Electronic timepiece

Abstract

An electronic timepiece is provided with: a first light detection unit and a second light detection unit that detect external light; a first mechanism that restricts the amount of external light detected by the first light detection unit; and a second mechanism, which is a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the second light detection unit, and which has a structure different from that of the first mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in watches that rotate hands to display the time, when the watch is subjected to a strong magnetic field or a strong shock, the hand drive system sometimes malfunctions and the actual hand position deviates from the hand position recognized by the control unit.

[0003] In order to detect such deviation of the needle position, the following clock with a needle position detection function is known: for example, a through hole for transmitting light is provided on a plurality of gears that constitute a wheel train mechanism for driving the pointer to rotate and rotate in conjunction with the pointer, and the overlapping state of the through holes at a predetermined position is detected by various light receiving elements, thereby confirming that the needle position is configured at a specific time position.

[0004] Hand position detection is generally performed by detecting light from a light source such as an LED provided in a device such as a clock. However, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-066054, there is also known a technology for detecting hand position using external light (natural light).

[0005] When using external light (natural light) to detect the position of the hand, in order to obtain accurate detection results, it is preferred that a detection unit such as a light receiving element detect only light incident as vertically as possible relative to the display surface (visible side) of the clock. In addition, it is preferred to detect the illumination environment in the device and perform the needle position detection corresponding to the detection result. It is also desirable to detect the illumination environment by detecting only vertically incident light as much as possible.

[0006] However, the timepiece described in Patent Document 1 does not include a means for preventing light from entering from an oblique direction. Therefore, it is difficult to perform high-precision hand position detection corresponding to the illumination environment. Summary of the invention

[0007] An electronic timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] A first light detection unit and a second light detection unit for detecting external light;

[0009] a first mechanism that limits the amount of external light detected by the first light detection portion; and

[0010] The second mechanism is a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the second light detection unit, and has a different structure from the first mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a front view schematically showing the timepiece according to the present embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the main parts schematically showing the relationship between the gear train mechanism and the plate-like member and the detection section when the light-transmitting section for needle position detection is in a penetrating state.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts schematically showing the relationship between the plate-shaped member and the reference illuminance detection unit in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 1 is a plan view of main parts showing an example of a reference illuminance detection unit.

[0015] Figure 5 is shown with Figure 4 A plan view of the main parts of an example of a through hole corresponding to the reference illuminance detection portion shown.

[0016] Figure 6 It is schematically indicated Figure 5 The through holes shown are Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the main parts showing the relationship between the reference illuminance detection unit and the like.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts schematically showing the relationship between the plate-like member and the reference illuminance detection unit when a through hole having the same size as the through hole for needle position detection is provided.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts schematically showing the relationship between the reference illuminance detection unit and the plate-like member etc. in one modification.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a schematic front view of the clock showing the positional relationship between the moving range of each hand and the reference illuminance detection unit.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a top view showing a modified example of the pointer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 7 etc., an embodiment of the electronic timepiece of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “timepiece 100 ”) will be described.

[0022] In addition, in the embodiment described below, various technically preferred limitations are added in order to implement the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment and the illustrated examples.

[0023] [structure]

[0024] Figure 11 is a main part front view showing the main part appearance of the clock of this embodiment. Figure 1 Each component is schematically shown in the figure, and does not represent the exact arrangement of each component.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the clock 100 of this embodiment has a plurality of hands (hereinafter referred to as "hands 3"), and is an analog clock in which, for example, the hands 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h described later) appropriately indicate the time scale 102 arranged along the circumference of the clock 100 to display the time. In addition, hereinafter, when simply referred to as "hands 3", it includes the second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, and hour hand 3h.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment, among the hands 3, the second hand 3s is the longest, followed by the minute hand 3m, and the hour hand 3h is the shortest. On the other hand, among the three hands, the second hand 3s is the thinnest, and the minute hand 3m and the hour hand 3h are relatively wide. Figure 1 In the figure, the rearward portion of each needle 3 relative to the pointer shaft 31s, 31m, 31h is defined as the tail portion 38s, 38m, 38h, respectively.

[0027] A plurality of hands 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h) are mounted on pointer shafts 31s, 31m, 31h, respectively. The pointer shafts 31s, 31m, 31h are shafts with a common rotation center, and are driven to rotate around the shafts by a driving mechanism assembled to the main plate 1 as the bottom plate, the plate-like member 2, etc. The plate-like member 2 is, for example, a wheel train support member.

