JP7141810B2 - electronic clock - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic timepieces.

An electronic timepiece may be driven by power generated by a solar cell. In addition, there is a case where the internal clock of the electronic timepiece is corrected by communicating with an electronic device such as a smart phone by short-range wireless communication based on standards such as IEEE 802.15, acquiring time adjustment information from the electronic device.

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 power supply unit is supplied with electricity by a limiter circuit that prevents the application of excessive voltage to the power supply unit. A portable electronic device is described that stops measuring non-power generation time when the supply of energy is limited.

Patent Document 2 describes a timepiece with a communication function that uses a solar cell receiving plate as a planar antenna.

Patent No. 3791263 Patent No. 5912763

An electronic timepiece driven by a solar cell may have a power generation detection circuit that detects power generation by the solar cell, and may change the driving state depending on whether or not power is generated. For example, when power is being generated, a normal mode in which the hands such as the second hand are normally driven is set, and when power is not being generated, the mode is switched to a power saving mode in which the driving of the hands is restricted.

Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, an electronic timepiece may have a conductive substrate that serves as a receiving plate or substrate for a solar cell and also 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 conductive substrate used as an antenna, a leak current may occur between the conductive substrate and the solar cell, even though the solar cell does not actually generate electricity. Even if there is, the power generation detection circuit may erroneously detect that there is power generation.

The magnitude of the leak current is not constant for each electronic timepiece because it fluctuates greatly due to fluctuations in the dimensions and arrangement of the conductive substrate and the solar cell. Therefore, individual differences may occur in switching to the power saving mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece in which switching to a power saving mode can be performed regardless of individual differences.

The invention disclosed in the present application for solving the above problems has various aspects, and the outlines of typical aspects are as follows.

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

(3) In (2), when at least the communication switch is connected, the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation and outputs a result indicating the absence of power generation. The power-saving circuit , at least when the communication switch is connected , outputs a result indicating that the power generation detection circuit has generated power or outputs a result indicating that power generation has not occurred. An electronic timepiece in which the power saving mode is turned off in either case .

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

(5) In (1), at least when the communication switch is connected, the power saving circuit refers to the previous mode, which is the mode before the communication switch is connected, and continues the previous mode. Yes, an electronic clock.

(6) In (1), at least when the communication switch is connected, the power saving circuit enters the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit before the communication switch is connected. An electronic clock that controls switching.

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

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 aspects (5) and (6) of the present invention, even when the communication switch is repeatedly turned on and off, switching between on and off of the power saving mode is performed stably.

1 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic timepiece and a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a first time chart showing transitions of power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a first flow chart showing switching to power saving mode in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 9 is a second time chart showing changes in power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 9 is a second flowchart showing switching to power saving mode in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the invention. 9 is a time chart showing changes in power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a first flowchart showing switching to power saving mode in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a second flowchart showing switching to power saving mode in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a time chart showing changes in power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in a conventional electronic timepiece;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 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 a first embodiment of the invention. The electronic timepiece 1 according to this embodiment has the appearance of a so-called analog wristwatch, and performs short-range wireless communication with a portable terminal 30, which is an electronic device. A communication circuit and an antenna for performing short-range wireless communication are housed in the body, which is the exterior (watch case). The standard for short-range wireless communication is not particularly limited, and any known standard may be used. In this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) is used. The electronic timepiece 1 has a crown 2 and push buttons 4 used for setting the time of the hour hands and using functions.

The electronic timepiece 1 has a dial 10 inside the body, which is the exterior (watch case). On the dial 10, a connection processing display 11 indicating that the electronic timepiece 1 is 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 an incoming call display 14 for notifying that the mobile terminal 30 has received a call. The electronic timepiece 1 displays information to the user by pointing to 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 the second hand 22, which will be described later.

The electronic timepiece 1 has a first sub-hand 15 and a 24-hour display 15a that indicates the current time in a 24-hour format. The electronic timepiece 1 also has a second sub-hand 16, and a remaining charge display 16a that indicates the remaining charge of the secondary battery in four stages from "0" to "3" by the second sub-hand 16. A day of the week display 16b indicating the current day of the week as "Sunday" to "Saturday" by the second secondary hand 16, an alarm setting display 16c indicating the setting of the alarm function by "ON" or "OFF" by the second secondary hand 16, and a connection status display 16d that indicates the status of connection with the mobile terminal 30 by short-range wireless communication with the two sub-hands 16 as "ON" or "OFF." The electronic timepiece 1 also has a third secondary hand 17. Pointing the third secondary hand 17 to "TME" indicates that the current time display function is set. , indicating that the chronograph function is set, pointing the third sub hand 17 to "ALM" indicates that the alarm function is set, and pointing the third sub hand 17 to "L- TM" to indicate that the local time display function is set.

