Electronic timepiece

Abstract

Provided is an electronic timepiece capable of achieving both effective power generation and light emission and miniaturization. An electronic timepiece is provided with a solar cell (70) having: a wiring electrode (71) and a lower electrode (73) as a pair of electrodes; and a power generation layer (72) sandwiched between the pair of electrodes and containing a compound semiconductor material capable of emitting light when a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes. In addition, the electronic timepiece is provided with a plurality of solar cells (70), and the plurality of solar cells can be connected in series. The wiring electrodes (71) on the light incidence side of the pair of electrodes may have the same contact area with the power generation layer (72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to electronic clocks and watches. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic clocks, there exist those that operate using electricity generated by solar cells. These electronic clocks can efficiently generate electricity from the solar cells to charge a secondary battery during daytime use or under indoor lighting. Furthermore, to improve the visibility of the display during nighttime use, the electronic clocks include a light-emitting section that illuminates the display surface. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that improves the manufacturing yield of electronic clocks with a solar panel and an EL (Electro-Luminescent) panel light-emitting section.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-148361 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in order to allow the incident solar cell and the emitted light source to coexist in a narrow area, installation space is required, and there is a challenge in balancing effective power generation, light emission, and miniaturization.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electronic clock that can achieve both efficient power generation and light emission as well as miniaturization.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electronic clock with a solar cell having: a pair of electrodes; and a power generation layer sandwiched between the pair of electrodes, comprising a compound semiconductor material capable of emitting light by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to this disclosure, the following effects are achieved: in electronic clocks, it is possible to achieve both efficient power generation and light emission as well as miniaturization. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electronic clock according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A This is the front view of the solar panel.

[0015] Figure 2BThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic clock.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of a solar panel.

[0017] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of a solar panel.

[0018] Figure 3C This is a cross-sectional view of a solar panel.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of an electronic clock.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front view of the electronic clock according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a solar cell.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the solar panel according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [First Implementation Method]

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electronic clock 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] The electronic clock 1 includes a housing 2, a dial 52, hands 51, a bezel 11, push-button switches P1-P3, and a crown C1, among other operation receiving components that accept external operation. On the dial 52, the hands 51 are positioned to rotate, displaying information corresponding to the direction they point. The display on the hands 51 includes the time. The time can include the date and day of the week, or both. Markings indicating the time (time text 53) are located on the dial 52. The dial 52 is made of a translucent material.

[0027] Small windows 101-104 (dials) occupy a portion of the dial 52. A portion of the hands 51 rotate within each of these small windows 101-104, enabling the display of the day of the week, alarm time, time in other cities around the world, and the 24-hour time. The time in other cities may include UTC.

[0028] Furthermore, the dial 52 has an opening 54 at the six o'clock position. A date wheel 55 is located below the dial 52 (on the back side), and by rotating the date wheel 55, numerals corresponding to the date are selectively displayed through the opening 54 (date markers). The date wheel 55 is situated between two concentric circles of different radii, and the numeral shape is supported by support arms extending from these two concentric circles. Therefore, light passes through the portion of the dial outside the numeral shape.

[0029] The housing 2 has a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower surfaces. Inside, in addition to housing the aforementioned pointer 51, date wheel 55, dial 52, and time display 53, it also houses a circuit board containing a CPU (control unit, microcomputer) that controls the timing operation and the display operation of the pointer 51, and a drive unit 44 (see stepper motor, gear train, etc.) that rotates the pointer 51 and date wheel 55 to change their indicated positions. Figure 4 ), and battery B (see reference) Figure 4 Push-button switches P1-P3 and crown C1 protrude outwards from the side of housing 2. The electrical signals involved in these operations are transmitted to the internal circuit board through housing 2. The mounting portion 2a of the strap extends outwards from housing 2 in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock directions when viewed from above. Housing 2 can be an insulating component such as resin or ceramic, or a metal component such as titanium. The lower end (back side) of housing 2 is sealed by a rear cover (not shown in the diagram).

[0030] Above the dial 52 and hands 51 (on the surface side), i.e., at the upper end of the housing 2, is a transparent windproof component 8 (see reference). Figure 2B The casing 2 is sealed. The periphery of the dial 52 is surrounded by a partition 6. Some or all of the time markings 53, etc., can also be fixed relative to the partition 6. Solar panel 7 ( Figure 1 The outer edge of the dotted line) is located in a ring around the inner periphery of the divider 6 below the dial 52 and the date wheel 55. The outer frame of the small windows 101-104, the time text 53, the date mark of the date wheel 55, and other opaque components with low or no light transmittance are partially located on the light-receiving surface of the solar panel 7.

