Electronically controlled mechanical clocks

Abstract

An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece. It is capable of reducing leakage magnetic flux from the rotor magnet to the magnetic portion of the base plate, thereby suppressing eddy current losses in the base plate. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece is characterized by comprising: a rotor having a rotating shaft, a pinion gear disposed on the rotating shaft to which torque from a mainspring is transmitted, and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, the rotor rotating in response to the torque; a generator having a coil and a stator, generating electricity through the rotation of the rotor; and a base plate formed to contain a magnetic material, having an opposing surface opposing the stator, and supporting the rotating shaft of the rotor, wherein, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the axial center of the stator is positioned closer to the opposing surface than the axial center of the rotor magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronically controlled mechanical clock. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that converts mechanical energy output when a mainspring is unwound into electrical energy using a generator. This electrical energy is used to operate a rotation control unit to control the rotation of a rotor, thereby causing a hand fixed to a train wheel to move accurately.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, by arranging the magnetic portion of the bottom plate away from the rotor magnets of the rotor, leakage flux from the rotor magnets to the magnetic portion of the bottom plate can be reduced, thereby suppressing eddy current loss in the bottom plate.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-281760

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, when part of the magnetic flux generated by the rotor magnets becomes leakage flux and interlinks with the magnetic portion of the base plate, eddy current losses occur in the base plate, increasing the torque required to rotate the rotor. This leads to a problem in which the spring energy is consumed, resulting in a shortened duration. Therefore, there is a demand to further reduce the impact of using a base plate formed of a magnetic material. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention is characterized in that the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprises: a rotor having a rotating shaft, a pinion arranged on the rotating shaft and to which torque from a mainspring is transmitted, and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, wherein the rotor rotates by means of the torque; a generator having a coil and a stator, and generating electricity by the rotation of the rotor; and a base plate formed to contain a magnetic material, having an opposing surface opposing the stator, and supporting the rotating shaft of the rotor, wherein, when viewed in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the center line of the stator is arranged at a position closer to the opposing surface than the center line of the rotor magnet, the center line of the stator is formed by passing through the center of the dimension along the axial direction, and the center line of the rotor magnet is formed by passing through the center of the dimension along the axial direction.

[0007] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention is characterized in that the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprises: a dial having a front side and a back side; a bottom plate arranged on the back side of the dial and formed to contain a magnetic material; a rotor comprising: a rotating shaft having a tenon at both ends; a pinion provided on the rotating shaft to which a torque from a mainspring is transmitted; and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, the rotor being arranged on the side opposite to the dial relative to the bottom plate and being rotated by the torque; and a bearing having: a frame A body, which is fixed to the base plate and formed of a non-magnetic material; a through-hole jewel bearing, which is fixed to the frame, and a shaft tenon of the rotating shaft is inserted through the through-hole jewel bearing; a thrust jewel bearing, which is arranged on the inner side of the frame; and a pressing spring for pressing the thrust jewel bearing, the bearing axially supports the one shaft tenon, and when viewed in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the frame is fixed to the base plate relative to the rotor magnet at a position closer to the dial side than the through-hole jewel bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the main part of the movement of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the movement of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main portion of the movement of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 Graph showing the relationship between the overlap ratio of the rotor magnet and the stator and the magnetic flux density.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the movement of the second embodiment.

[0014] Description of labels

[0015] 1: Electronically controlled mechanical clock; 2: Case; 3: Dial; 3A: Date window; 3B: Time markers; 4A: Hour hand; 4B: Minute hand; 4C: Second hand; 6: Date wheel; 7: Crown; 10, 10A: Movement; 11, 11A: Base plate; 12, 12A: Opposing surface; 13A: Fixed portion; 14: Gear train support; 20: First spring; 21: First barrel wheel; 22: First spring 23: First barrel shaft; 24: First large steel wheel; 27: Intermediate barrel wheel; 30: Second mainspring; 31: Second barrel wheel; 32: Second barrel; 34: Second large steel wheel; 40: Manual winding mechanism; 50: Automatic winding mechanism; 51: Pendulum (rotating hammer); 53: Eccentric wheel; 54: Ratchet lever; 55: Transmission wheel; 80: Generator; 81: Rotor; 82: Rotating axis; 823: Flange; 824: Shaft; 825: End face; 83: Rotor pinion; 84: Rotor magnet; 841: First surface; 842: Second surface; 85: Rotor inertia plate; 86: Stopper; 88, 89: Coil blocks; 881, 891: Stator; 892: Coil; 90: Display train; 93: Number three wheel; 94: Number four wheel; 95: Number five wheel; 96: Number six wheel Wheel; 100, 100A: first bearing; 110, 110A: frame; 111, 111A: retaining portion; 112, 112A: positioning portion; 113A: extension portion; 120: through-hole jewel bearing; 130: thrust jewel bearing; 140: pressing spring; 200: second bearing; 210: frame; 220: through-hole jewel bearing; 230: thrust jewel bearing; 240: pressing spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] [First embodiment]

