JP2018017548A - Electronic watch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic watch in which a change-over to a power-saving mode is performed without depending on an individual difference.SOLUTION: An electronic watch includes: a conductor substrate used as an antenna; a solar battery formed on the conductor substrate; a detection resistance connected to the solar battery and connected to a first electric potential; an impedance matching circuit connected to a second electric potential different from the first electric potential; a communication switch for controlling a connection and a disconnection between the impedance matching circuit and the second electric potential; a power generation detection circuit for detecting the presence or absence of the power generation by the solar battery based on a both end electric potential of the detection resistance; and a power-saving circuit for controlling a change-over of the power saving mode based on a detection result of the power generation circuit. The power-saving circuit is independent from both end potential difference of the detection resistance in the case that the communication switch is at least connected and controls the change-over of the power-saving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece.

  An electronic timepiece may be driven by electric power generated by a solar cell. In some cases, communication with an electronic device such as a smartphone is performed by short-range wireless communication based on a standard such as IEEE 802.15, time correction information is acquired from the electronic device, and an internal clock of the electronic timepiece is corrected.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when the non-power generation time exceeds a predetermined standby time, the operation of the electric energy consumption unit is stopped and the electric power to the power supply unit is prevented by a limiter circuit that prevents the application of an excessive voltage to the power supply unit. A portable electronic device that stops the measurement of non-power generation time when energy supply is restricted is described.

  Patent Document 2 describes a watch with a communication function using a solar cell support plate as a planar antenna.

Japanese Patent No. 3791263 Japanese Patent No. 5912763

  An electronic timepiece driven by a solar battery may have a power generation detection circuit that detects power generation by the solar battery, and the driving state may be changed according to the presence or absence of power generation. For example, when power is being generated, a normal mode in which the hands such as the second hand are normally driven may be set, and when power is not being generated, the mode may be switched to a power saving mode in which driving of the hands is limited.

  Moreover, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, an electronic timepiece may have a conductive substrate that is a receiving plate or a substrate of a solar cell and is used as an antenna. A solar cell is composed of an insulating layer formed on a conductive substrate and a semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer, and the conductive substrate and the solar cell are designed to be electrically insulated.

  However, when a communication voltage from a high frequency circuit is applied to a conductor substrate used as an antenna, a leakage current may be generated between the conductor substrate and the solar cell. Even in such a case, the power generation detection circuit may erroneously detect that there is power generation.

  The magnitude of the leakage current varies greatly depending on fluctuations in the dimensions and arrangement of the conductor substrate and the solar cell, and is not constant for each electronic timepiece. Therefore, individual differences may occur in switching to the power saving mode.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic timepiece in which switching to a power saving mode is performed regardless of individual differences.

  The invention disclosed in the present application in order to solve the above problems has various aspects, and the outline of typical ones of these aspects is as follows.

  (1) An electronic timepiece is connected to a conductive substrate used as an antenna, a solar cell formed on the conductive substrate, a detection resistor connected to the solar cell and connected to a first voltage, and the conductive substrate. An impedance matching circuit connected to a second voltage different from the first voltage, a communication switch for controlling connection and disconnection between the impedance matching circuit and the second voltage, and a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor A power generation detection circuit that detects the presence or absence of power generation by the solar cell, and a power saving circuit that controls switching of a power saving mode based on a detection result of the power generation detection circuit, and the power saving The circuit controls switching of the power saving mode independently of the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor, at least when the communication switch is connected.

  (2) The electronic timepiece according to (1), wherein the power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode when at least the communication switch is connected.

  (3) The electronic timepiece according to (2), wherein the power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode regardless of a detection result of the power generation detection circuit when at least the communication switch is connected.

  (4) In (2), when at least the communication switch is connected, the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating power generation to the power saving circuit regardless of a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor. Electronic clock.

  (5) In (1), the power saving circuit continues the previous mode with reference to the previous mode, which is the mode before the communication switch is connected, at least when the communication switch is connected. Electronic clock.

  (6) In (1), when the power saving circuit is at least connected to the communication switch, the power saving circuit is set in a power saving mode based on a detection result of the power generation detection circuit before the communication switch is connected. Electronic clock that controls switching.

  According to the above aspects (1) to (3) of the present invention, an electronic timepiece in which switching to the power saving mode is performed regardless of individual differences is obtained.

  Further, according to the aspect (4) of the present invention, the detection result of the power generation detection circuit is prevented from fluctuating due to individual differences.