[0031] The bezel 11 is located around the periphery of the electronic clock 1. The bezel 11 may also have markings indicated by the hands 51. Additionally, the bezel 11 serves a decorative purpose. Furthermore, it can function as an antenna element when the electronic clock 1 is used for radio wave reception, communication, etc.

[0032] Next, the solar panel 7 will be explained.

[0033] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 3A-3C This is a diagram illustrating solar panel 7.

[0034] like Figure 2A As shown in the front view, the solar panel 7 has multiple solar cells 70a to 70c in an arc shape. Hereinafter, solar cells 70a to 70c will also be referred to as solar cell 70. By arranging these multiple solar cells 70 in a roughly circular shape and connecting them in series, the solar panel 7 outputs the sum of the electromotive forces (EMFs) of each solar cell 70. Here, it can output a voltage approximately three times the sum of the EMFs of the three solar cells 70, i.e., the EMF of each solar cell 70. The operating voltage of the electronic clock 1 is higher than the EMF of each solar cell 70. By connecting the three solar cells 70 in series, the solar panel 7 can output the charging voltage of the battery of the electronic clock 1 and the current corresponding to that voltage. Here, the two ends of the series-connected solar cells 70 are located at one end of solar cells 70b and 70c, respectively, and are connected to the connecting electrode 751 in the 6 o'clock direction.

[0035] Additionally, the solar panel 7 has an opening 79 at the same position as the opening 54 when viewed from above. Thus, within the range corresponding to the openings 54 and 79, the base plate 56 is exposed below the date wheel 55.

[0036] Figure 2B express Figure 2A A cross-sectional schematic diagram of section line AA is shown. For simplicity, the date wheel 55 is omitted in this schematic diagram. The solar panel 7 is located on a base plate 56, which is below the dial 52. The solar panel 7 has a solar cell 70 superimposed on the substrate 80. The solar cell 70 has a plate-like structure in which a power generation layer 72 is sandwiched between a pair of wiring electrodes 71 (first electrodes) and a lower electrode 73. The power generation layer 72 is a diode having a layer containing a compound semiconductor material such as InGaP. The wiring electrode 71, located on the side where light is incident from the outside, is a narrow, linear wiring electrode (linear electrode) arranged along the outer edge of the solar cell 70. The wiring electrodes 71 of each of the solar cells 70a to 70c are located on the same circumference (concentric circles). The wiring electrodes 71 are formed in a position and shape that minimizes obstruction of light incident on the power generation layer 72. A connecting conductor 757 is located at one end of each of the three solar cells 70a to 70c. The connecting conductor 757 connects the wiring electrode 71 located on the upper surface side of the power generation layer 72 and the lower electrode 73 located on the lower surface side of the solar panel 7 adjacent to the solar panel 7 where the wiring electrode 71 is located.

[0037] The substrate 80 is an insulating component that supports the solar cell 70. The insulating layer 81 and the supporting film 83 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 82. The insulating layer 81 is bonded to the solar cell 70. The combination of the insulating layer 81 and the supporting film 83 can be appropriately determined, for example, based on the combination of adhesion to the solar cell 70, conformability, and support strength.

[0038] The partition plate 6 is mirror-shaped above the power generation layer 72. The wiring electrode 71 can also be located along the inner edge of the partition plate 6. As a result, the light emitted from the wiring electrode 71 is easily reflected on the surface of the partition plate 6. Therefore, indirect light is easily visible from the display surface side, and it is also easy to illuminate the pointer 51 and other objects located at the center of the display surface.

[0039] like Figure 2A As shown, one end of the three solar cells 70 connected in series is the wiring electrode 71 of the solar cell 70b. The wiring electrode 71 is connected to one of the connecting electrodes 751 by a connecting line 755 extending along the edge of the solar cell 70b (opening 79). The connecting line 755 extends on the insulating surface (insulating layer 81) of the aforementioned edge and is not included in the length of the wiring electrode 71 extending on the power generation layer 72 described later. The connecting electrode 751 is connected to the lead electrode 753 on the inner side of the annular solar panel 7 via a lead wire 752. The lead wire 752 and the lead electrode 753 may also be located on a covering component such as a laminated film protecting the upper surface of the solar cell 70. The forming surfaces of the lead wire 752 and the lead electrode 753 are in contact with the solar cell 70, thereby connecting the connecting electrode 751 to the lead wire 752.

