EP0874292A2 - Electronic timepiece - Google Patents
Electronic timepiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0874292A2 EP0874292A2 EP98303226A EP98303226A EP0874292A2 EP 0874292 A2 EP0874292 A2 EP 0874292A2 EP 98303226 A EP98303226 A EP 98303226A EP 98303226 A EP98303226 A EP 98303226A EP 0874292 A2 EP0874292 A2 EP 0874292A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- date
- contact point
- rotation
- pattern
- detection
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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- 235000002492 Rungia klossii Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
- G04C3/08—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically
- G04C3/12—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by piezoelectric means; driven by magneto-strictive means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04C17/00—Indicating the time optically by electric means
- G04C17/005—Indicating the time optically by electric means by discs
- G04C17/0058—Indicating the time optically by electric means by discs with date indication
- G04C17/0066—Indicating the time optically by electric means by discs with date indication electromagnetically driven, e.g. intermittently
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an electronic timepiece having a transmission wheel rotation position detecting unit which detects the position in the rotation direction of a transmission wheel of the electronic timepiece contained in a wheel train thereof such as an obverse wheel train or calendar wheel train.
- a part of an obverse wheel train 930 e.g., a 24-hour contact point 932 for detecting a rotational position of the obverse wheel train 930 is provided on an hour wheel.
- a circuit block 934 rotates a date driving motor 936. Due to the rotation of the date driving motor 936, a date dial 912 is rotated through a reduction wheel train 938. This makes it possible to change the display of the date.
- the conduction pin in a region near to an outer-peripheral portion of a gear portion of the hour wheel there was provided a conduction pin. And, it was arranged that when the hour wheel rotated, the conduction pin moved a contact point spring so as to cause this contact point to contact with a contact point pattern of the circuit block, and that, when the hour wheel further rotated, the conduction pin was moved away from the contact point spring with the result that the contact point spring was moved away from the contact point pattern of the circuit block.
- the contact point spring corresponds to the 24-hour contact point 932 and it was arranged that when the contact point spring contacted with the contact point pattern of the circuit block, the position corresponding to the time of twelve o'clock at night was detected.
- the tooth configuration of the respective gears of the intermediate date driving wheel, date driving wheel and date dial was constituted by a circular arc tooth configuration that includes one or more circular arc portions.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece having a transmission wheel rotation position detecting unit which, in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, detects accurately the position in the rotation direction of the transmission wheel.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a small sized electronic timepiece having a transmission wheel rotation position detecting unit.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a small sized and thin type electronic timepiece having a transmission wheel rotation position detecting unit.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece having a transmission wheel rotation position detecting unit whose contact point has a high durability performance.
- a yet further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece which is equipped with a small-sized simplified date driving mechanism and indication wheel detecting mechanism.
- a yet further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece in which even when an external force such as an impact has been applied to the electronic timepiece there is no possibility that the indication wheel or date dial will rotate.
- an electronic timepiece comprises a transmission wheel rotating according to the rotation of a wheel train contained in the electronic timepiece, a contact point spring fixed to the transmission wheel and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel and having a conductivity, a detection pattern which is provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring rotates, can contact with the contact point spring, and a control circuit which inputs a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the contact point spring has contacted with the detection pattern, is output from the detection pattern.
- the transmission wheel rotation position can be detected using small-sized and simple parts.
- the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring, and the control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring, are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring and nonfunctional patterns provided respectively between the two detection patterns and having no function of detection, and the control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring, are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- an electronic timepiece comprises a transmission wheel rotating according to the rotation of a wheel train contained in the electronic timepiece, a contact point spring fixed to the transmission wheel and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel and having a conductivity, and a first detection pattern and second detection pattern which are provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring rotates, can contact with the contact point spring, whereby it is arranged that the contact point spring and the first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state causing only the first detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel, a second detection state causing only the second detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel, and a third detection stage causing both the first and the second detection pattern to simultaneously generate rotational position detection signals each for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel, and further comprises a control circuit for determining a
- control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel as a forward rotation and, when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected, may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel as a reverse rotation.
- the printed circuit board further comprises a VDD pattern connected to one potential of a power source
- the contact point spring has three terminal contact point portions which can contact with the first detection pattern, the second detection pattern and the VDD pattern, whereby it is arranged that the contact point spring, first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the first detection pattern, a second detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the second detection pattern, and a third detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with the first detection pattern and second detection pattern, and the control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the
- an electronic timepiece comprising a time signal generating circuit for generating a time signal by counting data regarding a time, a time indication motor driving circuit which outputs a time indication motor driving signal for rotating a time indication motor, a time indication motor which rotates according to a time indication signal output from the time indication motor driving circuit, a time indication wheel train which rotates according to the rotation of the time indication motor, a time data display member which displays time data according to the rotation of the time indication wheel train, a date signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date, a date indication motor driving circuit which outputs a date indication motor driving signal for rotating a date indication motor according to the date signal output from the date signal generating circuit, a date indication motor which rotates according to a date indication signal output from the date indication motor driving circuit, a date indication wheel train which rotates according to the rotation of the date indication motor, a date data display member which
- the date indication motor is constituted by an ultrasonic motor.
- the date drive start detecting contact point member is provided on a 24-hour wheel rotating according to the rotation of a hour wheel
- the date drive termination detecting contact point member is provided on a date driving wheel rotating according to the rotation of the date indication motor.
- an electronic timepiece comprising a time signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date, an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for driving an ultrasonic motor according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit, the ultrasonic motor having an ultrasonic stator having a piezoelectric element bonded thereto and having an ultrasonic rotor which, upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the piezoelectric element, is friction driven by the oscillatory waves generating in the ultrasonic wave stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element, a calendar wheel train which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor, a date finger which rotates due to the rotation of the calendar wheel train, a date dial which rotates due to the rotation of the date finger and thereby indicates a date, a transmission wheel which rotates due to the rotation of the rotation of the
- an electronic timepiece comprising a time signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date, an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for operating an ultrasonic motor according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit, the ultrasonic motor having an ultrasonic stator having a piezoelectric element bonded thereto and having an ultrasonic rotor which, upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the piezoelectric element, is friction driven by the oscillatory waves generating in the ultrasonic wave stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element, a calendar wheel train which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor and which has a date finger, a date dial which rotates due to the rotation of the date finger and thereby indicates a date, a transmission wheel which is contained in the calendar wheel train and which rotates due to the rotation of the ultra
- an electronic timepiece having an indication wheel
- the electronic timepiece having an indication wheel
- the electronic timepiece having an indication wheel
- the electronic timepiece comprises a motor for rotating the indication wheel, a rotating member for rotating the indication wheel according to the rotation of the motor, rotation detecting means for generating a signal regarding a state of rotation of the indication wheel according to the rotation of the rotating member, and motor driving means for controlling the rotation of the motor according to a rotation signal generated from the rotation detecting means.
- the rotating member includes an intermediate date driving wheel which rotates according to the rotation of the motor and a date driving wheel which rotates according to the rotation of the intermediate date driving wheel.
- the intermediate date driving wheel may be one, or two or more, in number.
- the indication wheel is a member which indicates data regarding a time or calendar, and, for example, is a date dial or day indicator.
- the rotation detecting means includes a contact point spring provided on the rotating member and a plurality of contact point patterns for detecting a state of rotation of the rotating member by contacting with the contact point spring.
- the motor is an ultrasonic motor and the motor driving means outputs a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic motor.
- the motor may be a step motor or an electromagnetic motor.
- the indication wheel or date dial has internal teeth which correspond in number to the indication contents and is equipped with a date jumper for regulating the position in the rotation direction of the indication wheel or date dial by engagement thereof with the internal teeth
- the rotating member is equipped with four date finger portions for rotating the indication wheel or date dial
- the date jumper regulates the position in the rotation direction of the indication wheel or date dial so that one internal tooth of the indication wheel or date dial may be located on a straight line passing through a rotation center of the indication wheel or date dial and a rotation center of the rotating member, and two of the four date finger portions are positioned, in a state where the ultrasonic motor or motor is being stopped, so as to be located symmetrically about the straight line as a symmetry axis.
- the date finger when having been rotated, the date finger can rotate the indication wheel or date dial and, even when having rotated the indication wheel or date dial, the date finger cannot be rotated.
- the electronic timepiece preferably, it is arranged that through the intermeshing between the internal teeth of the date dial and the date finger as well as through the index torque of the ultrasonic motor or motor the date finger cannot be rotated even when the date dial is rotated.
- the date finger has lock tooth configurations at its forward end portions.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view (opened-up view) illustrating a calendar mechanism portion of an embodiment of an electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion having another structure, of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of another embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of said another embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of still another embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of said still another embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of a further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of said further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of a yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view (opened-up view) illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view (opened-up view) illustrating an obverse side portion of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view (opened-up view) illustrating a reverse side portion of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 16 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 17 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 18 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 19 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 20 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 21 is a partical plan view illustrating a first structure of a contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 22 is a partial sectional view illustrating the first structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 23 is a partial sectional view illustrating the operation of a contact point spring in the first structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 24 is a partial plan view illustrating a second structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 25 is a partial sectional view illustrating the operation of a contact point spring in the second structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 26 is a partial sectional view illustrating the operation of the contact point spring in a modification of the second structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 27 is a partial plan view illustrating a third structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 28 is a partial plan view illustrating a fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 29 is a partial plan view illustrating the configuration of a contact point spring used in the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 30 is a partial plan view illustrating the configuration of a circuit pattern used in the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 31 is a partial plan view illustrating the operation in the direction of a forward rotation of the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 32 is a timing chart that corresponds to the time when the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention is operated in the direction of the forward rotation.
- Fig. 33 is a partial plan view illustrating the operation in the direction of a reverse rotation of the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 34 is a timing chart that corresponds to the time when the fourth structure of the contact point portion of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention is operated in the direction of the reverse rotation.