[0017] An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this embodiment, a plan view refers to a state viewed from the axial direction of a rotating shaft 82 of a rotor 81 (described later). Furthermore, a cross-sectional view refers to a state viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of a rotating shaft 82 of the rotor 81 (described later).

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a front view showing an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 is a wristwatch worn on a user's wrist and has a cylindrical outer case 2. A dial 3 is arranged on the inner circumference of the outer case 2.

[0019] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 comprises: Figure 2 and Figure 3 Movement 10 shown; and indication Figure 1 The hour hand 4A, minute hand 4B, and second hand 4C indicate the time information.

[0020] The dial 3 is provided with a small calendar window 3A, through which the date wheel 6 can be visually viewed. The dial 3 is a plate-shaped member having a front and a back, with the front being the side visible to the user. In addition, a time mark 3B for indicating the time is displayed on the front side of the dial 3.

[0021] A crown 7 is provided on the side surface of the outer case 2. The crown 7 can be pulled out and moved from a 0-step position in which it is pushed toward the center of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 to a 1-step position and a 2-step position.

[0022] When the crown 7 is rotated in the 0 position, the first and second springs 20, 30 provided in the movement 10 can be wound. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 can ensure a duration of approximately 120 hours when the first and second springs are fully wound. When the crown 7 is pulled to the 1 position and rotated, the date wheel 6 can be moved to adjust the date. When the crown 7 is pulled to the 2 position, the second hand 4C stops. When the crown 7 is rotated in the 2 position, the hour hand 4A and minute hand 4B move to adjust the time. The method of adjusting the date wheel 6, hour hand 4A, and minute hand 4B using the crown 7 is the same as in conventional mechanical timepieces, so the description will be omitted.

[0023] [Movement]

[0024] Figure 2 1 is a plan view showing the main parts of the movement 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the movement 10 .

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the movement 10 includes a first barrel 21 housing a first mainspring 20 and a second barrel 31 housing a second mainspring 30. The hour hand 4A, minute hand 4B, and second hand 4C are driven by the first and second mainsprings 20, 30 of the movement 10. The first and second mainsprings 20, 30 are examples of mainsprings according to the present invention.

[0026] The movement 10 comprises a baseplate 11, positioned on the reverse side of the dial 3, and a train wheel support 14. Positioned between the baseplate 11 and the train wheel support 14 are a first and second barrels 21 and 31, as well as a manual winding mechanism 40 and an automatic winding mechanism 50 for winding the first and second springs 20 and 30. Also positioned between the baseplate 11 and the train wheel support 14 are a display train wheel 90, which transmits torque from the first and second springs 20 and 30, and a generator 80, which is driven by the torque transmitted via the display train wheel 90.

[0027] Here, in this embodiment, the bottom plate 11 is formed by applying a surface treatment based on a magnetic material such as nickel plating to the surface of a base material formed of a non-magnetic material such as brass or synthetic resin, so as to achieve rust prevention and improve the appearance. That is, in this embodiment, the bottom plate 11 is formed to contain a magnetic material.

[0028] In this embodiment, the bottom plate 11 has an opposing surface 12 that faces the stators 881 and 891 described later. A circuit insulating plate 15 is disposed on the opposing surface 12 of the bottom plate 11 on the side closer to the stators 881 and 891.

[0029] Furthermore, the bottom plate 11 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, the base material may be formed using a magnetic material.

[0030] [First mainspring and first barrel]

[0031] The first mainspring 20 is housed in a first barrel wheel 21. The first barrel wheel 21 includes a first barrel 22 and a first barrel arbor 23. A first large steel wheel 24 is mounted on the first barrel arbor 23 so as to rotate integrally with the first barrel arbor 23.

[0032] [Manual winding mechanism]

[0033] The manual winding mechanism 40 comprises: a stem 41 on which the crown 7 is mounted; a clutch wheel 42; a vertical wheel 43; a small steel wheel 44; a large steel wheel first transmission wheel 45; a large steel wheel second transmission wheel 46; and a large steel wheel third transmission wheel 47. The large steel wheel third transmission wheel 47 is meshed with the first large steel wheel 24.

