Electronic timepiece

Abstract

A control circuit (72) of the electronic timepiece (1) controls a month age plate rotation direction R, which is the rotation direction of the month age plate (42), and a month age plate rotation position (month age plate step position S), which is the rotation position of the month age plate (42), through a third actuator (72c). If the control circuit (72) determines that switching operation of the northern hemisphere display mode DN and the southern hemisphere display mode DS is performed by the operation unit, a monthly age difference between a current monthly age MR based on a current monthly age plate rotation position (a current monthly age plate step position SR) and a reference monthly age MB is set as a reference monthly age difference MD. A month-age plate (42) is driven to rotate step by step from the current month-age plate rotation position (current month-age plate step position SR) to a switched month-age plate rotation position (switched month-age plate step position SC) obtained by separating a reference month-age difference MD from the reference month-age MB to a side opposite to the current month-age MR side. The operation load of a control circuit during the switching operation of the semispherical display mode of the moon phase display part can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The watch has a time display unit and a moon phase display unit for displaying the waxing and waning of the moon, i.e., the moon phase, and provides the user with a moon phase display corresponding to the age of the moon at the current date and time. The moon phase display unit has an opening for a moon age plate formed on the dial, and a moon age plate for displaying the moon (full moon) and being driven to rotate, and the moon age plate rotates relative to the opening for the moon age plate in one direction, thereby displaying the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon.

[0003] Here, the change of the moon's gain and loss is different depending on the latitude of the current user, so the moon phase display of the corresponding watch is also different. Specifically, at the same date and time, the same longitude (specified moon age), the direction of the change of the moon phase display accompanying the passage of date and time is different. Therefore, depending on whether the user holding the watch is located in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere, the position and rotation direction of the moon age plate relative to the opening for the moon age plate are different. For example, when the watch moves from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere, the rotation direction of the moon age plate is changed from the rotation direction for the northern hemisphere to the rotation direction for the southern hemisphere, so that the moon age plate is rotated from the rotation position corresponding to the moon age for the northern hemisphere of the current date and time to the rotation position corresponding to the moon age for the southern hemisphere. In the existing watch, a watch in which the user manually changes the rotation direction of the moon age plate is provided (refer to patent documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-155747;

[0005] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-216547.

[0006] On the other hand, as a method for driving the moon age plate to rotate from one of the moon phases for the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere to a rotational position corresponding to the moon of the other when the clock moves from either the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere, it is considered to be performed by manually operating the clock by the user. However, the user knows the moon phase in the hemisphere after the movement, that is, the moon phase for the hemisphere after the movement, and manually operates the clock to rotate the moon age plate to the rotational position corresponding to the moon for the hemisphere after the movement, that is, the rotational position after the movement, so it is troublesome for the user, and it is preferred to automatically rotate the moon age plate to the rotational position after the movement, so it is expected to be automatically performed by an electronic watch. When the electronic watch switches the northern hemisphere display mode and the southern hemisphere display mode of the moon phase display part, the control circuit changes the rotation direction of the moon age plate and drives the moon age plate to rotate to the rotational position after the movement. In an electronic watch, low-power driving is desired. When the control circuit calculates the age of the moon for the moving rear hemisphere based on the current date and time and drives the moon age plate to rotate to a moved rotation position corresponding to the calculated age of the moon for the moving rear hemisphere as in Patent Document 1, the calculation of the age of the moon for the moving rear hemisphere is complicated and the computational load of the control circuit is high. Therefore, there is a problem of increased power consumption if high-load processing is performed each time the display mode is switched. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece capable of suppressing the calculation load of a control circuit when switching the display mode of a moon phase display portion.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the electronic watch in the present embodiment is characterized in that it comprises: a time display unit for displaying the time based on the internal time; a moon phase display unit having at least a moon age plate supported so as to rotate freely, and displaying the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon by rotating the above-mentioned moon age plate; an actuator for the moon age plate for driving the above-mentioned moon age plate and causing it to rotate; a control circuit for controlling the rotation direction of the moon age plate as the rotation direction of the above-mentioned moon age plate and the rotation position of the moon age plate as the rotation position of the above-mentioned moon age plate through the above-mentioned actuator for the moon age plate; and an operating unit for at least switching between a northern hemisphere display mode for displaying the moon phase in the northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere display mode for displaying the moon phase in the southern hemisphere. If the control circuit determines that the display mode switching operation has been performed through the operation unit, then, when the moon age difference between the current moon age based on the current moon age plate rotation position and the reference moon age is set as the reference moon age difference, the moon age plate is driven by the moon age plate actuator to rotate it from the current moon age plate rotation position to the switched moon age plate rotation position obtained by separating the reference moon age difference from the reference moon age to the side opposite to the current moon age, and the rotation direction of the moon age plate is set to the switched moon age plate rotation direction which is opposite to the current moon age plate rotation direction.

[0009] The electronic timepiece of the present invention has the effect of being able to suppress the calculation load of the control circuit when switching the display mode of the moon phase display portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of an electronic timepiece in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the moon phase display unit of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (northern hemisphere display mode).

[0012] Figure 3 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the moon phase display unit of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (southern hemisphere display mode).

[0013] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of a movement of an electronic watch in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the function display unit when the display mode is switched.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the function display unit when the display mode is switched.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation description of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation description of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation.

[0018] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart of the display mode switching operation of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation description of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation in the modification example.

[0020] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation description of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation in the modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited by the following embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include structures that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or substantially the same structures.

[0022] [Implementation Method]

[0023] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of an electronic timepiece in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the moon phase display unit of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (northern hemisphere display mode). Figure 3 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the moon phase display unit of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (southern hemisphere display mode). Figure 4 It is a block diagram of a movement of an electronic watch in the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the function display unit when the display mode is switched. Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the function display unit when the display mode is switched. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation description of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation. Figure 1 to Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8 (Include Fig.10 , Fig.11 ) is the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock directions of the electronic watch, the Y direction is the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock directions of the electronic watch, and the direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is the up and down direction (thickness direction) of the electronic watch. O1 is the center of the electronic watch 1 and coincides with the rotation axis of the pointer. In addition, the direction in the XY plane centered on O1 is called the radial direction.

[0024] The electronic watch 1 in the embodiment is an electronic watch that measures the internal time based on the output of the crystal oscillator and indicates the time after the measurement with a pointer 31. The electronic watch 1 may also be a multifunctional electronic watch that has functions such as an alarm clock and a chronometer in addition to measuring time. In addition, it may also be a terminal device-linked clock that is connected to an external terminal device by at least one of wireless or wired communication through a communication unit, and realizes specific functions (for example, an alarm clock function, a time correction function based on the internal time information of the terminal device, a notification function for notifying when receiving an email, etc.) based on the requirements set in the terminal device.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic watch 1 includes an outer casing 2, a time display section 3, a moon phase display section 4, a function display section 5, an operation section 6, and a movement 7. The electronic watch 1 in this embodiment is an analog electronic watch in which the time display section 3 is an analog display type, and is a moon phase watch in which the moon phase display section 4 displays the waxing and waning of the moon, i.e., the moon phase. The electronic watch 1 is described as a wristwatch type, but as long as it has the function of a moon phase watch, it can also be other clock types, such as a pocket watch type.