- Fig. 35 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a drive circuit for an ultrasonic motor of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 36 is a plan view illustrating an ultrasonic stator of an ultrasonic motor of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 37 is a sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic stator of the ultrasonic motor of the embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 38 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the construction of a conventional electronic timepiece.
- Fig. 39 is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of a reverse side of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 40 is a partial sectional view illustrating respective structures of an indication wheel driving mechanism and indication wheel drive detecting mechanism of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 41 is a partial sectional view illustrating respective structures of a date driving wheel and contact point spring of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 42 is a partial sectional view illustrating the relationship between the contact point spring and a contact point pattern which holds true when the contact point is in "on" state, in said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 43 is a partial sectional view illustrating the relationship between the contact point spring and a contact point pattern which holds true when the contact point is in "off" state, in said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 44 is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of an obverse side of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 45 is a partial sectional view illustrating the structure of an obverse wheel train of said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 46 is a block diagram illustrating said yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- Fig. 47 is a schematic plan view illustrating a calendar mechanism portion of an eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention that is equipped with a date finger of a first configuration.
- Fig. 48 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with a date finger of a first configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated counterclockwise by an external force.
- Fig. 49 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with the date finger of the first configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated clockwise by an external force.
- Fig. 50 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention that is equipped with a date finger of a second configuration.
- Fig. 51 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with the date finger of the second configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated counterclockwise by an external force.
- Fig. 52 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with the date finger of the second configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated clockwise by an external force.
- Fig. 53 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention that is equipped with a date finger of a third configuration.
- Fig. 54 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with the date finger of the third configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated counterclockwise by an external force.
- Fig. 55 is a schematic plan view illustrating the calendar mechanism portion of the eighth embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention equipped with the date finger of the third configuration, in a state where the date dial has been rotated clockwise by an external force.
- an ultrasonic motor of a calendar equipped electronic timepiece 100 includes an ultrasonic rotor 102.
- An ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 is meshed with an intermediate date driving gear wheel 104a of an intermediate date driving wheel 104.
- An intermediate date driving pinion 104b of an intermediate date driving wheel 104 is meshed with a date driving gear wheel 106a of a date driving wheel 106.
- a date finger 108 is provided on the date driving wheel 106 and is rotated through the rotation of the date driving wheel 106 simultaneously therewith.
- the date finger 108 as illustrated in Fig. 1, may be provided two in number, or one, or three or more, in number.
- a date dial 110 having thirty one date dial teeth 110a is rotatably incorporated into a main plate 112. Numerical values from '1' to '31' (not illustrated) are provided on an indication surface 110c of the date dial 110.
- a battery 114 is incorporated on a side opposite to that on which the date dial 110 is mounted.
- a date jumper 116 is formed integrally with a date dial holder 118.
- a regulating portion 116a of the date jumper 116 regulates date dial teeth 110a.
- the date jumper 116 has a date jumper spring 116b.
- an ultrasonic rotor axle 120 is fixed to the main plate 112.
- An ultrasonic stator 122 is fixed to an ultrasonic rotor axle 120.
- a piezoelectric element (not illustrated) is secured to the ultrasonic stator 122.
- An ultrasonic rotor 102 is rotatably mounted on the ultrasonic rotor axle 120 and is in contact with displacement enlarging comb teeth 122c of the ultrasonic stator 122.
- An ultrasonic pressurizing spring 124 presses the ultrasonic rotor 102 so as to apply an elastic force to the displacement enlarging comb teeth 122c.
- the intermediate date driving wheel 104 is rotatably incorporated between the main plate 112 and the date dial holder 118.
- the ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 is meshed with the intermediate date driving gear wheel 104a of the intermediate date driving wheel 104.
- the date driving wheel 106 is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- the intermediate date driving pinion 104b of the intermediate date driving wheel 104 is meshed with the date driving gear wheel 106a of the date driving wheel 106.
- the date finger 108 is provided on the date driving wheel 106 and rotates due to the rotation of the date driving wheel 106 simultaneously therewith.
- the date dial 110 having the thirty one date dial teeth 110a is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112. Numerical values from '1' to '31' (not illustrated) are provided on the indication surface 110c of the date dial 110.
- a control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- a piezoelectric element 802 having formed thereon two sets of electrode groups 803a and 803b each comprising a plurality of electrodes.
- An oscillation drive circuit 825 is connected to the electrode groups 803a and 803b of the piezoelectric element 802.
- An inverter 812 serves as an inverting power amplifier for inversely amplifying an electric signal which is excitation data from the electrode 803c or ultrasonic stator 122 formed on the opposite surface to the surface of the piezoelectric element 802 on which the electrode groups 803a and 803b.
- a resistor 813 is connected in parallel to the inverter 812 and stabilizes the operating point of the inverter 812.
- An output terminal of the inverter 812 is connected to input terminals of two buffers 811a and 811b through a resistor 814. Respective output terminals of the two buffers 811a and 811b are connected to the electrode groups 803a and 803b of the piezoelectric element 802, respectively.
- a capacitor 815 is connected at one end to the input terminal of the inverter 812 and a capacitor 816 is connected at one end to the output terminal of the inverter 812 through the resistor 814. The respective other ends of the capacitors 815 and 816 are grounded, whereby phase adjustment within the oscillation drive circuit 825 is performed.
- Each of the inverter 812 and buffers 811a and 811b has a control terminal as well as the input and output terminals and therefore is of a tri-state structure enabling the output terminal thereof to be brought to a high impedance state according to a signal to be input to this control terminal.
- Forward/reverse signal generating means 820 outputs to a switching circuit 826 a forward/reverse signal for setting the rotation direction of the ultrasonic motor.
- the output terminal of the switching circuit 826 is connected to the output terminal of each of the tri-state buffers 811a and 811b and tri-state inverter 812 of the oscillation drive circuit 825.
- the switching circuit 826 causes one of the tri-state buffers 811a and 811b to function as an ordinary buffer and disables the other thereof by bringing the output terminal thereof into a high impedance state.
- the ultrasonic stator 122 is driven by the tri-state buffer functioning as an ordinary buffer, selected according to the output signal of the switching circuit 826.
- the ultrasonic stator 122 is driven only by the tri-state buffer permitted to function as an ordinary buffer by the switching circuit 826 and, when the tri-state buffer permitted to function as an ordinary buffer by the switching circuit 826 is exchanged, the rotation direction of the ultrasonic motor is reversed.
- the tri-state inverter can be brought into a state where the output terminal thereof has a high impedance by the output signal from the switching circuit 826 output according to the output from the forward/reverse generating means 820 and, when the tri-state inverter is disabled thereby, the both tri-state buffers 811a and 811b are disabled to thereby enable the ultrasonic motor to stop.
- the disc-shaped piezoelectric element 802 is bonded to the flat surface of the dis-shaped ultrasonic stator 122 by adhesion, thin film forming or other means.
- Ultrasonic waves excite standing waves of two wavelengths in the circumferential direction of the ultrasonic stator 122 to thereby drive the ultrasonic rotor.
- Eight-segmented electrodes whose number is equal to four times as large as the number of the waves are alternately subjected to polarization treatments (+) and (-) so that every other electrodes form each of the first electrode group 803a and the second electrode group 803b in the circumferential direction on one flat surface of the piezoelectric element 802 as illustrated in Figs. 36 and 37.
- the first electrode group 803a comprises electrodes a1, a2, a3 and a4, and the respective electrodes are short-circuited to one another by first circuit means 814a.
- the second electrode group 803b comprises electrodes b1, b2, b3 and b4, and the respective electrodes are short-circuited to one another by second circuit means 814b.
- (+) and (-) represent the direction of the polarization treatment, and positive electric field and negative electric field are respectively applied to the bonding surface side of the piezoelectric element 802 which is bonded to the ultrasonic stator 122 to perform the respective polarization treatments.
- Projections (comb teeth) 817 for enlarging the displacement of the ultrasonic stator and transmitting a motive power from the ultrasonic stator to the ultrasonic rotor are provided on the surface of the ultrasonic stator 122 at the positions adjacent to every other boundary portions of the respective electrodes.
- a high-frequency voltage generated by the oscillation drive circuit 825 is applied to either one of the two electrode groups 803a and 803b to drive the ultrasonic stator 122.
- the rotation direction of the ultrasonic motor is switched according to which one of the electrode groups the ultrasonic stator 122 is drive by.
- the ultrasonic motor used in the calendar equipped electronic timepiece according to the present invention is driven by the construction comprising the above-described driving circuit, piezoelectric element and ultrasonic stator.
- the construction comprising the above-described driving circuit, piezoelectric element and ultrasonic stator.
- it can be also driven by another construction.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 once a day through an angle of 360°/31, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/31 rotation.
- the control circuit 130 counts the 'year', 'month', 'day' and time. And, when the control circuit 130 outputs the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night on an ordinary day, the control circuit outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal corresponding to the ordinary day to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 once a day through an angle of 360°/31, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/31 rotation.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night on the first day of March of the year which is not a leap year, e.g. on March 1, 1997, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal corresponding to the first day of March to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 through an angle of (360°/31) x 4, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 4/31 rotation.
- the data regarding the 'day' indicated by the date dial 110 changes from the indication '28' corresponding to on the 28th day of February to the indication '1' corresponding to the first day of March without indicating '29', '30' and '31'.
- the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal corresponding to the first day of March of the leap year to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132.
- the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 through an angle of (360°/31) x 3, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 3/31 rotation. Accordingly, the data regarding the 'day' indicated by the date dial 110 changes from the indication '29' corresponding to on the 29th day of February to the indication '1' corresponding to the first day of March without indicating '30' and '31'.
- the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal corresponding to the first day of May to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132.