[0028] Each driving mechanism includes a motor 32 and a gear train mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor 32 to the needle 3 (the pointer shaft 31s, 31m, 31h on which the needle 3 is installed). The gear train mechanism is composed of a plurality of gears 37. All or part of the motor 32 and the gear 37 constituting the driving mechanism are arranged on the upper side (visible side) compared to the plate-like member 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, at least the plate-like member 2 and the gear 37 are formed of a metal material that does not transmit light, a resin material that is not transparent, or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, the plate-like member 2, the gear 37, etc. are preferably arranged so that as little gap as possible is formed therebetween during installation so as to minimize the external light from an oblique direction from reaching the interior (particularly the needle position detection unit 5 and the reference illuminance detection unit 6 described later).

[0030] Each hand 3 is provided with an independent driving mechanism, and each pointer shaft 31s, 31m, 31h rotates for each hand 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h). In addition, for example, the three hands 3 may be driven by two motors 32, namely, a motor 32 driving the second hand 3s and a motor 32 driving the minute hand 3m and the hour hand 3h.

[0031] The plurality of needles 3 , a driving mechanism for rotationally driving the needles 3 , the main board 1 , the plate-like member 2 , and the like are accommodated in the device housing 101 .

[0032] In addition, in the present embodiment, the main plate 1 is configured not to cover the front side (visible side) of the watch, but the shape and structure of the main plate 1 are not limited to the example shown in the figure. Figure 1 In the figure, components which are covered by the main board 1 and are not actually visible are indicated by dotted lines.

[0033] Furthermore, the timepiece 100 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of hand position detection units 5 (a second hand position detection unit 5s, a minute hand position detection unit 5m, an hour hand position detection unit 5h) arranged corresponding to the plurality of hands 3, respectively (see Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 ) In addition, when only the "hand position detection unit 5" is mentioned below, these second hand position detection unit 5s, minute hand position detection unit 5m, and hour hand position detection unit 5h are included.

[0034] The hand position detection unit 5 (second hand position detection unit 5s, minute hand position detection unit 5m, hour hand position detection unit 5h) is composed of, for example, a phototransistor. The hand position detection unit 5 is not limited to a phototransistor as long as it can detect external light.

[0035] The hand position detection unit 5 (second hand position detection unit 5s, minute hand position detection unit 5m, hour hand position detection unit 5h) is a "first light detection unit" that is arranged below the plate-like component 2 and detects external light incident from the "first hole" provided in the "first area" of the plate-like component 2.

[0036] Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of the gear train mechanism and the relationship between the plate-like member and the needle position detection unit when the light-transmitting portion for needle position detection of the needle position detection unit is in a through state. Figure 2 In the above description, the direction in which external light enters from the display surface side (visible side) of the timepiece 100 toward the inside of the timepiece 100 is referred to as “incident direction Z of external light”.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a through hole 25 serving as a “first hole” is formed in the “first region Ar1” of the plate-like member 2. Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , the diameter (opening width) of the through hole 25 is referred to as “size Wα”.

[0038] The needle position detection unit 5 as the "first light detection unit" is arranged below the plate-like member 2 (below the incident direction Z of the external light) and at a position corresponding to the through hole 25. The needle position detection unit 5 is arranged on the substrate 7 (see Figure 2 etc.)

[0039] A through hole ( ) penetrating in the thickness direction of the timepiece 100 is provided in all or part of the gear 37 constituting the gear train mechanism corresponding to each needle 3, that is, the gear 37 arranged on the upper side (upper side in the incident direction Z of the external light) of the plate-like member 2. Figure 2 Specifically, the gear 37 disposed at a position corresponding to the “first region Ar1” of the plate-like component 2 and on the upper side of the incident direction Z of the external light relative to the “first light detection unit”, i.e., the needle position detection unit 5, forms a “second hole”, i.e., the through hole 371, through which the external light incident on the “first hole” (through hole 25) passes. In addition, the “first region Ar1” is an area surrounding the “first light detection unit”, i.e., the needle position detection unit 5, and corresponding to the gear 37 constituting the gear train mechanism corresponding to each needle 3. In addition, in the present embodiment, the gear 37 formed with the through hole 371 is a “first non-transmitting component” disposed at a position corresponding to the “first region Ar1” of the plate-like component 2 and having a “second hole”, i.e., the through hole 371, through which the external light incident on the “first hole” (through hole 25) passes.

