, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the cumulative power generation time B is greater than 0 minutes. As a result of the determination in step S650, if the cumulative power generation time B is determined to be longer than 0 minutes, the process proceeds to step S660, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S670.

In step S660, the control circuit 20 sets the second determination time P2 and the determination time T6 to one day. The control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the charging warning mode WNG, and sets the determination period until shifting to the second power break mode PB2 to one day. That is, when the cumulative power generation time B is short, the second determination time P2 and the determination time T6 are shorter than when the cumulative power generation time B is long. When step S660 is executed, this control flow ends.

At step S670, the control circuit 20 shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 to the second power break mode PB2. That is, when the cumulative power generation time B is 0, the charge warning mode WNG is omitted, and the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 shifts from the normal mode to the second power break mode PB2. When step S670 is executed, this control flow ends.

According to the fourth modified example of the embodiment, the charging warning time is shortened when the most recent cumulative power generation time B is short. If the cumulative power generation time B is short, it is considered that the battery voltage is likely to drop in the charging warning mode WNG. The electronic timepiece 1 according to the fourth modification urges the user to charge the battery by ensuring a sufficient charging warning period and displaying it when the cumulative power generation time B is long. A decrease in battery voltage can be suppressed by shortening the warning time.

Note that the threshold value of the accumulated power generation time B may be determined based on the usage status of the electronic timepiece 1 by a general user. For example, the second determination time P2 and the determination time T6 are determined based on the ratio of the cumulative power generation time B to the power generation time (hereinafter referred to as "standard power generation time") corresponding to general user usage conditions. may In this case, in step S630, it may be determined whether the cumulative power generation time B is 50% or less of the standard power generation time. Further, in step S650, it may be determined whether the cumulative power generation time B is 20% or more of the standard power generation time.

Depending on the accumulated power generation time B, the condition for returning from the charge warning mode WNG may be variable. For example, the control circuit 20 may return the electronic timepiece 1 from the charge warning mode WNG if the accumulated power generation time B in the past fixed period is equivalent to the standard power generation time. If the cumulative power generation time B is 30% or more of the standard power generation time, the control circuit 20 may perform return determination from the charging warning mode WNG under the same conditions as in the embodiment.

[Fifth Modification of Embodiment]
A fifth modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to the fifth modification of the embodiment, and FIG. 14 is another flowchart according to the fifth modification of the embodiment. The fifth modification of the embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that, for example, conditions for transitioning to the power saving mode and conditions for returning from the power saving mode are determined according to the accumulated power generation time.

With reference to FIG. 13, a method of determining conditions for transitioning to the power saving mode in the fifth modification of the embodiment will be described. The control flow of FIG. 13 is started, for example, in normal mode. In step S710, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the cumulative power generation time C for a given period up to the present is equal to or greater than the determination time T15. The fixed period is, for example, 24 hours. The determination time T15 is, for example, one hour. As a result of the determination in step S710, if the cumulative power generation time C is equal to or longer than the determination time T15, the process proceeds to step S720, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S730.

In step S720, the control circuit 20 sets the determination time T1 for shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode to 30 minutes. As a result, when the power generating mechanism 21 does not generate power for 30 minutes, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the first power saving mode PS1. When step S720 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S730, the control circuit 20 determines whether the cumulative power generation time C is equal to or greater than the determination time T16 and less than the determination time T15. The determination time T16 is shorter than the determination time T15, for example, 30 minutes. As a result of the determination in step S730, if the value of the cumulative power generation time C is within the above range, the process proceeds to step S740, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S750.

At step S740, the control circuit 20 sets the determination time T1 to 15 minutes. That is, when the cumulative power generation time C is short, the determination time T1 for shifting to the first power saving mode PS1 is set to a smaller value than when the cumulative power generation time C is long. When step S740 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S750, the control circuit 20 sets the determination time T1 to 5 minutes. In other words, the shorter the cumulative power generation time C, the smaller the determination time T1. When step S740 is executed, this control flow ends.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a method of determining conditions for returning from the power saving mode will be described. The control flow of FIG. 14 may be executed in the normal mode, or may be executed after shifting to the first power saving mode PS1. In step S810, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the cumulative power generation time C for a given period up to the present is equal to or greater than the determination time T17. The fixed period is, for example, 24 hours. The determination time T17 may be the same value as the determination time T15 in step S710. As a result of the determination in step S810, if the cumulative power generation time C is equal to or greater than the determination time T17, the process proceeds to step S820, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S830.

In step S820, the control circuit 20 sets the third determination time P3 to zero. As a result, immediately after power generation by the power generation mechanism 21 is detected in the first power saving mode PS1, the electronic timepiece 1 returns from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode. When step S820 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S830, the control circuit 20 determines whether the cumulative power generation time C is equal to or longer than the determination time T18 and less than the determination time T17. The determination time T18 is shorter than the determination time T17. The determination time T18 may be the same value as the determination time T16 of step S730. As a result of the determination in step S830, if the cumulative power generation time C is equal to or longer than the determination time T18 and less than the determination time T17, the process proceeds to step S840, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S850.