[0040] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the solar panel 7 at the cross-section line BB.

[0041] A lower electrode 73, formed across the opening 79 on the opposite side of the aforementioned end, is connected to the connecting electrode 751. At the location overlapping the connecting electrode 751 in a top view, the power generation layer 72 is removed, and in its place, a connecting conductor 756 is located. The connecting conductor 756 electrically connects the lower electrode 73 to the connecting electrode 751.

[0042] like Figure 2A As shown, solar cells 70a and 70b are connected to each other and solar cells 70a and 70c are connected to each other via connecting conductors 757.

[0043] Figure 3B express Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the cross-section line CC.

[0044] On the cross-sectional line CC, the lower electrode 73 of solar cell 70a and the wiring electrode 71 of solar cell 70c are connected by a connecting conductor 757. The portion where the connecting conductor 757 connects to the lower electrode 73 forms a gap where the wiring electrode 71 and the power generation layer 72 are removed. The connecting conductor 757 extends across the boundary wall 758 between solar cells 70a and 70c on the wiring electrode 71 of solar cell 70c.

[0045] As described above, the power generation efficiency of each solar cell 70a-70c varies depending on the area of ​​the solar cell 70 covered by opaque components such as the time display text 53 and the frames of the small windows 101-104 located on a portion of the solar cell 70. These opaque components are preferably located as close as possible to the boundaries of the solar cells 70a-70c to suppress any decrease in power generation efficiency. For example, in Figure 1 In the image, the time marker at point 6, adjacent to opening 54, is located at a position that partially overlaps with the boundaries of solar cells 70b and 70c. Furthermore, the frame of small window 101 is located at a position that partially overlaps with the boundaries of solar cells 70a and 70b. Figure 3C The diagram shows a magnified and superimposed view of the date wheel 55 near the boundaries of solar cells 70a and 70b. In the state where the date is displayed statically, the date marker 551 and the arm 552 of the ring-shaped frame 553 that fixes the date marker 551 to the rotating frame overlap with the gap between solar cells 70a and 70b.

[0046] However, depending on the shape or size of the components, it is difficult to completely avoid these components obstructing the light from entering the solar cell 70. In this situation, by adjusting the dimensions of each of the three solar cells 70a to 70c so that light can be uniformly incident on the light-bearing portion, they can each generate electricity to the same degree. In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the light-receiving surface of the solar cell 70, i.e., the angular width relative to the center of the solar cells 70 arranged in a ring, is different. For example... Figure 1 As shown, windows 101-104 are located at the 2 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 8 o'clock, and 4:30 o'clock positions on the dial 52, respectively. Therefore, compared to the solar cell 70a (first solar cell) at the 12 o'clock position, the solar cells 70b and 70c (second solar cells) at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions have a larger area covered by the frames of windows 101-104. Correspondingly, as... Figure 2A As shown, at least a portion of the solar cell 70, specifically the solar cell 70a at the 12 o'clock position, has a different angular width than the other solar cells 70b and 70c at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions, with the angular width being smaller.

[0047] Furthermore, regarding the 6 o'clock position on the display surface of the electronic clock 1, the solar cells 70b and 70c may not be located in the portion corresponding to the opening 54 of the date wheel 55 that displays the date indicator. For example, this portion could be set to a background color that makes the date indicator easily visible. Conversely, in the portion outside the opening 54, since the solar panel 7 and the date indicator are similar in color, it is difficult to visually identify the date indicator via the dial 52.

[0048] When a voltage (forward voltage) is applied to the diode structure of the solar panel 7, the diode structure emits light as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In the case of InGaP as the compound semiconductor material, red light (center wavelength 664.5 nm) is emitted. In the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment, by also using the solar cell 70 as an LED, the volume of a separate LED is eliminated, thereby achieving miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0049] The compounds are not limited to those described above. For example, by using AlInGaP, a color close to orange is achieved, with a wavelength slightly shorter than that of InGaP. Compared to the aforementioned red light, the wavelength is slightly shorter, thus significantly increasing human color sensitivity. Therefore, luminous efficiency is improved. Furthermore, compound semiconductor materials that emit light at appropriate wavelengths within a range where sufficient power generation efficiency can be obtained can also be used.