- the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 through an angle of (360°/31) x 2, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 2/31 rotation. Accordingly, the data regarding the 'day' indicated by the date dial 110 changes from the indication '30' corresponding to the 30th day of April to the indication '1' corresponding to the first day of May without indicating '31'.
- the calendar equipped electronic timepiece of the present invention constitutes a so-called “Auto-Calendar Timepiece” or "Perpetual Calendar Timepiece”.
- the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 has the ultrasonic stator having the piezoelectric element bonded thereto and has the ultrasonic rotor which is friction driven by the oscillatory waves that are generated in the ultrasonic stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element through the input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal.
- the control circuit 130 has at least two power amplifiers, the respective output terminals of which are respectively connected to the two sets of electrode groups of the piezoelectric element and individually independently excite and drive the respective electrodes.
- the ultrasonic rotor of the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 rotates upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the electrode group of the piezoelectric element. Due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor, the intermediate wheel, i.e. intermediate date driving wheel 104 rotates. Upon rotation of the intermediate date driving wheel 104, the date finger 108 rotates and causes the date dial 110 to rotate.
- USB ultrasonic motor
- the calendar equipped timepiece of the present invention can be also equipped with a calendar indication wheel for indicating other data regarding a calendar such as, for example, 'year', 'month', 'day of the week', 'six weekdays' or the like.
- the day of the week dial (not illustrated) having 28 day of the week teeth (not illustrated) is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- the control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a time signal by counting data regarding a time and a day of the week, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor according to a day of the week signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the day of the week dial once a day through an angle of 360°/14, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/14 rotation.
- the day of the week data can be indicated by the day of the week wheel, as the necessity arises, in Japanese or English languages.
- the month dial (not illustrated) having 36 month dial teeth (not illustrated) is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- 12 kinds of numerical values from '1' to '12' are sequentially provided three sets on the indication surface of the month dial. Namely, 36 numerical values in total are provided on the indication surface of the month dial in such a way as '1 to 12', '1 to 12' and '1 to 12'.
- the control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a month signal by counting data regarding a time and a month, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor according to a month signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is the first day of a relevant month, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the month dial once a month through an angle of 360°/36, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/36 rotation.
- any month can be indicated by the month dial.
- the structure of the ultrasonic motor of a calendar equipped electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the ultrasonic motor of the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 3.
- the date driving wheel 106 is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- the ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 is meshed with the date driving gear wheel 106a of the date driving wheel 106.
- the date finger 108 is provided on the date driving wheel 106 and rotates due to the rotation of the date driving wheel 106 simultaneously therewith.
- the date dial 110 having the thirty one date dial teeth 110a is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112. Numerical values from '1' to '31' (not illustrated) are provided on the indication surface 110c of the date dial 110.
- the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 200 is equipped with a date jumper (not illustrated). A regulating portion of the date jumper regulates the date dial teeth 110a.
- the control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date
- an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 once a day through an angle of 360°/31, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/31 rotation.
- the ultrasonic rotor of the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 rotates upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the electrode group of the piezoelectric element. Due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor, the date finger 108 rotates and causes the date dial 110 to rotate.
- USM ultrasonic motor
- the structure of the ultrasonic motor of a calendar equipped electronic timepiece 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 of the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 100 of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 3.
- the date dial 110 is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- the ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 is meshed with the date dial teeth 110a.
- Numerical values from '1' to '31' are provided on the indication surface 110c of the date dial 110.
- the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 300 is equipped with a date jumper (not illustrated). A regulating portion of the date jumper regulates the date dial teeth 110a.
- the control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date
- an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 once a day through an angle of 360°/31, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/31 rotation.
- the ultrasonic rotor of the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132 rotates upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the electrode group of the piezoelectric element. Due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor, the date dial 110.
- the ultrasonic rotor axle 120 of a calendar equipped electronic timepiece is fixed to the main plate 112.
- An ultrasonic stator 122 (USM stator) 122 is fixed to the ultrasonic rotor axle 120.
- a piezoelectric element (not illustrated) is secured to the ultrasonic stator 122.
- the date dial 110 is in contact with the displacement enlarging comb teeth 122c of the ultrasonic stator 122. Namely, the date dial 110 constitutes the ultrasonic rotor 102.
- An ultrasonic pressurizing spring 124 presses the date dial 110 so as to apply an elastic force to the displacement enlarging comb teeth 122c.
- the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 400 is equipped with a date jumper (not illustrated). A regulating portion of the date jumper regulates the date dial teeth 110a.
- the control circuit 130 has a time signal generating circuit for generating a date signal by counting data regarding a time and a date, and, further, has an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the ultrasonic motor according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit.
- the control circuit 130 Upon its output of the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night, the control circuit 130 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal to the ultrasonic motor (USM) 132. Namely, the control circuit 130 is so constructed as to output an ultrasonic motor driving signal for rotating the date dial 110 once a day through an angle of 360°/31, i.e. the angle corresponding to a 1/31 rotation.
- the ultrasonic motor (USM) has the ultrasonic stator 122 having the piezoelectric element bonded thereto.
- the date dial 110 is friction driven by the oscillatory waves that are generated in the ultrasonic stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element through its input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal.
- a calendar equipped electronic timepiece 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is provided, at a part of its obverse wheel train 530, with a 24-hour contact point 532 detecting the rotation position thereof.
- a 24-hour wheel 550 has a 24-hour contact point spring 552.
- the 24-hour contact point spring 552 has two 24-hour contact point spring terminals 552a and 552b.
- a circuit block 534 is provided with a pattern (not illustrated) for use as a 24-hour contact point spring terminal in correspondence with a part of a circumferential portion along the locus on which respective forward end portions of the 24-contact point spring terminals 552a and 552b rotate.
- the 24-hour contact point spring 552 is disposed in such a way that this spring 552 can contact with the pattern (not illustrated) for use as the 24-hour contact point spring terminal of the circuit block 534.
- the 24-hour wheel 550 is meshed with an hour wheel 554 and makes one rotation per day.
- the hour wheel 554 makes one rotation per 12 hours and indicates an "hour” by an hour hand (not illustrated) mounted on the hour wheel 554.
- the date driving wheel 106 is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- the date driving wheel 106 constitutes a date driving reduction wheel train 560.
- the ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 of the ultrasonic motor is meshed with the date driving gear wheel 106a of the date driving wheel 106.
- the ultrasonic motor 132 including the ultrasonic rotor 102 constitutes a date driving motor 562.
- the date finger 108 is provided on the date driving wheel 106 and rotates due to the rotation of the date driving wheel 106 simultaneously therewith.
- the date dial 110 having the thirty one date dial teeth 110a is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112. Numerical values from '1' to '31' (not illustrated) are provided on the indication surface 110c of the date dial 110.
- a date dial holder 118 rotatably supports the date dial 110.
- the calendar equipped electronic timepiece 500 is equipped with a date jumper 116.
- a regulating portion 116a of the date jumper 116 regulates the date dial teeth 110a.
- the date driving wheel 106 has a date driving wheel contact point spring 556.
- the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 has two date driving wheel contact point spring terminals 556a and 556b.
- the circuit block 534 is provided with a pattern (not illustrated) for use as date driving wheel contact point spring terminals in correspondence with a part of a circumferential portion along the locus on which respective forward end portions of the date driving wheel contact point springs 556a and 556b rotate.
- the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 is disposed in such a way that this spring 556 can contact with the pattern (not illustrated) for use as the date driving wheel contact point spring terminal of the circuit block 534.
- the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 constitutes a date driving contact point 564.
- the 24-hour contact point spring 552 contacts with a first pattern (not illustrated) of the circuit block 534.
- the circuit block 534 rotates the ultrasonic rotor 102 of the ultrasonic motor 132 according to a detection signal output from the 24-hour contact point spring 552. Due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor 102, the date driving wheel 106 rotates and the date finger 108 causes the date dial 110 to rotate. As a result of this, it is possible to change the indication of a date.
- the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 contacts with a second pattern (not illustrated) of the circuit block 534. At this time, according to the detection signal output from the date driving wheel contact point spring 556, the circuit block 534 stops the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor 102 of the ultrasonic motor 132.
- the 24-hour contact point spring 552 moves away from the first pattern of the circuit block 534 and the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 moves away from the second pattern of the circuit block 534. This state lasts until the next day comes with the result that the control circuit is brought to a state of its outputting again the counted result that the time is twelve o'clock at night.
- time at which date drive is started or terminated is not necessarily accurately twelve o'clock at night and may be a time prior to the time of twelve o'clock at night or may be a time after the time of twelve o'clock at night.
- date drive can be accurately started at the same point in time everyday and, in addition, the position of the date dial can be maintained accurately.
- day indication may be made with the position of a day character on the date dial being shifted to that of another.
- a transmission wheel 620 is rotatably incorporated into the electronic timepiece.
- the transmission wheel 620 is a part contained in a wheel train such as an obverse wheel train or calendar wheel train of the electronic timepiece.
- the transmission wheel 620 is, for example, an hour wheel, 24-hour wheel, date driving wheel, intermediate date driving wheel or the like.
- a contact point spring 622 is fixed to the transmission wheel 620.
- the contact point spring 622 is so constructed as to have a conductivity.
- the contact point spring 622 may be constructed of metal material such as stainless steel or may be one prepared by adhering gold on the surface of the contact point spring 622 by plating.
- a terminal contact point portion 622c is provided at a forward end of the contact point spring terminal 622a and a terminal contact point portion 622d is provided at a forward end of the contact point spring terminal 622a.
- a printed circuit board 624 is incorporated into the electronic timepiece and an A pattern 626 and a B pattern 628 are provided on the surface of the printed circuit board 624.
- the A and B patterns 626, 628 are connected to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- a rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the contact point spring 622 substantially linearly extends passing through the transmission wheel 620 at a center of rotation 630 thereof.