In step S840, the control circuit 20 sets the third determination time P3 to 5 seconds. The control circuit 20 restores the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode when the power generation time reaches or exceeds the third determination time P3. As described above, in this modification, when the cumulative power generation time C is short, the third determination time P3 for determining return from the first power saving mode PS1 is longer than when the cumulative power generation time C is long. When step S840 is executed, this control flow ends.

In step S850, the control circuit 20 sets the third determination time P3 to 10 seconds. That is, the shorter the cumulative power generation time C, the longer the third determination time P3. When step S850 is executed, this control flow ends.

As described above, the electronic timepiece 1 of the fifth modification of the embodiment shifts from the normal mode to the first power saving mode PS1 in a short time after power generation is stopped when the cumulative power generation time C is short. Further, when the cumulative power generation time C is short, the electronic timepiece 1 does not return from the first power saving mode PS1 to the normal mode until the battery 17 is sufficiently charged. Therefore, in the electronic timepiece 1 of this modified example, the voltage drop of the battery 17 is appropriately suppressed. On the other hand, when the cumulative power generation time C is long, the electronic timepiece 1 does not shift to the first power saving mode PS1 immediately after power generation stops. If the cumulative power generation time C is long, the electronic timepiece 1 immediately returns from the first power saving mode PS1 when power generation is detected in the first power saving mode PS1. Therefore, the electronic timepiece 1 according to the fifth modification of the embodiment can implement appropriate mode transitions according to the power balance.

[Sixth modification of the embodiment]
The electronic timepiece 1 may have a return determination circuit that determines return to the normal mode in the first power break mode PB1 or the second power break mode PB2. The recovery determination circuit operates with power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 . The recovery determination circuit counts the power generation time and monitors the voltage of the battery 17 to determine recovery from the power break modes PB1 and PB2. By operating the return determination circuit with the generated power, consumption of the battery 17 is suppressed.

In the first and second power break modes, if the power supply to all circuits of the control circuit 20 is continuously stopped, power consumption can be greatly reduced. I can't get the regulator to work. Therefore, when the power supply to the control circuit 20 is stopped, the power is intermittently supplied to the control circuit 20, the control circuit 20 is operated at that timing, and the recovery determination is performed. Alternatively, a return determination circuit may be provided separately from the control circuit 20, the power generated by the power generation mechanism 21 may be temporarily stored in a capacitor, and the power may be used to operate the return determination circuit to determine return to the normal mode. good. Then, power may be supplied to the control circuit 20 when the return condition is satisfied. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the current consumption of the battery 17 and to determine whether to return from the power break mode to the normal state.

The electronic timepiece 1 may have a mode transition circuit that shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power break mode PB1 to the second power break mode PB2. The mode transition circuit has a function of monitoring the voltage of the battery 17 and a function of determining transition from the first power break mode PB1 to the second power break mode PB2.

In the second power break mode PB2, since the voltage of the battery 17 has decreased, the conditions for returning to the normal mode are stricter than in the first power break mode PB1, and the voltage of the battery 17 cannot be sufficiently secured. It returns to normal mode in the state of However, if there is no power generation in the first power break mode PB1 for a long time, the battery voltage will drop due to the discharge action of the battery. Power is continuously consumed after shifting to PS2, and it takes time to reach the second power break mode PB2. Therefore, not only is the power of the battery 17 wastefully consumed, but also the indication of the pointer indicates the charge warning indication immediately after passing through the normal state, which may confuse the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the first power break mode PB1, if the voltage of the battery 17 becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage VL, the electronic timepiece 1 shifts to the second power break mode PB2 so that the condition of the arrow Y8 is not satisfied. And it is trying not to return to normal mode.

The mode transition circuit is configured, for example, as a circuit separate from the control circuit 20 . The mode transition circuit operates by power supplied from the battery 17, for example. The mode transition circuit shifts the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 from the first power break mode PB1 to the second power break mode PB2 when the voltage of the battery 17 drops below the lower limit voltage VL. The mode transition circuit stores the current mode of the electronic timepiece 1 in the storage section. The control circuit 20 determines whether to return to the normal mode or the time correction mode based on the mode of the electronic timepiece 1 stored in the storage unit.

The power generation mechanism 21 is not limited to the electrostatic induction type. As the power generation mechanism 21, a thermal power generation mechanism, a small electromagnetic power generation mechanism, a ring-shaped solar cell, or the like may be used. A thermoelectric generator generates electricity by, for example, the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the body temperature of the human body.

In at least one power break mode of the first power break mode PB1 and the second power break mode PB2, the function of calculating the timepiece internal time (clock circuit) in the control circuit 20 may be enabled. That is, in the control circuit 20, power saving may be achieved by stopping functions other than the calculation of the clock internal time.

The contents disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications can be executed in combination as appropriate.