[0034] Therefore, when the user rotates the crown 7 in the zero position, the winding stem 41 and the clutch wheel 42 rotate. When the crown 7 is in the zero position, the clutch wheel 42 meshes with the vertical pinion 43, and the rotation of the clutch wheel 42 is transmitted from the vertical pinion 43 to the small steel wheel 44, the large steel wheel first transmission wheel 45, the large steel wheel second transmission wheel 46, and the large steel wheel third transmission wheel 47. As a result, the first large steel wheel 24 and the first barrel arbor 23 rotate, and the first mainspring is wound.

[0035] [Automatic winding mechanism]

[0036] The automatic winding mechanism 50 includes an oscillating weight 51 , an eccentric wheel 53 , a click lever 54 , and a transmission wheel 55 .

[0037] The eccentric wheel 53 includes an eccentric gear 531 and an eccentric shaft member 532 , and rotates in both forward and reverse directions in conjunction with the pendulum 51 .

[0038] The ratchet lever 54 is rotatably attached to the eccentric shaft portion of the eccentric shaft member 532 of the eccentric wheel 53 .

[0039] When the eccentric wheel 53 rotates in conjunction with the pendulum 51 , the ratchet lever 54 mounted on the eccentric wheel 53 moves forward and backward in a direction approaching and away from the transmission wheel 55 , causing the transmission wheel 55 to rotate in one direction.

[0040] The transmission wheel 55 has a gear meshing with the first large steel wheel 24, and when it rotates in one direction in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the pawl lever 54, it rotates the first large steel wheel 24. When the first large steel wheel 24 rotates, the first barrel arbor 23 rotates integrally with the first large steel wheel 24, and the first mainspring 20 is wound.

[0041] Therefore, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 of the present embodiment can wind the first mainspring 20 both manually by operating the crown 7 and automatically by rotating the oscillating weight 51 .

[0042] [Second mainspring and second barrel]

[0043] The second mainspring 30 is housed in the second barrel 31 . The second barrel 31 includes a second barrel 32 .

[0044] The second mainspring 30 is wound by the first mainspring 20. Specifically, when the first mainspring 20 is wound and torque sufficient to wind the second mainspring 30 is accumulated, the first barrel 22 of the first barrel wheel 21 rotates. The first barrel 22 meshes with the second large steel wheel 34 via the barrel intermediate wheel 27. Rotation of the first barrel 22 rotates the second large steel wheel 34 and the second barrel arbour, winding the second mainspring.

[0045] Therefore, in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 of this embodiment, the first mainspring 20 and the second mainspring 30 can be wound by either the manual winding mechanism 40 or the automatic winding mechanism 50. Alternatively, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 may be provided with only one of the manual winding mechanism 40 and the automatic winding mechanism 50.

[0046] [dynamo]

[0047] The generator 80 is configured to include a rotor 81 and coil blocks 88 and 89 .

[0048] The coil block 88 is formed by winding a coil 882 around a stator 881 , and the coil block 89 is formed by winding a coil 892 around a stator 891 .

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the stators 881 and 891 are arranged to face the facing surface 12 of the base plate 11 .

[0050] In this embodiment, when rotor 81 rotates due to external torque, generator 80 generates induced power through coil blocks 88 and 89, outputs electrical energy, and supplies it to a capacitor, etc. Furthermore, by short-circuiting coils 882 and 892, a braking force can be applied to rotor 81. By controlling the braking force, the rotation period of rotor 81 can be regulated to a constant value.

[0051] As described above, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 of this embodiment includes the generator 80 that generates induced power and outputs electrical energy.

[0052] The rotor 81 includes a rotating shaft 82, a rotor pinion 83, a rotor magnet 84, a rotor inertia plate 85, and a stopper 86. The rotor magnet 84, the rotor inertia plate 85, and the stopper 86 are each attached to the rotating shaft 82. The rotor inertia plate 85 is a component for reducing fluctuations in the rotational speed of the rotor 81 relative to fluctuations in the driving torque from the second barrel 32.