- the A pattern 626 and B pattern 628 are disposed in such a way as to define an angle of approximately 180° therebetween about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620. Accordingly, when the transmission wheel 620 rotates, there occurs a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the A pattern 626 and the terminal contact point portion 622d contacts with the B pattern 628. At this time, a rotational position detecting signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated). When the transmission wheel 620 further rotates, the terminal contact point portion 622c moves away from the A pattern 626 and the terminal contact point portion 622d moves away from the B pattern 628. At this time, no rotational position detection signal is generated.
- the rotational position detection signal is input twice to the control circuit (not illustrated). Accordingly, when the construction is of a type wherein the transmission wheel 620 makes one rotation per 24 hours, the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated) every 12 hours.
- the control circuit is constructed such that a counting circuit for counting the frequency at which the rotational position generating signal is generated is provided with respect to the control circuit, whereby when the rotational position detecting signal is input twice thereto, a signal for changing a date indication is output therefrom.
- the terminal contact point portion 622c rotates relative to the A pattern 626 in a direction indicated by an arrow 632 about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620. Accordingly, when the terminal contact point portion 622c is out of contact with the pattern, the terminal contact point portion 622c rotates while being in contact with a surface 624a of the printed circuit board 624. This construction and function apply also to the terminal contact point portion 622d.
- the transmission wheel 620 is rotatably incorporated into the electronic timepiece and the contact point spring 622 is fixed to the transmission wheel 620.
- the construction of the contact point spring 622 is the same as that in the first structure of the contact point part.
- the printed circuit board 624 is incorporated into the electronic timepiece and the A pattern 626 and the B pattern 628 are provided on the surface of the printed circuit board 624.
- the A and B patterns 626, 628 are connected to the control circuit (not illustrated). When the A pattern 626 and B pattern 628 have been conducted to each other, the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the A pattern 626 is formed about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620 through a relatively small angular open space of, for example, approximately 30°.
- the B pattern 628 is formed about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620 through a relatively large angular open space of, for example, approximately 320°. Accordingly, when the transmission wheel 620 rotates, there occurs a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the A pattern 626 and the terminal contact point portion 622d contacts with the B pattern 628. At this time, the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the transmission wheel 620 rotates, there occurs a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the B pattern 628 and the terminal contact point portion 622d contacts with the A pattern 626. At this time, the rotational position detection signal is again input to the control circuit (not illustrated). When the transmission wheel 620 further rotates, the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the B pattern 628 and the terminal contact point portion 622d moves away from the A pattern 626 to contact with the B pattern 628. At this time, no rotational position detection signal is generated.
- the rotational position detection signal is input once to the control circuit (not illustrated). Accordingly, when the construction is of a type wherein the transmission wheel 620 makes one rotation per 24 hours, the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated) every 24 hours.
- the control circuit is constructed such that a detecting circuit for detecting the generation of the rotational position generating signal is provided with respect to the control circuit, whereby when the rotational position detection signal is input thereto, the signal for changing a date indication is output therefrom.
- the terminal contact point portion 622c rotates relative to the A pattern 626 in the direction indicated by the arrow 632 about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620. Accordingly, when the gap in the circumferential direction between the A pattern 626 and the B pattern 628 is small relative to the size of the terminal contact portion 622c, there is taken any one of a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with only the A pattern 626, a state where the terminal contact portion 622c contacts with only the B pattern 628 and a state where the terminal contact portion 622c simultaneously contacts with the both A pattern 626 and B pattern 628, with the result that there is no possibility that the terminal contact point portion 622c will contact with the surface 624a of the printed circuit board 624.
- This construction and function similarly apply also to the terminal contact point portion 622d.
- the circumferential gap between the A pattern 626 and the B pattern 628 is approximate to the size of the terminal contact point portion 622c, there occurs the possibility that the terminal contact portion 622c will contact with the surface 624a of the printed circuit board 624. Accordingly, preferably, the circumferential gap between the A pattern 626 and the B pattern 628 is formed small.
- the A pattern 626, B pattern 628, C pattern 640 and D pattern 642 are provided on the surface of the printed circuit board 624.
- the A pattern 626 and B pattern 628 are connected to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the C pattern 640 and D pattern 642 are so-called "dummy patterns" which are not connected to the control circuit and have no special function.
- the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the contact point spring 622 substantially linearly extends passing through the transmission wheel 620 at a center of rotation 630 thereof.
- the A pattern 626 and B pattern 628 are disposed in such a way as to define an angle of approximately 180° therebetween about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620. Accordingly, when the transmission wheel 620 rotates, there occurs a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the A pattern 626 and the terminal contact point portion 622d contacts with the B pattern 628. At this time, the rotational position detecting signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the transmission wheel 620 rotates clockwise, there occurs a state where the terminal contact point portion 622c contacts with the B pattern 628 and the terminal contact point portion 622d contacts with the A pattern 626. At this time, the rotational position detecting signal is again input to the control circuit (not illustrated). When the transmission wheel 620 further rotates clockwise, the terminal contact point portion 622c moves away from the B pattern 628 to contact with the D pattern 642 and the terminal contact point portion 622d moves away from the A pattern 626 to contact with the C pattern 640. At this time, no rotational position detection signal is generated.
- the rotational position detection signal is input twice to the control circuit (not illustrated). Accordingly, when the construction is of a type wherein the transmission wheel 620 makes one rotation per 24 hours, the rotational position detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated) every 12 hours.
- the control circuit is constructed such that a counting circuit for counting the frequency at which the rotational position generating signal is generated is provided with respect to the control circuit, whereby when the rotational position detection signal is input twice thereto, the signal for changing a date indication is output therefrom.
- the A pattern 652, B pattern 654 and VDD pattern 656 are provided on the surface of the printed circuit board 624.
- the A pattern 652 and B pattern 654 are connected to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the VDD pattern 656 may be connected directly to the plus terminal (VDD) of a power source or may be connected to the control circuit (not illustrated) within which it is connected to the plus terminal (VDD) of the power source.
- an A pattern detection signal which is a first detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated). Namely, in this case, an A pattern input terminal of the control circuit has a '1' level, i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- a B pattern detection signal which is a second detection signal is input to the control circuit (not illustrated). Namely, in this case, a B pattern input terminal of the control circuit has a '1' level, i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- the A pattern 652 is provided within an angular open space of approximately 30° about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel.
- the A pattern 652 has a first end portion 652a and a second end portion 652b in the circumferential direction.
- the VDD pattern 656 has a first pattern 656a and a second pattern portion 656t.
- the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656 has a first end portion 656a and a second end portion 656b in the circumferential direction.
- the first end portion 656a of the VDD pattern 656 is adjacent to the first end portion 652a of the A pattern 652 with a gap existing therebetween.
- the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656 is provided within an angular open space of approximately 60° about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel.
- the B pattern 654 has a first end portion 654a and a second end portion 654b in the circumferential direction.
- the first end portion 654a of the B pattern 654 is adjacent to the second end portion 656b of the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656 with a gap existing therebetween.
- the B pattern 654 is provided within an angular open space of approximately 30° about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel.
- the second end portion 654b of the B pattern 654 is adjacent to the first end portion 656c of the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656 with a gap existing therebetween.
- the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656 is provided within an angular open space of approximately 240° about the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel.
- the second end portion 656d of the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656 is adjacent to the second end portion 656b of the A pattern 652 with a gap existing therebetween.
- the A pattern 652 As described above, on the surface of the printed circuit board 624 there are provided the A pattern 652, first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656, B pattern 654, and second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656 circumferentially in the clockwise direction in this order.
- the contact point spring 662 has three contact point spring terminals 662a, 662b and 662c which extend externally from the center of rotation 630 of the transmission wheel 620.
- the contact point spring terminals 662a and 662b are provided so as to define an angle of approximately 75° therebetween.
- the contact point spring terminals 662a and 662c are provided so as to define an angle of approximately 142. 5° therebetween.
- the contact point spring terminals 662b and 662c are provided so as to define an angle of approximately 142. 5° therebetween.
- a terminal contact point portion 662d is provided on a forward end portion of the contact point spring terminal 662a
- a terminal contact point portion 662e is provided on a forward end portion of the contact point spring terminal 662b
- a terminal contact point portion 662f is provided on a forward end portion of the contact point spring terminal 662c.
- the terminal contact point portions 662a, 662b and 662c contact with the A pattern 652, first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656, B pattern 654, and second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656, respectively.
- Fig. 31 illustrates an initial state of the transmission wheel, i.e., an operational state 1 wherein the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 is situated at a start position 670.
- This state 1 is set to be '0°' in a timing chart of Fig. 32.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656, the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656, and the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 15°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the A pattern 652
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 30°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the A pattern 652
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the B pattern 654
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the A pattern detection signal and B pattern detection signal are input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the A pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'
- the B pattern input terminal thereof also is '1', i.e., becomes 'HIGH'.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 45°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the B pattern 654
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 60°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 105°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the B pattern 654
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 135°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 157.5°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the A pattern 652.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 187.5°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 247.5°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the B pattern 654.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 277.5°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 300°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the A pattern 652
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the A pattern 652.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d of the contact point spring 662 has rotated clockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 300°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the rotational position detection signal indicating the detected 'forward rotation' is input to the control circuit (not illustrated) every 24 hours. Simultaneously, when the A and B pattern input terminals become both '1', it is possible to detect the circumferential position of the transmission wheel 620.
- Fig. 33 illustrates an initial state of the transmission wheel, i.e., an operational state 1 wherein the terminal contact point portion 662e of the contact point spring 662 is situated at a start position 670.
- This state 1 is set to be '0°' in a timing chart of Fig. 34.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656, the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656, and the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662e of the contact point spring 662 has rotated counterclockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 15°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the B pattern 654
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662e of the contact point spring 662 has rotated counterclockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 30°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the A pattern 652
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the B pattern 654
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the A pattern detection signal and B pattern detection signal are input to the control circuit (not illustrated).
