DE60032557T2 - ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING IT - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL TERRITORY

The The present invention relates to an electronic device and a Control procedure for the electronic device, and in particular it relates to an electronic device in which the operating modes of the electronic device between a drive mode and a power-saving mode, and a control method for the electronic Device.

STATE OF TECHNOLOGY

One example for an electronic device the last years is the electronic wristwatch. These watches contain power supply, the power supply means a power generating device comprising a rotating weight and storage means (high capacitance capacitor) to supply the electrical To save energy generated by the power generating device becomes. This type of electronic clock is capable of having one long term without battery replacement, since the time display is done is determined by the electrical energy released by the capacitor supplied to the time display unit becomes.

On lead this way electronic watches having power generating devices via a a long period of time to a stable electrical energy. If the power generating device for a certain period of time in a non-production state, or if the electronic Is created by the user, the condition is recognized, and the Operating mode of the electronic clock becomes an active mode (Display mode) in which the time display is performed switched to a power-saving mode in which the time display not done becomes.

Here in the power-saving mode of the electronic watch, the time display does not become carried out, and electrical energy is supplied only to a control circuit to to track the current time. On the other hand, in display mode (active mode), in which the normal time display is performed, not only the control circuit supplied electrical energy, but for example, in the case of an analog clock will also drive circuit fed to the movement of the pointer electrical energy.

If a user an electronic clock in power-saving mode around the wrist applies and the power generation begins, a switch from the Power saving mode performed in the display mode, and in the time display unit the display is based on the data stored in the counter, reset to the current time. For example, in an analog clock with hands, the hands are presented to restore the current time.

But if an electronic clock over remains in the power-saving mode for a long period of time (non-generation period), is the electrical energy stored in the high-capacity capacitor gradually consumed. For this reason, the restoration of the current Time not possible, though in the high capacity capacitor very little electrical energy is available. In addition, in this Case takes a lot of time, so that sufficient electrical energy is stored to the time display unit to reactivate itself so that there is a risk that the activation ability the electronic clock gets worse.

EP 0855633 discloses an electronic timepiece comprising an electric power generator for generating electrical power with external power, a power charger for charging the electric power generated by the power generator, a timepiece drive system comprising a timepiece drive circuit and a time display subsystem coupled to that supplied by the power charger electric power, a memory current detector to detect an amount of electric power charged in the electric charger, and a controller. The operation of at least the time display subsystem of the timepiece system is interrupted when the amount of electrical energy detected by the memory current detector falls below a preset standard value, and thereafter the operation of the interrupted portion of the timepiece system resumes when the conditions for reactivation are detected This operation continues for at least a preset time if preset conditions are met. Therefore, when the electronic watch is put back into use after it has not been used for a long time, the watch driving system is not interrupted immediately after resuming the operation of the time display, thereby ensuring a stable time display.

GB 2037025 discloses an analog electronic clock comprising an oscillator circuit which generates a standard time signal. A frequency divider circuit divides the frequency of the standard time signal. A drive circuit generates a drive signal from the output signal of the divider circuit and drives a stepper motor, which in turn drives hands. A touch-sensitive switch generates a signal indicating that the electronic watch is not being worn, and causes an AND gate to disable the drive signal, rendering the stepper motor inoperative. A time counting circuit determines the time duration while wel The stepper motor is rendered inoperable, and when the watch is worn again, the setting of the correct time is automatically performed, presenting the time display at a fast speed to compensate for the time in which the stepper motor has been inoperative.

The The present invention has been made in view of the above Situation develops and sets an electronic device and Control procedure for the electronic device ready, being when in the power supply during the power-saving mode not enough electrical energy is available to restore the current time, the lack of electrical energy is reduced to the electrical Energy of the power supply, resulting in rapid reactivation the driven means is made possible.

EPIPHANY THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a rechargeable power supply section for supplying electric power;
a drive control section operated by the electric power supplied from the power supply section configured to output a drive signal;
a driven portion driven by this drive signal;
a mode switching section configured to switch the operation mode of the driven section between a drive mode for the normal operation and a power saving mode on the basis of a preset first condition; and characterized by
an operation interruption section configured to interrupt the operation of the drive control section when it is determined on the basis of a second preset condition that the amount of electric power stored in the power supply section is less than a predetermined electric power in a power saving mode due to the mode switching section amount of energy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an electronic device, comprising:
a rechargeable power supply unit for supplying electric power;
a drive control unit that is operated by the electric power supplied from the power supply unit to output a drive signal; and
a driven unit that is driven by receiving the drive signal output from the drive control unit;
the control method comprising:
a mode switching step of switching an operation mode of the driven unit between a drive mode and a power save mode on the basis of a preset first condition; and characterized by
a drive interrupting step of suspending the operation of the drive control unit when it is determined according to a second preset condition that the amount of electric power stored in the power supply unit is smaller than a predetermined amount of electric power, while the operation mode enters the mode switching step Low power mode is set.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a control circuit and peripheral structures of the same embodiment.

3 Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram showing the specific features of a power-generation state detection section.

4 FIG. 10 is an operational flowchart of an embodiment. FIG.

5 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a peripheral power supply section according to a first modification example.

6 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a peripheral power supply section according to a second modification example.

7 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a peripheral power supply section according to a third modification example.

8th is a circuit diagram showing the specific features of an oscillator circuit.

9 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a fourth modification example.

10 FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a power generation detection circuit. FIG.

11 FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a voltage detection circuit. FIG.

12 is a schematic structure slide gram of a constant voltage generation circuit.

BEST WAY OF THE EXECUTION OF INVENTION

When next become preferred types of execution of the invention with reference to the drawings.

[1] Schematic structure

1 shows the schematic structure of an electronic clock 1 according to one embodiment.

The electronic clock 1 is a wristwatch with a bracelet that is attached to it and placed around the wrist of a user.

The electronic clock 1 According to the present embodiment, a power generation section A, a power supply section B, a power generation state detection section 91 (please refer 2 ), a control circuit 23 , a second hand moving mechanism CS, an hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM, a second hand driving section 30S and an external input device 100 (please refer 2 ).

The power generation section A generates AC power. The power supply section B rectifies the AC voltage output from the power generation section A, increases the rectified voltage, stores the boosted voltage, and supplies the mechanical parts with electric power. The power generation state detection section 91 (please refer 2 ) detects the power generation state of the power generation section A. The control circuit 23 controls the overall apparatus on the basis of the recognition results obtained from the power generation state detection section 91 be issued. The second hand movement mechanism CS drives the second hand 55 with a stepper motor 10 at. The hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM drives the minute and hour hands with a stepper motor. The second hand drive section 30S receives the control signals from the control circuit 23 and drives the second hand movement mechanism CS. The hour / minute hand drive section 30HM receives the control signals from the control circuit 23 and drives the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM. The external input device 100 (please refer 2 ) performs an instruction operation to set the operation mode of the electronic watch 1 from a time display mode into a calendar setting mode, a time setting mode, or forced manner into a power save mode, which will be described later.

Here the control circuit switches 23 between a display mode (operation mode) for performing a time display and a power saving mode by the control circuit 23 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM (Driving circuits) of the pointer movement mechanisms CS, CHM according to the power generation state of the power generation section A according to power. The power-saving mode is a mode for interrupting the power supply to the second-hand moving mechanism CS and hour / minute-hand moving mechanism CHM, and only the control circuit 23 to supply electricity. When a user watches the electronic clock 1 takes and shakes to generate power, and a generated voltage is detected which exceeds a predetermined voltage, the control circuit switches 23 also from power save mode to display mode.

[2] Detailed structure

The following are the different components of the electronic clock 1 described. The control circuit 23 will be explained below using function blocks.

[2.1] Power Generation Section

First, will the power generation section A described.

The power generation section A includes a power generation device 40 , a rotating weight 45 and a translation gear 46 ,

As a power generation device 40 For example, an electromagnetic induction type AC generating apparatus capable of outputting current caused by the rotation of a power generation rotor is used 43 inside the power generator stator 42 in one with the power generator stator 42 connected power generation coil 44 is produced.

In addition, the rotating weight acts 45 as an element for transmitting kinetic energy to the power generation rotor 43 , Then the movement of the rotating weight 45 through the translation gear 46 to the power generation rotor 43 transfer.