[0026] The outer shell 2 is the outermost shell of the electronic watch 1, and is composed of a shell 21, a frame 22, a windshield 23, and a back cover (not shown). The shell 21 has an opening, and the time display unit 3, the moon phase display unit 4, the function display unit 5, and the movement 7 are maintained in the internal space portion S1 corresponding to the space inside the opening. In the present embodiment, the shell 21 is annular, and the opening is a circular shape centered on the clock center O1 of the electronic watch 1. The shape of the opening can be set to any shape according to the outer shape and design of the outer shell 2 of the electronic watch 1. The shell 21 has a front tube 24 formed by protruding from the 12 o'clock direction and the 6 o'clock direction of the outer peripheral side. One end of the belt 8 is connected to the front tube 24 on the 12 o'clock side, and the other end of the belt 8 is connected to the front tube 24 on the 6 o'clock side.

[0027] The windshield 23 covers the upper opening on one side of the opening of the housing 21, and the back cover covers the lower opening on the other side. By fixing them respectively, the internal space S1 becomes a closed space, so that the time display unit 3, the moon phase display unit 4, the function display unit 5 and the movement 7 can be protected. When the windshield 23 and the back cover are fixed to the housing 21, waterproof components such as rubber pads, which are not shown, are respectively separated, so that the holding force can be improved, and the dustproof and waterproof properties of the electronic watch 1 can be improved. The housing 21 is formed of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, etc. The frame 22 is a component that fixes the windshield 23 to the housing 21, is formed in an annular shape, and is fixed to the annular portion of the housing 21 that constitutes the internal space S1. The frame 22 is located radially outside the time display unit 3. The frame 22 is formed of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, etc. In addition, the frame 22 can also be supported to rotate freely relative to the housing 21 with the clock center O1 of the electronic watch 1 as the center. The windshield 23 is shaped to cover the upper opening via the frame 22, is inserted from the upper side and fixed to the frame 22, and is fixed to the housing 21 via the frame 22 to close the internal space S1. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the windshield 23 when viewed from above is circular. The windshield 23 is formed of, for example, glass, a transparent resin material, etc. The back cover has a snap-fitting portion of substantially the same shape as the lower opening, is inserted from the lower side and fixed to the housing 21 to close the internal space S1. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the back cover is circular. The back cover is formed of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, etc., similar to the housing 21. In addition, if the frame 22 is not a rotating component, it may also be formed integrally with the housing 21.

[0028] The time display unit 3 displays the time based on the internal time. The time display unit 3 includes a pointer 31, a dial 32, a backing ring 33, and a calendar plate 34. The time display unit 3 in this embodiment displays the internal time (at least day information, hour information, minute information, and second information) measured by the control circuit 72 of the movement 7 described later, that is, displays the time.

[0029] The pointer 31 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 with the clock center O1 of the electronic watch 1 as the rotation axis, and is driven to rotate by the movement 7. The pointer 31 is in a rod shape and is formed of a metal material, a resin material, etc. In the present embodiment, the pointer 31 is a second hand 31a, a minute hand 31b, and an hour hand 31c, which are arranged on the upper side (windshield 23 side) of the dial 32. The pointer 31 is also rotated by the user's operation of the operating unit 6. The pointer 31 can display the time based on the internal time according to the indicated position.

[0030] The dial 32 is arranged between the pointer 31 and the movement 7 to protect the movement 7. The dial 32 has the function of providing the user with the beauty of the electronic watch 1. Time characters 321 and 322 are provided on the surface of the dial 32 (the side opposite to the windshield 23). That is, the time characters 321 and 322 are arranged to be opposite to the windshield 23 in the vertical direction, and can be visually recognized by the user through the windshield 23. The user can recognize the current time based on the time display by the relative positions of the pointer 31 (second hand 31a, minute hand 31b and hour hand 31c) and the time characters 321 and 322. The dial 32 is formed with an opening 323 for the calendar plate to allow the user to visually recognize the calendar plate 34 through the windshield 23. The opening 323 for the calendar plate is formed at a position opposite to the calendar plate 34 in the vertical direction of the dial 32, and penetrates the dial 32 from top to bottom. The opening 323 for the calendar plate in this embodiment is rectangular and is formed at the "4 o'clock" position in the dial 32.

[0031] The backing ring 33 is arranged radially outside the dial 32. The backing ring 33 is formed in a ring shape and is arranged radially outside the front end of the pointer 31. In addition, the time display section 3 can display information such as setting information corresponding to a function different from the time display function. Examples of the information display include ON / OFF setting of the alarm function, set time of the alarm, chronograph display, time zone display, display related to the reception operation, setting display of daylight saving time, etc. In this case, function marks not shown in the figure are provided on the dial 32 and the backing ring 33, and the setting information of each function based on the information display can be identified by the relative positions of the pointer 31 (second hand 31a, minute hand 31b, hour hand 31c) and the function marks.

[0032] The calendar plate 34 displays the date by rotating. The calendar plate 34 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the top and bottom, and is arranged between the dial 32 and the movement 7 in the top and bottom directions. The calendar plate 34 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 with the center O1 of the clock as the rotation axis, and is driven to rotate by the movement 7. The calendar plate 34 is formed with a plurality of date marks 341. The date mark 341 is visually recognized by the user through the calendar plate opening 323 and the windshield 23, thereby displaying the current date based on the internal time. The date mark 341 in the present embodiment is a number "1" to "31" corresponding to the date, and is formed clockwise in an area of ​​1 week in the circumferential direction of the calendar plate 34.

[0033] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the moon phase display 4 displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age by rotating the moon age plate 42. The moon phase display 4 has a moon age plate opening 41, a moon age plate 42, and moon age plate rotation direction marks 43, 44.

[0034] The opening 41 for the moon age plate allows the user to visually identify the moon age plate 42 via the windshield 23. The opening 41 for the moon age plate in the present embodiment is formed in the dial 32. The opening 41 for the moon age plate is opposed to the moon age plate 42 in the up and down directions, and is formed in a roughly fan-shaped shape in the 12 o'clock direction in the area where the dial 32 and the moon age plate 42 are opposed. The opening 41 for the moon age plate has recesses 411 and 412 formed at both ends in the rotation direction R of the moon age plate. When the recesses 411 and 412 overlap with the later-described moon marks 421 and 422 of the moon age plate 42 in the up and down directions, the waxing and waning of the moon is displayed. Here, the moon age plate rotation direction R is the direction around the moon age plate center O2 of the moon age plate 42, and has two rotation directions: the current moon age plate rotation direction RR and the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC which is opposite to the current moon age plate rotation direction RR. In addition, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In order to facilitate understanding of the actions of the illustrated month marks 421 and 422, the opening 41 for the moon age plate (including the recesses 411 and 412) is illustrated by a dotted line.