- the A pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'
- the B pattern input terminal thereof also is '1', i.e., becomes 'HIGH'.
- the terminal contact point portion 662e of the contact point spring 662 has rotated counterclockwise from the start position 670 up to the position of approximately 45°
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the A pattern 652
- the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656
- the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the terminal contact point portion 662d contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656, the terminal contact point portion 662e contacts with the first pattern portion 656s of the VDD pattern 656, and the terminal contact point portion 662f contacts with the second pattern portion 656t of the VDD pattern 656.
- the A pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- the A pattern input terminal of the control circuit are each '0', i.e. becomes 'LOW'.
- the B pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- the A pattern input terminal and B pattern input terminal of the control circuit are each '0', i.e. becomes 'LOW'.
- the A pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- the A pattern input terminal and B pattern input terminal of the control circuit are each '0', i.e. 'LOW'.
- the B pattern input terminal of the control circuit is '1', i.e. becomes 'HIGH'.
- the A pattern input terminal and B pattern input terminal of the control circuit are each '0', i.e. 'LOW'.
- the rotational position detection signal indicating the detected 'reverse rotation' is input to the control circuit (not illustrated) every 24 hours. Simultaneously, when the A and B pattern input terminals become both '1', it is possible to detect the circumferential position of the transmission wheel 620.
- Fig. 14 illustrates an obverse side portion of a movement (mechanical body) of the electronic timepiece according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- the wording "obverse side portion" means the portion on a side opposite to the side on which a dial 570 is situated with respect to the main plate.
- Fig. 15 illustrates a reverse side portion of the movement (mechanical body) of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention.
- the wording "reverse side portion” means the portion on the side on which the dial 570 is situated with respect to the main plate. That is, the date dial is incorporated into the "reverse side portion”.
- the electronic timepiece of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 14 to 20 is also equipped with the contact point spring.
- the electronic timepiece of the present invention has the main plate 112.
- a rotor 612 of a step motor 610 is meshed with a fifth wheel & pinion, which is meshed with a fourth wheel & pinion 616. Due to the rotation of the fourth wheel & pinion 616, a center wheel & pinion 620 rotates through a third wheel & pinion 618 and, further, an hour wheel 554 rotates through a minute wheel 622.
- a 24-hour wheel 550 has a 24-hour contact point spring 552.
- the 24-hour contact point spring 552 is disposed so that this spring 552 can contact with a first pattern (not illustrated) of a circuit block 534.
- the 24-hour wheel 550 is meshed with the hour wheel 554 and makes one rotation per day.
- the hour wheel 554 makes one rotation per 12 hours and indicates an 'hour' by an hour hand (not illustrated) mounted on the hour wheel 554.
- An ultrasonic rotor axle 120 of an ultrasonic motor 132 is fixed to the main plate 112 and an ultrasonic rotor 102 is rotatably fitted onto the ultrasonic rotor axle 120.
- An ultrasonic rotor pinion 102b of the ultrasonic rotor 102 is meshed with an intermediate date driving gear wheel 104a of an intermediate date driving wheel 104.
- An intermediate date driving pinion 104b of the intermediate date driving wheel 104 is meshed with a date driving gear wheel 106a of a date driving wheel 106.
- a date finger 108 is provided on the date driving wheel 106 and a date dial 110 which due to the rotation of the date driving wheel 106 simultaneously rotates is rotatably incorporated into the main plate 112.
- a battery 114 is incorporated into a side opposite to the side on which the date dial 110 is mounted with respect to the main plate 112.
- a date jumper 116 is formed integrally with a date dial holder 118.
- a regulating portion 116a of the date jumper 116 regulates a date dial teeth 110a.
- the date jumper 116 has a date jumper spring portion 116b.
- the date driving wheel 106 has a date driving wheel contact point spring 556.
- the date driving wheel contact point spring 556 is disposed so that this spring 556 can contact with a second pattern (not illustrated) of the circuit block 534.
- a day of the week indicator 568 is provided and indicates a day of the week.
- the construction may be made into a type wherein indication of a day of the week is made by the day of the week indicator that rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic motor.
- a movement (mechanical body) 1100 of a yet further embodiment of the electronic timepiece according to the present invention is constructed as an analog electronic timepiece and has a main plate 1102 constituting a substrate of the movement.
- a hand setting stem 1104 is rotatably incorporated into a hand setting stem guiding hole of the main plate 1102.
- a dial 1106 is mounted on the movement 1100.
- a dial 1106 is mounted on the movement 1100.
- a switch device (not illustrated) that operates through operating the hand setting stem 1104 is provided in the main plate 1102.
- the side on which the dial 1106 is situated is called 'the reverse side' of the movement 1100 and the side opposite to the side on which the dial 1106 is situated is called 'the obverse side' of the movement 1100.
- the wheel train that is incorporated into the 'obverse side' of the movement 1100 is called 'the obverse wheel train' and the wheel train that is incorporated into the 'reverse side' of the movement is called 'the reverse wheel train'.
- the switch device may be incorporated on the 'obverse side' of the movement 1100 or may be incorporated on the 'reverse side' of the movement 1100.
- the indication wheel such as a date dial, day of the week wheel or the like is incorporated into the 'reverse side' of the movement 1100.
- the date dial 1120 is rotatably disposed on the main plate 1102.
- the date dial 1120 includes a date dial gear wheel portion 1120a and a date character print portion 1120b. Date characters 1120c from '1' to '31' are printed on the date character print portion 1120b. For simplifying the drawing, in Fig. 39, there is illustrated only the character '5' alone of the date characters 1120c.
- the date dial gear wheel portion 1120a includes thirty one date dial teeth.
- An ultrasonic motor 1130 for rotating the date dial 1120 is disposed in the main plate 1102.
- a motor for rotating the date dial 1120 may be an electromagnetic motor or step motor. By using the ultrasonic motor 1130, it is possible to rotate the date dial 1120 reliably by a reduced number of reduction wheel trains.
- the indication wheel for rotating the ultrasonic motor 1130 may be a date dial or a day of the week indicator, or may be another type of wheel for indicating data regarding a time or a calendar, such as an hour wheel, month wheel, year wheel or month age indication wheel.
- the ultrasonic motor 1130 has a motor axle 1132, ultrasonic stator 1122 and ultrasonic rotor 1134.
- the ultrasonic rotor 1134 has an ultrasonic rotor pinion 1134b.
- a first axle portion 1132a is fixed to the main plate 1102
- a second axle portion 1132b has the ultrasonic stator 1122 fixed thereto
- a third axle portion 1132c has the ultrasonic rotor 1134 rotatably guided thereby.
- a pressurizing spring 1136 for pressing the ultrasonic rotor 1134 against the ultrasonic stator 1122 by an elastic force is provided.
- a date dial holder 1140 rotatably supports the date dial 1120 with respect to the main plate 1102.
- An intermediate date driving wheel 1142 is rotatably supported by the main plate 1102 and the date dial holder 1140.
- An intermediate date driving wheel 142 has an intermediate date driving gear wheel 1142a and an intermediate date driving pinion.
- the ultrasonic rotor pinion 1134b is meshed with an intermediate date driving gear wheel 1142a.
- a date driving wheel 1150 is rotatably supported by the main plate 1102.
- the date driving wheel 1150 has a date driving gear 1150a, date driving gear portion 1150b, forward end axle portion 1150c, spring guiding portion 1150d and support portion 1150e.
- the date driving gear 1150a is meshed with an intermediate date driving pinion 1142b.
- the date driving gear portion 1150b is meshed with the date dial gear portion 1120a.
- the date driving gear portion 1150b has four date driving teeth. The end surface of the support portion 1150e contact with the date dial holder 1140.
- a contact point spring 1160 is disposed on the spring guiding portion 1150d. It is arranged that the contact point spring 1160 rotates integrally with the date driving wheel 1150 through the rotation of the date driving wheel 1150. For example, the contact point spring 1160 is fitted onto the spring guiding portion 1150d so that this spring 1160 cannot rotate about its own axis.
- a circuit block 1172 is provided on the movement 1100.
- the circuit block 1172 includes a printed circuit board 1170, and an integrated circuit and crystal oscillator (not illustrated).
- a contact point pattern 1174 is formed on the printed circuit board 1170.
- the contact point spring 1160 is rotatably provided so that this spring 1160 may contact with the contact point pattern 1174 or move away therefrom.
- the contact point pattern 1174 is conducted to the integrated circuit.
- the rotation signal regarding the state of rotation of the date driving wheel 1150 output from the contact point pattern 1174 is input to the ultrasonic motor driving circuit.
- the contact point pattern 1174 includes a reference potential pattern 1174a and a contact point switch pattern 1174b.
- the reference potential pattern 1174a is conducted to one potential of the battery (not illustrated), e.g. a plus terminal.
- the contact point switch pattern 1174b is conducted to a contact point terminal of the integrated circuit.
- the contact point spring 1160 includes a first contact point portion 1160a, second contact point portion 1160b and a long hole 1160c.
- the long hole 1160c is disposed on the spring guiding portion 1150d of the date driving wheel 1150.
- the contact point spring 1160 is constructed so that this spring 1160 may rotate integrally with the date driving wheel 1150.
- the first contact point portion 1160a extends from the long hole 1160c in a first direction and the second contact point portion 1160b extends from the long hole 1160c in a second direction. It is arranged that the first and the second direction define an angle of 180° about the long hole 1160c.
- the first contact point portion 1160a and the second contact point portion 1160b are provided so as to abut against the contact point pattern 1174 by the elastic force.
- the contact point spring 1160 is formed of, for example, an elastic material having a conductivity such as stainless steel.
- circuit block 1172 which has the printed circuit board 1170, integrated circuit 210 and crysal oscillator 1212.
- the movement 1100 has a coil block 1220, stator 1222 and rotor 1224.