In the electronic clock 1 Wristwatch type is this rotating weight 45 being able to rotate within the device according to the movement of the user's wrist, whereby it acquires kinetic energy by moving it uses the external energy that occurs in the user's everyday life. The power generation device 40 generates electricity with this kinetic energy and drives the electronic clock 1 with this stream.

[2.2] Power Supply Section

When next the power supply section B will be described.

The power supply section B includes a limiter circuit LM, a rectifier circuit 47 , a high-capacity capacitor 48 and a voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 , The rectifier circuit 47 is a one-way or full-wave rectifier circuit consisting of Schottky diodes, silicon diodes, parasitic diodes of MOSFETs in integrated circuits that are well known or made up of functional elements that use switching devices such as transistors.

The voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 is made up of a variety of capacitors 49a . 49b and 49c built, receives from the high-capacity capacitor 48 a charged voltage Vc performs multistage boosting or decrementing operations on the received voltage Vc, and outputs a power supply voltage Vss which is a low potential side voltage. Then, the voltage increase / decrease circuit increases or decreases 49 the charging voltage VC from the control circuit 23 corresponding to the power supply voltage Vss and supplies this power supply voltage Vss to the integrated circuit section 23A the control circuit 23 , the pulse generator circuit 22 and the second-hand drive section 30S and hour / minute hand drive section 30MH to.

Here the power supply section B takes Vdd (the high potential side Voltage) as the reference potential (GND) and gives Vss (low potential side Voltage) as the power supply voltage.

[2.3] Pointer movement mechanism

When next The pointer movement mechanisms CS and CHM will be described.

[2.3.1] Second hand movement mechanism

First the second hand moving mechanism CS will be described.

The stepper motor 10 Also used in the second hand movement mechanism CS is also referred to as a pulse motor, stepper motor, or digital motor that is often used as the drive in digital control devices. The stepper motor 10 is driven by a pulse signal. In recent years, the use of stepping motors of this type, which have been made more compact and lighter for use in compact electronic devices or portable information devices, has become widespread. Typical of electronic devices of this type are electronic clocks, timers and timepieces.

The stepper motor 10 The present embodiment includes a drive coil 11 , which by means of a drive pulse from the second-hand drive section 30S is fed, magnetic force generated, a stator 12 that by the drive coil 11 is excited, and a rotor 13 that by the in the stator 12 induced magnetic field is rotated.

In addition, the rotor 13 PM-type (permanent magnetically rotating type) with a disk-shaped bipolar permanent magnet. The stator 12 is with magnetic saturation sections 17 provided, and the phases (poles) 15 and 16 around the rotor 13 around by the different magnetic poles are generated by the magnetic force coming from the drive coil 11 is produced.

Around the direction of rotation of the rotor 13 is also an internal notch 18 at a suitable location on the inner circumference of the stator 12 provided, and a toothing moment is generated in the rotor 13 to stop at a suitable place.

Then the stepper motor 10 generated rotation of the rotor 13 through the wheelwork 50 comprising the secondary wheel 51 that with the rotor 13 and the second wheel (seconds indicator wheel) 52 is engaged, on the second hand 55 transmit, making it the second hand 55 possible to display the seconds.

[2.3.2] hour / minute hand movement mechanism

When next the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM will be described.

The stepper motor 60 used in the hour / minute moving mechanism CHM has substantially the same structure as the stepping motor 10 ,

The stepper motor 60 The present embodiment includes a drive coil 61 to respond in response to an hour / minute hand drive section 30MH supplied drive pulse to generate magnetic force, a stator 62 that by the drive coil 61 is excited, and a rotor 63 that by the in the stator 62 induced magnetic field is rotated.

In addition, the rotor 63 PM-type (permanent magnetic rotating type) with a disk-shaped bipolar permanent magnet. The stator 62 is further provided with a magnetic saturation section 67 provided at each phase (Poland). 65 and 66 around the rotor 63 is generated around by the various magnetic poles, which are due to the magnetic force from the drive coil 61 is produced.

Around the direction of rotation of the rotor 63 is also an internal notch 68 at a suitable location on the inner circumference of the stator 62 provided, and a toothing moment is generated in the rotor 63 to stop at a suitable place.

Then the rotation of the rotor 63 of the stepper motor 60 through the wheelwork 70 comprising the fourth wheel 71 that with the rotor 63 engaged, the third wheel 72 , the second wheel (minute indicator wheel) 73 , the minute wheel 74 and the spur gear (hour indicator wheel) 75 transferred to the hands. The minute hand 76 is with the second wheel 73 connected, and the hour hand 77 is with the spur gear 75 connected. The hours and minutes are displayed by these hands, which coincide with the rotation of the rotor 63 move.

It also possible, of course, the gear train 70 with a transmission system (for example, to display the date, an idler gear, a daily revolution idler, a daily revolution wheel, and a date wheel) for displaying the date (calendar) not shown. In this case, additionally, a calendar setting wheel train (for example, a first calendar setting transmission gear, a second calendar setting transmission gear, a calendar setting wheel, and a date wheel) may be provided.

[2.4] Second hand drive section and hour / minute hand drive section

Next, the second-hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM described. Because the structure of the second hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM is the same, here only the second hand drive section 30S Referring to 1 described.

Here, the second hand drive section leads 30S under the control of the control circuit 23 the stepper motor 10 different drive pulses too.

In addition, the second-hand drive section includes 30S a bridge circuit consisting of a series-connected P-channel transistor 33a and N-channel transistor 32a and a P-channel transistor 33b and N-channel transistor 32b consists. The second hand drive section 30S includes rotation detection resistors 35a and 35b , each with the transistors 33a and 33b are connected in parallel, and scanning P-channel transistors 34a . 34b to the resistors 35a and 35b Supply chopper pulses.

As a result, the second-hand drive section leads 30S the drive coil 11 Drive pulses of different polarities, or leads to detection pulses for generating an induction voltage for detecting the rotation of the rotor 13 and for detecting the magnetic field by applying control pulses of different polarity and pulse width at different times from the control circuit 23 to the gate electrodes of the transistors 32a . 32b . 33a . 33b . 34a and 34b invests.

[2.5] Control circuit

Next, the structure of the control circuit 23 Referring to 2 described, wherein the functional block diagram of 2 the control circuit 23 and their peripheral structure shows.

Here the control circuit includes 23 a pulse generator circuit 22 a mode setting section 90 , a time information storage section 96 , a drive control circuit 24 and the same. In addition, the mode setting section 90 , the time information storage section 96 , the drive control circuit 24 and the like mounted on a chip and form a Vss drive section 23A operated by the power supply voltage Vss, the power supply voltage Vss of the step-up / step-down circuit 49 the Vss drive section 23A is supplied. Further, a constant voltage output from a constant voltage generating circuit (not shown) becomes the pulse generating circuit 22 fed. The constant voltage generating circuit receives the power supply voltage Vss and generates a stable constant voltage.

In addition, the pulse generator circuit includes 22 an oscillator circuit to operate with a reference oscillation source 21 such as a quartz resonator to generate a reference pulse having a stable frequency, a divider for dividing the reference pulse and a synthesizer circuit to generate pulses having different pulse widths and waveforms by combining the divided pulses and the reference pulse. Here is the pulse generator circuit 22 supplied with a constant voltage. This constant voltage is generated by the constant voltage circuit (not shown) that receives the power supply voltage Vss (charging voltage Vc) output from the power supply section B and outputs a constant voltage. On the other hand breaks the pulse generator circuit 22 the generation of pulse signals when the supply of the power supply voltage (constant voltage) is interrupted, whereby the operation of the entire control circuit 23 is interrupted.

Next, the mode setting section includes 90 a power generation state detection section 91 , a setpoint switching section 95 for switching the set values used for detecting the power generation state, a voltage detection circuit 92 for detecting the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 , a central control circuit 93 to control the time display mode according to the power generation state and to control the voltage gain based on the charging voltage Vc, and a mode memory section 94 to save the mode.

This power generation state detection section 91 includes a first detection circuit 97 and a second detection circuit 98 , The first detection circuit 97 determines whether power is generated or not by the generated voltage Vgen of the power generating device 40 compared with a target voltage value V0. The second detection circuit 98 determines whether a stable power generation state has been achieved or not, by the time, over which the power generation device 40 from the first detection circuit 97 is detected in a Stromer generating state when the power generation period Tgen takes and this time compares Tgen with a target time T0.