[0053] A first tenon 821 is formed at the end of the rotating shaft 82 on the side of the base plate 11, and a second tenon 822 is formed at the end on the side of the train wheel support 14. A rotor pinion 83, which transmits torque from the mainspring, is integrally formed on the rotating shaft 82. The rotating shaft 82 also includes a large-diameter flange 823 and a small-diameter shaft portion 824 formed continuously from the flange 823. The first tenon 821 is provided at the distal end of the shaft portion 824. The distal end of the shaft portion 824 is tapered, gradually decreasing in diameter, and is continuous with the first tenon 821. The continuous portion between the first tenon 821 and the shaft portion 824 is a curved surface, preventing the first tenon 821 from breaking at its base even when radial forces are applied to the rotor 81.

[0054] The end surface 825 of the rotating shaft 82 on the gear train support 14 side is formed to have a larger diameter than the second shaft tenon 822. Furthermore, the root portion of the second shaft tenon 822 that is continuous with the end surface 825 is a curved surface, which prevents the second shaft tenon 822 from breaking at the root even when radial force is applied to the rotor 81.

[0055] The rotor magnet 84 is cylindrical, with a first surface 841 on the side of the base plate 11 and a second surface 842 on the side of the train wheel support 14. The shaft 824 is inserted into the rotor magnet 84, and the second surface 842 contacts the flange 823.

[0056] The stopper 86 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is press-fitted and fixed to the shaft portion 824. As a result, the rotor magnet 84 is sandwiched and fixed between the flange 823 and the stopper 86. Therefore, the stopper 86 also serves as a magnet fixing seat for fixing the rotor magnet 84.

[0057] [Show gear train]

[0058] Next, the display train wheel 90 that drives the hour hand 4A, the minute hand 4B, and the second hand 4C by mechanical energy from the first mainspring 20 and the second mainspring 30 will be described.

[0059] The display train wheel 90 includes a center wheel / pinion (not shown), a center wheel / pinion 93, a center wheel / pinion 94, a center wheel / pinion 95, and a center wheel / pinion 96. The rotation of the second barrel 32 is transmitted to the center wheel / pinion, then accelerated sequentially by the center wheel / pinion 93, the center wheel / pinion 94, the center wheel / pinion 95, and the center wheel / pinion 96, and then transmitted to the rotor 81. Consequently, the rotor 81 rotates due to the torque transmitted from the first and second mainsprings 20 and 30.

[0060] A minute hand 4B is fixed to the second wheel & pinion via a not shown minute pinion (tube cannon), and a second hand 4C is fixed to the fourth wheel & pinion 94 via a second hand shaft 941. An not shown hour wheel is connected to the minute pinion, and an hour hand 4A is fixed to the hour wheel.

[0061] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 described above, the AC output from the generator 80 is boosted and rectified by a rectifier circuit comprising a step-up rectifier, a full-wave rectifier, a half-wave rectifier, a transistor rectifier, and the like, and then charged into a smoothing capacitor. The power from this capacitor operates a rotation control device (not shown) that controls the rotation cycle of the generator 80. The rotation control device is comprised of an integrated circuit that includes an oscillator circuit, a frequency divider circuit, a rotation detection circuit, a rotation speed comparison circuit, and an electromagnetic brake control unit. The oscillator circuit utilizes a quartz resonator.

[0062] [Rotor bearings]

[0063] The bearings supporting the rotor 81 include a first bearing 100 mounted on the base plate 11 and a second bearing 200 mounted on the train wheel support 14. The rotating shaft 82 of the rotor 81 is supported by the base plate 11 and the train wheel support 14 via the first bearing 100 and the second bearing 200.

[0064] [First bearing]

[0065] The first bearing 100 includes a frame 110 fixed to the base plate 11 , a through-hole jewel bearing 120 fixed to the frame 110 , a thrust jewel bearing 130 disposed in the frame 110 , and a pressing spring 140 pressing the thrust jewel bearing 130 .

[0066] The frame 110 is formed using a non-magnetic material such as non-magnetic metal or synthetic resin, and includes a disc-shaped holding portion 111 and an annular positioning portion 112 continuous with the outer periphery of the holding portion 111 .

[0067] The through-hole jewel bearing 120 is made of ruby, for example, and has the first pin 821 of the rotating shaft 82 inserted through its center. The through-hole jewel bearing 120 is press-fitted into the frame 110 and rotatably supports the first pin 821 of the rotating shaft 82.

[0068] The thrust jewel bearing 130 is a substantially disc-shaped member formed of, for example, ruby, and is disposed on the holding portion 111 of the frame 110 .

[0069] The pressing spring 140 is formed of, for example, a leaf spring member made of metal, and has its outer peripheral end portion held by the holding portion 111 of the frame 110 , thereby urging the thrust jewel bearing 130 toward the rotating shaft 82 .