- a fifth wheel & pinion 1230 is disposed so as to rotate according to the rotation of the rotor 1224.
- a fourth wheel & pinion 1232 is disposed so as to rotate according to the rotation of the fifth wheel & pinion 1230.
- a second hand 1234 for indicating a 'second' is mounted on the fourth wheel & pinion 1232.
- a third wheel & pinion 1236 is disposed so as to rotate according to the rotation of the fourth wheel & pinion 1232.
- a center wheel & pinion 1240 is disposed so as to rotate according to the rotation of the third wheel & pinion 1236.
- a minute hand 1242 for indicating a 'minute' is mounted on the center wheel & pinion 1240.
- a battery 1250 is disposed on the circuit block 1172 and train wheel bridge 1246.
- an oscillation circuit 1424 outputs a reference signal.
- the oscillation circuit 1424 includes a crystal oscillator 1212 constitutes an oscillation source.
- the crystal oscillator 1212 oscillates at a frequency of, for example, 32, 768 hertz.
- a frequency dividing circuit 1426 divides the frequency of an output signal from the oscilation circuit 1424.
- a motor driving circuit 1428 outputs a motor driving signal for driving the step motor according to the output signal from the frequency dividing circuit 1426.
- the oscillation circuit 1424, frequency dividing circuit 1426 and motor driving circuit 1428 are contained in the integrated circuit 1210.
- the stator 1222 Upon input of the motor driving signal by the coil block 1220, the stator 1222 is magnetized to rotate the rotor 1224.
- the rotor 1224 rotates through an angle of 180°, for example, per second.
- the fourth wheel & pinion 1232 rotates through the rotation of the fifth wheel & pinion 1230. It is arranged that the fourth wheel & pinion 1232 makes one rotation per minute.
- the second hand 1234 rotates integrally with the fourth wheel & pinion 1232.
- the third wheel & pinion 1236 rotates according to the rotation of the fourth wheel & pinion 1232.
- the center wheel & pinion 1240 rotates according to the rotation of the third wheel & pinion 1236.
- the minute hand 1242 rotates integrally with the center wheel & pinion 1240.
- a slip mechanism (not illustrated) is provided on the center wheel & pinion 1240.
- a minute wheel 1270 rotates according to the rotation of the center wheel & pinion 1240.
- An hour wheel 1272 rotates according to the rotation of the minute wheel 1270.
- the hour wheel 1272 makes one rotation per 12 hours.
- An hour hand 1274 is mounted on the hour wheel 1272.
- the hour hand 1274 rotates integrally with the hour wheel 1272.
- An ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for driving the ultrasonic motor 1130 according to the output signal from the frequency dividing circuit 1426.
- the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 is contained in the integrated circuit 1210.
- An intermediate date driving wheel 1142 rotates according to the operation of the ultrasonic motor 1130.
- the date driving wheel 1150 rotates according to the rotation of the intermediate date driving wheel 1142.
- the date driving gear portion 1150b rotates the date dial 1120.
- the signal that is output from the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 is output so as to rotate the date dial 1120 one tooth per day.
- the contact point spring 1160 rotates. Through the rotation of the contact point spring 1160, there results a state wherein the first contact point portion 1160a contacts with the reference potential pattern 1174a and the second contact point portion 160b contacts with the contact point switch pattern 1174b. In this state, the rotation signal is output to a rotation detecting circuit 1320.
- the rotation detecting circuit 1320 is contained in the integrated circuit 1210.
- the rotation detecting circuit 1320 When the rotation detecting circuit 1320 inputs a rotation signal, the rotation detecting circuit 1320 outputs an ultrasonic motor control signal to the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 in order to control the operation of the ultrasonic motor 1130. Upon input of the ultrasonic motor control signal, the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 stops outputting the ultrasonic motor driving signal.
- the contact point spring 1160 rotates.
- the rotation signal is output to the rotation detecting circuit 1320.
- the rotation detecting circuit 1320 When the rotation detecting circuit 1320 inputs a rotation signal, the rotation detecting circuit 1320 outputs an ultrasonic motor control signal to the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 in order to control the operation of the ultrasonic motor 1130. Upon input of the ultrasonic motor control signal, the ultrasonic motor driving circuit 1310 stops outputting the ultrasonic motor driving signal.
- the date correction switch 1330 may be constructed so as to operate through the operation of the hand setting stem 1104 or a button or the like for operating the date correction switch 1330 may be provided as the date correction switch 1330.
- an ultrasonic motor (not illustrated) is used as the motor for rotating the date dial 1410.
- This ultrasonic motor includes an ultrasonic rotor.
- An ultrasonic rotor pinion of the ultrasonic rotor is meshed with the intermediate date driving gear of the intermediate date driving wheel 1404.
- An intermediate date driving pinion of the intermediate date driving wheel 1404 is meshed with a date driving gear of the date driving wheel 1406.
- the date finger 1408 is provided on the date driving wheel 1406 and, when the date driving wheel 1406 is rotated, is rotated simultaneously therewith.
- the date finger 1408 includes four date finger portions 1408g1, 1408g2, 1408g3 and 1408g4.
- the date dial 1410 is rotatably incorporated with respect to the main plate 1412.
- the date dial 1410 has thirty one date dial teeth.
- Day characters that consist, respectively, of the numeric values '1' to '31' are provided on the indication surface of the date dial 1410.
- a single day character '5' alone is illustrated in Fig. 47.
- the date jumper 1416 is rotatably incorporated with respect to the main plate 1412 so as to rotate about a date jumper rotation center 1416c.
- the date jumper 1416 has a date jumper spring portion 1416f.
- a tail portion 1416t of the date jumper 1416 is positioned by a positioning portion 1412d.
- a regulating portion 1416a of the date jumper 1416 regulates a date dial tooth 1410a and a regulating portion 1416b of the date jumper 1416 regulates a date dial tooth 1410b.
- the date jumper 1416 may be formed as a separate part as illustrated or may be formed integrally with the date dial holder, back part holder or the like.
- Each of the date finger portions 1408g1, 1408g2, 1408g3 and 1408g4 is formed into the same configuration and has an outer-peripheral portion 1408t shaped like a circular arc whose circle has a center 1408c or approximately shaped like this circular arc and two side portions 1408s1 and 1408s2 respectively extending from both ends of this outer-peripheral portion 1408t toward a side nearer to the center 1408c.
- Each of the side portions 1408s1 and 1408s2 may be formed in the form of a line, or one or more circular arcs, or a combination of lines and circular arcs.
- Each of the side portions 1408s1 and 1408s2 is so formed as to have such a configuration as to enable the reliable rotation of the date dial 1410 with the rotation of the date finger 1408.
- the outer-peripheral portion 1408t is formed into a configuration which when the date dial 1410 rotates and has thereby contacted with the outer-peripheral portion 1408t causes the rotation of the date dial 1410.
- the date finger 1408 is so constructed as to have lock tooth configurations at respective forward end portions of its date finger portions 1408g1, 1408g2, 1408g3 and 1408g4.
- the contact point spring is provided on the date driving wheel 1404 and it is arranged that the state of rotation of the date driving wheel 1406 is detected by the mutual contact between the contact point pattern of the printed circuit board and the contact point spring. And, it is arranged that the motor drive circuit controls the rotation of the ultrasonic motor by inputting the rotation signal output from the contact point pattern.
- the date jumper 1416 regulates the position in the rotation direction of the date dial 1410 so that one date dial tooth 1410d of the date dial 1410 may be located on a straight line 1408A passing through a rotation center 1410k of the date dial 1410 and a rotation center 1408c of the date finger 1408.
- the two date finger portions 1408gl and 1408g2 of the four date finger portions are positioned symmetrically about the straight line 1408A as a symmetry axis.
- the first contact point portion 1160a and the second contact point portion 1160b can contact with the reference potential pattern 1174a and the contact point switch pattern 1174b in the order mentioned. And, as illustrated in Fig. 42, in a state where both of the first contact point portion 1160a and the second contact point portion 1160b contact with the reference potential pattern 1174a, no rotation signal is output.
- the date finger portion 1408g1 can also be rotated clockwise through an angle of 90°, whereby the date dial tooth 1410d of the date dial 1410 can be rotated clockwise. And, through the operation of the date jumper 1416, the date dial 1410 stops in a state where the date dial 1410 has been rotated clockwise through an angle of (360/31)°.
- the motor drive circuit inputs the rotation signal output from the contact point pattern to thereby control the rotation of the ultrasonic motor. Accordingly, the date driving wheel 1406 stops in a state where the date driving wheel 1406 has been rotated clockwise through an angle of 90°.
- the date finger portion 1408gl can also be rotated counterclockwise through an angle of 90°, whereby the date dial tooth 1410d of the date dial 1410 can be rotated counterclockwise.
- the date dial 1410 stops in a state where the date dial 1410 has been rotated counterclockwise through an angle of (360/31)°.
- the motor drive circuit inputs the rotation signal output from the contact point pattern to thereby control the rotation of the ultrasonic motor. Accordingly, the date driving wheel 1406 stops in a state where the date driving wheel 1406 has been rotated counterclockwise through an angle of 90°.
- the date dial 1410 by rotating the date finger 1408 clockwise, the date dial 1410 can be rotated clockwise and, by rotating the date finger 1408 counterclockwise, the date dial 1410 can be rotated counterclockwise. And, through the operation of the date jumper 1416, the position in the rotation direction of the date dial 1410 can be positioned always with a high accuracy.
- a date dial tooth 1410e of the date dial 1410 contacts with the outer-peripheral portion 1408t of the date finger portion 1408g2.
- the configuration of the outer-peripheral portion 1408t is shaped like a circular arc whose circle has the center 1408c or is approximately shaped like this circular arc.
- the index torque of the ultrasonic motor is transmitted to the date finger 1408. Accordingly, the date finger 1408 cannot be rotated by the date dail tooth 1410e being contacted therewith.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated clockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can be thereby returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 47.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated counterclockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can be thereby returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 47.