Here, the specific circuit structure of the power generation state detection section becomes 91 Referring to 10 explained. 10 FIG. 15 is a circuit structural example of the periphery of the power-generation state detection section when full-wave rectification is performed.

10 shows the power-generation state detection section 91 and, as peripheral circuits of the power-generation state detection section 91 , a power generating device 40 and a high-capacity auxiliary power supply 48 , Here, the power generation device generates 40 AC. The high capacity auxiliary power supply 48 stores energy through a DC current from a rectifier circuit 47 outputted from the power generating device 40 rectified AC to convert it into a DC.

The power generation state detection section 91 comprises a first comparator COMP1A, a second comparator COMP2A and an OR circuit OR1. The first comparator COMP1A compares the voltage V1 of the first output terminal AG1 of the power generation circuit 40 with the high potential side terminal voltage VDD of the high capacity auxiliary power supply 48 and outputs first comparison result data DC1. The second comparator COMP2A compares the voltage V2 to the second output terminal AG2 of the power generation circuit 40 with the high-potential-side terminal voltage VDD of the high-capacity auxiliary power supply 48 and outputs second comparison result data DC2. The OR circuit takes the logical sum of the first comparison result data DC1 and the second comparison result data DC2 and outputs the result as the power generation detection data DDET.

When from the power generation device 40 Power is generated, the power generation state detection section discriminates 91 on the basis of the power generation state of the power generation device 40 and the operating state of the limiter circuit LM, whether enough power is generated or not, to the high-capacity auxiliary power supply 48 to load, and gives to the central control circuit 93 Power generation detection data DDET whose frequency corresponds to the power generation period.

Next, other specific circuit structures of the power generation state detection section will be described 91 Referring to 3 described. This power generation state detection section 91 includes transistors 91A . 91B , a pull-down resistor 91C , a measurement inverter 91E and a charging current detection circuit DET. The transistor 91A and the transistor 91B are connected in series between the signal line with the high potential side voltage Vdd and the signal line with the low potential side voltage Vss. The pull-down resistor 91C is with both ends of the capacitor 91B connected. The measuring inverter 91E is with the connection point 91D between the transistor 91A and the capacitor 91B connected. The charge current detection circuit DET is between the positive side of the high capacity capacitor 48 and Vdd connected.

When from the rectifier circuit 47 to the high capacity capacitor 48 a power generator flows a current to the charging current detection circuit DET. For example, when the charging current detection circuit DET is constructed of diodes, a forward voltage VF is generated. When this forward voltage VF is greater than the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor 91A , the transistor becomes 91A turned on and the capacitor 91B Loading.

Further, when the voltage VA of the connection point 91D is approaching from the low potential side voltage Vss of the high potential side voltage Vdd, this state becomes to some extent from the pull down resistance 91C maintaining the potential of the voltage VA the threshold value of the measuring inverter 91E exceeds and the output changes from "L" to "H".

When the power-generation state detection section 91 is structured in this manner, the target voltage value V0 and the target time value T0, which are explained, are adjusted by the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor 91A , the pull-down resistor 91C and also the threshold value of the measuring inverter 91E be suitably selected to the power generation state of the power generating device 40 to recognize.

If the conditions of both the first current detection circuit 97 as well as the second current detection circuit 98 in the power-generation state detection section 91 are satisfied, it is then judged that the power generation section A is in a power generation state. Here, the target voltage value V0 is a negative voltage when Vdd (= GND) is referred to, and indicates the voltage difference of Vdd.

Here, the target voltage value V0 that is in the first detection circuit 97 is used by the setpoint switching section 95 switched, wherein the setpoint switching section 95 in the first detection circuit 97 used set voltage value V0 switches when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode. That is, in the present example, the target voltage value is in the display mode Va, and the target voltage value in the power saving mode is Vb, and their relationship is Va <Vb. Thus, significant power generation is required to switch from the power saving mode to the display mode. The setpoint switching section 95 can also be used to toggle the setpoint time T0 in the second detection circuit 98 is used.

Here is an example of a voltage detection circuit 92 Referring to 11 described.

The voltage detection circuit 92 includes resistors R1, R2, a reference voltage generating portion 92A , a comparator 92B , a first P-channel MOS transistor 92C and a second P-channel MOS transistor 92D , The serially connected R1 and R2 divide the voltage between the high potential side power supply VDD and the low potential side power supply VSS in a certain voltage dividing ratio to generate a detection voltage VDET. The reference voltage generation section 92A generates a predetermined reference voltage VREF from the high potential side power supply VDD. The comparator 92B compares the detection voltage VDET, which is the voltage at the connection point between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2, with the reference voltage VREF and outputs voltage detection data DV to the central control circuit 93 out. The first P-channel MOS transistor 92C is turned on at the voltage detection timing by the strobe signal SP (which is at the "L" level in the detection), which is from the central control circuit 93 is output, and supplies a current to the resistors R1, R2. The second P-channel MOS transistor 92D is turned on at the voltage detection timing by the strobe signal SP (which is at the "L" level in the detection), which is from the central control circuit 93 is output, whereby the enable terminal EN of the comparator 92B is set to the level "H" to the comparator 92B into an operable state.

If from the central control circuit 93 a strobe signal SP having a "L" level in the voltage detection circuit 92 is input, the first P-channel MOS transistor 92C and the second P-channel MOS transistor 92D switched on.

When Result will be the resistors R1, R2 supplied power, and the resistors R1, R2 divide the voltage between the high potential side power supply VDD and the low potential side power supply VSS in one certain division ratio, to generate a detection voltage VDET, which is applied to the inverse Input terminal of the comparator is applied.

On the other hand, the enable terminal EN of the comparator takes 92B also the level "H", and the comparator 92B compares the detection voltage VDET with the reference voltage VREF, and then outputs voltage detection data DV to the central control circuit 93 out.

In addition, the central control circuit includes 93 a non-current generation timing circuit 99 for measuring the non-current generation time Tn while in the current detection circuits 97 . 98 no power generation is detected, and if the non-current generation time Tn lasts for at least a predetermined period of time, then switching from the display mode to the power-saving mode is performed (first condition).

On the other hand, recovery from the power-saving mode to the display mode is performed when the power-generation-state detection section 91 detects that the power generation section A is in a power generation state, and enough electric power in the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacity capacitor 48 remains to return from the power-saving mode to the display mode (first condition).

However, when the limiter circuit is in operation during the power-saving mode, a short circuit different from the normal charging path is generated, thereby short-circuiting the power generation section A and supplying the power generation state detection section 91 becomes impossible to recognize when the power generation section A is in a power generation state, and impossible to make the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the power saving mode, the limiter circuit is turned off (open) regardless of the power generation state of the power generation section A, and the power generation state detection section 91 is capable of reliably detecting the power generation state of the power generation section A.

Since the power supply section B of the present embodiment, a voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 Moreover, it is possible to drive the pointer moving mechanisms CS, CHM even when the charging voltage Vc is a little low by supplying the power supply voltage with the step-up / step-down circuit 49 is increased.

On the other hand, when the charging voltage Vc is slightly high and higher than the driving voltages of the pointer moving mechanisms CS, CHM, the pointer moving mechanisms CS, CHM can be operated by switching the power supply voltage to the step-up / step-down circuit 49 is reduced to lower the power supply voltage. For this purpose, the central control circuit determines 93 the voltage increase / decrease factor based on the charging voltage Vc, around the voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 to control.

If but the charging voltage Vc is too low, it is even if the tension is increased, not possible, To obtain a power supply voltage sufficient to the Pointer movement mechanisms CS, CHM operate. If in such a Case a transition from the power saving mode to the display mode, it is not possible to get an accurate Perform time display, and electricity becomes unnecessary consumed.

Therefore is in the present embodiment determines if the charging voltage Vc is sufficient by the charging voltage Vc is compared with a predetermined nominal voltage value Vb, and this becomes the first condition for transition from the power-saving mode made in the display mode.

Moreover, the central control circuit includes 93 a power-saving mode counter 101 to monitor whether or not a preset instruction for the forced transition into the power saving mode has been made within a certain time or not when the external input device 100 is operated by the user, or when from the power generation detection section 91 a non-current generation state is detected.