[0050] At this point, the luminescence intensity is distributed depending on the current density at various points on the power generation layer 72. When the wiring electrode 71, as described above, is located on the power generation layer 72, the luminescence intensity (current density) of the power generation layer 72 increases along the wiring electrode 71. On the other hand, the luminescence intensity is relatively low near the inner edge of the power generation layer 72. That is, the luminescence of the power generation layer 72 becomes uneven.

[0051] The overall current flowing through the three solar cells 70 arranged in series is constant. However, the current density traversing the power generation layer 72 vertically in each solar cell 70 depends on the length of the wiring electrode 71, since the cross-sectional area (width and thickness) perpendicular to the circumference of the wiring electrode 71 is constant. As described above, since the angular widths of each solar cell 70 are different, when the wiring electrode 71 has a length corresponding to that angular width, the luminous intensity is relatively greater in the solar cell 70 with the narrower angular width.

[0052] In the electronic clock 1, while maintaining the difference in surface area of ​​each solar cell 70, the lengths of each wiring electrode 71 are made consistent and equal. That is, the contact areas between each wiring electrode 71 and the power generation layer 72 are equal. The equality here includes the tolerance range assumed in general design and manufacturing. Therefore, solar cell 70a (first solar cell) has a protrusion 76 that extends partially in the circumferential direction along its outer edge. Solar cells 70b and 70c (second solar cells) have cutouts 77 that are complementary to the protrusions 76 and arranged along their outer edges. In other words, at least one end of each solar cell 70 in the circumferential direction has a crank shape. Accompanying this, the wiring electrode 71 of solar cell 70a extends to the protrusion 76 along its outer edge. On the other hand, the wiring electrodes 71 of solar cells 70b and 70c, which are located on the same circumference as the wiring electrode 71 of solar cell 70a, have their cutouts 77 shortened along their outer edges. That is, the length of the wiring electrode 71 of solar cell 70a is longer than the angular width of solar cell 70a by the amount of the protrusion 76. On the other hand, the length of the wiring electrode 71 of solar cells 70b and 70c is shorter than the angular width of solar cells 70b and 70c by the amount of the cutout 77. By appropriately determining the length of the protrusion 76, the lengths of the wiring electrodes 71 become equal.

[0053] As described above, since the partition plate 6 is mirror-shaped, the light emitted from the solar panel 7 is reflected by the partition plate 6. By increasing the proportion of reflected light compared to the directly emitted light, the solar panel 7 provides softer lighting as indirect illumination for the dial 52, hands 51, etc.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of electronic clock 1.

[0055] The electronic clock 1 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 42, an operation receiving unit 43, and a drive unit 44. As a structure related to power supply, the electronic clock 1, in addition to the aforementioned solar cell 70, also includes a battery B, a switching unit S1, and diodes D1 and D2.

[0056] CPU41 is a processor that performs calculations and controls the overall operation of the electronic clock 1. CPU41 can be a single processor, or multiple processors operating in parallel, or processors operating independently depending on their purpose.

[0057] The storage unit 42 includes RAM as volatile memory and flash memory as non-volatile memory. The RAM provides memory space for the CPU 41 to operate and stores temporary data. The non-volatile memory stores and maintains programs and various setting data related to operation control. The programs include those related to the switching between power generation and light emission operations of the solar cell 70.

[0058] The operation receiving unit 43 detects the input operations of the aforementioned push-button switches P1~P3 and the crown C1, and outputs the operation signal corresponding to the detected content to the CPU 41.

[0059] The drive unit 44 includes a stepper motor that applies rotational torque to the gear train (gear train mechanism) used to rotate the pointer 51, and a drive circuit that controls and outputs the operating voltage signal of the stepper motor based on the CPU 41. By rotating the stepper motor by a predetermined angle, each pointer 51 rotates at an angle corresponding to the rotation ratio determined by the gear train mechanism.

[0060] A switching unit S1 is located between the solar cell 70 and the battery B. The switching unit S1 selectively switches between path r1 (first circuit) via diode D1 and path r2 (second circuit) via diode D2. The anode of diode D1 is connected to the solar cell 70, and the cathode of diode D2 is connected to the solar cell 70. When path r1 via diode D1 is selected and the solar cell 70 generates an electromotive force (EMF) exceeding the voltage of battery B, the solar cell 70 outputs a current corresponding to the EMF via diode D1 to charge battery B. When the EMF of the solar cell 70 is insufficient, the voltage of battery B is cut off by diode D1, and current does not flow to the solar cell 70.