[0040] That is, the gear 37 formed with the through hole 371 is rotated by the drive of the motor 32, so that the through hole 371 is arranged at a position corresponding to the through hole 25 within a predetermined period (i.e., once during the period when the needle 3 rotates one circle (clockwise rotation)). As a result, the positions of the "first hole" formed in the plate-like member 2, i.e., the through hole 25, and the "second hole" formed in the through hole 371 are aligned, forming a light-transmitting portion 35 (light-transmitting portions 35s, 35m, 35h) that penetrates the timepiece 100 in the thickness direction (the incident direction Z of the external light). Figure 1 ).

[0041] Thus, in the present embodiment, the gear 37 having the through hole 371 limits the amount of external light detected by the "first light detection unit", i.e., the needle position detection unit 5. Specifically, the through hole 371 formed in the gear 37 is the "second hole" through which the external light incident on the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, passes, and the gear 37 having the through hole 371 is the "first aperture mechanism" in the present embodiment.

[0042] When the light-transmitting portion 35 (light-transmitting portions 35s, 35m, 35h) is formed by the through hole 25 as the “first hole” and the through hole 371 as the “second hole”, the needle position detector 5 detects external light incident from the light-transmitting portion 35 (light-transmitting portions 35s, 35m, 35h).

[0043] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the timepiece 100 includes the reference illuminance detection unit 6 .

[0044] The reference illuminance detection unit 6 detects the degree of external light (natural light, etc.) in the place where the clock 100 is placed. Although not shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the control unit (CPU) performs hand position detection by the hand position detection unit 5 based on the detection result of the reference illuminance detection unit 6. Specifically, based on the illuminance (illuminance environment) detected by the reference illuminance detection unit 6, the control unit (CPU) sets a threshold value when the hand position detection unit 5 performs detection.

[0045] The reference illuminance detection unit 6 is a "second light detection unit" that is arranged at a lower side (lower side in the incident direction Z of external light) than the plate-like member 2 and detects external light incident from the "third hole" provided in the "second area Ar2" (an area different from the "first area Ar1" provided with the needle position detection unit 5) of the plate-like member 2. The reference illuminance detection unit 6 is arranged on the substrate 7 (reference Figure 3 etc.)

[0046] In addition, a plurality of plate-like members 2 may be provided. For example, the plate-like member corresponding to the "first area Ar1" and the plate-like member corresponding to the "second area Ar2" may be different.

[0047] The reference illuminance detection unit 6 is preferably arranged to avoid being directly below the shadow of the needle 3 or being affected by the shadow as much as possible. For example, when the needle 3 is reset to zero and the needle 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h) is located at a predetermined time position (such as the 12 o'clock position, etc.), it is arranged at a position where the upper part will not be blocked by the needle 3. In addition, as mentioned above, the hour hand 3h is a needle 3 with a wide width and a short length. Even if it is not blocked from the upper part, it is likely to form a shadow in a wide range within its rotation range (movement range). Furthermore, the time required for the hour hand 3h to rotate one circle is the longest among the three needles 3, and the time it stays at the same position is long. Therefore, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is preferably arranged at a position outside the moving range of the hour hand 3h from the front end to the tail 38h.

[0048] In contrast, the second hand 3s and the minute hand 3m are longer than the hour hand 3h and have a wider range of movement, so it is difficult to configure the reference illuminance detection unit 6 to avoid the entire range of movement. In addition, compared with the hour hand 3h, the time required for one rotation is also shorter, and the time spent in the same position is shorter. In addition, in particular, a relatively thin needle is often used for the second hand 3s. However, in this case, the width of the tail 38s, 38m of each hand 3 is often wider. Therefore, it is preferred that the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is at least arranged at a position outside the range of movement of the tails 38s, 38m of the second hand 3s and the minute hand 3m.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts schematically showing the relationship between the plate-shaped member and the reference illuminance detection section.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a through hole 21 which is a “third hole” is formed in the “second region Ar2 ” of the plate-like member 2 .

[0051] The “second light detection unit”, namely the reference illuminance detection unit 6 , is disposed below the plate-like member 2 (on the lower side in the incident direction Z of the external light) and at a position corresponding to the through hole 21 .

[0052] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the "second area Ar2" corresponding to the reference illuminance detection unit 6 in the plate-like member 2 is not provided with a structure that can obtain a through state and a non-through state by the movement of the "predetermined operating member", i.e., the gear 37, as the light-transmitting portion 35 (35s, 35m, 35h) corresponding to the hand position detection unit 5 (the second hand position detection unit 5s, the minute hand position detection unit 5m, and the hour hand position detection unit 5h). Therefore, the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21, functions as an opening that always penetrates and takes in external light.