The mode set in this manner is set in the mode storage section 94 stored and the information becomes the drive control circuit 24 , the time information storage section 96 and the setpoint switching section 95 fed.

Here, the drive control circuit interrupts 24 when switching from the display mode to the power-saving mode, the supply of the control signal to the second-hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM , As a result, the engines stop 10 . 60 to rotate, interrupting the time display.

Furthermore, the central control circuit 93 the function of an operation interrupting means to supply the voltage from the power supply section B to the control circuit 23 and to the drive sections 305 . 30HM to interrupt when the power supply voltage has become lower than a predetermined amount of current required to return from the power saving mode to the display mode by a procedure which will be described below.

Then, by this procedure, the electric discharge from the high-capacity capacitor 48 be reduced, even if in the high-capacity capacitor 48 enough electric power remains to return from the power-saving mode to the display mode, thereby avoiding the unnecessary consumption of electric charge.

Next is the time information memory section 96 more specifically, an up / down counter (not shown) receiving, after switching from the display mode to the power saving mode, a reference signal received from the pulse generator circuit 22 is generated, the time begins to measure, the count is incremented (count up), and the duration of the power save mode measures as the count.

In addition, when switching from the power saving mode to the display mode, the forward / backward counter decrements the count value (count back), and during the countdown, outputs an acceleration pulse supplied from the drive control circuit to the second hand driving section 30S and the hour / minute-hand driving section 30HM.

Then, when the count value of the up / down counter reaches zero, that is, when the duration of the power save mode and an accelerated hand movement time corresponding to the time required for the accelerated hand movement has elapsed, a control signal for canceling the transmission of the acceleration pulse is generated and this control signal becomes the second-hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute driving section 30MH fed. As a result, the time display is reset to the current time. In this way, the time information storage section 96 Also, the function of a means for recovering the current time on to put the displayed time display on the current time.

Next, the drive control circuit generates 24 a drive pulse corresponding to the mode on the basis of the various types of pulses supplied by the pulse generator circuit 22 be issued. First, in the power saving mode, the supply of the drive pulse is interrupted. Then, immediately after the switchover from the power-saving mode to the display mode, acceleration pulses having a short pulse interval become the second-hand driving section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM supplied as drive pulses to set the displayed time display to the current time (means for restoring the current time).

After the supply of the acceleration pulses has been completed, the second-hand drive section 30S and the hour / minute hand drive section 30HM Drive pulses supplied with a normal pulse interval.

The reference number 120 denotes a carrying state detection circuit consisting of an angular velocity sensor, a thermal sensor, or the like, wherein the carrying state detecting circuit 120 Detects if the electronic clock 1 is applied around the user's wrist or not, to indirectly detect whether the power generating device 40 in a power generation state is or not. In addition, the carrying state detection circuit 120 with a non-carrying time measuring circuit 121 connected in the central control circuit 93 is provided. This non-carrying time measuring circuit 121 measures the time of not being carried out in a manner similar to the non-current generation time measuring circuit described above 99 ,

Here, the carrying state detection circuit 120 and the non-carrier time measurement circuit 121 used to the power generation state detection section 91 and the non-current generation timing circuit 99 to replace.

[3] Operation of the embodiment

The operating procedures of the electronic clock according to the invention 1 are referred to 4 explained.

First, the control circuit judges 23 whether the electronic clock 1 in the power save mode (step S1). If the judgment of step S1 shows that the electronic clock 1 is in the power save mode (step S1, YES), then the process jumps to step S5, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the judgment of step S1 shows that the watch is not in the power-saving mode, that is, it is in the display mode (step S1, NO), then the central control circuit determines 93 on the basis of the detection signal from the power-generation state detection section 91 whether or not there is a power supply voltage, that is, whether the power generation device 40 Power generated or not (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that the power generation device 40 is in a power generation state, step S10, which will be described later, performs a time display procedure.

If it is found in step S2 that the power generating device 40 is in a non-generation state (step S2; NO), then the non-generation time Tn from the non-generation time measuring circuit 99 the central processing circuit 93 measured (step S3). Then, the central processing circuit determines 93 whether the non-generation time Tn continues beyond a predetermined target time (step S4).

If the judgment of step S4 shows, That the non-generation time Tn does not last beyond the predetermined target time (step S4; NO), then the procedure returns to step S2, and the procedure from step S2 to step S4 is repeated.

If the judgment of step S4 shows that the non-generation time Tn over continues the predetermined target time (step S4; YES), then the mode is switched to the power save mode (step S5).

On the other hand, in the power-saving mode, the time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power-saving mode is stored in the time information storage section 96 is counted (step S6) to perform a time restoration procedure (step S9) which will be described later.

Then, it is determined whether the power supply voltage (in the present embodiment, the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 ) is greater than a criterion voltage V1 required to switch from the power save mode to the display mode (step S7) (second condition). If step S7 shows that the charging voltage Vc is greater than the criterion voltage V1 (step S7; YES), that is, it is possible to switch from the power saving mode to the display mode, then it is determined again whether the power generating device 40 Power generated (step S8). If it is determined in step S8 that there is no power generation (step S8; NO), then steps S6 and S7 are repeated.

Further, when it is determined in step S8 that the power generation has started (step S8; YES), the mode is switched from the power save mode to the display mode, a time recovery procedure is performed to set the time to the count value of the time information storage section 96 to put, and the pointers 55 . 76 and 77 are driven in a normal manner (step S10). The time restoration procedure from the power save mode to the display mode is a process for recovering the current time, which is performed faster than the normal drive operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the charging voltage Vc in the high-capacity capacitor 48 is less than or equal to the criterion voltage V1 (step S7; NO), that is, the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 has dropped to a voltage that is unable to restore the display mode from the power saving mode, then the supply of the charging voltage Vc, the high-capacity capacitor 48 the booster / reduction circuit 49 is supplied, interrupted, and the supply of the power supply voltage Vss, that of the voltage increase / decrease circuit 47 to the Vss drive section 23A the control circuit 23 , the pulse generator circuit 22 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM is output is disconnected (step S11).

In step S11, the generation of the pulse signal by the pulse generator circuit 22 stopped, and the count by the time information storage section 96 is aborted by supplying the power supply voltage Vss to the Vss drive section 23A the control circuit 23 , to the pulse generator circuit 49 and cut to the Antriebsab 30S and 30HM is disconnected. As a result, the electric power consumption in the control circuit becomes 23 reduced to zero. For example, in the power-saving mode, the electric power consumption in the display mode can be reduced by about 80%, but in this case, it can be further lowered by 99.5%. In addition, in the Vss drive section 23A the supply of the power supply voltage only to the power-generation state detection section 91 not separated, and by continuing the supply of the power supply voltage Vss, it is possible to stabilize the circuit operations at the reactivation.

Further, the power generation state detection section monitors 91 in step 512 whether the power generating device 40 the power generation has started again or not (third condition), and the procedure waits in step 512 until the power-generation state detection section 91 recognizes that power generation has begun.

Here, when the power-generation state detection section 91 detects that the power generation has restarted (step S12; YES), the charging voltage Vc becomes the high-capacity capacitor 48 the booster / reduction circuit 49 the power supply voltage Vss is supplied from the boost / cut circuit 49 the Vss drive section 23A , the pulse generator circuit 22 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM fed to the electronic clock 1 to reactivate.

In this step S12, the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor becomes 48 from the voltage detection circuit 92 detected to determine whether or not the required minimum voltage for reactivation exists, and the supply of the charging voltage Vc is interrupted until this voltage value is reached, which is the high-capacitance capacitor 48 allows to be charged faster.

In addition, a time restore may be required gear in this case can not be performed because the control circuit 23 was interrupted, which is why the user has to set the time manually.

Furthermore, explained by more specific numerical values, the electronic clock 1 be shaken about 300 times because of the high-capacity capacitor 48 is set to a fully charged state after power generation has started when the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 According to the prior art has fallen to about 0.45 volts. However, in the present embodiment, the criterion voltage V1 is set to 1 volt, whereby the charging voltage Vc can hardly fall below 1 volt, therefore, the electronic timepiece is sufficient 1 about 100 times to shake to the high capacity capacitor 48 from the beginning of the power generation to fully charged state, which allows the rapid reactivation of the electronic clock.