- the electronic timepiece of the present invention it is arranged that through the intermeshing between the date dial tooth 1410e or 1410c of the date dial 1410 and the date finger 1408 and through the index torque of the ultrasonic motor the date finger 1408 cannot be rotated even when the date dial 1410 is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise.
- the rotating force from the date dial 1410 which is produced due to an external force such as an impact be represented by F1
- the index torque of the ultrasonic motor be represented by F2
- the rotation resistance force which is produced due to the intermeshing between the date dial tooth 1410e or 1410c and the date finger 1408 be represented by F3
- the reduction ratio of the wheel train from the ultrasonic motor to the date finger 1408 be represented by n.
- each of the date finger portions 1428g1, 1428g2, 1428g3 and 1428g4 of the date finger 1428 is formed into the same configuration and has an outer-peripheral portion 1428u having a circular arc configuration whose circle has its center at a position spaced away from a center 1428c.
- illustration is made of the outer-peripheral portion 1428u with regard to only the date finger 1428g3 alone, the configuration of the outer-peripheral portion 1428u is the same, also, with regard to the other date fingers 1428g1, 1428g2 and 1428g4.
- the outer-peripheral portion 1428u is formed into such a configuration as to enable the reliable rotation of the date dial 1410 with the rotation of the date finger 1428 and as, when the date dial 1410 rotates and has thereby contacted with the outer-peripheral portion 1428u, to stop the rotation of the date dial 1410.
- the date finger 1428 is so constructed as to have lock tooth configurations at respective forward end portions of its date finger portions 1428g1, 1428g2, 1428g3 and 1428g4.
- the date dial tooth 1410e of the date dial 1410 contacts with the outer-peripheral portion 1428u of the date finger portion 1428g2.
- the configuration of the outer-peripheral portion 1428u is shaped like a circular arc whose circle has its center at the position spaced away from the center 1428c.
- the index torque of the ultrasonic motor is transmitted to the date finger 1428. Accordingly, the date finger 1428 cannot be rotated by the date dail tooth 1410e being contacted therewith.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated clockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can be thereby returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 50.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated counterclockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can thereby be returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 50.
- each of the date finger portions 1438g1, 1438g2, 1438g3 and 1438g4 of the date finger 1438 is formed into the same configuration and has side surface portions 1438v1 and 1438v2 that define an acute angle between their forward ends.
- the side surface portions 1438v1 and 1438v2 and the circular arc like side surface portions that thereafter succeed the same are formed so as to enable the reliable rotation of the date dial 1410 with the rotation of the date finger 1438.
- the side surface portions 1438v1 and 1438v2 are each formed into such a configuration as, when the date dial 1410 rotates and has thereby contacted with the side surface portions 1438v1 and 1438v2, to stop the rotation of the date dial 1410.
- the date finger 1438 is so constructed as to have lock tooth configurations at respective forward end portions of its date finger portions 1438g1, 1438g2, 1438g3 and 1438g4.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated clockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can thereby be returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 53.
- the date dial 1410 can be rotated counterclockwise by the spring force of the date jumper spring portion 1416f and can thereby be returned to the state illustrated in Fig. 53.
- the electronic timepiece of the present invention may be constructed as described below.
- the present invention since having been constructed as having in the electronic timepiece the transmission wheel rotational position detecting unit for detecting the position in the rotation direction of the transmission wheel, the present invention has the effects that are described as follows.
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Abstract
Description
two of the four date finger portions are positioned, in a state where the ultrasonic motor or motor is being stopped, so as to be located symmetrically about the straight line as a symmetry axis.
Claims (25)
- An electronic timepiece characterized by comprising:a transmission wheel (620) rotating according to the rotation of a wheel train contained in the electronic timepiece;a contact point spring (622) fixed to the transmission wheel (620) and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel (620) and having a conductivity;a detection pattern which is provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring (622) rotates, can contact with the contact point spring (622); anda control circuit which inputs a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620) which, when the contact point spring (622) has contacted with the detection pattern, is output from the detection pattern.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 1,characterized in that the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring (622) rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring (622); andthe control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620) which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring (622), are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 1,characterized in that the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring (622) rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring (622) and nonfunctional patterns provided respectively between the two detection patterns and having no function of detection; andthe control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620) which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring (622), are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- An electronic timepiece comprising:a transmission wheel (620) rotating according to the rotation of a wheel train contained in the electronic timepiece;a contact point spring (622) fixed to the transmission wheel (620) and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel (620) and having a conductivity; anda first detection pattern and second detection pattern which are provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring (622) rotates, can contact with the contact point spring (622),characterized in that it is arranged that the contact point spring (622) and the first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state causing only the first detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620), a second detection state causing only the second detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620), and a third detection stage causing both the first and the second detection pattern to simultaneously generate rotational position detection signals each for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel (620); andthere is further comprised a control circuit for determining a case where the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected and a case where the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected by distinguishing between these two cases.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel (620) as a forward rotation and, when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected, may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel (620) as a reverse rotation.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 4,characterized in that the printed circuit board further comprises a VDD pattern connected to one potential of a power source; andthe contact point spring (622) has three terminal contact point portions which can contact with the first detection pattern, the second detection pattern and the VDD pattern,whereby the contact point spring (622), first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the first detection pattern, a second detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the second detection pattern, and a third detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with the first detection pattern and second detection pattern; andthe control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel (620) as a forward rotation and, when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected, may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel (620) as a reverse rotation.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in one of claims 2 to 7,characterized in that the contact point spring (622) has a terminal contact portion which contacts with the pattern; andeach of the gaps between the patterns is made smaller than the size of the terminal contact portion.
- An electronic timepiece, the electronic timepiece having a function of displaying a date, characterized by comprising:a time signal generating circuit for generating a time signal by countihg data regarding a time;a time indication motor driving circuit which outputs a time indication motor driving signal for rotating a time indication motor;a time indication motor which rotates according to a time indication signal output from the time indication motor driving circuit;a time indication wheel train which rotates according to the rotation of the time indication motor;a time data display member which displays time data according to the rotation of the time indication wheel train;a date signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date;a date indication motor driving circuit which outputs a date indication motor driving signal for rotating a date indication motor according to the date signal output from the date signal generating circuit;a date indication motor which rotates according to a date indication signal output from the date indication motor driving circuit;a date indication wheel train which rotates according to the rotation of the date indication motor;a date data display member which displays date data according to the rotation of the date indication wheel train;a date drive start detecting contact point member which detects the point in time at which date drive is started according to the rotation of the time indication wheel train;a date drive termination detecting contact point member which detects the point in time at which date drive is terminated according to the rotation of the date indication wheel train; anda date drive control circuit which controls the operation of the date indication driving circuit outputting the date indication motor driving signal by inputting a signal regarding the start of the date drive which is output from the date drive start detecting contact point member and by inputting a signal regarding the termination of the date drive which is output from the date drive termination detecting contact point member.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the date indication motor is constituted by an ultrasonic motor.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 8 or 9,characterized in that the date drive start detecting contact point member is provided on a 24-hour wheel rotating according to the rotation of a hour wheel; andthe date drive termination detecting contact point member is provided on a date driving wheel rotating according to the rotation of the date indication motor.
- An electronic timepiece, the electronic timepiece having a function of displaying a date, characterized by comprising:a time signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date;an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for driving an ultrasonic motor (132) according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit;the ultrasonic motor (132) having an ultrasonic stator having a piezoelectric element bonded thereto and having an ultrasonic rotor (102) which, upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the piezoelectric element, is friction driven by the oscillatory waves generating in the ultrasonic wave stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element;a calendar wheel train which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor (102);a date finger (108) which rotates due to the rotation of the calendar wheel train;a date dial (110) which rotates due to the rotation of the date finger (108) and thereby indicates a date;a transmission wheel which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor (102);a transmission wheel rotating due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor (102);a contact point spring fixed to the transmission wheel and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel and having a conductivity;a detection pattern which is provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring rotates, can contact with the contact point spring; anda control circuit which inputs a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the contact point spring has contacted with the detection pattern, is output from the detection pattern.
- An electronic timepiece, the electronic timepiece having a function of displaying a date, characterized by comprising:a time signal generating circuit which generates a date signal by counting data regarding a date;an ultrasonic motor driving circuit which outputs an ultrasonic motor driving signal for operating an ultrasonic motor (132) according to a date signal output from the time signal generating circuit;the ultrasonic motor (132) having an ultrasonic stator having a piezoelectric element bonded thereto and having an ultrasonic rotor (102) which, upon input of the ultrasonic motor driving signal by the piezoelectric element, is friction driven by the oscillatory waves generating in the ultrasonic wave stator due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element;a calendar wheel train which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor (102) and which has a date finger (108);a date dial (110) which rotates due to the rotation of the date finger (108) and thereby indicates a date;a transmission wheel which is contained in the calendar wheel train and which rotates due to the rotation of the ultrasonic rotor (102);a contact point spring fixed to the transmission wheel and rotating integrally with the transmission wheel and having a conductivity;a detection pattern which is provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring rotates, can contact with the contact point spring; anda control circuit which inputs a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the contact point spring has contacted with the detection pattern, is output from the detection pattern.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 11 or 12,characterized in that the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring; andthe control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring (622), are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 11 or 12,characterized in that the detection pattern includes two detection patterns which, when the contact point spring rotates, can simultaneously contact with the contact point spring and nonfunctional patterns provided respectively between the two detection patterns and having no function of detection; andthe control circuit which is a control circuit which inputs rotational position detection signals each for detecting the circumferential position of the rotation of the transmission wheel which, when the two detection patterns have been conducted to each other by the contact point spring, are respectively output from the two detection patterns.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 11 or 12, comprising:a first detection pattern and second detection pattern which are provided on a printed circuit board and, when the contact point spring rotates, can contact with the contact point spring,characterized in that it is arranged that the contact point spring and the first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state causing only the first detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel, a second detection state causing only the second detection pattern to generate a rotational position detection signal for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel, and a third detection stage causing both the first and the second detection pattern to simultaneously generate rotational position detection signals each for detecting a circumferental position of the rotation of the transmission wheel; andthere is further comprised a control circuit for determining a case where the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected and a case where the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected by distinguishing between these two cases.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 15, characterized in that the control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel as a forward rotation and, when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected, may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel as a reverse rotation.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 15,characterized in that the printed circuit board further comprises a VDD pattern connected to one potential of a power source; andthe contact point spring has three terminal contact point portions which can contact with the first detection pattern, the second detection pattern and the VDD pattern,whereby the contact point spring, first detection pattern and second detection pattern can take a first detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the first detection pattern, a second detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the second detection pattern, and a third detection state where, in a state where at least one terminal contact point portion is in contact with the VDD pattern, the other terminal contact point portions are in contact with only the first detection pattern and second detection pattern; andthe control circuit is so arranged that when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the first detection state has been detected the control circuit may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel as a forward rotation and, when the third detection state has occurred immediately after the second detection state has been detected, may determine the rotation direction of the transmission wheel (620) as a reverse rotation.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in one of claims 13 to 17,characterized in that the contact point spring has a terminal contact portion which contacts with the pattern; andeach of the gaps between the patterns is made smaller than the size of the terminal contact portion.