The electronic timepiece 1 has a plurality of time hands driven by a motor. Specifically, the electronic timepiece 1 has, as time hands, an hour hand 20, a minute hand 21 and a second hand 22 driven by a stepping motor. However, the electronic timepiece 1 may have pointers other than these as time hands. Further, the hour hand is an analog display member for pointing to some time, and a typical example is a pointer, but as a special example, the hour hand can also include a rotating disk, a retrograde, and the like.

A windshield formed of a transparent material such as glass is attached to the body of the electronic timepiece 1 so as to cover the dial 10 . A back cover is attached to the case on the opposite side of the windshield. In this specification, the direction in which the windshield of the electronic timepiece 1 is arranged (forward direction in FIG. 1) is hereinafter referred to as the front side, and the direction in which the back cover is arranged (backward direction in FIG. 1) is hereinafter referred to as the back side.

The design of the electronic timepiece 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. In addition to what is shown here, for example, the body may be rectangular instead of round, and the presence, number, and arrangement of the crown 2 and the push buttons 4 are optional. In addition, in this embodiment, the hands are a total of six hands, namely, the hour hand 20, the minute hand 21, the second hand 22, the first secondary hand 15, the second secondary hand 16, and the third secondary hand 17. You may add or delete a guideline that displays

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The electronic timepiece 1 has a conductor substrate 43 used as an 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 forming the solar cell 41 is formed on the insulating layer 42 . The semiconductor layers include 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 a first potential _VDD . Note that the configuration of the solar cell 43 shown in the figure is an example, and other configurations may be employed. In addition, although the case where the conductor substrate 43 is the metal substrate of the solar cell 41 is illustrated in FIG.

A power generation detection circuit 40 is connected to the solar cell 41 to detect whether or not the solar cell 41 is generating power based on the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a. The detection resistor 40a has one end connected to the n-type semiconductor layer of the solar cell 41 and the other end connected to the first potential _VDD . The power generation detection circuit 40 has a detection switch 40b. When power generation is to be detected, the detection switch 40b is turned on to detect the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a. When power generation is not to be detected, 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 a first potential _VDD and includes a circuit for encoding a high-frequency signal used for short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 30 transmitted and received by the conductor substrate 43, which is the antenna 51, and a circuit for decoding the high-frequency signal. including circuits that The impedance matching circuit 44 is connected to the conductive substrate 43 and connected to a second potential (ground potential) different from the first potential _VDD . Impedance matching circuit 44 includes a coil with inductance selected to prevent reflection of high frequency signals input and output between high frequency circuit 46 and conductive substrate 43, a capacitor with conductance, and combinations thereof. When the impedance matching circuit 44 is composed only of coils, the impedance matching circuit 44 becomes a DC short circuit. Further, when the impedance matching circuit 44 includes a capacitor, the impedance matching circuit 44 may become a DC-insulated circuit, but even in such a case, a minute leak current may occur.

The electronic timepiece has 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 for controlling on and off of short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 30. When the communication switch 45 is connected, high-frequency signals can be input and output by the high-frequency circuit 46, and the communication switch is turned on. 45 is disconnected, input/output of high frequency signals by the high frequency circuit 46 is disabled.

The controller 47 is a microcomputer that controls the overall operation of the electronic timepiece 1, and has a power saving circuit inside. 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 is an operation mode that reduces the power consumption of the electronic timepiece 1. For example, an operation mode that stops the operation of the motor 48 or changes the drive pattern of the motor 48 to an intermittent drive pattern. is. The power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation, and after a predetermined time elapses when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating the absence of power generation. Power saving mode may be turned on.

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

Short-range wireless communication by the electronic timepiece 1 is performed when a request is made by the user through an input means such as the crown 2 or the push button 4, when a predetermined time has come, or from the time when the previous time was adjusted. or the amount of power generated by the solar cell 41 or other information indicating the surrounding environment of the electronic timepiece 1, or the like.

Although the conductor substrate 43 and the solar cell 41 are insulated by the insulating layer 42 , a slight leakage current may flow between the conductor substrate 43 and the solar cell 41 . In the case of the electronic timepiece 1 according to this embodiment, the leak resistance 49 between the conductive substrate 43 and the n-type semiconductor layer forming the solar cell 41 is about 30 MΩ although there are individual differences. Since the leak resistance 49 exists, when the communication switch 45 is connected and the impedance matching circuit 44 is connected to the first potential (ground potential), power generation is possible even when the solar cell 41 is not generating power. Leakage current is detected by the detection circuit 40, and the power generation detection circuit 40 may output a result indicating the presence of power generation.