[0070] [Second bearing]

[0071] The second bearing 200 includes a frame 210 , a through-hole jewel bearing 220 , a thrust jewel bearing 230 , and a pressure spring 240 .

[0072] The frame 210 has the same structure as the holding portion 111 of the frame 110 , and is fixed to the train wheel support 14 .

[0073] The through-hole jewel bearing 220 , the thrust jewel bearing 230 , and the pressing spring 240 are the same components as the through-hole jewel bearing 120 , the thrust jewel bearing 130 , and the pressing spring 140 , and therefore their description is omitted.

[0074] [Regarding the configuration of stator and rotor magnets]

[0075] Next, the arrangement of the stators 881 and 891 and the rotor magnet 84 will be described.

[0076] Figure 4 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main portion of the movement 10 .

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the stators 881 and 891 are arranged so that, when viewed in cross section, a center line P extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, i.e., a center line P passing through the center of the stators 881 and 891 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, is closer to the facing surface 12 of the base plate 11 than a center line O of the rotor magnet 84, i.e., a center line O passing through the center of the rotor magnet 84 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82. That is, in this embodiment, the rotor magnet 84 is arranged so that the center line O extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 82 is closer to the gear train support 14 than the center line P of the stators 881 and 891.

[0078] Thus, in this embodiment, the rotor magnet 84 can be arranged at a greater distance from the base plate 11 than when the rotor magnet 84 is arranged so that its center line O coincides with the center line P of the stators 881 and 891 when viewed in cross section. Consequently, leakage magnetic flux from the rotor magnet 84 to the magnetic portion of the base plate 11 can be reduced, and eddy current losses in the base plate 11 can be suppressed.

[0079] In this embodiment, the rotor magnet 84 is arranged so that it partially overlaps the stators 881 and 891 in the height direction, that is, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82. That is, when viewed in cross-section, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 are arranged so that they at least partially overlap. Furthermore, the rotor magnet 84 is arranged so that its first surface 841, which is the surface on the side closer to the base plate 11, is closer to the train wheel support 14 than the center line P between the stators 881 and 891. That is, the stators 881 and 891 are arranged so that their center line P is closer to the facing surface 12 of the base plate 11 than the first surface 841 of the rotor magnet 84. In other words, the stators 881 and 891 and the rotor magnet 84 are arranged so that the dimension from the first surface 841 to the facing surface 12, along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, is larger than the dimension from the center line P to the facing surface 12, along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82.

[0080] More specifically, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 are arranged so that, when viewed in cross-section, the dimension T2 of the portion where the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 overlap in the height direction is at least 50% of the dimension T1 of the rotor magnet 84 in the height direction. In other words, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 overlap by at least 50% of the height dimension of the rotor magnet 84. In other words, the rotor magnet 84 is arranged so that the centerline O of the rotor magnet 84 is closer to the base plate 11 than the surface of the stators 881 and 891 on the train wheel support 14 side.

[0081] Figure 5 84 and the stators 881 and 891 and the relationship between the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891. Figure 5 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the overlap ratio of the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 relative to the height dimension of the rotor magnet 84, the vertical axis on the left represents the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891, and the vertical axis on the right represents the ratio of the magnetic flux density when the overlap ratio is 100% and the magnetic flux density is set to 100. Figure 5 As shown, when the overlap ratio of the rotor magnet 84 and the stator 881, 891 is 50%, that is, Figure 4When the rotor magnet 84 and stators 881, 891 are arranged so that T2 is half of T1, the magnetic flux density in the stators 881, 891 is approximately 0.158 Tesla. This is approximately 97% of the magnetic flux density when the overlap ratio of the rotor magnet 84 and stators 881, 891 is 100%. This suggests that if the overlap ratio of the rotor magnet 84 and stators 881, 891 is 50% or greater, the magnetic flux density in the stators 881, 891 is substantially unaffected. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a portion of the rotor magnet 84 is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the stators 881, 891 when viewed in cross-section, the rotor magnet 84 and stators 881, 891 are arranged so that they overlap by at least 50% of the height dimension of the rotor magnet 84. This substantially unaffects the magnetic flux density in the stators 881, 891, and thus substantially does not affect the power generation of the generator 80.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 may be arranged so that, when viewed in cross-section, the dimension T2 of the portion where the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 overlap in the height direction is at least 35% of the dimension T1 of the rotor magnet 84 in the height direction. This configuration ensures a magnetic flux density of approximately 95% of the magnetic flux density obtained when the overlap ratio between the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 is 100%. Consequently, the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891 is substantially unaffected, and the power generation of the generator 80 is substantially unaffected.