- An electronic timepiece, the electronic timepiece having an indication wheel, characterized by comprising:a motor (1130) for rotating the indication wheel (1120);a rotating member (1150) for rotating the indication wheel (1120) according to the rotation of the motor (1130);rotation detecting means (1160, 1174) for generating a signal regarding a state of rotation of the indication wheel (1120) according to the rotation of the rotating member (1150); andmotor driving means (1310) for controlling the rotation of the motor (1130) according to a rotation signal generated from the rotation detecting means (1160, 1174).
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 19,characterized in that the rotation detecting means (1160, 1174) includes a contact point spring (1160) provided on the rotating member (1150) and a plurality of contact point patterns (1174) for detecting a state of rotation of the rotating member (1150) by contacting with the contact point spring (1160).
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in claim 19 or 20,characterized in that the motor (1130) is an ultrasonic motor (1130) and the motor driving means (1310) includes an ultrasonic motor driving circuit for outputting a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic motor (1130).
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in one of claims 19 to 21,characterized in that the indication wheel has internal teeth which correspond in number to the indication contents and is equipped with a date jumper (1416) for regulating the position in the rotation direction of the indication wheel by engagement thereof with the internal teeth;the rotating member is equipped with four date finger portions (1408) for rotating the indication wheel;it is arranged that the date jumper (1416) regulates the position in the rotation direction of the indication wheel so that one internal tooth of the indication wheel may be located on a straight line (1408A) passing through a rotation center of the indication wheel and a rotation center of the rotating member; andtwo of the four date finger portions (1408) are positioned, in a state where the motor is being stopped, so as to be located symmetrically about the straight line (1408A) as a symmetry axis.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in one of claims 19 to 21,characterized in that it is arranged that when having been rotated, the date finger (1408) can rotate the indication wheel and, even when having rotated the indication wheel, the date finger (1408) cannot be rotated.
- An electronic timepiece, the electronic timepiece having a date dial,the date dial (1410) having internal teeth which are thirty one in number,an ultrasonic motor for rotating the date dial (1410);an intermediate date driving wheel (1142) that rotates according to the rotation of the ultrasonic motor;a date driving wheel (1406) for rotating the date dial (1410) by rotating according to the rotation of the ultrasonic motor;a contact point spring (1160) provided on the date driving wheel (1406);a printed circuit board (1170) having a plurality of contact point patterns (1174) for detecting a state of rotation of the date driving wheel (1406) by being contacted with the contact point spring (1160);a motor drive circuit (1310) for controlling the rotation of the ultrasonic motor by inputting a rotation signal output from the contact point pattern (1174); anda date jumper (1416) having a spring portion, for regulating the position in the rotation direction of the date dial (1410) by being engaged with two of the internal teeth of the date dial (1410),whereby the date driving wheel (1406) is equipped with four date finger portions (1408g1 ∼ 1408g4) for rotating the date dial (1410);it is arranged that the date jumper (1416) regulates the position in the rotation direction of the date dial (1410) so that one internal tooth of the date dial (1410) may be located on a straight line (1408A) passing through a rotation center (1410k) of the date dial (1410) and a rotation center (1408c) of the date finger portions (1408g1 ∼ 1408g4);two (1408g1, 1408g2) of the four date finger portions (1408g1 ∼ 1408g4) are positioned, in a state where the ultrasonic motor is being stopped, so as to be located symmetrically about the straight line (1408A) as a symmetry axis; andit is arranged that through the intermeshing between the internal teeth of the date dial (1410) and the date finger portions (1408g1 ∼ 1408g4) as well as through the index torque of the ultrasonic motor the date finger portions (1408g1 ∼ 1408g4) cannot be rotated even when the date dial (1410) is rotated.
- An electronic timepiece as set forth in one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the date finger (1408) has lock tooth configurations at its forward end portions.
Applications Claiming Priority (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP10944697 | 1997-04-25 | ||
JP10944697 | 1997-04-25 | ||
JP109445/97 | 1997-04-25 | ||
JP10944597A JP3165070B2 (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1997-04-25 | Electronic clock with calendar |
JP10944597 | 1997-04-25 | ||
JP109446/97 | 1997-04-25 | ||
JP1670198 | 1998-01-29 | ||
JP16701/98 | 1998-01-29 | ||
JP1670198 | 1998-01-29 | ||
JP86710/98 | 1998-03-31 | ||
JP8671098 | 1998-03-31 | ||
JP10086710A JP3002969B2 (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1998-03-31 | Electronic clock |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0874292A2 true EP0874292A2 (en) | 1998-10-28 |
EP0874292A3 EP0874292A3 (en) | 1999-03-03 |
EP0874292B1 EP0874292B1 (en) | 2005-10-26 |
Family
ID=27456622
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19980303226 Expired - Lifetime EP0874292B1 (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1998-04-27 | Electronic timepiece |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0874292B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1132079C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69831998T2 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1019775A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0936512A2 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 1999-08-18 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Electronic timepiece |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE543125T1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2012-02-15 | Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse | AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING THE POSITION OF A DATE DISC FOR A CLOCK MOVEMENT |
JP5573870B2 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2014-08-20 | カシオ計算機株式会社 | Display device and electronic clock |
JP7205073B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2023-01-17 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | electronic clock |
Citations (9)
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FR1557667A (en) * | 1966-09-13 | 1969-02-21 | ||
US3855781A (en) * | 1972-12-22 | 1974-12-24 | Suwa Seikosha Kk | Step motor mechanism for electronic timepiece |
JPS5658680A (en) * | 1979-10-18 | 1981-05-21 | Seikosha Co Ltd | Time detection device |
US4271494A (en) * | 1977-10-06 | 1981-06-02 | Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha | Correcting device for calendar in an analog type electronic watch |
JPS6051478A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-03-22 | Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd | Electronic timepiece |
US4522506A (en) * | 1983-09-21 | 1985-06-11 | Seikosha Co., Ltd. | Time signal clock |
DE3813935A1 (en) * | 1988-04-23 | 1989-11-02 | Proizv Ob Mi Casovoj Z | SWITCH FOR ELECTRONIC WATCHES |
US5357489A (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-10-18 | Asulab S.A. | Timepiece provided with driving means formed by a piezo-electric motor |
EP0759584A1 (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1997-02-26 | Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches | Synchronisation means with time zone detector |
-
1998
- 1998-04-25 CN CN 98102906 patent/CN1132079C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-27 EP EP19980303226 patent/EP0874292B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-04-27 DE DE69831998T patent/DE69831998T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-07-12 HK HK99102968A patent/HK1019775A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR1557667A (en) * | 1966-09-13 | 1969-02-21 | ||
US3855781A (en) * | 1972-12-22 | 1974-12-24 | Suwa Seikosha Kk | Step motor mechanism for electronic timepiece |
US4271494A (en) * | 1977-10-06 | 1981-06-02 | Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha | Correcting device for calendar in an analog type electronic watch |
JPS5658680A (en) * | 1979-10-18 | 1981-05-21 | Seikosha Co Ltd | Time detection device |
JPS6051478A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-03-22 | Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd | Electronic timepiece |
US4522506A (en) * | 1983-09-21 | 1985-06-11 | Seikosha Co., Ltd. | Time signal clock |
DE3813935A1 (en) * | 1988-04-23 | 1989-11-02 | Proizv Ob Mi Casovoj Z | SWITCH FOR ELECTRONIC WATCHES |
US5357489A (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-10-18 | Asulab S.A. | Timepiece provided with driving means formed by a piezo-electric motor |
EP0759584A1 (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1997-02-26 | Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches | Synchronisation means with time zone detector |
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Title |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 005, no. 118 (P-073), 30 July 1981 & JP 56 058680 A (SEIKOSHA CO LTD), 21 May 1981 * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 009, no. 181 (E-331), 26 July 1985 & JP 60 051478 A (SEIKO DENSHI KOGYO KK), 22 March 1985 * |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0936512A2 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 1999-08-18 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Electronic timepiece |
EP0936512A3 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2001-02-07 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Electronic timepiece |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1132079C (en) | 2003-12-24 |
HK1019775A1 (en) | 2000-02-25 |
CN1204790A (en) | 1999-01-13 |
EP0874292A3 (en) | 1999-03-03 |
DE69831998D1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
EP0874292B1 (en) | 2005-10-26 |
DE69831998T2 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
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