FIG. 11 is a time chart showing changes in power generation, communication, and power saving mode switching in a conventional electronic timepiece. In the figure, the voltage generated 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 state of the power saving mode by the power saving circuit. It shows the time change of the state and .

In the example shown in the figure, the generated voltage is at high level until time t1, and after time t1, the generated voltage is at low level. The power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating that there is power generation until time t1, and outputs a result indicating that there is no power generation after time t1 until time t2. 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 voltage generated by the solar cell is detected by the power generation detection circuit, but 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 FIG. 4, when the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, the dashed-dotted line indicates an example in which the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating power generation even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, even if the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, there are individuals whose power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating no power generation. Also, after time t2, 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 the presence of power generation is indicated by a dashed line. However, for an individual whose power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating no power generation, the power saving mode is kept on. In this way, with conventional electronic watches, unintended power saving mode switching may occur due to erroneous detection of the presence or absence of power generation, and there may be variations in power saving mode switching behavior due to individual differences. there were.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1 and mobile terminal 30 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The mobile terminal 30 has 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 performs input to the terminal control unit 33 of the mobile terminal 30, and is a touch panel in this embodiment. The display unit 32 displays various information to the user, and is a liquid crystal display in this embodiment.

The terminal control unit 33 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the mobile terminal 30 as a whole. The terminal communication unit 34 transmits notifications 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 cell 41 , a timepiece control section 50 , a motor 48 , a communication switch 45 and a timepiece communication section 52 .

The power generation detection circuit 40 includes a solar cell 41 and a detection resistor connected to a first potential _VDD , and detects whether or not the solar cell 41 is generating power based on the potential difference across the detection resistor. A result of detection by the power generation detection circuit 40 is output to the timepiece control section 50 .

The clock 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, the power saving circuit 50a stops the operation of the motor 48 or changes the driving pattern of the motor 48 when the power saving mode is turned on. Moreover, the power saving circuit 50a controls the switching of the power saving mode independently of the potential difference across the detection resistor at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. The communication determination unit 50b determines whether 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 notifications 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 changes in 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 voltage generated by the solar cell 41, the ON state and OFF state of the high frequency circuit 46, the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40, the ON state and OFF state of the power saving mode by the power saving circuit 50a, shows the change over time.

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

In the figure, when the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, the dashed-dotted line indicates an example in which the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating power generation even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, even if the high-frequency circuit is turned on at time t2, there are individuals whose power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating no power generation.

The power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment saves power independently of the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a at least when the communication switch 45 is connected (when the high frequency circuit 46 is in the ON state). Control mode switching. More specifically, the power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to this embodiment turns off the power saving mode at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. In the example of FIG. 4, the communication switch 45 is connected at time t2, and after time t2, the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a may be so large that the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power is being generated. However, the power saving circuit 50a according to the present embodiment controls the switching of the power saving mode independently of the potential difference across 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, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. In this example, after time t2 when the communication switch 45 is connected and the high-frequency circuit 46 is turned on, the power generation detection circuit 40 either outputs a result indicating that power is generated or outputs a result indicating that power generation is not performed. However, according to the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment, by turning off the power saving mode in either 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 invention. The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is turned on (S1). If 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 indicates the presence of power generation (S2). . When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S2: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. (S3). If the predetermined time T has passed (S3: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S4). As a result, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped, and power consumption is reduced.

On the other hand, if the communication switch 45 is on (S1: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S5). If the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power generation is present (S2: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S5). Further, when the communication switch 45 is off (S1: NO) and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S2: NO), if 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 changes in 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 present even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. is the point that outputs Other points are the same as the first time chart.

The power generation detection circuit 40 of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation to the power saving circuit 50a regardless of the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected. . In 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, regardless of the potential difference across the detection resistor 40a, the result indicating the presence of power generation is output to the power saving circuit 50a. . The power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode in response to the result indicating the presence of 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 invention. The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is turned on (S10). If the communication switch 45 is turned on (S10: YES), the power generation detection circuit 40 fixes the detection result to the 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 turned on (S10: NO), the power saving circuit 50a detects the detection output from the power generation detection circuit 40. It is determined whether or not the result indicates the presence of power generation (S12). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S12: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether the predetermined time T has elapsed. (S13). If the predetermined time T has passed (S13: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S14). As a result, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped, and power consumption is reduced.

On the other hand, if the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates the presence of power generation (S12: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S15). Further, when the communication switch 45 is off (S10: NO) and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S12: NO), if 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 changes in 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 this embodiment differs from the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment in the control by the power saving circuit 50a. In other respects, the electronic timepiece 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment.

In the example shown in the figure, the generated voltage is at high level until time t1, and after time t1 until time t4, the generated voltage is at low level. Also, after time t4, the generated voltage is at a high level. The power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation until time t1, and outputs a result indicating the absence of power generation after time t1 until time t2. Also, 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 lapse of a predetermined time T from time t1 when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating no power generation, and at time t4 when the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating power generation. After that, the power saving mode is turned off.

