Electronic timepiece

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic timepiece capable of moving a minute hand functioning as a timekeeping minute hand and a timekeeping hour hand to a measurement start position in a short time when switching to a timekeeping mode. An electronic timepiece includes: a first operation unit that performs a mode switching operation for switching between a time display mode and a timing mode; a first pointer that displays the hour of the time in a 12-hour system in the time display mode and displays the hour of the measurement time in the timing mode; and a display control unit that, on the basis of a mode switching operation for switching to the timing mode, quickly moves the first pointer to a measurement start position in the timing mode, the display control unit differentially manages each of the pointing positions of 0 o'clock and 12 o'clock, and, on the basis of the display timing of the first pointer at the time of the switching operation when switching to the timing mode, controls the first pointer to move forward to the measurement start position in the timing mode. From the two indication positions, the indication position at which the movement time of the first pointer is short is set as a measurement start position, and the first pointer is moved to the set measurement start position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic clocks and watches. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic clock that, in addition to hour and minute hands indicating local time, also has a small clock indicating the time in the selected time zone. This small clock is a 24-hour clock driven by a motor, and it has a minute hand that rotates once per hour and an hour hand that rotates once every 24 hours when the minute hand rotates 24 times.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic clock with a timing mode different from the time display mode. In timing mode, the small clock functions as both the minute and hour hands. Therefore, when switched to timing mode by the user, the hour and minute hands of the small clock move from their positions before switching to timing mode to the zero position indicating 0:00, in the faster direction of rotation, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-200502

[0005] In the aforementioned electronic clock, when switched to chronograph mode, a maximum of 12 hours of movement is required for the hour hand to reach the zero position, presenting a problem of time consumption until the movement is complete. Therefore, there is a need for an electronic clock that can move the hour hand, which functions as a chronograph, to the zero position in a short time when switched to chronograph mode. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The electronic clock disclosed herein has at least two modes: an hour display mode and a timekeeping mode. The electronic clock includes: a first operation unit that performs a mode switching operation; a first hand that displays the hour in a 12-hour format in the hour display mode and displays the hour of the measurement time in the timekeeping mode; and a display control unit that, based on the mode switching operation to the timekeeping mode, causes the first hand to fast-forward to the measurement start position in the timekeeping mode. The display control unit manages two indication positions: a first indication position where the first hand indicates 0 o'clock in the hour display mode and a second indication position where the first hand indicates 12 o'clock in the hour display mode. When switching to the timekeeping mode, the display control unit, based on the display time of the first hand at the time of the switching operation, sets the indication position with the shorter movement time of the first hand among the two indication positions as the measurement start position, and causes the first hand to move to the set measurement start position. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view of an electronic clock illustrating an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the main parts of the movement of an electronic clock according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the main parts of the movement of an electronic clock according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic clock according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching process to timing mode in an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process during segmented operations in an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process after the segmented release of the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching process to the time display mode in an embodiment.

[0015] Label Explanation

[0016] 1: Electronic clock; 3: Crown; 4A: Button; 4B: Button; 10: Movement; 11: Input device; 12: Timing device; 13: Power supply device; 14: Secondary battery; 20: Control device; 21: Input detection unit; 22: Time display control unit; 23: Timing control unit; 24: Mode hand control unit; 25: Drive control unit; 30: Storage device; 31: Time data storage unit; 32: Measurement time storage unit; 33: Zero position storage unit; 34: Hand position storage unit; 40: Display unit; 71: First hand; 74: Fourth hand; 100: Drive mechanism; 101: First motor; 102: Second motor; 103: Third motor; 104: Fourth motor; 105: Fifth motor; 106: Sixth motor; 107: Seventh motor; 711: Hour hand; 712: Minute hand. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] like Figure 1As shown, the electronic clock 1 has an outer casing 2, a crown 3 for external operation, and two buttons 4A and 4B. As will be described later, the outer casing 2 houses the dial 5 and the movement 10, etc. When viewed from above, the crown 3 is positioned at the 3 o'clock position on the dial 5, and the buttons 4A and 4B are positioned at the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, respectively.