[0061] When the switching unit S1 selects path r2 via diode D2, and the voltage of battery B is higher than the electromotive force of solar cell 70, a voltage is applied from battery B to solar cell 70 via diode D2. As a result, solar cell 70 emits light. When the electromotive force of solar cell 70 is higher than the voltage of battery B, the connection between solar cell 70 and battery B is cut off via diode D2.

[0062] The switching unit S1 typically selects path r1 via diode D1 (first mode). During this period, when the electromotive force of solar cell 70 is higher than the voltage of battery B, solar cell 70 operates as a charging unit to charge battery B. When any one of the predetermined push-button switches P1 to P3 is pressed, CPU 41 outputs a control signal corresponding to the pressing operation to the switching unit S1. Based on the control signal, the switching unit S1 selects path r2 via diode D2 (second mode) for a set time period. During this period, when the voltage of battery B is higher than the electromotive force of solar cell 70, solar cell 70 operates as an LED and emits light.

[0063] The switching unit S1 may also include a switching element such as a MOSFET. The N-channel MOSFET can be positioned within path r2 via diode D2 by selecting the path r2 via a control signal for the positive voltage involved in the lighting operation of the solar cell 70. Alternatively, the P-channel MOSFET can be positioned within path r1 via diode D1.

[0064] [Second Implementation]

[0065] Figure 5 This is a front view of the electronic clock 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0066] In this electronic clock 1a, instead of the solar panel 7 that is disposed along the inner edge of the partition plate 6 in the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment, the solar panel 7a is located inside the small window 102. Other structures are the same, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same structures and descriptions are omitted.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating solar panel 7a.

[0068] The solar panel 7a has three fan-shaped solar cells 70d to 70f. Similar to the solar cells 70a to 70c of the electronic clock 1, the solar cells 70d to 70f can also have different sizes depending on their power generation efficiency. The solar cells 70d to 70f are located on a substrate 80a on which they are housed when viewed from above. The substrate 80a is not particularly limited; it is an insulating component that is hexagonal in shape when viewed from above, and can have the same three-layer structure as the substrate 80 in the first embodiment described above.

[0069] Wiring electrodes 71d to 71f are located on the upper surfaces of each of the solar cells 70d to 70f. Hereinafter, wiring electrodes 71d to 71f will be collectively referred to as wiring electrode 71a. In the electronic clock 1a of this embodiment, wiring electrode 71a is located along the outline of text, patterns, or lines. That is, by strongly emitting light along wiring electrode 71a, text, graphics, etc., with an outline corresponding to wiring electrode 71a will appear. Furthermore, wiring electrode 71a can remain within a length range that does not adversely affect power generation.

[0070] At this time, by making the lengths of the wiring electrodes 71d to 71f identical, their respective luminous intensities are made consistent, preventing uneven luminous emission. Furthermore, the wiring electrodes 71d to 71f each have two ends at the boundaries of the solar cells 70d to 70f. One end of each wiring electrode 71d to 71f extends along the gap between the boundaries of the solar cells 70d to 70f and is led out to the outside of the solar cell 70. The lead-out electrodes 751a located at both ends of the three series-connected solar cells 70d to 70f are connected to the two ends of the battery supplying the luminous voltage. Thus, in the electronic clock 1a, the solar panel 7a operates as an LED according to a control signal.

[0071] Such text and graphic lighting actions can be performed simultaneously with notification sounds and vibrations during alarm notifications. Alternatively, the lighting action can be performed based on the pressing of any of the pre-defined push-button switches P1 to P3.

[0072] By generating and emitting light only within a specific small window 102, the rest of the dial 52 can be designed without considering the incidence of light onto the solar panel 7a. Therefore, the width of the display surface can be easily increased.

[0073] As described above, the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment has a solar cell 70, which has a wiring electrode 71 and a lower electrode 73 as a pair of electrodes; and a power generation layer 72 sandwiched between the pair of electrodes, which contains a compound semiconductor material capable of emitting light by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes.

[0074] In this way, the electronic clock 1 can not only function as a power generation unit that charges the solar cell 70, but also as a light-emitting unit by applying voltage between the electrodes. This saves space compared to having both functions, achieving miniaturization and weight reduction of the electronic clock 1. Its function as a power generation unit in areas with high incident light and its function as a light-emitting unit in areas with insufficient incident light are almost mutually exclusive. Therefore, the electronic clock 1 is less prone to functional malfunctions and user inconvenience. Thus, the electronic clock 1 can efficiently balance power generation and light emission.