[0035] The moon age plate 42 displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age by rotating. The moon age plate 42 is formed into a circle when viewed from the top and bottom directions, and is arranged between the dial 32 and the movement 7 in the top and bottom directions. The moon age plate 42 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 with the moon age plate center O2 of the moon age plate 42 as the rotation axis, and is driven by the movement 7 to rotate. Here, in the moon age plate 42, clockwise rotation is positive rotation, counterclockwise rotation is reverse rotation, the clockwise direction is the positive rotation direction RY, and the counterclockwise direction is the reverse rotation direction RN. Two moon marks 421 and 422 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the moon age plate 42 that are opposite to the dial 32 in the two surfaces in the top and bottom directions. The moon marks 421 and 422 are opposite to each other across the moon age plate center O2, that is, they are formed 180 degrees apart in the rotation direction R of the moon age plate. That is, the moon phase display unit 4 in this embodiment displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of the synodic cycle amount of two synodic cycles when rotating one circle. The month marks 421 and 422 in this embodiment are identical (same in shape, color, etc.), and cannot be distinguished even if the user visually recognizes the month marks 421 and 422. For example, if the electronic watch 1 is in the northern hemisphere display mode DN described later, the forward rotation direction RY of the moon age plate 42 becomes the current moon age plate rotation direction RR. In the moon age plate 42, if the current moon age plate rotation direction RR is the forward rotation direction RY, then Figure 2 As shown, by rotating one circle, the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is performed in sequence (moon age plate 42 on the upper left of the figure), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 (moon age plate 42 on the upper right of the figure), the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 (moon age plate 42 on the lower right of the figure. The moon phase display corresponding to the new moon in the first synodic cycle is i.e. the position of the month mark 421), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 (moon age plate 42 on the lower left of the figure), and the moon phase display of the new moon in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 (the moon phase display corresponding to the new moon in the second synodic cycle is i.e. the position of the month mark 422). On the other hand, if the electronic watch 1 is in the southern hemisphere display mode DS described later, the reverse direction RN of the moon age plate 42 becomes the current moon age plate rotation direction RR. In the moon age plate 42, if the current moon age plate rotation direction RR is the reverse direction RN, then Figure 3As shown, by rotating one circle, the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the moon mark 422 is performed in sequence (moon age plate 42 on the upper left of the figure), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the moon mark 422 (moon age plate 42 on the lower left of the figure), the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the moon mark 421 (moon age plate 42 on the lower right of the figure, corresponding to the moon phase display of the new moon in the second synodic cycle, i.e., the position of the moon mark 422), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the moon mark 421 (moon age plate 42 on the upper right of the figure), and the moon phase display of the new moon in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the moon mark 422 (corresponding to the moon phase display of the new moon in the first synodic cycle, i.e., the position of the moon mark 421).

[0036] The moon age plate rotation direction marks 43 and 44 indicate the moon age plate rotation direction R in each display mode D. The moon age plate rotation direction marks 43 and 44 are provided on the surface of the dial 32. The moon age plate rotation direction mark 43 corresponds to the northern hemisphere display mode DN, and is composed of a clockwise arrow graphic and an abbreviated "N" corresponding to north. The moon age plate rotation direction mark 44 corresponds to the southern hemisphere display mode DS, and is composed of a counterclockwise arrow graphic and an abbreviated "S" corresponding to south.

[0037] The function display unit 5 displays the state of the electronic watch 1 based on a function different from the time display function of the electronic watch 1, that is, the function display. The function display unit 5 has a function needle 51 and a function indicator plate 52. The function display unit 5 in this embodiment displays the current day of the week based on the internal time measured by the control circuit 72, that is, the day of the week display, displays the remaining amount of the secondary battery 76 measured by the control circuit 72, that is, the remaining amount display, and displays any one of the northern hemisphere display mode DN and the southern hemisphere display mode DS stored in the control circuit 72, that is, the display mode D of the moon phase display unit 4, that is, the display mode display.

[0038] The function needle 51 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 with the function mark center O3 of the function mark plate 52 as the rotation axis, and is driven to rotate by the movement 7. The function needle 51 is rod-shaped and is formed of a metal material, a resin material, etc. In the present embodiment, the function needle 51 is arranged on the upper side (windshield 23 side) of the function mark plate 52. The function needle 51 is rotated by the user's operation of the operating unit 6, that is, any one of the above-mentioned function displays is indicated. The function needle 51 can display the function corresponding to each function according to the indicated position.

[0039] The function mark plate 52 is arranged between the function hand 51 and the movement 7. The function mark plate 52 in this embodiment is formed as a part of the dial 32. On the surface of the function mark plate 52 (the side facing the windshield 23), a day mark, a remaining mark 522, a northern hemisphere display mode mark 523, and a southern hemisphere display mode mark 524 are provided. That is, the function marks 521 to 524 are arranged to face the windshield 23 in the vertical direction, and can be visually recognized by the user through the windshield 23. The user can recognize the state of the electronic watch 1 based on the function display by the relative positions of the function hand 51 and the function marks 521 to 524. The day mark 521 displays the current week based on the position of the function hand 51. As the day mark 521 in this embodiment, the abbreviated English "S", "M", "T", "W", "T", "F", "S" corresponding to each day of the week (from Sunday to Saturday) are formed clockwise in the area from the 2 o'clock direction to the 5 o'clock direction in the function mark plate 52. As the remaining amount mark 522, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 76 is displayed based on the position of the function needle 51. As the remaining amount mark 522 in this embodiment, a first remaining amount figure corresponding to the remaining amount, a second remaining amount figure having a narrower width in the radial direction than the first remaining amount figure, a third remaining amount figure having a narrower width in the radial direction than the second remaining amount figure, and a fourth remaining amount figure having a narrower width in the radial direction than the third remaining amount figure are formed counterclockwise in the area from the 10 o'clock direction to the 6 o'clock direction in the function mark plate 52. Display mode marks 523 and 524 correspond to the display mode D, and display the current display mode DR based on the position of the function needle 51. As the northern hemisphere display mode mark 523 in this embodiment, the abbreviated English "N" corresponding to the north is formed in the area in the 1 o'clock direction in the function mark plate 52. As the southern hemisphere display mode mark 524 in this embodiment, the abbreviated English "S" corresponding to the south is formed in the area in the 11 o'clock direction in the function mark plate 52. In addition, the function mark plate 52 is formed as a part of the dial 32, but is not limited to this, and can also be configured as a plate different from the dial 32. In this case, an opening for the function mark plate (not shown) is formed in the dial 32, and the function mark plate 52 is arranged between the dial 32 and the movement 7 in the vertical direction.