[0083] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0084] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] In this embodiment, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82 of the rotor 81, the center lines P of the stators 881 and 891 are positioned closer to the opposing surface 12 of the base plate 11 than the center line O of the rotor magnet 84. This allows the base plate 11, which includes a magnetic material, to be positioned away from the rotor magnet 84. This reduces the amount of magnetic flux leaking from the rotor magnet 84 to the magnetic portion of the base plate 11, suppressing eddy current losses in the base plate 11. Consequently, the duration of the rotation of the first and second mainsprings 20 and 30 can be extended.

[0086] In this embodiment, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 are arranged so as to at least partially overlap when viewed in cross-section. Furthermore, the center lines P of the stators 881 and 891 are positioned closer to the opposing surface 12 than the first surface 841 of the rotor magnet 84, which is the surface on the side closer to the base plate 11. This allows the rotor magnet 84 to be positioned farther away from the base plate 11 while minimizing the effect on the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891. Furthermore, since the stators 881 and 891 can be positioned closer to the base plate 11, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 can be made thinner.

[0087] In this embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 overlap by more than 35% of the height dimension of the rotor magnet 84 . Therefore, the rotor magnet 84 can be arranged away from the base plate 11 without having almost no effect on the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891 .

[0088] In this embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the rotor magnet 84 and the stators 881 and 891 overlap by more than 50% of the height dimension of the rotor magnet 84 . Therefore, the rotor magnet 84 can be arranged away from the base plate 11 without further affecting the magnetic flux density in the stators 881 and 891 .

[0089] [Second embodiment]

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 6 An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a main portion of a movement 10A of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a second embodiment.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, the movement 10A of the second embodiment includes a bottom plate 11A and a train wheel support 14 arranged on the reverse side of the dial 3 , similarly to the movement 10 of the first embodiment described above.

[0093] Furthermore, the movement 10A includes a rotor 81 , stators 881 , 891 , coils 882 , 892 , a first bearing 100A, and a second bearing 200 .

[0094] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, stators 881 , 891 and rotor magnet 84 are arranged such that the center lines of stators 881 , 891 are located closer to facing surface 12A of bottom plate 11A than the center line of rotor magnet 84 .

[0095] [First bearing]

[0096] In this embodiment, the first bearing 100A includes a frame 110A fixed to the base plate 11A, a through-hole jewel bearing 120 fixed to the frame 110A, a thrust jewel bearing 130 disposed in the frame 110A, and a pressing spring 140 pressing the thrust jewel bearing 130 .

[0097] Furthermore, the frame 110A is formed of a non-magnetic material such as a non-magnetic metal or synthetic resin, and includes a disc-shaped retaining portion 111A, an annular positioning portion 112A continuous with the outer circumference of the retaining portion 111A, and an extension portion 113A extending toward the dial 3 from the thrust jewel bearing 130. Specifically, the extension portion 113A extends annularly from the outer circumference of the retaining portion 111A toward the dial 3. That is, the extension portion 113A is located on the outer circumference of the retaining portion 111A, on the side opposite to the positioning portion 112A.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base plate 11A includes a fixing portion 13A that secures the extended portion 113A of the frame body 110A. This allows the base plate 11A to secure the frame body 110A closer to the dial 3. Consequently, the fixing portion 13A of the base plate 11A to the frame body 110A can be positioned away from the rotor magnet 84.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an opening S is formed on the bottom plate 11A at a position on the side of the fixed portion 13A close to the rotor magnet 84. Specifically, the bottom plate 11A is formed with an opening S having a larger diameter than the opening of the fixed portion 13A constituting the fixed frame 110A. This can prevent the bottom plate 11A and the rotor magnet 84 from being arranged close to each other at a position on the side of the fixed portion 13A close to the rotor magnet 84. Figure 6 The shortest distance L2 between the rotor magnet 84 and the bottom plate 11A can be increased when the openings S are provided, compared to the shortest distance L1 between the rotor magnet 84 and the bottom plate 11A when the openings S are not provided.

[0100] [Operation and Effect of the Second Embodiment]

[0101] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0102] In this embodiment, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82 of the rotor 81, the frame 110A is fixed to the base plate 11A relative to the rotor magnet 84 at a position closer to the dial 3 than the through-hole jewel bearing 120. This allows the base plate 11A, which secures the frame 110A, to be positioned closer to the dial 3, allowing the base plate 11A, which includes a magnetic body, to be positioned farther away from the rotor magnet 84. This reduces the amount of magnetic flux leaking from the rotor magnet 84 to the magnetic portion of the base plate 11A, thereby suppressing eddy current losses in the base plate 11A.