  Further, according to the above aspects (5) and (6) of the present invention, even when the communication switch is repeatedly turned on and off, the power saving mode is stably switched on and off.

It is a top view which shows an example of the external appearance of the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the physical structure of the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic timepiece and a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st time chart which shows transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd time chart which shows transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in an electronic timepiece concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the conventional electronic timepiece.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of an electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment has the appearance of a so-called analog wristwatch, and performs short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal 30 that is an electronic device. A communication circuit and an antenna for performing short-range wireless communication are housed in a case which is an exterior (watch case). The standard for short-range wireless communication is not particularly limited and may be any known one, but BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) is used in the present embodiment. The electronic timepiece 1 includes a crown 2 and a push button 4 that are used for setting the time of a time hand and using a function.

  The electronic timepiece 1 has a dial plate 10 in a case which is an exterior (watch case). On the dial 10, a connection processing display 11 indicating that the electronic timepiece 1 is performing processing for establishing a connection with the mobile terminal 30, and a link loss display indicating that the connection with the mobile terminal 30 has been disconnected. 12, an e-mail reception display 13 for notifying that the mobile terminal 30 has received an e-mail, and a call incoming display 14 for notifying that the mobile terminal 30 has received a call. The electronic timepiece 1 displays each information to the user by pointing any one of the connection processing display 11, the link loss display 12, the e-mail reception display 13, and the incoming call display 14 with a second hand 22 described later.

  The electronic timepiece 1 has a first sub-hand 15 and a 24-hour display 15 a that indicates the current time in a 24-hour system by the first sub-hand 15. Further, the electronic timepiece 1 has a second sub-hand 16, and a remaining charge display 16 a that indicates the remaining charge of the secondary battery in four stages from “0” to “3” by the second sub-hand 16, A second day of the week display 16b indicating the current day of the week as "Sun" to "Sat" with the second auxiliary hand 16, an alarm setting display 16c indicating "ON" or "OFF" of the alarm function setting with the second auxiliary hand 16, and A connection state display 16d that indicates the connection state of the short-distance wireless communication with the portable terminal 30 by "ON" or "OFF" with the two sub-needle 16; In addition, the electronic timepiece 1 has the third sub hand 17, indicating that the current time display function is set by pointing “TME” with the third sub hand 17, and “CHR” with the third sub hand 17. ”Indicates that the chronograph function is set, the third sub needle 17 indicates“ ALM ”to indicate that the alarm function is set, and the third sub needle 17 indicates“ L− It has a function setting display 17a indicating that the local time display function is set by pointing to “TM”.

  The electronic timepiece 1 has a plurality of time hands driven by a motor. Specifically, the electronic timepiece 1 has an hour hand 20, a minute hand 21 and a second hand 22 driven by a stepping motor as a time hand. However, the electronic timepiece 1 may have other hands as time hands. The time hand is an analog display member for indicating a certain time, and a typical one is a pointer, but as a special one, a rotating disk, retrograde, or the like can be included in the time hand.

  The electronic timepiece 1 is provided with a windshield formed of a transparent material such as glass so as to cover the dial 10. A back cover is attached to the trunk on the opposite side of the windshield. In the present specification, hereinafter, the direction in which the windshield of the electronic timepiece 1 is arranged (the front side in the drawing in FIG. 1) is referred to as the front side, and the direction in which the back cover is arranged (the back direction in the drawing in FIG. 1) is referred to as the back side.

  The design of the electronic timepiece 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. In addition to those shown here, for example, the body may be square instead of round, and the presence / absence, number, and arrangement of the crown 2 and the push button 4 are arbitrary. In this embodiment, the hands are six in total, that is, the hour hand 20, the minute hand 21, the second hand 22, the first sub-needle 15, the second sub-needle 16, and the third sub-needle 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may add or delete a guideline for displaying.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic timepiece 1 has a conductor substrate 43 used as the antenna 51. The conductor substrate 43 is a metal substrate on which the solar cell 41 is formed, and functions as a planar antenna. An insulating layer 42 made of an insulating material is provided on the conductor substrate 43, and a semiconductor layer constituting the solar cell 41 is formed on the insulating layer 42. The semiconductor layer includes an n-type semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer 42, an i-type semiconductor layer formed on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer formed on the i-type semiconductor layer. ,including. The p-type semiconductor layer is connected to the first potential V _DD . The configuration of the solar cell 43 shown in the figure is an example, and other configurations may be adopted. Moreover, although the case where the conductor substrate 43 is a metal substrate of the solar cell 41 is illustrated in the same figure, the conductor substrate 43 may be a receiving plate that receives the insulating layer 42 that is a substrate.