[0053] The reference illuminance detection unit 6 is composed of, for example, a phototransistor. In addition, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 can be any type as long as it can detect external light, and is not limited to a phototransistor.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the “third hole”, i.e., the through hole 21 of the plate-like member 2, is a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the “second light detection unit”, i.e., the reference illuminance detection unit 6, i.e., a “second aperture mechanism” having a structure different from the “first aperture mechanism” constituted by the gear 37. That is, the “third hole”, i.e., the through hole 21, is formed to be smaller in size than the “first hole”, i.e., the through hole 25, corresponding to the needle position detection unit 5.

[0055] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter (opening width) of the through hole 21 is defined as “dimension Wβ”. Figure 2 The "first hole" shown, that is, the "size Wα" of the through hole 25 is small. In addition, it can be appropriately set to what extent the "size Wα" of the through hole 25 is set, and to what extent the "size Wβ" of the through hole 21 is smaller than the "size Wα". In this embodiment, by reducing the "size Wβ" of the through hole 21 in this way, the amount of external light that passes through the through hole 21 and is detected by the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is limited.

[0056] In addition, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 has the following Figure 4 In the case of the non-detection portion 65 in which electrodes etc. are arranged in the center and which does not detect light, if the diameter (opening width) of the through hole 21 is reduced to the “size Wβ”, light may not be sufficiently detected.

[0057] So, for example, Figure 5As shown, as the "third hole" provided in the "second area Ar2" corresponding to the reference illuminance detection section 6, a plurality of through holes 21a (four in the example shown) smaller than the "size Wα" of the through hole 25 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the non-detection section 65 when viewed from the visible direction of the timepiece 100 (the incident direction Z of the external light). In this case, at least two through holes 21a among the plurality of through holes 21a are provided at positions that are point-symmetrical from a position corresponding to the center position of the non-detection section 65. Figure 6 It is schematically indicated Figure 5 The through holes shown are Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the main parts showing the relationship between the reference illuminance detection unit and the like.

[0058] In this case, it is preferable that the amount of external light incident from the plurality of through-holes 21 a is substantially balanced with the amount of external light incident from the through-hole 25 , which is the “first hole”.

[0059] When a plurality of through holes 21a are provided, the through holes 21a are preferably arranged to avoid the non-detection portion 65 and surround the non-detection portion 65 within a range not too close to the edge of the reference illuminance detection portion 6. The arrangement and number of the through holes 21a are not limited to the illustrated example.

[0060] Furthermore, the through hole 21 or 21a as the "third hole" preferably has the following structure: the inner side thereof is black, or the entire plate-like member 2 or at least the periphery of the through hole 21 or 21a is formed of a black member, so that the reflection of light is suppressed on the inner side of the through hole 21 or 21a. Furthermore, the through hole 35 corresponding to the needle position detection unit 5 may also have the same structure on the inner side. There is no particular limitation on the method of making the inner side of the through hole 21 or the like black. For example, it is conceivable to plate it black by various methods or to paint it with a black paint.

[0061] This can suppress light reflected on the inner side surface of the through hole 21. The color of the inner side surface of the through hole 21 is not limited to black. Any color other than black can be used as long as it can suppress light reflection.

[0062] To obtain accurate detection results when hand position detection is performed using external light (natural light), it is preferred that the hand position detection unit 5 and the reference illuminance detection unit 6 detect only light incident as perpendicularly as possible on the display surface (visible surface) of the watch.

[0063] Regarding this, Figure 2As shown, when the light incident on the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, is reduced by the "second hole", i.e., the through hole 371, of the "first non-transmissive member", i.e., the gear 37, which is arranged on the upper side of the plate-like member 2 in the incident direction Z of the external light, the expansion of the light (external light) incident on the needle position detection unit 5 through the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, and the "second hole", i.e., the through hole 371, is about 20 degrees. Therefore, the light incident on the needle position detection unit 5 through the through hole 25 and the through hole 371 can be reduced to light (external light) incident almost perpendicularly to the display surface (visible side surface) of the clock 100, and the light incident from the oblique direction can be prevented.

[0064] In contrast, Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the main parts schematically showing the relationship between the plate-like component and the reference illumination detection section when a through hole having a diameter (opening width) equal to that of the through hole 25 (i.e., "size Wα") is provided in the "second area Ar2" corresponding to the reference illumination detection section 6.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, in this case, Figure 2 Unlike the through hole 25 shown in the figure, there is no structure to reduce the light incident on the through hole 21b. Therefore, the light (external light) incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 through the through hole 21b is expanded to about 95 degrees, and the light (external light) incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 from all directions including the light from the oblique direction is formed.