[4] Effects of the embodiment

As explained above, the electronic clock is 1 the present embodiment so that when the electronic clock 1 in the power saving mode, that is, the charging voltage Vc from the high capacity capacitor 48 to the boost / cut circuit 49 and the power supply voltage Vss supplied by the boost / cut circuit 49 is increased or decreased from the charging voltage Vc, only the control circuit 23 is supplied when the charging voltage Vc from the high-capacity capacitor 48 is less than or equal to the criterion voltage V1 required to return from the power saving mode to the display mode, then the supply of the charging voltage Vc coming from the high capacity capacitor 48 to the voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 is output, is interrupted, and the supply of the Stromver supply voltage Vss from the power supply section B (voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 ) to the drive section 23A the control circuit 23 , the pulse generator circuit 22 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM is interrupted.

This can be done in the high-capacity capacitor 48 an unnecessary consumption of electrical energy can be eliminated and the charging voltage Vc in the high-capacity capacitor 48 be maintained. As a result, the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 to the boost / cut circuit 49 are output when the power generating device 40 begins to generate current, whereby the power supply voltage Vss from the voltage increase / decrease circuit 49 to the Vss drive section 23A the control circuit 23 , the pulse generator circuit 22 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM can be issued to the electronic clock 1 reactivate quickly.

In addition, by suppressing the unnecessary consumption of the charging voltage Vc from the high-capacity capacitor 48 the hands 55 be activated quickly when the power generating device 40 Generating electricity starts when a user watches the electronic clock 1 carries what the conclusion of the user avoids that the electronic clock 1 is broken.

[5] Modification Examples the embodiment

[5.1] First modification example

In the present first modification example, as in 5 shown, the voltage is that of the constant voltage control circuit 200 (eg, oscillator circuit, divider, etc.) is supplied to a constant voltage Vreg supplied from the constant voltage generation circuit 201 is produced.

Here, the constant voltage generation circuit becomes 201 described.

A structural diagram of the constant voltage generating circuit 201 is in 12 shown.

The constant current generation circuit 201 can roughly into a constant current source 220 , a first current mirror circuit 221 , a differential amplifier circuit 222 , a second current mirror circuit 223 and a constant voltage generating section 224 be divided. The constant current source 220 is a depression transistor or the like which generates a constant current IREF. The first current mirror circuit 221 generates a current corresponding to the constant current IREF. The differential amplifier circuit 222 performs the differential amplification of the reference voltage V1 and the generated voltage V2 when the constant current IREF flows. The second current mirror circuit 223 makes the currents flowing in the different sections of the differential amplifier circuit 222 flow, to constant currents. The constant voltage generation section 224 generates and outputs a constant voltage based on the output of the differential amplifier circuit 222 out.

The first current mirror circuit 221 includes P-channel MOS transistors MP1, MP2 and MP3, whose source terminal S is commonly connected to a high-potential-side power supply VDD and whose gate terminal G is connected to each other, the gate D and the drain D of P-channel MOS transistor MP1 are saturation connected.

The differential amplifier circuit 222 includes a P-channel MOS transistor MP4, a P-channel MOS transistor MP5, and a gate potential sustaining capacitor CGK. The source S of the P-channel MOS transistor MP4 is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP2, and its gate G is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP1. The source S of the P-channel MOS transistor MP5 is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP2, and its gate G is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP3. The gate potential sustaining capacitor G has one end connected to the drain of the P-channel MOS transistor.

The second current mirror circuit 223 includes an N-channel MOS transistor MN3 and an N-channel MOS transistor MN4. The drain D of the N-channel MOS transistor MN3 is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP4, and its source S is connected to the low-potential side power supply VSS. The gate G of the N-channel MOS transistor MN4 is connected to the gate G of the N-channel MOS transistor MN3, and its drain D is connected to the drain of the P-channel MOS transistor MP5 and the gate G of the N Channel MOS transistor MN3 is connected, and its source S is connected to the low potential side power supply VSS.

The constant voltage generation section 224 includes an N-channel MOS transistor MN1 and an N-channel MOS transistor MN2. The gate G of the N-channel MOS transistor MN1 is saturation-connected to its drain D, its drain D is connected to the drain D of the P-channel MOS transistor MP3, and its source S is connected to the other end of the gate potential maintaining capacitor CGK connected. The drain D of the N-channel MOS transistor MN2 is connected to the source S of the N-channel MOS transistor MN1, its source S is connected to the low potential side power supply VSS, and its gate G is connected to one end of the gate potential maintaining capacitor CGK connected. In addition, the connection point between the source S of the N-channel MOS transistor MN1 and the drain of the N-channel MOS transistor MN2 is the output terminal of the constant voltage VREG.

Next, the operation of the constant voltage generating circuit will be described 201 described.

The first current mirror circuit 221 generates a current (indicated in the drawing by the same reference character IREF) corresponding to the constant current IREF derived from the constant current supply 220 as the source-drain current of the P-channel MOS transistor MP3 is generated, which the constant voltage generating section 224 is supplied.

At this time, the relationship between the drain current Ids of the P-channel MOS transistor MP1 and the gate voltage can be expressed as follows. Ids = β * W / (2 * L) * (Vgs-Vth) 2

Here β stands for the gain constant.

Parallel to this leads the differential amplifier circuit 222 a differential amplification of the reference voltage V1 and the voltage V2 and outputs them to the constant voltage generating portion 224 out.

there have the source-drain current of the P-channel MOS transistor MP4 and P-channel MOS transistor MP5 current values due to the second Current mirror circuit are identical.

The constant voltage generation section 224 the feedback control performs the output of the differential amplifier circuit 222 in such a way that the reference voltage V1 and the reference voltage are as follows: V1 = V2

As a result, a constant voltage Vreg generated by the threshold voltage VTP of the P-channel MOS transistor MP1 connecting the first current mirror circuit 221 forms the threshold VTN of the N-channel MOS transistor MN1 of the constant voltage generating section 224 and the constant current IREF is determined.

When the voltage of the constant voltage control circuit 200 (eg, the oscillator circuit, divider circuit, etc.) is supplied to the constant voltage Vreg supplied from the constant voltage generating circuit 201 is controlled by a latch circuit 202 and the P-channel transistor 203 which is between the output side of the latch circuit 202 and the middle of the high-potential-side Vdd line is connected between the high-capacitance capacitor 48 and the central control circuit 93 an operation interruption means formed by the central control circuit 93 is separate. When the high potential side voltage Vdd is taken as the reference voltage (GND), the low potential side voltage Vss becomes the power supply voltage, and the potentials become high tialdifferenz becomes equal to the charging voltage Vc.

In addition, the oscillator circuit and divider circuit are operated by the constant voltage Vreg supplied from the constant voltage generating circuit 201 is issued.

Here the central control circuit monitors 93 during the power-saving mode, the power supply voltage (charging voltage Vc of the high-capacity capacitor 48 ) using the voltage detection circuit 92 and gives an "L" to the latch 202 off when the voltage drops below a predetermined value. Then, the signal generated by the power-generation state detection section becomes 91 is output, and the signal from the central control circuit 93 is output at the latch circuit 202 receive a signal representing the transistor 203 is set to "H" is given off, and the transistor 203 is put into an off state. Then, the supply of the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor becomes 48 to the central control circuit 93 , the voltage detection circuit 92 , the constant voltage generation circuit 201 and the like blocked. As a result, the constant voltage Vreg becomes that upon receiving the charging voltage Vc from the constant voltage generating circuit 201 is output, interrupted, and the operation of the constant voltage control circuit 200 will be interrupted.

Further, in the power saving mode, the driving sections are 305 . 30HM interrupted, and most of the power consumption in the circuit is from the constant voltage control circuit 200 such as the oscillator circuit for generating the reference pulse signal and the divider circuit, and the constant voltage generating circuit 201 consumed, so that by interrupting the supply of the constant voltage Vreg to the constant voltage control circuit 200 the power consumption in the constant voltage control circuit 200 can be reduced to zero. In addition, the power consumption of the entire circuit can be reduced to almost zero by supplying the power supply voltage Vss to the constant voltage generating circuit 201 is interrupted.