A power generation detection circuit 40 that detects the presence or absence of power generation by the solar cell 41 is connected to the solar cell 41 based on the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a. One end of the detection resistor 40a is connected to the n-type semiconductor layer of the solar cell 41, and the other end is connected to the first potential V _DD . The power generation detection circuit 40 includes a detection switch 40b. When power generation detection is performed, the detection switch 40b is turned on to detect a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a. When power generation detection is not performed, the detection switch 40b is turned off. To reduce power consumption.

A high frequency circuit 46 and an impedance matching circuit 44 are connected to the conductor substrate 43. The high-frequency circuit 46 is connected to the first potential V _DD and encodes a high-frequency signal used for short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 30 that is transmitted and received by the conductor substrate 43 that is the antenna 51, and decodes the high-frequency signal Circuit. The impedance matching circuit 44 is connected to the conductor substrate 43 and is connected to a second potential (ground potential) different from the first potential V _DD . The impedance matching circuit 44 includes a coil having an inductance selected so as to prevent reflection of a high-frequency signal input / output between the high-frequency circuit 46 and the conductor substrate 43, a capacitor having conductance, and a combination thereof. When the impedance matching circuit 44 is composed of only a coil, the impedance matching circuit 44 is a circuit that is short-circuited in a DC manner. In addition, when the impedance matching circuit 44 includes a capacitor, the impedance matching circuit 44 may be a DC-insulated circuit, but even in such a case, a minute leak current may be generated.

  The electronic timepiece includes a communication switch 45 that controls connection and disconnection between the impedance matching circuit 44 and the second potential (ground potential). The communication switch 45 is a switch that controls on and off of short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 30. When the communication switch 45 is connected, a high-frequency signal can be input and output by the high-frequency circuit 46. When 45 is disconnected, the input / output of the high frequency signal by the high frequency circuit 46 becomes impossible.

  The controller 47 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of the entire electronic timepiece 1 and has a power saving circuit therein. The power saving circuit controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40. The power saving mode refers to an operation mode for reducing the power consumption of the electronic timepiece 1. For example, the operation mode in which the operation of the motor 48 is stopped or the drive pattern of the motor 48 is changed to an intermittent drive pattern. It is. When the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that there is power generation, the power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode, and when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that there is no power generation, The power saving mode may be turned on.

  The controller 47 receives a signal from an input unit (the crown 2 and the push button 4) that accepts an external operation by the user. Further, the controller 47 outputs a signal for driving the motor 48 based on the internal time, drives the hands (hour hand 20, minute hand 21 and second hand 22), and displays the time. Further, a signal corresponding to the state of the electronic timepiece 1 and information received from the portable terminal 30 is output to the motor 48, and the first sub-hand 15, the second sub-hand 16 and the third sub-hand 17 are driven. The number of motors 48 that drive the hands is not limited to one, and a plurality of motors may be provided according to the number of hands that are desired to operate independently.

  The short-distance wireless communication using the electronic timepiece 1 is performed when a request from the user is made by an input means such as the crown 2 or the push button 4 or when a predetermined time is reached, from the time when the previous time was corrected. May be performed based on the elapsed time, the amount of power generated by the solar battery 41, other information indicating the environment around the electronic timepiece 1, or the like.

  The conductor substrate 43 and the solar cell 41 are insulated by the insulating layer 42, but a slight leak current may flow between the conductor substrate 43 and the solar cell 41. In the case of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment, the leakage resistance 49 between the conductor substrate 43 and the n-type semiconductor layer constituting the solar cell 41 is about 30 MΩ although there are individual differences. Since the leakage resistance 49 exists, when the communication switch 45 is connected and the impedance matching circuit 44 is connected to the first potential (ground potential), even if the power generation by the solar cell 41 is not performed, There is a possibility that a leak current is detected by the detection circuit 40 and the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power is generated.

  FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in a conventional electronic timepiece. In the figure, the generated voltage by the solar cell (high level or low level), the on state and off state of the high frequency circuit, the detection result of the power generation detection circuit, and the on state and off of the power saving mode by the power saving circuit The change with time is shown.

  In the example shown in the figure, the generated voltage is at a high level until time t1, and after time t1, the generated voltage is at a low level. The power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating power generation until time t1, and outputs a result indicating no power generation until time t2 after time t1. The power saving circuit turns on the power saving mode after a predetermined time T has elapsed from time t1 when the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating no power generation.