[0103] In this embodiment, the base plate 11A is fixed to the frame 110A using an extension portion 113A extending toward the dial 3 from the thrust jewel bearing 130. This allows the base plate 11A to be fixed to the frame 110A closer to the dial 3. Consequently, the rotor magnet 84 can be positioned farther away from the base plate 11A. Furthermore, compared to a case without the extension portion 113A, the contact surface between the frame 110A and the base plate 11A can be increased, allowing the base plate 11A to securely secure the frame 110A.

[0104] In this embodiment, an opening S is formed in the bottom plate 11A at a position on the rotor magnet 84 side of the fixed portion 13A. This prevents the bottom plate 11A and the rotor magnet 84 from being positioned close together at the position on the rotor magnet 84 side of the fixed portion 13A. Consequently, the bottom plate 11A and the rotor magnet 84 can be positioned further apart.

[0105] [Modification]

[0106] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0107] In each of the above-described embodiments, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 1 is configured to include two mainsprings, namely the first mainspring 20 and the second mainspring 30 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and, for example, may be configured to include only one mainspring.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the center lines P of the stators 881 and 891 are positioned closer to the opposing surface 12 than the first surface 841 of the rotor magnet 84, which is the surface on the side closer to the base plate 11, when viewed in cross section. However, this is not limiting. For example, the stator and rotor magnets may be positioned so that, when viewed in cross section, the center line of the stator is positioned closer to the gear train support than the surface of the rotor magnet on the side closer to the base plate. Any arrangement of the stator and rotor magnets such that the center line of the stator is positioned closer to the opposing surface of the base plate than the center line of the rotor magnet will suffice.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the stators 881, 891 and the rotor magnet 84 are arranged so that the center lines of the stators 881, 891 are located closer to the facing surface 12A of the base plate 11A than the center line of the rotor magnet 84. However, this is not limiting. For example, the stator and rotor magnets may be arranged so that the center lines of the stators and the rotor magnets coincide when viewed in cross-section, as long as the frame 110 is fixed to the base plate relative to the rotor magnets at a position closer to the dial than the through-hole jewel bearing.

[0110] [Summary of the Invention]

[0111] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a rotor having a rotating shaft, a pinion arranged on the rotating shaft and to which torque from a mainspring is transmitted, and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, wherein the rotor rotates by means of the torque; a generator having a coil and a stator, and generating electricity by the rotation of the rotor; and a base plate formed to contain a magnetic material, having an opposing surface opposing the stator, and supporting the rotating shaft of the rotor, wherein, when viewed in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the center line of the stator is arranged at a position closer to the opposing surface than the center line of the rotor magnet, the center line of the stator is formed by passing through the center of the dimension along the axial direction, and the center line of the rotor magnet is formed by passing through the center of the dimension along the axial direction.

[0112] In the present invention, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotor's rotating shaft, the stator's axial center is positioned closer to the opposing surface than the axial center of the rotor magnet. This allows the base plate, which includes a magnetic material, to be positioned away from the rotor magnet. This reduces magnetic flux leakage from the rotor magnet to the magnetic portion of the base plate, thereby suppressing eddy current losses in the base plate.

[0113] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the rotor magnet and the stator may be arranged at a position where they at least partially overlap when observed in the cross-section, and the center line of the stator may be arranged at a position closer to the opposing surface than the surface of the rotor magnet closer to the base plate.

[0114] This allows the rotor magnet to be arranged away from the base plate while suppressing the influence on the magnetic flux density in the stator.

[0115] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention, preferably, when viewed in cross section, the rotor magnet and the stator overlap by 35% or more of a height dimension of the rotor magnet.

[0116] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention, preferably, when viewed in cross section, the rotor magnet and the stator overlap by 50% or more of a height dimension of the rotor magnet.

[0117] This allows the rotor magnet to be arranged away from the base plate without substantially affecting the magnetic flux density in the stator.