[0040] The operation unit 6 is operated by the user to realize the functional action based on the operation on the movement 7. The operation unit 6 in this embodiment performs the operation of switching the display mode D of the moon phase display unit 4 from one of the northern hemisphere display mode DN and the southern hemisphere display mode DS in the control circuit 72 to the other, that is, the display mode switching operation. Specifically, the electronic watch 1 switches the display mode D through the user's operation on the operation unit 6, that is, the display mode switching operation, changes the rotation position of the moon age plate 42 of the moon phase display unit 4, the stepping position in this embodiment, sets the future moon age plate rotation direction R to the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC in the opposite direction to the current moon age plate rotation direction RR, and performs the display mode switching action of indicating the display mode marks 523 and 524 corresponding to the display mode D of the function needle 51 of the function display unit 5 that has been switched. The operation unit 6 includes a handle 61, a button 62, and a button 63. The handle 61 is formed to protrude from the side of the housing 21, and can be pulled out one or more stages in the protruding direction and can be rotated around the axis through the user's operation. The handle 61 can be rotated at a level different from the zero level that is not pulled out in the protruding direction, for example, at two levels, so that the pointer 31 in the time display state can be forcibly rotated, and the time display can be corrected. The buttons 62 and 63 are formed to protrude from the side of the housing 21, and can be pressed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction by the user's operation. The buttons 62 and 63 maintain the state of protruding in the protruding direction when no external force is applied. The buttons 62 and 63 can switch the week display or the remaining display in the function display unit 5 by pressing either or both of them, for example. The operating unit 6 is connected to the control circuit 72 of the movement 7, and outputs the operation signal based on the user's operation state to the control circuit 72.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the movement 7 includes an antenna 71 , a control circuit 72 , an actuator 73 , a wheel assembly mechanism 74 , a power generation mechanism 75 , and a secondary battery 76 , and performs the timing function of the electronic timepiece 1 and other functional operations.

[0042] The antenna 71 receives standard radio waves. That is, the electronic watch 1 is also a radio-controlled timepiece. The antenna 71 is electrically connected to the control circuit 72 and outputs the signal of the standard radio wave to the control circuit 72. In addition, the antenna 71 can also receive GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) signals output by satellites.

[0043] The control circuit 72 controls the rotation position and rotation direction of the pointer 31, the calendar plate 34, the moon age plate 42, and the function hand 51. The control circuit 72 is a circuit for controlling the electronic watch 1. It measures the internal time of the electronic watch 1 based on the clock signal output from the oscillator not shown in the figure, and outputs control signals corresponding to each function. The control circuit 72 has a receiving IC 721 and a storage unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The receiving IC 721 processes the standard radio wave received by the antenna 71, and outputs the time information (including day information, hour information, minute information, and second information) based on the standard radio wave to the control IC 722. The control IC 722 outputs a control signal for causing the pointer 31 to display the time based on the internal time being measured to the actuator 73. The control IC 722 corrects the internal time based on the time information output from the receiving IC 721. The oscillator is an oscillation source for generating a reference frequency related to the time display and other functional operations of the electronic watch 1, and a crystal oscillator can be used, for example. The oscillation characteristics of a crystal oscillator are easily changed by the external temperature, so a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) can also be used.

[0044] The control circuit 72 controls the moon age plate rotation direction R, which is the rotation direction of the moon age plate 42, and the moon age plate rotation position, which is the rotation position of the moon age plate 42, through the third actuator 73c, which is the actuator for the moon age plate, which will be described later, based on either the northern hemisphere display mode DN or the southern hemisphere display mode DS, that is, the current display mode DR. Here, the northern hemisphere display mode DN is a mode in which the moon phase display unit 4 is controlled to display the moon phase corresponding to the moon age for the northern hemisphere, and the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in one of the moon age plate rotation directions R, which is the forward direction RY in this embodiment. The southern hemisphere display mode DS is a mode in which the moon phase display unit 4 is controlled to display the moon phase corresponding to the moon age for the southern hemisphere, and the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in the other of the moon age plate rotation directions R, which is the reverse direction RN in this embodiment. In addition, the moon age for the northern hemisphere and the moon age for the southern hemisphere of the same date and time and the same longitude become the same moon age, while on the other hand, the moon phase display corresponding to the moon for the northern hemisphere and the moon phase display corresponding to the moon for the southern hemisphere are different. When the control circuit 72 in the present embodiment drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate, it drives it to perform stepping rotation, so the rotation position of the moon age plate is the moon age plate stepping position S. That is, the moon age plate 42 rotates one circle by performing multiple stepping rotation drives via the third actuator 73c. ​​The moon age plate 42 in the present embodiment rotates one circle in 60 steps to display the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of the synodic cycle of two synodic cycles, so one synodic cycle is 30 steps. For example, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, if the stepping position of the moon age plate 42 in the direction of 12 o'clock is set to the current moon age plate stepping position SR, the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age M=0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is set to 0 (SR=0), then the current moon age plate stepping position S in the moon phase display of the full moon (M=15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is set to 15 (SR=15), the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the new moon (M=0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is set to 30 (SR=30), and the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the full moon (M=15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is set to 45 (SR=45).

[0045] If the control circuit 72 changes the date based on the internal time, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step through the third actuator 73c, that is, drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step per day, and one step is the amount of movement of the moon age plate 42 every day. In addition, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by two steps instead of one step per day through the third actuator 73c once every 59 days.

[0046] The control circuit 72 determines whether the switching operation of the display mode D, i.e., the mode switching operation, has been performed through the operating unit 6. The control circuit 72 in this embodiment determines whether the button 63 has been pressed when the handle 61 is in the first position, thereby determining whether the mode switching operation has been performed. If the handle 61 is in the first position, the control circuit 72 drives the function needle 51 through the fourth actuator 73d to rotate it to a position radially opposite to the display mode marks 523, 524 corresponding to the current display mode DR. For example, if the current display mode DR is the northern hemisphere display mode DN, then Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control circuit 72 drives the function needle 51 to rotate stepwise to a position radially opposite to the northern hemisphere display mode mark 523. If the control circuit 72 performs a mode switching operation, the display mode after switching is changed from the current display mode DR to the display mode after switching DC. For example, when the current display mode DR is the northern hemisphere display mode DN, if the control circuit 72 performs a mode switching operation, the display mode after switching DC becomes the southern hemisphere display mode DS. Figure 6 As shown, the function hand 51 is driven to rotate in steps to a position opposite to the southern hemisphere display mode mark 524 in the radial direction.