  The generation voltage generated by the solar cell is detected by the power generation detection circuit. However, if the communication switch is turned on and the high frequency circuit is turned on as described above, there is a risk of erroneous detection. In the example of the figure, when the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, an example in which the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating that power generation is present is shown by a one-dot chain line even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, there are individuals that output a result indicating that the power generation detection circuit does not generate power even when the high frequency circuit is turned on at time t2. Further, an example in which the power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode in response to the fact that the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating that power generation is present after time t2 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. However, for the individual whose power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating no power generation, the power saving mode is kept on. As described above, in the conventional electronic timepiece, there is a case where unintended power saving mode switching occurs due to erroneous detection of the presence or absence of power generation, or the behavior of power saving mode switching varies due to individual differences. there were.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1 and the portable terminal 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The portable terminal 30 includes an input unit 31, a display unit 32, a terminal control unit 33, and a terminal communication unit 34. The input unit 31 receives an operation of the user of the mobile terminal 30 and inputs to the terminal control unit 33 of the mobile terminal 30. In the present embodiment, the input unit 31 is a touch panel. The display unit 32 displays various information to the user, and is a liquid crystal display in the present embodiment.

  The terminal control unit 33 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the entire mobile terminal 30. The terminal communication unit 34 transmits a notification to the electronic timepiece 1 according to information received by the mobile terminal 30, transmits time information to the electronic timepiece 1, and receives power generation amount information from the electronic timepiece 1.

  The electronic timepiece 1 includes a power generation detection circuit 40, a solar battery 41, a timepiece control unit 50, a motor 48, a communication switch 45, and a timepiece communication unit 52.

The power generation detection circuit 40 includes a solar cell 41 and a detection resistor connected to the first potential V _DD , and detects the presence or absence of power generation by the solar cell 41 based on the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor. A detection result by the power generation detection circuit 40 is output to the timepiece control unit 50.

  The timepiece control unit 50 includes a power saving circuit 50a, a communication determination unit 50b, and a communication control unit 50c. The power saving circuit 50 a controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40. Specifically, when the power saving mode is turned on, the power saving circuit 50a stops the operation of the motor 48 or changes the drive pattern of the motor 48. The power saving circuit 50a controls switching of the power saving mode independently of the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. The communication determination unit 50b determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is connected. The communication control unit 50 c controls connection and disconnection of the communication switch 45.

  The clock communication unit 52 receives a notification transmitted from the mobile terminal 30, receives time information, and transmits power generation amount information to the mobile terminal 30.

  FIG. 4 is a first time chart showing the transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the generation voltage by the solar cell 41, the ON state and OFF state of the high frequency circuit 46, the detection result of the generation detection circuit 40, the ON state and OFF state of the power saving mode by the power saving circuit 50a, The time change of is shown.

  In the example shown in the figure, the generated voltage is at a high level until time t1, and after time t1, the generated voltage is at a low level. The power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that there is power generation until time t1, and after time t1, outputs a result indicating that there is no power generation until time t2. The power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode after a predetermined time T has elapsed from time t1 when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating no power generation.

  In the figure, when the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, an example in which the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power generation is present is shown by a one-dot chain line even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, there are individuals that output a result indicating that the power generation detection circuit does not generate power even when the high frequency circuit is turned on at time t2.

  The power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment saves power independently from the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a when at least the communication switch 45 is connected (when the high frequency circuit 46 is in an ON state). Control mode switching. More specifically, the power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment turns off the power saving mode when at least the communication switch 45 is connected. In the example shown in the figure, the communication switch 45 is connected at time t2, and after time t2, the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a may be so large that the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power generation is present. However, the power saving circuit 50a according to the present embodiment controls switching of the power saving mode independently of the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a, and turns off the power saving mode after time t2. With such a configuration, switching to the power saving mode is performed regardless of individual differences.

  The power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode regardless of the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 when at least the communication switch 45 is connected. In the case of this example, after the time t2 when the communication switch 45 is connected and the high frequency circuit 46 is turned on, either the case where the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating the generation of power or the case where the result indicating the absence of power generation is output. However, according to the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment, by switching off the power saving mode in any case, switching to the power saving mode is performed regardless of individual differences.