When the power-generation state detection section 91 detects that the power generation in the power generation section A has started and a signal "H" in the latch circuit 202 enters, the transistor becomes 203 In addition, in an off state and the charging voltage Vc is the central control circuit 93 , the voltage detection circuit 82 and the constant voltage generating circuit 201 fed. Because in the high-capacity capacitor 48 If sufficient voltage is maintained when the oscillation starts, the initiation of the oscillation can be accelerated. This allows the electronic clock 1 be activated quickly.

When the transistor 203 is put in an off state and the supply of the power supply voltage Vss is interrupted, the output of the latch circuit 202 unstable. Therefore, it is preferable that a high resistance pull-up resistor is connected to the gate terminal side of the transistor 203 connected to make sure that the transistor 203 is in an off state.

[5.2] Second Modification Example

In the first modification example, the transistor 203 is connected to the line through which the high potential side voltage Vdd is supplied to cut off the supplied current. Therefore, in the first modification example, a transistor must be used 203 be used with comparatively large capacity. In the second modification example, the same can be achieved by using an operation interrupting means as in 6 Shaped is shown.

The oscillator circuit 301 , the divider circuit 302 and the level shifter 303 are detailed specific features of the constant voltage control circuit 200 which is driven by the constant voltage Vreg. In addition, in this modification example, the high potential side voltage Vdd line is made the reference line a, the low potential side voltage line Vss becomes the power supply line b, and the constant potential line Vreg is made the constant voltage line c.

Here is a P-channel transistor 304 connected between lines a and c, a P-channel transistor 305 is between the line b and the constant voltage circuit 92 connected, and the gate of the transistor 305 is to the output side of the central control circuit 92 connected. In addition, the gate of the transistor 304 to the output side of the central control circuit 92 connected. The transistor 304 and the transistor 305 form business interruption means.

In the circuit arrangement of the second modification example formed in this way, the power generation state detection section monitors 91 the power generation state of the power generation section A when the electronic clock 1 is in power saving mode, and gives a signal "L" to the transistor 304 and the transistor 305 when the power generation section transitions to a non-power generation state. As a result, the transistor 305 placed in an on state and closes the reference line a and the Constant voltage line c short, whereby the supply of the constant voltage Vreg to the oscillator circuit 301 , to divide circuit 302 and the level shifter 303 is interrupted. At about the same time, a signal "L" in the transistor 305 entered, causing the transistor 305 is set in an off state, the supply of the charging voltage Vc from the high-capacity capacitor 48 to the constant voltage generating circuit 92 is interrupted, and also the supply of the constant voltage Vreg is interrupted.

On the other hand, when power generation has started, is from the central control circuit 93 a signal "H" is output, causing the transistor 304 turned off, the transistor 305 is turned on and the constant voltage generating circuit 92 is activated to supply the constant voltage Vreg. As a result, also the oscillator circuit 301 a constant voltage Vreg is supplied, and a reference pulse is from the oscillator circuit 301 generated.

In addition, in this circuit, a transistor having a relatively low voltage resistance can be used as the transistor, and the power consumption in the constant voltage generating circuit 92 can be brought to zero substantially by the supply of the charging voltage Vc is interrupted.

Although the transistor 304 is turned on to interrupt the supply of the constant voltage Vreg, it is also possible to connect a transistor to the constant voltage line c and turn off this transistor to interrupt the supply of the charging voltage. In addition, the latch circuit 202 , which was shown in the first modification example, in the central control circuit 92 to get integrated.

In addition, in the above description, the on / off operation of the transistor has been described 304 and the on / off operation of the transistor 305 performed simultaneously, but it is preferable to have a delay circuit in front of the gate of the transistor 304 provide and the transistor 305 to operate first.

[5.3] Third Modification Example

Next, a third modification example will be referred to 7 and 8th described. This modification example is one in which the reference pulse generated by the oscillator circuit is interrupted.

First, even if the circuit configuration around the power supply is about the same as that of the second modification example, it is the transistor 304 and 305 existing operation interrupt means not connected, and the central control circuit 93 and oscillator circuit 403 are connected via a signal line d through which the oscillator circuit control signal is output.

Next, the circuit structure of the oscillator circuit 401 described in the electronic clock 1 in 8th is integrated.

Both ends of the quartz oscillator 402 are through a drain capacitor 403 and a gate capacitor 404 is connected to a reference line a, which has the high potential side voltage Vdd, and which is further connected to a series circuit consisting of the drain resistor 405 and a feedback resistor 406 consists. In addition, between the reference line a and the constant voltage line c, starting from the side of the reference line a from a P-channel transistor 407 , an N-channel transistor 408 and a P-channel transistor 409 connected in this order. Further, the gates of the transistors 407 . 408 with the connection point between the gate capacitor 404 and the feedback capacitor 406 connected, the drain of the transistor 407 and the drain of the transistor 408 are with the drain resistor 405 connected, and the gate of the transistor 409 is to the output side of the central control circuit 93 connected. On the other hand, the connection point between the drain resistor 405 and the feedback capacitor 406 with the divider circuit 302 connected.

In this oscillator circuit 401 are the parts except the quartz oscillator 402 integrated with the help of the circuit elements apart from the quartz oscillator 402 , from the transistor 409 and from the feedback resistor 406 to form an oscillator inverter.

In this circuit configuration according to the third modification example constructed in this way, the electronic clock 1 is in display mode or power-saving mode, the oscillator circuit control signal goes from the central control circuit 93 through the signal line d to the gate of the transistor 409 is output to "H", a constant voltage Vreg is supplied to the oscillator inverter, and a specific oscillation supplied from the quartz oscillator 402 is used to send a reference pulse to the divider circuit 302 issue.

When the electronic watch is in the power save mode, the power generation state detection section monitors 91 In addition, the power generation state of the power generation section A, and when the power generation section A enters a non-power generation state, a Oszil latorschaltungssteuersignal with the level "L" to the gate of the transistor 409 output to the transistor 409 off. Then, the supply of the constant voltage Vreg to the oscillator inverter is interrupted, and the reference pulse supplied from the oscillator circuit 401 is generated, is stopped. As a result, the power consumption of each circuit can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the power-generation state detection section 91 detects that the power generation section A has started power generation, is from the central control circuit 93 an oscillator circuit control signal of "H" level through the signal line d to the gate of the transistor 409 The constant voltage Vreg is supplied to the oscillator inverter, and the reference pulse is output from the oscillator circuit 401 to the divider circuit 302 output.

[5.4] Fourth Modification Example

As in the flowchart of 9 4, in this fourth modification example, the criterion voltage for switching from a power saving mode to power interruption by a second criterion voltage V2 (hereinafter referred to as the second criterion voltage V2) lower than the criterion voltage V1 (hereinafter referred to as the first criterion voltage V1) is shown. and a criterion count T1, where the second criterion voltage V2 is the voltage value required to cause the pointers 55 . 76 . 77 on return from the power-saving mode to the display mode to turn about 180 degrees, and the criterion count T1 is the counter value at this time.

Here, the procedure from step S21 to step S30 is substantially the same as the procedure from step S1 to step S10 in FIG 4 and her description is left out.

If the determination of step S27 shows that the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 is less than or equal to the first criterion voltage V1 (step 527 ; NO), that is, the voltage of the high-capacitance capacitor 48 is such a voltage that it is not possible to return from the power saving mode to the display mode, then it is determined whether or not the value of the time counter T has exceeded the criterion count value T1 (step S31).

If, in this step S31, the value of the counter T has exceeded the criterion count value T1, then the procedure goes to step S33, and the procedures subsequent to step S33 are performed, whereas the procedure of step S32 is performed when it executes the procedure of step S33 Value has not exceeded. That is, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the charging voltage Vc is greater than the second criterion voltage V2, and when the charging voltage Vc is less than the second criterion voltage V2 (step S32, NO), that is, if not enough electric energy is present in the second high-capacity capacitor 48 remains to the pointers 55 . 76 . 77 then, in step S32, the voltage supply to the control circuit 23 and to the drive sections 305 . 30HM interrupted.

Further, the power generation state detection section monitors 91 in step S34, whether the power generation device 40 has started to generate power or not, and the process waits in step S34 until the power generation state detection section 91 recognizes that power generation has started. On the other hand, when the power-generation state detection section 91 recognizes that the power generation has started (step S34, YES), the charging voltage Vc, the high-capacity capacitor 48 is supplied to the control circuit 23 and the drive sections 305 . 30HM fed to the electronic clock 1 to activate (step S35).