1 Electronic Clock 2 Second Hand 3 Minute Hand 4 Hour Hand 5 Second Hand Wheel 6 Minute Hand Wheel 7 Hour Hand Wheel 8 First Reduction Mechanism 9 Second Reduction Mechanism 10 Third Reduction Mechanism 11 Electrostatic Motor 12 Electromagnetic Motor 13 First Drive Circuit 14 Second Drive Circuit 15 first detection unit 16 second detection unit 17 battery 18 operation unit 19 counter 20 control circuit 21 generator mechanism 31 exterior case 32 dial plate 33 scale 34 hour character 35 power saving display 36 charging warning display 111 rotor 111a charging unit 112, 113 Stator 112a, 112b, 113a, 113b Fixed electrode 114 Rotating shaft P1 First determination time P2 Second determination time P3 Third determination time P4 Fourth determination time PB1 First power break mode PB2 Second power break mode PS1 First power saving mode PS2 Second power saving mode T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12, T13, T14, T15, T16, T17, T18 Judgment time V1 First Voltage VL Lower limit voltage WNG Charge warning mode

Claims (19)

a power generation mechanism;
a battery charged with power generated by the power generation mechanism;
a pointer including a second hand;
a drive source for rotating the pointer;
a drive circuit that drives the drive source with power supplied from the battery;
a control circuit that controls the drive circuit;
with
The control circuit performs a first stop operation of stopping the drive circuit and the control circuit when a first determination time elapses in a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption and in a state where the power generation mechanism does not generate power. run,
wherein the control circuit executes a second stop operation of stopping the drive circuit and the control circuit when a second determination time elapses while the voltage of the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the power saving mode. An electronic clock characterized by: The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, wherein in the power saving mode, at least the second hand of the hands is stopped to suppress power consumption. The power saving mode includes a first power saving mode in which the second hand is stopped when the power generation mechanism continues to not generate power, and a second power saving mode in which the second hand is stopped when the voltage of the battery is low. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2, comprising: The electronic timepiece according to claim 3, wherein the second determination time in the second power saving mode is shorter than the first determination time in the first power saving mode. 4. The control circuit stops the second hand at a first position in the first power saving mode, and stops the second hand at a second position different from the first position in the second power saving mode, or 5. The electronic timepiece according to 4. The control circuit stops the drive circuit and the control circuit while the second hand is stopped at the first position when executing the first stop operation in the first power saving mode,
6. The control circuit according to claim 5, wherein when executing the second stop operation in the second power saving mode, the control circuit stops the drive circuit and the control circuit while the second hand is stopped at the second position. electronic clock. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein when the voltage of the battery drops in the first power saving mode, the control circuit shifts the mode to the second power saving mode. The control circuit starts moving the second hand when the power generation time of the power generation mechanism reaches a third judgment time or longer in the first power saving mode, and starts the movement of the second hand when the power generation time of the power generation mechanism reaches a fourth judgment time in the second power saving mode. When the judgment time is exceeded, the second hand starts to move,
The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the fourth determination time is longer than the third determination time. wherein, in the first power saving mode, the control circuit determines whether or not to start moving the second hand based on a comparison result between the continuous power generation time by the power generation mechanism and the third determination time;
9. The control circuit according to claim 8, wherein in the second power saving mode, the control circuit determines whether or not to start moving the second hand based on a comparison result between the cumulative power generation time of the power generation mechanism and the fourth determination time. Electronic watch as described. 10. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control circuit executes the first stop operation and the second stop operation when the second hand is stopped by a user's operation on the operation unit. . The control circuit causes the drive circuit to stop the second hand in response to an operation on the operation unit,
When the voltage of the battery drops below the predetermined value while the second hand is stopped, the control circuit rotates the second hand to a warning position indicating a voltage drop in the battery, and stops the second hand at the warning position. 11. The electronic timepiece according to claim 10. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit detects the position of the hands at least one of when shifting to a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption by stopping the second hand and when returning from the power saving mode. clock. The control circuit performs at least: when performing the first stopping operation in the power saving mode, when performing the second stopping operation in the power saving mode, and when restarting the operation of the drive circuit and the control circuit. 3. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2, wherein in one aspect, the position of the hands is detected. from claim 1, wherein, when the drive circuit and the control circuit are stopped by the second stopping operation, the control circuit restarts the operation of the drive circuit and the control circuit based on the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism. 11. The electronic timepiece according to any one of 10. 10. The control circuit shortens the first determination time when the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism during a certain period in the past is small compared to when the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism during that period is large. The electronic timepiece according to any one of 1. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 15, wherein the control circuit shortens the first determination time when the battery voltage is low compared to when the battery voltage is high. . 10. The control circuit shortens the second determination time when the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism during a certain period in the past is small compared to when the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism during that period is large. The electronic timepiece according to any one of 1. When the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism during a certain period of time in the past is small, the control circuit controls the amount of power generated by the power generation mechanism in a short period of time after the generation of power stops, compared to when the amount of power generation by the power generation mechanism during the period is large. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first power saving mode is started. The control circuit starts moving the second hand when the power generation time of the power generation mechanism reaches a predetermined time or longer in the first power saving mode,
The control circuit shortens the predetermined time when the power generation amount of the power generation mechanism is large in a certain period before starting the first power saving mode, compared to the case where the power generation amount of the power generation mechanism is small in the period. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 3 to 9 and 18.

Images