  FIG. 5 is a first flowchart showing switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is on (S1). When the communication switch 45 is not turned on (S1: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating the presence of power generation (S2). . When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not the result indicating that power generation is present (when the result indicates that there is no power generation) (S2: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. Is determined (S3). When the predetermined time T has elapsed (S3: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S4). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the communication switch 45 is on (S1: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S5). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating the presence of power generation (S2: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S5). The communication switch 45 is off (S1: NO), and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating the presence of power generation (a case indicating a result indicating no power generation) (S2: NO), when the predetermined time T has not elapsed (S3: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S5).

  FIG. 6 is a second time chart showing the transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the example shown in the figure and the first time chart is that when the high-frequency circuit 46 is turned on at time t2, the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power generation is occurring even though the power generation voltage is low. Is a point to output. Other points are the same as in the first time chart.

  The power generation detection circuit 40 of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment outputs a result indicating power generation to the power saving circuit 50a regardless of the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a when at least the communication switch 45 is connected. . In the case of the example shown in the figure, when the communication switch 45 is connected at time t2 and the high-frequency circuit 46 is turned on, a result indicating that there is power generation is output to the power saving circuit 50a regardless of the potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor 40a. . The power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode in response to the result indicating that there is power generation. With such a configuration, the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 is prevented from fluctuating due to individual differences, and switching to the power saving mode is performed regardless of individual differences.

  FIG. 7 is a second flowchart showing switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is on (S10). When the communication switch 45 is on (S10: YES), the power generation detection circuit 40 fixes the detection result to a result indicating the presence of power generation (S11). After the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 is fixed to the presence of power generation, and when it is determined that the communication switch 45 is not on (S10: NO), the power saving circuit 50a detects the power output from the power generation detection circuit 40. It is determined whether or not the result is a result indicating that there is power generation (S12). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating that there is power generation (when it is a result indicating that there is no power generation) (S12: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. Is determined (S13). When the predetermined time T has elapsed (S13: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S14). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating the presence of power generation (S12: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S15). In addition, the communication switch 45 is off (S10: NO), and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating the presence of power generation (a result indicating the absence of power generation) (S12: NO), when the predetermined time T has not elapsed (S13: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S15).

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the transition of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment in the control by the power saving circuit 50a. Regarding other points, the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in the figure, the power generation voltage is at a high level until time t1, and after time t1, the power generation voltage is at a low level until time t4. Further, after time t4, the generated voltage is at a high level. The power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that there is power generation until time t1, and after time t1, outputs a result indicating that there is no power generation until time t2. Further, the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power generation is present after time t4. The power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode after a predetermined time T from the time t1 when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs the result indicating no power generation, and the time t4 when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs the result indicating that power generation is present. Thereafter, the power saving mode is turned off.

  In the figure, when the high-frequency circuit 46 is turned on at time t2, an example in which the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power is generated is indicated by a one-dot chain line even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, there are individuals that output a result indicating that the power generation detection circuit 40 does not generate power even when the high frequency circuit 46 is turned on at time t2. Further, an example in which the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating no power generation when the high frequency circuit 46 is turned off at time t3 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  The power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment continues the previous mode with reference to the previous mode, which is the mode before the communication switch 45 is connected, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. To do. In this example, when the communication switch 45 is connected at time t2, the power saving circuit 50a refers to the power saving mode, which is the mode before the communication switch 45 is connected, as the previous mode. The power saving circuit 50a continues the power saving mode, which is the previous mode, after time t2.

  Further, when the communication switch 45 is connected at time t5 after the power generation voltage becomes high level at time t4 and the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power generation is present and the power saving mode is turned off, The circuit 50a refers to the normal mode (power saving mode off), which is the mode before the communication switch 45 is connected, as the previous mode. Then, the normal mode, which is the previous mode, is continued after time t5 by the power saving circuit 50a. With such a configuration, even when the communication switch 45 is repeatedly turned on and off, the power saving mode can be stably switched on and off. In particular, when the communication switch 45 is repeatedly turned on and off intermittently, the power saving mode is prevented from being frequently switched on and off, so that the operation of the electronic timepiece 1 is stabilized and the convenience of the user. Improves.