On the other hand, when in the determination of step S32, the charging voltage Vc is greater than the second criterion voltage V2 (step S32; YES), that is, in the high-capacitance capacitor 48 enough electrical energy remains around the hands 55 . 76 . 77 then, in step S36, the time counting continues, the power generation state detection section 91 In step S37, whether power generation has started or not is monitored, and if no power generation is detected, the procedure of step S31 is repeated.

Further, if the determination of step S37 shows that power generation is present, then the procedure moves to step S38 to perform a process of restoration to perform the current time.

Therefore in this modification example, the power supply is interrupted, if the value T of the time counter gets bigger as the criterion count T1 or the charging voltage Vc becomes smaller than the second criterion voltage V2 after the charging voltage Vc has become smaller than the first one Criterion voltage V1. As a result, a time delay can be added before the feeder the charging voltage Vc is interrupted, whereby cases can be suppressed, in which the feeder the charging voltage Vc is interrupted, and the restoration from the power-saving mode to the display mode to display the current one Time allows becomes when power generation starts.

[5.6] Sixth Modification Example

In the above embodiments an example of an electronic watch was described which the Hour / minute and second with the help of two motors indicating However, the present invention can also be applied to electronic watches be a single engine for the hour / minute and second used.

On the other hand For example, the present invention can also be applied to an electronic watch which has 3 or more engines (separate engines) Control of the second hand, minute hand, hour hand, calendar, Timepiece, etc.).

[5.7] Seventh modification example

In the above embodiments, the timepiece automatically switches between the display mode and the power saving mode, but it may also be actuated by a user on an external input device 100 detect, such as a specific operation of the clock crown, and then forced to switch from the display to the power saving mode or to switch from the power saving mode in the interruption of the power supply. In addition, the interruption and the initiation of the supply of electric power from the power supply section B can satisfy the operating conditions of the external input device 100 be carried out accordingly.

[5.8] Eighth Modification Example

In the above-described embodiments, the power-generation state detection section monitors 91 whether the power generating device 40 is in a power generation state or in a non-power generation state, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the monitoring can be indirectly performed by means of the in 2 shown carrying state detection circuit 120 is done so that be true that the power generating device 40 in a non-current generation state when (the clock) is in an unworn state.

[5.9] Ninth Modification Example

In the embodiments described above, the charging voltage Vc of the high-capacitance capacitor becomes 48 from the voltage detection circuit 92 and the supply of electric power is interrupted when the charging voltage Vc decreases to the criterion voltage V1 or below, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electric power can also be supplied or interrupted by the voltage increasing / decreasing circuit 49 output power supply voltage Vss is monitored.

[5.10] Tenth Modification Example

In the above-described embodiments, an example of an electronic watch has been made 1 of the wristwatch type, but the present invention is not limited thereto and, aside from wristwatches, may be applied to portable electronic devices of other types such as calculators, portable telephones, portable computers, PDAs, liquid crystal televisions and portable video players.

[5.11] Eleventh Modification Example

In the above-described embodiments, as the power generation device 40 an electromagnetic power generating device used by the rotation of a rotor 43 caused by the rotational movement of the rotating weight 45 on the rotor 43 is transmitted in an output coil 44 generates a current Vgen, but the present invention is not limited to this and may, for example, use a power generating device that generates power by rotational motion generated by the restoring force of a spring (which corresponds to external power) or a power generating device that transmits power generates a piezoelectric effect by applying external or self-induced vibration or movement (corresponding to external energy) of the piezoelectric element.

In addition, can the power generating device may be such that they are by photoelectric conversion by light energy (which corresponds to external energy) from sunlight or the like generates electricity.

Further the power generation device can be generated by thermal power generation, which is due to a temperature difference (heat energy, what external energy corresponds) between a certain part and another part Generate electricity.

moreover For example, the structure may be such that a power generation device of electromagnetic induction type is used, which is free propagating electromagnetic waves, e.g. Receives radio waves and use them as energy (which corresponds to external energy).

[5.12] Twelfth Modification Example

In the above-described embodiments, the reference potential (GND) was set to Vdd (high potential-side voltage), but of course the reference potential (GND) can be set to Vss (low-potential-side voltage). In this case, the target voltage values VO and Vgen, etc. represent potential differences from a detection level set at the high potential side with Vss as a reference.

[5.13] Thirteenth Modification Example

In the embodiments described above were rechargeable electrical storage devices such as auxiliary batteries or Capacitors used to store electricity from the power generating device is generated as a power supply, but it is possible to use primary batteries, or both a rechargeable electric storage device and a primary battery to use together, or a power generating device and a primary battery to use together.

[5.14] Fourteenth Modification Example

In the embodiments described above The case of an analogue electronic clock has been described, however the invention is also applicable to electronic devices with digital display devices (digital display means), such as e.g. Liquid crystal displays.

In In this case, the power supply becomes the digital display device interrupted in power-saving mode, so that no display takes place.

If the ad is not on, part of an ad may stay on, to prevent the user from mistaking the clock broken. For example, a brand can be every 2-3 seconds flashes, will be shown on the display.

Claims (32)