[0066] In this state where light (external light) is incident from all directions, the level of external light (illuminance environment) as the detection result obtained by the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is too high, and the control unit (CPU) cannot set the threshold value for detection by the needle position detection unit 5 to an appropriate value.

[0067] Regarding this, Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown in the figures, when the "third hole" is set to a hole with a size smaller than the through hole 25, such as the through hole 21 and the through hole 21a, the incidence of light other than the light perpendicularly incident on the display surface (visible side) of the clock 100 can be suppressed as much as possible, and appropriate detection results can be obtained by the reference illuminance detection unit 6.

[0068] [effect]

[0069] Next, the operation of the timepiece 100 according to the present embodiment, in particular, the hand position detection method will be described in detail.

[0070] When the needle position is detected, first, all the needles 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h) are reset to the 12 o'clock position. In addition, all the needles 3 only need to be arranged at the same position and are not necessarily limited to the 12 o'clock position.

[0071] In this embodiment, in a state where all the needles 3 are arranged at the same position, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is arranged at a position where the upper side is not blocked by the needles 3. Before the needle position detection is performed, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 measures (detects) the external light incident from the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21. At this time, the upper side of the reference illuminance detection unit 6 (the upper side in the incident direction Z of the external light) is not blocked by the needles 3, so the detection operation is not hindered.

[0072] The detection result of the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is obtained by the control unit (CPU), and the control unit (CPU) determines whether the illuminance is too high or too low to be suitable for needle position detection based on the detection result of the reference illuminance detection unit 6. For example, when the place where the clock 100 is placed is a dark room, it is difficult for sufficient external light to enter, and the illumination required to obtain accurate (reliable) detection results cannot be obtained. In addition, on the contrary, when the clock 100 is located outdoors on a sunny day, even if external light is incident from a tiny gap outside the light-transmitting portion 35 in a through state, it is possible to detect high-illuminance external light when the light-transmitting portion 35 is not in a through state. In this case, accurate (reliable) detection results cannot be obtained.

[0073] Furthermore, an environment in which the hand position detection can be performed well is a case in which the external environment in which the timepiece 100 is placed has an illuminance of 500 Lx or more to about 50,000 Lx.

[0074] Therefore, the control unit (CPU) determines that the illumination is too high and not suitable for needle position detection when the illumination detected by the reference illumination detection unit 6 exceeds 50,000 Lx, for example, and determines that the illumination is too low and not suitable for needle position detection when it is less than 500 Lx, for example.

[0075] When the control unit (CPU) determines that the illumination is not too high or too low to be suitable for needle position detection based on the detection result of the reference illumination detection unit 6, the control unit (CPU) sets the threshold value for detection by the needle position detection unit 5 based on the detected illumination.

[0076] For example, when the detected illuminance is low, a lower threshold is set so that even a relatively low illuminance is detected as the incidence of external light. In addition, for example, when the detected illuminance is relatively high, a higher threshold is set so that when a certain degree of high illuminance is detected, the incidence of external light is detected. In addition, the threshold setting can be set at any stage. For example, the threshold can be set in three stages: low illuminance (for example, 500Lx to less than 2000Lx), high illuminance (for example, 10000Lx to 50000Lx), and medium illuminance (for example, 2000Lx to less than 10000Lx). The threshold levels can also be divided more finely.

[0077] In addition, when the level of the threshold is strict (i.e., when a high threshold is set), even if external light is actually incident, it may not be detected as incident. On the contrary, when the level of the threshold is low (i.e., when a low threshold is set), even if the light-transmitting portion 35 is not in a through state and it should not be judged that external light above the threshold is detected, it is possible to detect external light exceeding the threshold. The setting level of the threshold is a matter of appropriate decision, but for example, it is preferable to set the threshold low first, and when external light above the threshold cannot be properly detected, the level of the threshold is corrected and reset in a strict direction as described later.

[0078] In this embodiment, in order to enable the reference illuminance detection unit 6 to obtain an appropriate detection result, the size of the "third hole" corresponding to the reference illuminance detection unit 6, that is, the through hole 21, is reduced, and light of the same amount as the external light detected in the needle position detection unit 5 is allowed to enter from the "third hole", that is, the through hole 21. Therefore, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 detects external light under the same conditions as the detection conditions in the needle position detection unit 5, and can accurately grasp the illumination environment.

[0079] Thus, even when the needle position is detected based on external light without providing an LED, etc., a highly reliable detection result can be obtained. In addition, the need to reset the threshold level can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0080] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is provided with: a "first light detection unit" for detecting external light, namely the needle position detection unit 5, and a "second light detection unit", namely the reference illuminance detection unit 6; a gear 37 as a "first aperture mechanism", which limits the amount of external light detected by the needle position detection unit 5; and a through hole 21 as a "second aperture mechanism" (in the present embodiment, the through hole 21 is smaller in size than the through hole 25), which is a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the reference illuminance detection unit 6 and has a different structure from the "first aperture mechanism".