[0075] Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 has multiple solar cells 70a to 70c. The multiple solar cells 70a to 70c are connected in series, and the contact area between the wiring electrode 71 and the power generation layer 72 is equal in each of the pair of electrodes (wiring electrode 71 and lower electrode 73).

[0076] The light emitted from the power generation layer 72 is biased towards the path of the current flowing from the wiring electrode 71 to the lower electrode 73, resulting in a higher light intensity near the wiring electrode 71 than in the surrounding area. In such a region of high light intensity, any uneven light emission becomes noticeable. If the contact area is equal, the current density from the wiring electrode 71 to the power generation layer 72 is approximately equal, thus the electronic clock 1 can suppress the aforementioned unevenness in light intensity.

[0077] Furthermore, the surface area of ​​the light-receiving surface of at least a portion of the plurality of solar cells 70 may differ from that of the other solar cells 70. The electromotive force generated by the plurality of solar cells 70 is preferably the same. In cases where the arrangement range of the solar cells 70 is limited, such as in the electronic clock 1, and it is difficult to completely avoid the influence of other components, the surface area of ​​the solar cells 70 may also differ, taking this influence into account. That is, the size of the solar cells 70 may also be relatively larger for the portion that is shaded by other components. Thus, even if the electronic clock 1 does not arrange the solar cells 70 or other components in a manner that completely avoids other components, it can effectively adjust the electromotive force.

[0078] Alternatively, the multiple solar cells 70 may each have an arc shape and be arranged in a roughly circular pattern. The wiring electrodes 71 are linear electrodes extending along the outer edge of the arc shape.

[0079] Therefore, the wiring electrode 71 can easily prevent the incident light involved in the power generation of the solar cell 70 from being blocked.

[0080] Furthermore, as in the electronic clock 1a of the second embodiment, the wiring electrode 71a is a linear electrode, and the linear electrode can also be of equal length relative to each of the plurality of solar cells 70d to 70f. Conversely, unlike the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment, a specific display can be achieved using strong light emission along the wiring electrode 71a. In this case, by making the length of the wiring electrode 71a consistent, the electronic clock 1a can also suppress uneven light intensity.

[0081] Furthermore, solar cell 70a has a protrusion 76 that extends partially from its end along the outer edge of a generally circular shape, and solar cells 70b and 70c have cutouts 77 that are complementary to the protrusion 76. The wiring electrode 71 is a linear electrode. The wiring electrodes 71 of solar cells 70a and 70b and 70c are located on the same arc passing through the protrusion 76 and the cutout 77, and are of equal length relative to each of the plurality of solar cells 70a to 70c. Thus, the length of the linear wiring electrode 71 can be appropriately adjusted without significantly changing the area ratio of the solar cells 70, by using the protrusion 76 and the cutout 77 along the circumferential direction to partially differ along the arc.

[0082] Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 includes a switching unit S1 that switches between a first mode for outputting the electromotive force of the solar cell 70 and a second mode for applying voltage to the solar cell 70. Therefore, the electronic clock 1 can emit light appropriately according to the user's desired conditions, and when the solar cell 70 is not emitting light, it can output an electromotive force corresponding to the input light.

[0083] Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 has a path r1 that outputs the electromotive force of the solar cell 70 in a first mode and a path r2 that supplies the voltage applied to the solar cell 70 in a second mode.

[0084] Through this separate input / output circuit, the electronic clock 1 can suppress reverse current corresponding to the magnitude of the electromotive force of the solar cell 70 and the voltage of the battery B. Therefore, the electronic clock 1 can switch between power generation and light emission from the solar cell 70 through simple wiring.

[0085] Furthermore, the wiring electrodes 71a can also display patterns or text when viewed from above. As described above, by ensuring that the lengths of the wiring electrodes 71a are consistent, unevenness in the text or patterns can be suppressed, and the electronic clock 1 can display patterns or text appropriately.

[0086] Furthermore, at least a portion of the boundary between the multiple solar cells 70 can also be covered by time markings 53, frames of small windows 101-104, or date wheels 55 (when stationary), which are opaque components. Since the boundary portion does not emit light at all when the solar cells 70 emit light, by overlapping it with an opaque component that does not directly emit light, the gaps in the light emission of the electronic clocks 1 and 1a can be made inconspicuous.