[0047] If the control circuit 72 performs a mode switching operation, the moon age difference between the current moon age MR based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR corresponding to the current moon age plate rotation position and the base moon age MB is set to the base moon age difference MD, and the moon age plate 42 is driven by the third actuator 73c to step and rotate to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC corresponding to the switched moon age plate rotation position corresponding to the switched moon age MC obtained by separating the base moon age difference MD from the base moon age MB to the side opposite to the current moon age MR. In addition, if the control circuit 72 performs a mode switching operation, the moon age plate rotation direction R is set to the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC in the opposite direction to the current moon age plate rotation direction RR. Here, the base moon age MB corresponds to the moon phase display of the full moon, which is the center of a synodic cycle, that is, half of the number of moon ages in a synodic cycle. In addition, the reference moon age MB refers to the reference moon age corresponding to the synodic cycle in the current moon age MR when the moon phase display unit 4 rotates one circle through the moon age plate 42 to display the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of two synodic cycles. In this embodiment, the total moon age of one synodic cycle is 30, which is moon age = 0 to moon age = 29. Therefore, the reference moon age MB is set to 15. For example, Figure 7As shown, when the current moon age plate step position SR of the moon age plate 42 is 6 (SR=6), and the corresponding current moon age MR is 6 (MR=6), if the mode switching operation is performed, the moon age difference of the current moon age MR relative to the base moon age MB, that is, the base moon age difference MDB (=|MB-MR|) is 9 (MD=9). In this case, the moon age MC obtained by separating the base moon age difference MDB, that is, 9 months, from the base moon age MB to the opposite side (right side in the figure) of the current moon age MR (closer to the left side than the dotted line moon display) is 24 (MC=24). In addition, if the number of moon ages in a synodic cycle is set to MA, the moon age MC after switching can be calculated by MA-MR. Here, for the moon age plate 42 in the present embodiment, the moon age plate step position SC after switching corresponding to the moon age MC after switching has the amount of the synodic cycle, that is, two. The reason is that the moon age plate 42 can display the moon phases for the synodic cycle amount of two synodic cycles. Specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, relative to the current moon age plate stepping position SR, it is the moon age plate stepping position SC after switching in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR, that is, the first moon age plate stepping position SC1 after switching, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, relative to the current moon age plate stepping position SR, it is the switched moon age plate stepping position SC in the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC, that is, the second switched moon age plate stepping position SC2. For example, relative to the current moon age MR (=6) corresponding to the current moon age plate stepping position SR (=6, performing moon phase display based on the moon mark 421) and the switched moon age MC (=24), the switched moon age plate stepping position SC is as follows: Figure 7 After the first switching, the moon age plate step position SC1 (=24, the moon phase display based on the month mark 421) and Figure 8 The second switching of the moon age plate step position SC2 (=54, the moon phase display based on the moon mark 422) is shown. In addition, if the number of steps SA1 of the moon age plate 42 corresponding to the number of moon ages in one synodic cycle is set, the first switching of the moon age plate step position SC1 can be obtained by SA1-SR. In addition, if the number of steps SA2 of the moon age plate 42 corresponding to the number of moon ages in two synodic cycles is set, the second switching of the moon age plate step position SC2 can be obtained by SA2-SR. In addition, the current direction step difference SDR between the current moon age plate step position SR when rotating in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR and the first switched moon age plate step position SC1 is 18, and the switched direction step difference SDC between the current moon age plate step position SR when rotating in the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC and the second switched moon age plate step position SC2 is 12. As the stepping rotation drive of the moon age plate 42, the switched direction step difference SDC is less than the current direction step difference SDR.

[0048] If the rotation angle of the moon age plate 42, that is, the current direction step difference SDR, is less than the specified number of steps SDT corresponding to the specified rotation angle when the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR from the current moon age plate stepping position SR corresponding to the current moon age plate rotation position to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC corresponding to the switched moon age plate rotation position, the control circuit 72 causes the moon age plate 42 to rotate in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR, thereby driving the moon age plate 42 to stepwise rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC; if the current direction step difference SDR is greater than the specified number of steps SDT, the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC, thereby driving the moon age plate 42 to stepwise rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC. Here, the prescribed number of steps SDT corresponding to the prescribed rotation angle is set based on at least one of the difference (|SDR-SDC|) between the current direction step difference SDR corresponding to the current direction rotation angle and the rotation angle of the moon age plate 42 when the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC from the current moon age plate step position SR corresponding to the current moon age plate rotation position to the switched moon age plate step position SC corresponding to the switched moon age plate rotation position, i.e., the switched direction step difference SDC corresponding to the switched rotation angle, and the power consumption of the electronic watch 1 when the moon age plate rotation direction R is switched. The prescribed number of steps SDT in this embodiment is set based on both the difference (|SDR-SDC|) between the current direction step difference SDR and the switched direction step difference SDC and the power consumption of the electronic watch 1 when the moon age plate rotation direction R is switched, and is set to 22. Regarding the power consumption of the electronic watch 1, when the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in multiple steps in the same direction so that the rotation direction R of the moon age plate is made, the power consumption of the electronic watch 1 is small when the number of steps is small. In addition, regarding the power consumption of the electronic watch 1, sometimes the power consumption of the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate one step in the rotation direction RC of the moon age plate after switching, which is greater than the power consumption of the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate one step in the current rotation direction RR of the moon age plate. Therefore, even in the case where the step differential SDC in the switching direction is less than the step differential SDR in the current direction, if the difference in power consumption based on the rotation direction R of the moon age plate is taken into account, then regarding the power consumption during the display mode switching action, the one in which the moon age plate rotation direction R is switched and the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in steps is greater. Therefore, the electronic watch 1 of this embodiment sets the specified number of steps SDT based on the difference (|SDR-SDC|) between the current direction step difference SDR and the step difference SDC in the switching direction and the difference in power consumption of the electronic watch 1 based on the rotation direction R of the moon plate, thereby suppressing power consumption.

[0049] The actuator 73 drives the pointer 31, the calendar plate 34, the moon age plate 42 and the function hand 51 to rotate. The actuator 73 includes a drive circuit, a drive unit, etc., inputs a control signal from the control circuit 72 to the drive circuit, outputs a drive signal based on the input control signal to the drive unit, and drives the drive unit based on the input drive signal. The actuator 73 in this embodiment is a motor capable of stepping and rotating, such as a stepping motor and an electric motor, and is composed of a first actuator 73a that drives the second hand 31a to rotate, a second actuator 73b that drives the minute hand 31b and the hour hand 31c to rotate, a third actuator 73c that is an actuator for the moon age plate that drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate, and a fourth actuator 73d that drives the function hand 51 and the calendar plate 34 to rotate.

[0050] The wheel assembly mechanism 74 transmits the driving force output by the actuator 73 to the pointer 31, the calendar plate 34, the moon age plate 42 and the function needle 51. The wheel assembly mechanism 74 includes a wheel assembly gear, etc., one end of which is connected to the actuator 73, and the other end is connected to the pointer 31, the calendar plate 34, the moon age plate 42 and the function needle 51. The wheel assembly mechanism 74 in this embodiment is composed of a first wheel assembly mechanism 74a connecting the first actuator 73 and the second hand 31a, a second wheel assembly mechanism 74b connecting the second actuator 73b and the minute hand 31b and the hour hand 31c, a third wheel assembly mechanism 74c connecting the third actuator 73c and the moon age plate 42, and a fourth wheel assembly mechanism 74d connecting the fourth actuator 73c and the function needle 51 and the calendar plate 34.