[0081] Thus, when the needle position is detected using external light, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 detects external light under the same conditions as those of the needle position detection unit 5 and can accurately grasp the illuminance environment. Therefore, a highly reliable detection result can be obtained.

[0082] Specifically, the timepiece 100 of this embodiment comprises: a plate-like member 2; a needle position detection unit 5 as a "first light detection unit", which is arranged at a position lower than the plate-like member 2 (lower side of the incident direction of external light) and detects external light incident from a "first hole" or a through hole 25 provided in a "first area Ar1" of the plate-like member 2; a "first non-transmissive member" or a gear 37, which is arranged at an upper side of the incident direction Z of the external light than the needle position detection unit 5 and is aligned with the "first area Ar1" of the plate-like member 2. " Corresponding to the position of ", there is a "second hole", i.e., a through hole 371, for allowing the external light incident on the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, to pass; and a reference illuminance detection unit 6 as a "second light detection unit", which is arranged at a position lower than the plate-like part 2 in the incident direction Z of the external light, to detect the external light incident from the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21, provided in the "second area Ar2" of the plate-like part 2, the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21, being formed to be smaller in size than the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25 (Wα>Wβ).

[0083] With such a configuration, light of the same amount as the external light detected by the needle position detection unit 5 enters from the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21. Therefore, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 detects external light under the same conditions as those detected by the needle position detection unit 5, and can accurately grasp the illuminance environment.

[0084] Thus, even when the needle position is detected based on external light without providing an LED, etc., a highly reliable detection result can be obtained. In addition, the need to reset the threshold level can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0085] The “third hole” for passing the external light incident on the “second light detection unit”, namely the reference illuminance detection unit 6 , may be formed by a plurality of holes, namely through holes 21 a , having a smaller diameter than the “first hole”, namely the through hole 25 .

[0086] In this case, even in a case where a non-detection portion 65 is provided in the central portion of the reference illuminance detection portion 6, external light can be incident without entering the non-detection portion 65, and the size of the "third hole" can be made smaller than the size of the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, to reduce the external light, and ensure a sufficient amount of light required for detection.

[0087] The plate-like member 2 of the present embodiment is a train wheel support member in which a drive mechanism such as a train wheel mechanism is incorporated.

[0088] Therefore, the through hole 25 as the “first hole” and the through hole 21 as the “third hole” can be formed using components originally provided in the timepiece 100 .

[0089] Therefore, the present structure can be realized without increasing the number of parts.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is preferred that at least the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21 or the through hole 21a, has a structure on its inner side surface that suppresses light reflection. Specifically, the structure for suppressing light reflection is to plate the inner side surface with black or other materials, or to apply a coating such as black or other materials, or to form components around the through hole 21 or the through hole 21a with materials such as black that do not reflect light.

[0091] This can prevent light from being reflected by the inner side surfaces of the through-hole 21 or the through-hole 21 a and from being incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 .

[0092] The reference illuminance detection unit 6 as the “second light detection unit” of the present embodiment is disposed at a position where the upper side is not blocked by the needle 3 when the needle 3 is reset to zero and located at a predetermined time position (eg, 12 o'clock position).

[0093] Thus, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 is disposed at a position where it is not affected by the shadow of the needle 3 as much as possible, thereby avoiding a situation where the external light cannot be detected due to the shadow of the needle 3 .

[0094] in addition, Fig. 9 : is a schematic front view of a clock schematically showing the moving range of the hour hand from the front end to the tail end and the moving range of the second hand and the tail end of the minute hand. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the moving range of the tip of the hour hand 3h is indicated by a thick dashed line, and the moving range of the tail 38h of the hour hand 3h is indicated by a thin dashed line. In addition, the moving range of the tail 38m of the minute hand 3m is indicated by a double-dashed line, and the moving range of the tail 38s of the second hand 3s is indicated by a dashed line. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , illustration of components other than the hands 3 (second hand 3s, minute hand 3m, hour hand 3h), the device case 101 of the timepiece 100, and the hour marker 102 is omitted.

[0095] The timepiece 100 of this embodiment includes a second hand 3s, a minute hand 3m, and an hour hand 3h that are driven to rotate around the pointer shafts 31s, 31m, and 31h. Fig. 9 As shown, the reference illuminance detection unit 6 as the "second light detection unit" is arranged at a position outside the moving range from the front end to the tail 38h of the hour hand 3h, and is arranged at a position outside the moving range of the tails 38s and 38m of the second hand 3s and minute hand 3m.