Electronic device ( 1 ), comprising: a rechargeable power supply section (A, B) for supplying electric power; a drive control section (FIG. 23 ) operated by the electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) configured to output a drive signal; a driven portion (CS, CHM) driven by this drive signal; a mode switching section ( 90 ) configured to switch the operating mode of the driven portion (CS, CHM) between a drive mode for normal operation and a power saving mode based on a preset first condition; and characterized by an operation interruption section ( 93 ) configured to control the operation of the drive control section (Fig. 23 ) when it is determined on the basis of a second preset condition that the amount of electric power stored in the power supply section (A, B) is in a power saving mode due to the mode switching section (FIG. 90 ) is smaller than a predetermined amount of electric power. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the operation interruption section ( 93 ) is configured to supply the electric power from the power supply section (A, B) to the drive control section (12) 23 ) to interrupt when the operation of the drive control section ( 23 ) is interrupted. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein said drive control section (16) 23 ) a control circuit ( 24 ) powered by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) configured to output a control signal, and a drive circuit (15) 30S . 30HM ) driven by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) is configured to output a drive signal to the driven section (CS, CHM) based on the control signal; and the mode switching section ( 90 ) is configured to the control circuit ( 24 ) and the drive circuit ( 30S . 30HM ) in the drive mode to supply electrical energy, and is configured to in the power-saving mode only the control circuit ( 24 ) to supply electrical energy. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the power supply section (A, B) comprises a power generation section (A) configured to convert external power into electric power, and a power storage section (B) configured to store electric power supplied from the power generation section (A ), and the drive control section (FIG. 23 ) to supply the electrical energy. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the power storage section (B) comprises an auxiliary battery or a capacitor. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein a power-generation state detection section (14) 91 ) configured to detect whether or not the power generation section (A) is in a power generation state; and the first condition is whether or not the power generation section (A) is in a power generation state, as from this power generation state detection section (FIG. 91 ) certainly. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the power-generation state detection section (12) 91 ) an energy amount determination section ( 97 ) configured to determine whether the amount of electric power output from the power generation section (A) exceeds a criterion energy amount; and a power generation timing section (FIG. 98 ) configured to determine whether a duration over which the amount of electric energy passes through the power amount determining section (12) 97 ) and exceeds the criterion energy amount exceeds a criterion time value. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein a carrying state detecting section (14) 120 ) configured to detect whether the electronic device ( 1 ) is in a worn state or not; the first condition for switching the operating mode of the driven portion (CS, CMH) from the drive mode to the power saving mode requires that the electronic device (FIG. 1 ) from the carrying state detection section (FIG. 120 ) is detected as being in a non-worn state, and the duration over which the electronic device ( 1 ) is in an unsupported state for a predetermined time; and this first condition for switching the operation mode of the driven portion (CS, CMH) from the power-saving mode to the drive mode requires that the electronic device (FIG. 1 ) the carrying state detecting section (FIG. 120 ) has switched from a non-worn state to a worn state. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein a voltage detection section ( 92 ) configured to detect the voltage of the power supply section (A, B); and the second condition requires that the voltage of the power supply section (A, B) supplied from the voltage detection section (FIG. 92 ) is detected, falls below a predetermined voltage. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein an electrical energy detection section is provided, which is configured to detect the amount of electrical energy, which is supplied from the power supply section (A, B); and the second condition requires that the amount of electric power detected by the electric power detection section that can be supplied from the power supply section (A, B) become smaller than a predetermined amount of electric power required to be the operating mode of the power saving mode drive section to reset to drive mode. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein a power-generation state detection section (14) 91 ) configured to detect whether or not the power generation section (A) is in a power generation state; and an operation initiating section is provided to control the operation of the drive control section (14). 23 ) when a preset third condition is satisfied during operation of the drive control section (FIG. 23 ) due to the business interruption section ( 93 ) is in an interrupted state; and this third condition requires that the start of power generation by the power generation section (A) from the power generation state detection section (FIG. 91 ) is recognized. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 11, wherein the start of the power generation in the third condition means that the amount of electric power output from the power generation section (A) exceeds an amount of energy sufficient for reactivation, and this state continues for a predetermined time. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein a carrying state detecting section (14) 120 ) configured to detect whether the electronic device ( 1 ) is in a worn state or not; an operation initiating section is provided to control the operation of the drive control section (FIG. 23 ) on the basis of a preset third condition when the operation of the drive control section (FIG. 23 ) due to the business interruption section ( 93 ) is in an interrupted state; and the operation initiating section is configured to use the carrying state detection section (14). 120 ) to determine when the electronic device ( 1 ) as a third condition switches from a non-worn state to a worn state. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the switching from the un-worn state to the worn state takes place when the worn state after switching from un-worn to stand in a worn state lasts for a predetermined time. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein an external operation input section (FIG. 100 ) is provided to allow a user to perform operations from the outside; and switching from the drive mode to the power saving mode from the mode switching section (FIG. 90 ) based on the operating conditions of the external operation input section (FIG. 100 ) is carried out. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein an external operation input section (FIG. 100 ) is provided to a user through the lead to enable operations from the outside; and an operation initiating section configured to control the operation of the drive control section (13). 23 ) based on the operating conditions of the external operation input section (FIG. 100 ) when the business interruption section ( 93 ) recognizes that the operation of the drive control section ( 23 ) is in an interrupted state. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the driven portion (CS, CHM) has a time display section for displaying the time. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 17, wherein said drive control section (15) 23 ) comprises a current time recovery section configured to set the time display to the current time when the operation mode of the drive section (CS, CHM) is changed by the mode switching section (12). 90 ) is switched from the power-saving mode to the drive mode. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined amount of electrical energy is set to an amount of electrical energy necessary to restore the current time from the power saving mode by means of the current time recovery section. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the amount of energy sufficient to perform the recovery, is set to a minimum amount required to the time display with the time display portion by starting the operation of the drive control section ( 23 ) to allow. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the time display section comprises pointers ( 55 . 76 . 77 ), which are configured to indicate the time, and a motor ( 10 . 60 ), which is configured to display these pointers ( 55 . 76 . 77 ) to drive; and the section for restoring the current time is configured to control the movement of the hands ( 55 . 76 . 77 ) by the motor, being moved at a fast hand movement speed higher than the normal hand movement speed. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein said drive control section (16) 23 ) a control circuit ( 24 ) powered by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) configured to output a control signal; and a drive circuit ( 30S . 30HM ) driven by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) is configured to receive the control signal and to output a drive signal to the driven section (CS, CHM); this control circuit ( 24 ) an oscillator circuit ( 21 ) configured to generate a reference pulse; and the business interruption section ( 93 ) is configured to control the operation of the oscillator circuit ( 21 ) to interrupt. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 22, wherein the operation interruption section ( 93 ) is configured to supply the supply of electrical energy to the oscillator circuit ( 21 ) to interrupt. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein said drive control section (16) 23 ) a control circuit ( 24 ) which is operated by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B), configured to output a control signal, and a drive circuit (FIG. 30S . 30HM ) driven by electric power supplied from the power supply section (A, B) is configured to receive the control signal and to output a drive signal to the driven section (CS, CHM); this control circuit ( 24 ) an oscillator circuit ( 21 ) configured to generate a reference pulse and a divider circuit configured to divide the reference pulse received from the oscillator circuit (10). 21 ) is output; and the business interruption section ( 93 ) is configured to control the operation of the oscillator circuit ( 21 ) or the divider circuit. Electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 24, wherein the business interruption section ( 93 ) comprises a constant voltage generation circuit configured to generate a constant voltage lower than the power supply voltage for operating at least one of the oscillator circuit ( 21 ) and the divider circuit; and wherein the business interruption section ( 93 ) is configured to interrupt the supply of electric power to the constant voltage generating circuit. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ), comprising: a rechargeable power supply unit (A, B) for supplying electric power; a drive control unit ( 23 ) operated by the electric power supplied from the power supply unit (A, B) to output a drive signal; a driven unit (CS, CHM) which is driven by receiving the drive signal supplied by the drive control unit (FIG. 23 ) is output; the control method comprising: a mode switching step of switching an operation mode of the driven unit (CS, CHM) between a drive mode and a power saving mode on the basis of a preset first condition; and characterized by a drive interrupting step of interrupting the operation of the drive control unit (10). 23 ), when it is determined according to a second preset condition that the amount of electric power stored in the power supply unit (A, B) is smaller than a predetermined amount of electric power while the operation mode is set in the power saving mode by the mode switching step is. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 26, wherein: the power supply unit (A, B) comprises a power generating device (A) for converting external power into electric power, and a power storage device (B) for storing electric power supplied from the power generating device (A) is, and this electrical energy of the drive control unit ( 23 ); the method further comprising a power generation state detection step of determining whether or not power is generated by the power generation device (A); and the first condition requires that in the power generation state detection step, power generated by the power generation device (A) is detected. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 27, wherein: the power generation state detection step comprises an energy amount determination step for determining whether the amount of electric power output from the power generation device (A) has exceeded a criterion energy amount; and a power generation timing step for determining whether the duration over which the amount of electric energy exceeds the criterion energy amount as determined in the power amount determination step exceeds a criterion time value. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 26, wherein: the method further comprises a carrying state detection step for detecting whether the electronic device ( 1 ) or not; the first condition for switching the operation mode of the driven unit (CS, CMH) from the drive mode to the power saving mode requires that the electronic device (FIG. 1 ) is detected as being in a non-worn state in the carrying-state detection step, and the time over which the electronic device (5) 1 ) in an unsupported condition lasts for a predetermined time, and this first condition for switching the operation mode of the driven unit from the power-saving mode to the drive mode requires that in the carrying-state detection step, a switch from the un-worn state to a carried-out state has been recognized. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 26, comprising: an electric power amount detecting step of detecting an amount of electric power supplied from the power supply unit (A, B); and wherein the second condition requires that the amount of electric energy detected in the electric power amount detection step that can be supplied from the power supply unit (A, B) be less than a predetermined amount of electric power required to control the operation mode of the power unit (CS, CHM) from power saving mode to drive mode. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 26, wherein: the power supply unit (A, B) comprises a power generating device (A) for converting external power into electric power, and a power storage device (B) for storing electric power supplied from the power generating device (A) is, and this electrical energy of the drive control unit ( 23 ); the method including a power generation state detection step of detecting whether or not the power generation device (A) is in a power generation state; and further comprising an operation initiating step to control the operation of the drive control unit (10). 23 ) on the basis of a preset third condition, if it is determined in the operation interruption step that the operation of the drive control unit ( 23 ) is in an interrupted state, and this third condition requires that, in this power generation state detection step, start of power generation by the power generation device (A) is recognized. Control method for an electronic device ( 1 ) according to claim 26, wherein: the power supply unit (A, B) comprises a power generating device (A) for converting external power into electric power, and a power storage device (B) for storing electric power supplied from the power generating device (A) is, and this electrical energy of the drive control unit ( 23 ); the method comprises a carrier state detection step to detect whether the electronic pre direction ( 1 ) is in a worn state or not; and further comprising an operation initiating step to control the operation of the drive control unit (10). 23 ) on the basis of a preset third condition when the operation of the drive control unit ( 23 ) is in an interrupted state due to the operation interruption step; this third condition requiring that in this carrying state detection step it is detected that the electronic device ( 1 ) has switched from a non-worn state to a worn state.