[0118] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention is characterized in that the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprises: a dial having a front side and a back side; a bottom plate arranged on the back side of the dial and formed to contain a magnetic material; a rotor comprising: a rotating shaft having a tenon at both ends; a pinion, the pinion being provided on the rotating shaft and to which a torque from a mainspring is transmitted; and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, the rotor being arranged on the side opposite to the dial relative to the bottom plate and being rotated by the torque; and a bearing comprising: a frame, the A frame is fixed to the base plate and is formed using a non-magnetic material; a through-hole jewel bearing, the through-hole jewel bearing is fixed to the frame, and a shaft tenon of the rotating shaft is inserted through the through-hole jewel bearing; a thrust jewel bearing, the thrust jewel bearing is arranged on the inner side of the frame; and a pressing spring pressing the thrust jewel bearing, the bearing axially supports the one shaft tenon, and when viewed in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the frame is fixed to the base plate relative to the rotor magnet at a position closer to the dial side than the through-hole jewel bearing.

[0119] In the present invention, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotor's rotating shaft, the frame is fixed to the base plate relative to the rotor magnets, closer to the dial than the through-hole jewel bearing. This allows the base plate, which secures the frame, to be positioned closer to the dial, allowing the base plate, which contains a magnetic material, to be positioned further away from the rotor magnets. This reduces magnetic flux leakage from the rotor magnets to the magnetic portion of the base plate, suppressing eddy current losses in the base plate.

[0120] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the frame may include an extension portion that, when viewed in cross-section, extends further toward the dial than the thrust jewel bearing, and the base plate may secure the extension portion. Thus, the base plate secures the extension portion further toward the dial than the thrust jewel bearing, allowing the base plate to be positioned closer to the frame. Consequently, the rotor magnet can be positioned further away from the base plate.

[0121] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present invention, the base plate may have a fixing portion for fixing the frame body, and an opening may be formed in the base plate at a position of the fixing portion on a side closer to the rotor magnet.

[0122] Thus, the bottom plate has an opening formed at the position of the fixed portion on the rotor magnet side, thereby preventing the bottom plate and the rotor magnet from being positioned close to each other at the position of the fixed portion on the rotor magnet side.

Claims

1. An electronically controlled mechanical clock, characterized in that: The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprises: a rotor having a rotating shaft, a pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft and to which torque from the mainspring is transmitted, and a rotor magnet attached to the rotating shaft, wherein the rotor is rotated by the torque; a generator having a coil and a stator, and generating electricity by the rotation of the rotor; and a bottom plate formed of a magnetic material, having a surface facing the stator and supporting the rotating shaft of the rotor; When viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the center line of the stator is arranged closer to the opposing surface than the center line of the rotor magnet, the center line of the stator passes through the center of the stator's dimension along the axial direction, and the center line of the rotor magnet passes through the center of the rotor magnet's dimension along the axial direction.

2. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 1, wherein: In the cross-sectional view, the rotor magnet and the stator are arranged at positions where they at least partially overlap in the axial direction, and The rotor magnet has a first surface close to the bottom plate. In the axial direction, the center line of the stator is arranged closer to the opposing surface than the first surface of the rotor magnet.

3. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 2, wherein: In the cross-sectional view, the rotor magnet and the stator overlap by 35% or more of a height dimension of the rotor magnet.

4. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 3, wherein: In the cross-sectional view, the rotor magnet and the stator overlap by 50% or more of a height dimension of the rotor magnet.

5. An electronically controlled mechanical clock, characterized in that: The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece comprises: a dial, which has a front and a back; a bottom plate, which is arranged on the reverse side of the dial and is formed to contain a magnetic material; a rotor having: a rotating shaft having tenons at both ends; a pinion gear provided on the rotating shaft to which torque from the mainspring is transmitted; and a rotor magnet mounted on the rotating shaft, the rotor being arranged on the side of the base plate opposite to the dial and being rotated by the torque; and The bearing comprises: a frame, the frame being fixed to the base plate and formed of a non-magnetic material; a through-hole jewel bearing, the through-hole jewel bearing being fixed to the frame, a shaft tenon of the rotating shaft being inserted through the through-hole jewel bearing; a thrust jewel bearing, the thrust jewel bearing being arranged on the inner side of the frame; and a pressing spring for pressing the thrust jewel bearing, wherein the bearing axially supports the shaft tenon. The frame is fixed to the base plate relative to the rotor magnet at a position closer to the dial than the through-hole jewel bearing when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

6. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 5, wherein: The frame has an extension portion, and when viewed in cross section, the extension portion extends further toward the dial than the thrust jewel bearing. The bottom plate fixes the extension portion.

7. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The bottom plate has a fixing portion for fixing the frame. The bottom plate has an opening formed at a position of the fixing portion on the rotor magnet side.

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