[0096] Thereby, in particular, the influence of the hour hand 3h which has a wide width and stays at the same position for a long time can be minimized.

[0097] In addition, even the second hand 3s and the minute hand 3m, which are mostly relatively thin hands, often have wide widths of the tails 38s and 38m. In this regard, by arranging the reference illuminance detection unit 6 at a position outside the moving range of the tails 38s and 38m, it is possible to prevent the detection of external light from being blocked by being hidden under the tails 38s and 38m or by the shadows of the tails 38s and 38m.

[0098] As described above, by studying how to avoid the influence of the shadow of the needle 3, if the influence of the shadow of the needle 3 is suppressed to a minimum, the flexible design load that should consider the influence of the shadow of the needle 3 is reduced. In addition, by optimizing the detection result of the reference illumination detection unit 6, an appropriate threshold value can be set for needle position detection, the needle position detection can be completed in the shortest time, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0099] [Modifications]

[0100] In addition, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0101] For example, Figure 8 As shown, a "third hole", i.e., a through hole 21c, is provided in the "second area Ar2" of the plate-like member 2, and a "fourth hole", i.e., through holes 41, 11, is provided in the "second non-transparent member" to allow the external light incident on the through hole 21c to pass. In addition, a reference illuminance detection unit 6 is provided as a "second light detection unit", which is arranged at a position lower than the plate-like member 2 and the "second non-transparent member" in the incident direction Z of the external light, and detects the external light incident through the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21c, and the "fourth hole", i.e., the through holes 41, 11, so that the amount of external light incident on the "first light detection unit", i.e., the needle position detection unit 5, from the "first hole", i.e., the through hole 25, and the "second hole", i.e., the through hole 371 is substantially the same as the amount of external light incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 as the "second light detection unit" through the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21c, and the "fourth hole", i.e., the through holes 41, 11.

[0102] The “second non-transmitting component” is, for example, Figure 8 The "second non-transparent component" may also be a component other than the above, and the "second non-transparent component" with the "fourth hole" may be only one of the date wheel pressure plate 4 and the main board 1a, or may be three or more components other than the above.

[0103] In this case, the light incident on the "third hole", i.e., the through hole 21c, provided on the plate-like component 2 can be reduced by the "second non-transparent component", i.e., the date wheel pressure plate 4, which is arranged on the upper side of the plate-like component 2 in the incident direction Z of the external light, and the "fourth hole", i.e., the through holes 41 and 11 provided on the main board 1a.

[0104] In this case, the "fourth hole", i.e., the through holes 41, 11, provided in the "second non-transparent component", i.e., the date wheel pressure plate 4, and the main board 1a, constitutes a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the reference illuminance detection unit 6, i.e., a "second aperture mechanism" having a structure different from that of the "first aperture mechanism".

[0105] By setting such a structure, even when the size of the "third hole" or through hole 21c is set to the same level as that of the "first hole" or through hole 25, the light (external light) incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 through the "third hole" or through hole 21c and the "fourth hole" or through holes 41 and 11 spreads as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the spread of the external light incident on the “first light detection unit”, that is, the needle position detection unit 5 is about 20 degrees.

[0106] Thus, the light incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 through the through hole 21c and the through holes 41 and 11 can be reduced to light (external light) that is incident almost perpendicularly to the display surface (visible side surface) of the clock 100, thereby preventing the incidence of light from an oblique direction and making it the same as the amount of light incident on the needle position detection unit 5.

[0107] In this case, at least the third hole 21c and the fourth hole 41, 11 preferably have a structure for suppressing light reflection on their inner side surfaces. The structure for suppressing light reflection is the same as the structure described above with respect to the through hole 21 and the like.

[0108] This can prevent light from being reflected on the inner side surfaces of the through-hole 21 c and the through-holes 41 and 11 and from being incident on the reference illuminance detection unit 6 .

[0109] In this case, the second non-transparent member, i.e., the date wheel pressing plate 4, which is the upper side of the external light incident direction Z of the reference illuminance detection section 6 as the second light detection section, and the fourth hole, i.e., the through holes 41 and 11 in the main board 1a, may also be thick-walled. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the periphery of the through hole 11 forms the thick wall portion 11a. In addition, a thick wall portion may be provided around the through hole 41.