[0087] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, even when path r2 is selected, if the electromotive force of the solar cell 70 is greater than the voltage of the battery B, it is not necessary to switch from path r1 to path r2. Additionally, the switching unit S1 can have other known circuit structures capable of switching paths r1 and r2. Alternatively, if the switching unit S1 can appropriately switch between power generation and light emission even without separate paths r1 and r2, a shared single path can be connected to the solar cell 70.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there are three solar cells 70, but it is not limited to this. Depending on the required total voltage, there may be two or more solar cells 70.

[0089] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe a scenario where the emitted light intensity of each solar cell 70 is consistent, this is not a limitation. For example, the length ratio of the wiring electrodes 71, 71a can also be determined by having a portion of a plurality of letters or symbols that emit a weaker or stronger light intensity than others.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wiring electrodes 71 and 71a were described as being linear, but the thickness of the wiring electrodes 71 and 71a can also be different. Considering design and other factors, the wiring electrodes 71 and 71a can also be partially thickened or thinned.

[0091] Alternatively, the wiring electrodes 71 can also be multiple electrodes extending in parallel.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a variation of the solar panel 7 of the first embodiment.

[0093] The wiring electrode 71b can also be two parallel wires. In this way, by having multiple wiring electrodes 71b, even if any one wiring electrode 71b is cut off, the electronic clock 1 can continue to generate electricity using the solar cell 70.

[0094] Furthermore, even in the electronic clock 1a of the second embodiment, the wiring electrode 71a can be provided along the inner edge of the frame of the small window 104, so that no text or graphics are displayed. In this case, the shape of the frame of the small window 104 can also be determined in a way that makes the light emitted from the solar cell 70 as indirect as possible.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, electronic clocks 1 and 1a display based on pointer 51, but are not limited to this. They could also be electronic clocks that display numbers.

[0096] Furthermore, the structure of the electronic clocks 1 and 1a, such as the presence or absence of the dial 52 or the date wheel 55, or their positional relationship with the solar cell 70, can be appropriately determined according to the design within the range where the solar cell 70 can generate electricity and emit light.

[0097] Furthermore, the specific structure, processing actions, and sequence shown in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0098] Industrial utilization potential

[0099] This disclosure can be used in electronic clocks and watches.

[0100] Compliant with instructions

[0101] 70, 70a~70f solar cells

[0102] 71, 71a, 71b, 71d~71f wiring electrodes

[0103] 72 Power Generation Layer

[0104] 73 Lower electrode

Claims

1. An electronic clock, characterized in that, Equipped with solar cells, The solar cell has: a pair of electrodes; and The power generation layer is sandwiched between the aforementioned pair of electrodes and contains a compound semiconductor material capable of emitting light by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes.

2. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, Equipped with multiple of the aforementioned solar cells, The above-mentioned multiple solar cells are connected in series. In the aforementioned pair of electrodes, the first electrode on the light incident side has an equal contact area with the aforementioned power generation layer.

3. The electronic clock according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the light-receiving surface area of ​​the aforementioned solar cells differs from that of the other aforementioned solar cells.

4. The electronic clock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned solar cells each have an arc shape and are arranged in a roughly ring-like manner. The first electrode mentioned above is a linear electrode that extends along the outer edge of the aforementioned arc shape.

5. The electronic clock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first electrode mentioned above is a linear electrode. The aforementioned linear electrodes are of equal length relative to each of the plurality of solar cells.

6. The electronic clock according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned plurality of solar cells include a first solar cell and a second solar cell arranged in an array. The first solar cell described above has a protrusion that partially protrudes from its end along the outer edge. The second solar cell described above has a cutout that is complementary to the protrusion described above. The first electrode mentioned above is a linear electrode. The first electrode of the first solar cell and the first electrode of the second solar cell are located on the same arc passing through the protrusion and the cut, and are of equal length relative to each of the plurality of solar cells.

7. The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The device includes a switching unit that switches between a first mode that outputs the electromotive force of the solar cell and a second mode that applies a voltage to the solar cell.

8. The electronic clock according to claim 7, characterized in that, It comprises: a first circuit that outputs the electromotive force in the first mode described above; and The second circuit is supplied with the voltage applied in the second mode described above.

9. The electronic clock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first electrodes mentioned above are linear electrodes, which appear as patterns or text when viewed from above.

10. The electronic clock according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, At least a portion of the boundary between the aforementioned multiple solar cells is covered by an opaque component.

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