[0051] The power generation mechanism 75 generates electricity from external energy and supplies the generated electricity to electronic components such as the secondary battery 76 and the control circuit 72. The power generation mechanism 75 can use a photoelectric conversion element that converts light energy, a thermoelectric conversion element that converts heat energy, an electromechanical conversion element that generates electricity from mechanical motion such as vibration energy, etc.

[0052] The secondary battery 76 is a power source that can store the power generated by the power generation mechanism 75 and supply it to the control circuit 72, the actuator 73, other electronic components, etc. For example, a lithium ion battery, a solid-state battery, etc. can be used as the secondary battery 76.

[0053] Next, the display mode switching operation of the electronic timepiece 1 will be described. Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart of the display mode switching action of the electronic watch in the embodiment. In addition, the display mode switching action of the electronic watch 1 in the present embodiment also includes the stepping rotation driving action of the moon age plate 42. First, the control circuit 72 determines whether the handle 61 is in the first position (step ST1). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the user intends to operate the operating unit 6 in order to perform the display mode switching action or confirm the display mode D.

[0054] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the handle 61 is not in the first position (step ST1: No), it determines whether to change the date (step ST2). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the day information is incremented by 1 count based on the internal time, thereby determining whether to perform the stepping rotation drive of the moon age plate 42.

[0055] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the date has been changed (step ST2: Yes), it determines whether the count N of the moon age plate 42 is 58 (step ST3). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the moon age plate 42 is driven to step and rotate by the first two steps of 60 steps (60 days) in one circle, that is, 58 steps. In addition, if the control circuit 72 determines that the date has not been changed (step ST2: No), the control cycle ends and moves to the next control cycle.

[0056] Next, when the control circuit 72 determines that the count N of the moon age plate 42 is not 58 (step ST3 : No), it drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step (step ST4 ).

[0057] Next, the control circuit 72 increments the count N of the age-of-the-month plate 42 by 1 count (step ST5), ends the present control cycle, and moves to the next control cycle.

[0058] When the control circuit 72 determines that the count N of the moon age plate 42 is 58 (step ST3 : Yes), the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by two steps (step ST4 ).

[0059] Next, the control circuit 72 sets the count N of the moon age plate 42 to 0, that is, resets (step ST6), ends the current control cycle, and moves to the next control cycle. In other words, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate once by two steps during one rotation of the moon age plate 42.

[0060] When the control circuit 72 determines that the crown 61 is at the first position (step ST1 : Yes), it drives the function hand 51 to rotate in steps based on the current display mode DR (step ST8 ).

[0061] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether the button 63 is pressed (step ST9). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the user intends to switch the display mode.

[0062] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the button 63 is pressed (step ST9: Yes), it determines whether the current display mode DR is the northern hemisphere display mode DN (step ST10). In addition, if the control circuit 72 determines that the button 63 is not pressed (step ST9: No), it repeats the determination of whether the turning crown 61 is in the first position, that is, step ST1.

[0063] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the current display mode DR is the northern hemisphere display mode DN (step ST10: Yes), it changes the display mode D from the northern hemisphere display mode DN to the southern hemisphere display mode DS, and sets the switched display mode DC to the southern hemisphere display mode DS (step ST11).

[0064] In addition, if the control circuit 72 determines that the current display mode DR is not the northern hemisphere display mode DN (step ST10: No), it changes the display mode D from the southern hemisphere display mode DN to the northern hemisphere display mode DN, and sets the switched display mode DC to the northern hemisphere display mode DN (step ST12).

[0065] Next, the control circuit 72 obtains the current moon age plate step position SR (step ST13).

[0066] Next, the control circuit 72 calculates the switched moon age plate stepping position SC based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR (step ST14). Here, the control circuit 72 calculates the first switched moon age plate stepping position SC1 in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR relative to the current moon age plate stepping position SR.

[0067] Next, the control circuit 72 calculates the current direction step difference SDR based on the current moon age plate step position SR and the first switched moon age plate step position SC1 (step ST15).

[0068] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether the current direction step difference SDR is less than the specified number of steps SDT (step ST16). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether driving the moon age plate 42 to step and rotate in any direction of the current moon age plate rotation direction RR and the moon age plate rotation direction RC after switching to the moon age plate step position SC after switching can suppress the power consumption of the electronic watch 1.

[0069] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the current direction step difference SDR is less than the specified number of steps SDT (step ST16: yes), the moon age plate 42 is driven to step and rotate in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR to the moon age plate step position SC after switching, that is, the first moon age plate step position SC1 after switching (step ST17). For example, when the display mode before the display mode switching action is the northern hemisphere mode DN, SDT = 22 (prescribed rotation angle 132 degrees), if the current moon age MR = 10, the switching action is performed, then the current direction step difference SDR = 10, which is less than the specified number of steps SDT = 22, so the moon age plate is driven to step and rotate in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR to the first moon age plate step position SC1 after switching.

[0070] In addition, if the control circuit 72 determines that the current direction step difference SDR is greater than the specified number of steps SDT (step ST16: No), the moon age plate 42 is driven to step and rotate in the rotation direction RC of the moon age plate after switching to the moon age plate step position SC after switching, that is, the second moon age plate step position SC2 after switching (step ST20). For example, when the display mode before the display mode switching action is the northern hemisphere mode DN, SDT = 22 (prescribed rotation angle 132 degrees), if the current moon age MR = 3, the switching action is performed, then the current direction step difference SDR = 24, which is greater than the specified number of steps SDT = 22, so the moon age plate is driven to step and rotate in the rotation direction RC of the moon age plate after switching to the second moon age plate step position SC2 after switching.

[0071] Next, the control circuit 72 changes the rotation direction R of the moon age plate to the rotation direction RC of the moon age plate after switching (step ST18). Here, the control circuit 72 changes the current display mode DR to the display mode DC after switching.

[0072] Next, the control circuit 72 drives the function needle 51 to rotate in steps based on the switched display mode DC (step ST19), ends the current control cycle, and moves to the next control cycle. In addition, the stepping rotation drive of the function needle 51 based on the switched display mode DC in the present embodiment (step ST19) is performed after the rotation direction R of the moon age plate is changed to the rotation direction RC of the moon age plate after switching (step ST18), but it is not limited to this, and it can also be from the time when it is determined that the button 63 is pressed (step ST9: yes) to the time when the current moon age plate stepping position SR is obtained (step ST13), that is, just after the display mode D is switched.