[0110] As a result, it is more difficult for light from an oblique direction to enter the “fourth hole” and the “third hole” arranged therebelow, that is, the through hole 21 c , and it can be expected that the reference illuminance detection unit 6 can detect external light appropriately.

[0111] For example, when the hands 3 are provided to be rotationally driven around the pointer shafts 31s, 31m, and 31h as in the above-described embodiment, a light-transmitting portion that transmits light may be provided on at least the minute hand 3m and the hour hand 3h.

[0112] Fig.10 It is a main part plan view showing an example of the needle 3 provided with a light-transmitting portion.

[0113] like Fig.10 As shown, in this case, a part or the whole of the minute hand 3m and the hour hand 3h is formed as a light-transmitting portion 30m, 30h that transmits light.

[0114] The light-transmitting portions 30m and 30h may be cutout portions or light-transmitting portions formed of transparent resin components, etc. In addition, when formed of transparent resin components, etc., the entire needle 3 or at least the portion that affects the detection of external light by the reference illuminance detection unit 6 may be formed as a relatively wide transparent light-transmitting portion.

[0115] When a part or the whole of the minute hand 3m and the hour hand 3h is provided with a light-transmitting portion 30m, 30h, even if the hand 3 is arranged on the upper side of the reference illuminance detection portion 6 serving as the "second light detection portion" (the upper side of the incident direction Z of the external light), the detection of the external light will not be hindered, and stable external light detection can be performed.

[0116] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. An electronic clock, characterized in that: have: A first light detection unit and a second light detection unit for detecting external light; a first mechanism that limits the amount of external light detected by the first light detection portion; and The second mechanism is a mechanism for limiting the amount of external light detected by the second light detection unit, and has a different structure from the first mechanism.

2. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: A plate-shaped member having a first hole in a first region and a third hole in a second region; and a first non-transmitting member disposed at a position corresponding to the first region of the plate-like member and having a second hole through which external light incident on the first hole passes; The first light detection unit is disposed at a lower side than the plate-shaped member and the first non-transmitting member in the incident direction of the external light, and detects external light incident from a first hole provided in a first area of ​​the plate-shaped member. The second light detection unit is disposed below the plate-shaped member in the incident direction of the external light, and detects the external light incident from the third hole provided in the second region of the plate-shaped member. The third hole is formed in a smaller size than the first hole.

3. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: A plate-shaped member having a first hole in a first region and a third hole in a second region; a first non-transmitting member disposed at a position corresponding to the first region of the plate-like member and having a second hole through which external light incident on the first hole passes; a second non-transmitting member having a fourth hole for passing external light incident on the third hole provided in the second region of the plate-shaped member, The first light detection unit is disposed below the plate-shaped member and the first non-transmitting member in the incident direction of the external light, and detects the external light incident from the first hole provided in the first area of ​​the plate-shaped member. The second light detection unit is arranged at a lower side than the plate-shaped member and the second non-transmitting member in the incident direction of the external light, and detects the external light incident from the third hole provided in the second region of the plate-shaped member. The size of the second hole and the size of the fourth hole are formed so that the amount of external light incident on the first light detection unit through the first hole and the second hole is substantially equal to the amount of external light incident on the second light detection unit through the third hole and the fourth hole.

4. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that: The third hole that allows the external light incident on the second light detection unit to pass therethrough is composed of a plurality of holes having a diameter smaller than that of the first hole.

5. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: At least the third hole is formed with a color that suppresses reflection of light on the inner side surface of the third hole.

6. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plate-shaped component is a train wheel supporting component.

7. The electronic timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that: The area around the fourth hole in the second non-transmitting member disposed on the upper side of the second light detection unit is formed into a thick wall portion.

8. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The second light detection unit is arranged at a position where the upper side is not blocked by the needle when the needle is reset to zero and located at a predetermined time position.

9. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The hour hand is driven to rotate around the axis. The second light detection unit is arranged outside the moving range of the tip portion of the hour hand.

10. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The second hand, minute hand and hour hand are driven to rotate around an axis. The second light detection unit is arranged outside the moving range of the tails of the second hand, the minute hand, and the hour hand.

11. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The minute and hour hands are driven to rotate around an axis. The minute hand and the hour hand are provided with light-transmitting portions that transmit light.

12. The electronic timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second light detection unit has a non-light detection area that cannot detect the external light. A plurality of holes having a diameter smaller than that of the first hole are provided at positions that do not overlap with the non-light detection area in the visible direction of the electronic timepiece.

13. The electronic timepiece according to claim 12, characterized in that: Two holes among the plurality of holes having a diameter smaller than that of the first hole are provided at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to a position corresponding to the center of the non-light detection region.

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