In the figure, the alternate long and short dash line indicates an example in which when the high frequency circuit 46 is turned on at time t2, the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating power generation even though the power generation voltage is at a low level. However, even if the high-frequency circuit 46 is turned on at time t2, there are individuals in which the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating no power generation. 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 dashed line.

At least when the communication switch 45 is connected, the power saving circuit 50a of the electronic timepiece 1 according to the present embodiment refers to the previous mode, which is the mode before the communication switch 45 is connected, and continues the previous mode. 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 was connected, as the previous mode. After time t2, the power saving circuit 50a continues the power saving mode, which is the previous mode.

At time t4, the power generation voltage becomes high level, the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs a result indicating that power generation is performed, and the power saving mode is turned off. The normal mode (power saving mode off), which is the mode before the communication switch 45 is connected, is referred to as the previous mode by the circuit 50a. After time t5, the normal mode, which is the previous mode, is continued 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 intermittently turned on and off, frequent switching of the power saving mode on and off is prevented, so that the operation of the electronic timepiece 1 is stabilized and the user's convenience is improved. improve sexuality.

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

If it is determined that the communication switch 45 is not on (S20: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power generation is present ( S24). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S24: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether the predetermined time T has elapsed. (S25). If the predetermined time T has passed (S25: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S26). As a result, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped, and power consumption is reduced.

On the other hand, if the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates the presence of power generation (S24: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S27). Further, when the communication switch 45 is off (S20: NO) and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S24: NO), if 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 invention. This figure shows another mode of switching between power saving modes by the power saving circuit 50a. In this example, at least when the communication switch 45 is connected, 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. do.

The communication determination unit 50b of the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the communication switch 45 is turned on (S30). If the communication switch 45 is on (S30: YES), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether the detection result of the power generation detection circuit 40 before the communication switch 45 is connected indicates that there is no power generation. It judges (S31). If the previous detection result did not indicate no power generation (if the previous detection result indicated power generation) (S31: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S32). . On the other hand, if the previous detection result indicates no power generation (S31: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S33). As a result, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped, and power consumption is reduced.

If it is determined that the communication switch 45 is not on (S30: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates that power generation is present ( S34). When the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S34: NO), the power saving circuit 50a determines whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed. (S35). If the predetermined time T has passed (S35: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode (S36). As a result, the operation of the motor 48 is stopped, and power consumption is reduced.

On the other hand, if the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 indicates the presence of power generation (S34: YES), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S37). Further, when the communication switch 45 is off (S30: NO) and the detection result output from the power generation detection circuit 40 does not indicate the presence of power generation (the result indicates the absence of power generation) (S34: NO), if the predetermined time T has not elapsed (S35: NO), the power saving circuit 50a turns off the power saving mode (S37).

At least when the communication switch 45 is connected, 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. Even if the 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 intermittently turned on and off, frequent switching of the power saving mode on and off is prevented, so that the operation of the electronic timepiece 1 is stabilized and the user's convenience is improved. improve sexuality.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration shown in this embodiment is shown as an example, and it is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the power saving circuit 50a turns on the power saving mode after a predetermined time has passed since the power generation detection circuit 40 outputs the result indicating no power generation. 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 cell 41 falls below the threshold. 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 incoming call display, 15 first secondary hand, 15a 24 hour display, 16 second second 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 Portable 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 conductive substrate and connected to a second potential different from the first potential;
a communication switch that controls connection and disconnection between the impedance matching circuit and the second potential and controls on and off of wireless communication;
a power generation detection circuit that detects the presence or absence of power generation by the solar cell based on the potential difference across the detection resistor;
a power saving circuit that controls switching of a power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit;
The power saving circuit controls switching of the power saving mode independently of a potential difference across the detection resistor at least when the communication switch is connected.
electronic clock. The power saving circuit turns off the power saving mode at least when the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1. The power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation and a case of outputting a result indicating the absence of power generation, at least when the communication switch is connected,
The power saving circuit, at least when the communication switch is connected, in both cases in which the power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation and in the case of outputting a result indicating the absence of power generation. turn off power mode,
The electronic timepiece according to claim 2. The power generation detection circuit outputs a result indicating the presence of power generation to the power saving circuit, regardless of the 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 refers to the previous mode, which is the mode before the communication switch is connected, and continues the previous mode at least when the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1. The power saving circuit, at least when the communication switch is connected, controls switching of the power saving mode based on the detection result of the power generation detection circuit before the communication switch is connected.
The electronic timepiece according to claim 1.

Images