[0073] As described above, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment drives the moon age plate 42 through the third actuator 73c to make it step and rotate to the switching moon age plate stepping position SC corresponding to the switching moon age plate rotation position corresponding to the switching moon age MC obtained by separating the base moon age difference MD from the base moon age MB to the side opposite to the current moon age. Therefore, compared with the case where the moon age for the switching hemisphere is calculated based on the internal time and the moon age plate is driven to rotate to the switching moon age plate rotation position corresponding to the calculated moon age for the switching hemisphere, the computational load of the control circuit 72 during the switching action of the display mode of the moon phase display unit 4 can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, in the electronic watch 1 of the present embodiment, the moon age plate 42 rotates once in 60 steps, and the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate in one step per day, and drives the moon age plate 42 once every 59 days to make it step and rotate in two steps per day. Therefore, the moon age plate 42 implements two synodic cycles in 59 days, and one synodic cycle is 29.5 days, which is closer to the average synodic cycle of the actual month 29.530589 than the case where one synodic cycle is 30 days. Therefore, even if one synodic cycle in the moon age plate 42 is set to 30 days, it can be close to the average synodic cycle 29.530589, and the error between the moon phase display and the actual moon phase can be reduced.

[0075] In addition, if the rotation angle of the moon age plate 42 when rotating from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC corresponding to the switched moon age plate rotation position in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR, that is, the current direction step differential SDR is less than the specified number of steps SDT corresponding to the specified rotation angle, then the control circuit 72 in this embodiment rotates the moon age plate 42 in the current moon age plate rotation direction RR, and if the current direction step differential SDR is greater than the specified number of steps SDT, rotates the moon age plate 42 in the switched moon age plate rotation direction RC, but it is not limited to this. Alternatively, if the rotation angle of the moon age plate 42 when rotating from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC corresponding to the switched moon age plate rotation position in the forward direction RY, that is, the forward direction step differential SDY is less than the specified number of steps SDT corresponding to the specified rotation angle, the control circuit 72 rotates the moon age plate 42 in the forward direction RY, and if the forward direction step differential SDY is greater than the specified number of steps SDT, the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the reverse direction RN. In this case, the specified number of steps SDT as the specified rotation angle may also be set based on the difference between the forward direction step differential SDY as the forward direction rotation angle and the forward direction step differential SDN as the rotation angle of the moon age plate when the moon age plate 42 is rotated from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC in the reverse direction RN, and the difference in power consumption based on the moon age plate rotation direction R. Generally, regarding the power consumption of the electronic watch 1, the power consumption when the moon age plate 42 is driven in the reverse direction RN to rotate one step is greater than the power consumption when the moon age plate 42 is driven in the forward direction RN to rotate one step. Therefore, the specified number of steps SDT is set based on the difference (|SDY-SDN|) between the forward direction step differential SDY and the reverse direction step differential SDN, and the difference in the power consumption of the electronic watch 1 based on the rotation direction R of the moon age plate (forward direction RY, reverse direction RN), so that the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0076] In addition, the prescribed number of steps SDT in this embodiment is a fixed value, but is not limited to this, and may be different based on the current display mode DR. For example, the prescribed number of steps SDT may be different when the current display mode DR is the northern hemisphere display mode DN and when the current display mode DR is the southern hemisphere display mode DN.

[0077] In addition, in the present embodiment, the month marks 421 and 422 are identical to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the month marks 421 and 422 may be different from each other. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation in a modified example, and is an example of displaying the current rotational position of the moon age plate and the rotational position of the moon age plate after switching using the same month mark. Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the moon phase display unit during the display mode switching operation in a modified example, which is an example of displaying the current rotation position of the moon age plate and the rotation position of the moon age plate after switching using different month marks.

[0078] like Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 As shown, for example, the colors of the month marks 421 and 422 may be different from each other so that the user can distinguish them visually. In this case, for example, with respect to the current moon age MR (=6) corresponding to the current moon age plate step position SR (=6, the moon phase display based on the month mark 421), the switched moon age plate step position SC corresponding to the switched moon age MC (=24) is as follows: Fig.10 As shown, the moon age plate step position SC1 (=24, the moon phase display based on the moon mark 421) after the first switching is shown. Fig.11 The moon age plate stepping position SC2 (=54, the moon phase display based on the moon mark 422) after the second switching is shown. In the case where the moon marks 421 and 422 are different from each other, even if the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR (=6) to the first switched moon age plate stepping position SC1 (=24), the moon mark used for the moon phase display becomes the moon mark 421 used in the same synodic cycle, so that the user who visually recognizes the moon phase display unit 4 will not feel a sense of disharmony. On the other hand, if the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR (=6) to the second switched moon age plate stepping position SC2 (=54), the moon mark used for the moon phase display changes from the moon mark 421 to the moon mark 422 used in a synodic cycle different from the synodic cycle before the switching action, so that the user who visually recognizes the moon phase display unit 4 will feel a sense of disharmony.

[0079] If the control circuit 72 determines that the display mode switching operation has been performed through the operating unit 6, it drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate it from the current moon age plate rotation position SR to the first switched moon age plate stepping position SC1 and the second switched moon age plate stepping position SC2, which are the switched moon age plate rotation positions corresponding to the moon marks 421 and 422 that display the moon phase of the synodic cycle in the current moon age MR, that is, the switched moon age plate stepping positions SC1 and SC2, thereby suppressing the sense of disharmony that may occur to the user who visually recognizes the moon phase display unit 4.

[0080] Specifically, when the display mode is the northern hemisphere mode DN, and the current moon age MR based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR is less than the reference moon age MB (MR<MB), the control circuit 72 drives the control circuit 72 to rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC in the forward direction RY. In addition, when the display mode is the northern hemisphere mode DN, and the current moon age MR based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR exceeds the reference moon age MB (MR>MB), the control circuit 72 drives the control circuit 72 to rotate from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC in the reverse direction RN.

[0081] In addition, when the display mode is the southern hemisphere mode DS, if the current moon age MR based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR is less than the base moon age MB (MR<MB), the control circuit 72 drives the control circuit 72 to rotate in the reverse direction RN from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC. In addition, when the display mode is the southern hemisphere mode DS, if the current moon age MR based on the current moon age plate stepping position SR exceeds the base moon age MB (MR>MB), the control circuit 72 drives the control circuit 72 to rotate in the forward direction RY from the current moon age plate stepping position SR to the switched moon age plate stepping position SC.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate by one step per day, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the moon age plate 42 may be driven to rotate by n steps per day (n>1). In this case, when the moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate by one step per day so as to rotate one circle in 60 steps, it is driven to rotate by n steps per day so as to rotate one circle in 60×n steps.