  FIG. 9 is a first flowchart showing switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is on (S20). When the communication switch 45 is on (S20: YES), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the previous mode is the power saving mode (S21). When the previous mode is not the power saving mode (when the previous mode is the normal mode) (S21: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S22). On the other hand, when the previous mode is the power saving mode (S21: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S23). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  When it is determined that the communication switch 45 is not ON (S20: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating that power generation is present ( S24). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating that there is power generation (when it is a result indicating that there is no power generation) (S24: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. Is determined (S25). When the predetermined time T has elapsed (S25: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S26). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating the presence of power generation (S24: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S27). In addition, the communication switch 45 is off (S20: NO), and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating the presence of power generation (a result indicating the absence of power generation) (S24: NO), when the predetermined time T has not elapsed (S25: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S27).

  FIG. 10 is a second flowchart showing switching to the power saving mode in the electronic timepiece 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows another mode of switching the power saving mode by the power saving circuit 50a. In the case of this example, the power saving circuit 50a controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 before the communication switch 45 is connected, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. To do.

  The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is turned on (S30). When the communication switch 45 is on (S30: YES), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 before the communication switch 45 is connected is a result indicating no power generation. Judgment is made (S31). When the previous detection result is not a result indicating no power generation (when the previous detection result is a result indicating power generation) (S31: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S32). . On the other hand, when the previous detection result is a result indicating no power generation (S31: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S33). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  When it is determined that the communication switch 45 is not ON (S30: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating that power generation is present ( S34). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating that there is power generation (when it is a result indicating that there is no power generation) (S34: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. Is determined (S35). When the predetermined time T has elapsed (S35: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S36). Thereby, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is a result indicating the presence of power generation (S34: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S37). In addition, the communication switch 45 is off (S30: NO), and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 is not a result indicating the presence of power generation (in the case of a result indicating no power generation) (S34: NO), when the predetermined time T has not elapsed (S35: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S37).

  When the power saving circuit 50a is connected to at least the communication switch 45, the communication is performed by controlling the switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 before the communication switch 45 is connected. Even when the switch 45 is repeatedly turned on and off, the power saving mode is stably switched on and off. In particular, when the communication switch 45 is repeatedly turned on and off intermittently, the power saving mode is prevented from being frequently switched on and off, so that the operation of the electronic timepiece 1 is stabilized and the convenience of the user. Improves.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment concerning this invention was described, the specific structure shown in this embodiment was shown as an example, and it is not intending limiting the technical scope of this invention to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode after a lapse of a predetermined time after the result indicating that no power generation is output by the power generation detection circuit 40. The power saving mode may be turned on immediately when the result shown is output, or the power saving mode may be turned on when the charge amount of the secondary battery that stores the power generated by the solar battery 41 falls below the threshold value. Good.

  1 Electronic clock, 2 Crown, 4 Push button, 10 Dial, 11 Connection processing display, 12 Link loss display, 13 E-mail reception display, 14 Phone call display, 15 1st sub-hand, 15a 24-hour display, 16 2nd Secondary hand, 16a Remaining charge display, 16b Day of the week display, 16c Alarm setting display, 16d Connection status display, 17 Third secondary hand, 17a Function setting display, 20 hour hand, 21 minute hand, 22 second hand, 30 mobile terminal, 31 input section 32 Display unit 33 Terminal control unit 34 Terminal communication unit 40 Power generation detection circuit 40a Detection resistor 40b Detection switch 41 Solar cell 42 Insulating layer 43 Conductor substrate 44 Impedance matching circuit 45 Communication switch 46 High frequency circuit, 47 controller, 48 motor, 49 leak resistance, 50 clock control unit, 50a Power saving circuit, 50b Communication determination unit, 50c Communication control unit, 51 Antenna, 52 Clock communication unit.

Claims (6)

A conductor substrate used as an antenna;
A solar cell formed on the conductor substrate;
A sensing resistor connected to the solar cell and connected to a first potential;
An impedance matching circuit connected to the conductor substrate and connected to a second potential different from the first potential;
A communication switch for controlling connection and disconnection between the impedance matching circuit and the second potential;
A power generation detection circuit that detects the presence or absence of power generation by the solar cell based on a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor;
A power saving circuit that controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit, and
The power saving circuit controls switching of the power saving mode independently of a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor, at least when the communication switch is connected;
Electronic clock. The power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode when at least the communication switch is connected;
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1. The power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode regardless of the detection result of the power generation detection circuit when at least the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 2. The power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating power generation to the power saving circuit regardless of a potential difference between both ends of the detection resistor, at least when the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 2. The power saving circuit continues the previous mode with reference to the previous mode, which is a mode before the communication switch is connected, at least when the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1. The power saving circuit controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit before the communication switch is connected, at least when the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1.

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