[0083] In addition, in the present embodiment, the moon phase display corresponding to the moon age of two synodic cycles is performed by one rotation of the moon age plate 42, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the moon phase display corresponding to the moon age of one synodic cycle may be performed by one rotation of the moon age plate 42. In this case, the step position SC of the moon age plate after switching becomes the number of synodic cycles, that is, one.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step per day, and drives the moon age plate 42 once every 59 days to rotate by two steps per day, but it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to drive the moon age plate 42 once every two months based on the internal time to rotate by two steps per day. In addition, in the present embodiment, the moon age plate 42 rotates one circle with 60 steps, but it is not limited thereto, as long as it rotates one circle with an even number of steps, for example, the moon age plate 42 may also rotate one circle with 58 steps. In this case, if the control circuit 72 determines that the count N of the moon age plate 42 is 58, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step, and does not set the count N of the moon age plate 42 to 0. If it is further determined that the date is changed, the control circuit 72 does not drive the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step, and sets the count N of the moon age plate 42 to 0. In addition, the moon age plate 42 may also rotate one circle with an odd number of steps, for example, the moon age plate 42 may also rotate one circle with 59 steps. In this case, the base moon age MB is set to 14.5.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, the current moon age plate step position SR of the moon age plate 42 is manually set by the user, but it is not limited to this. The current moon age plate step position SR can also be corrected by the control circuit 72 based on the received time information (including Gregorian calendar information, month information, and day information). Specifically, the control circuit 72 calculates the corrected moon age W by (number of days from the reference date X + moon age Y on the reference date) % 29.53 = corrected moon age W. For example, if X is 1593 and Y is 14.7, then W is 13.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1…electronic watch; 2…external case; 21…housing; 22…frame; 23…windshield; 24…front pipe; 3…time display; 31…pointer; 32…dial; 321, 322…time characters; 323…opening for calendar plate; 33…backing ring; 34…calendar plate; 341…date mark; 4…moon phase display; 41…opening for moon age plate; 421, 422…recess; 42…moon age plate; 421, 422…month marks; 43, 44…moon age plate rotation direction marks; 5…function display; 51…function hand; 52…function mark plate; 6… Operating part; 61…handle; 62, 63…buttons; 7…movement; 71…antenna; 72…control circuit; 73…actuator; 73a…first actuator; 73b…second actuator; 73c…third actuator (actuator for moon age plate); 73d…fourth actuator; 74…wheel assembly mechanism; 74a…first wheel assembly mechanism; 74b…second wheel assembly mechanism; 74c…third wheel assembly mechanism; 74d…fourth wheel assembly mechanism; 75…power generation mechanism; 76…secondary battery; 8…belt; O1…clock center; O2…moon age plate center; O3…function mark center.

Claims

1. An electronic watch, characterized in that: have: A time display unit for displaying the time based on the internal time; The moon phase display portion includes at least a moon age plate rotatably supported, and the moon phase display corresponding to the moon age is performed by the rotation of the moon age plate; An actuator for a moon age board, driving the moon age board and causing the moon age board to rotate; A control circuit controls the rotation direction and rotation position of the moon age board through the moon age board actuator, wherein the rotation direction of the moon age board is the rotation direction of the moon age board, and the rotation position of the moon age board is the rotation position of the moon age board; as well as an operating unit for switching the display mode of the moon phase display unit to at least one of a northern hemisphere display mode for displaying the moon phase in the northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere display mode for displaying the moon phase in the southern hemisphere, If the control circuit determines that the display mode switching operation has been performed through the operating unit, when the age difference between the current moon age based on the current moon age plate rotation position and the base moon age is set as the base moon age difference, the moon age plate is driven by the moon age plate actuator to rotate the moon age plate from the current moon age plate rotation position to the switched moon age plate rotation position, and the rotation direction of the moon age plate is set to the switched moon age plate rotation direction opposite to the current moon age plate rotation direction, wherein the switched moon age plate rotation position is obtained by separating the base moon age difference from the base moon age to the side opposite to the current moon age.

2. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: If the current direction rotation angle is greater than the specified rotation angle, the control circuit rotates the moon age board in the direction of rotation of the moon age board after switching, and the current direction rotation angle is the rotation angle of the moon age board when the moon age board rotates from the current moon age board rotation position to the switched moon age board rotation position in the current moon age board rotation direction. The control circuit rotates the moon age board from the current moon age board rotation position to the switched moon age board rotation position.

3. The electronic watch according to claim 2, wherein: The specified rotation angle is set based on the difference between the current direction rotation angle and the switching rotation angle and at least one of the power consumption difference in the rotation direction of the moon age board. The switching rotation angle is the rotation angle of the moon age board when the moon age board is rotated from the current moon age board rotation position to the switching moon age board rotation position in the switching moon age board rotation direction.

4. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: If the forward rotation angle is greater than a specified rotation angle, the control circuit rotates the moon age board in a reverse direction opposite to the forward rotation direction, and the forward rotation angle is the rotation angle of the moon age board when the moon age board is rotated in the forward rotation direction of the moon age board actuator from the current moon age board rotation position to the switched moon age board rotation position. The control circuit rotates the moon age board from the current moon age board rotation position to the switched moon age board rotation position.

5. The electronic watch according to claim 4, wherein: The specified rotation angle is set based on at least one of the difference between the forward rotation angle and the reverse rotation angle and the difference in power consumption in the rotation direction of the moon board, and the reverse rotation angle is the rotation angle of the moon board when the moon board is rotated in the reverse direction from the current moon board rotation position to the switched moon board rotation position.

6. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The moon phase display portion displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of two or more synodic cycles by one rotation of the moon age plate. The switched moon age board rotation position is a first switched moon age board rotation position and a second switched moon age board rotation position. The first switched moon age board rotation position relative to the current moon age board rotation position is the switched moon age board rotation position in the current moon age board rotation direction. The second switched moon age board rotation position relative to the current moon age board rotation position is the switched moon age board rotation position in the switched moon age board rotation direction.

7. The electronic watch according to claim 6, wherein: The moon age board actuator drives the moon age board to make the moon age board perform step rotation, The moon phase display portion displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of two synodic cycles by one rotation of the moon age plate. The moon age board rotates once in 60 steps. The control circuit drives the moon age board through the moon age board actuator so that the moon age board rotates one step per day. Once every 59 days or once every two months, the moon age plate is driven by an actuator to make the moon age plate rotate in two steps a day.

8. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: The moon phase display portion displays the moon phase corresponding to the moon age of two synodic cycles through one rotation of the moon age plate, and the two moon marks formed on the moon age plate are different from each other. The switched moon age board rotation position is a first switched moon age board rotation position and a second switched moon age board rotation position, the first switched moon age board rotation position relative to the current moon age board rotation position is the switched moon age board rotation position in the current moon age board rotation direction, the second switched moon age board rotation position relative to the current moon age board rotation position is the switched moon age board rotation position in the switched moon age board rotation direction, If the control circuit determines that the display mode switching operation has been performed through the operating unit, the moon age plate is driven by the moon age plate actuator to rotate the moon age plate from the current moon age plate rotation position to the switched moon age plate rotation position of the two switched moon age plate rotation positions corresponding to the moon mark of the moon phase display of the synodic cycle in the current moon age.

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