[0019] The electronic clock 1 has an hour hand 61, a minute hand 62, a second hand 63, a first pin 71, a second pin 72, a third pin 73, a fourth pin 74, and a date wheel 50, which serve as the center hand 6.

[0020] A central through hole (illustrated but not shown) is formed in the center of the plane of the dial 5, and a central needle shaft 60 for mounting the central needle 6 is arranged in the central through hole.

[0021] Dial 5 has three small windows (sub-dials). That is, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, relative to the center of the plane where the central hand axis 60 is located, the dial 5 has a circular first window 71A and a first hand 71 at the six o'clock position, a circular second window 72A and a second hand 72 at the nine o'clock position, and a circular third window 73A and a third hand 73 at the twelve o'clock position. A rectangular date window 51 is located between the four and five o'clock positions (4.5 o'clock direction) relative to the center of the plane of the dial 5. A date wheel 50, serving as a calendar wheel, is located on the back side of the dial 5 and is visible through the date window 51.

[0022] A circular fourth small window 74A and a fourth small hand 74 are provided between the center of the dial 5 and the date window 51.

[0023] Therefore, on the dial 5, in addition to the central through hole formed at the center of the plane for the central hand shaft 60 to be inserted, there are also four through holes (not shown) for the small hand shafts of the first small hand 71, the second small hand 72, the third small hand 73, and the fourth small hand 74 to be inserted, and a date window 51.

[0024] The electronic clock 1 is configured to have a time display mode and a stopwatch function, in addition to the time display mode. In the stopwatch mode, one of the hands functions as a timing hand.

[0025] The hour hand 61 and minute hand 62 display the local time in both hour display mode and chronograph mode. The second hand 63 displays the local time in seconds in hour display mode, and functions as the second chronograph hand (CG hand) in chronograph mode.

[0026] The first hand 71 is the home time hand, which displays the time in the user's preset time zone in time display mode. It consists of an hour hand 711 and a minute hand 712, which are operated by a motor. In chronograph mode, the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712 function as the hour and minute CG hands, respectively. The hour hand 711 is a 12-hour hand, rotating once every 12 hours.

[0027] Therefore, in this embodiment, the hour hand 711 is the first hand, and the minute hand 712 is the second hand. Furthermore, the second hand 63, which functions as the second CG hand in timing mode, is the fourth hand that displays the measured time in seconds or less.

[0028] The second sub-hand 72 is a mode hand that indicates various information. The information indicated by the second sub-hand 72 can be appropriately set, but in this embodiment, it functions as a mode hand indicating both a time display mode and a chronograph mode. Specifically, in time display mode, the second sub-hand 72 functions as a day-of-the-week hand, and in battery level indicator indicating low battery, it functions as a low battery indicator. Furthermore, it displays the battery level after a specified button operation. Additionally, when switched to chronograph mode, the second sub-hand 72 indicates the chronograph mode scale, such as the character "CHR". Furthermore, if the electronic clock 1 has the function of receiving GPS satellite signals, the second sub-hand 72, in addition to the aforementioned functions, can also display settings for various modes, including a flight mode where reception is prohibited, a timekeeping mode that receives GPS time information and corrects the internal time, a positioning mode that receives GPS time information and track information and corrects the internal time and time zone, or a daylight saving time setting.

[0029] The third sub-hand 73 is the 1 / 20th second chronograph hand, also known as the 1 / 20th second CG hand. It only moves in chronograph mode and stops at the 0-second position in time display mode. Since this third sub-hand 73 displays the measurement time in seconds or less, i.e., 1 / 20th of a second, in chronograph mode, it is the fourth hand, just like the second hand 63.

[0030] The fourth sub-hand, 74, indicates whether the hometown time indicated by the first sub-hand, 71, is AM / PM. Additionally, although the fourth sub-hand, 74, moves in conjunction with the first sub-hand, 71, in chronograph mode, it has no specific function.

[0031] The hour hand 61, minute hand 62, second hand 63, first sub-hand 71 (hour hand 711, minute hand 712), second sub-hand 72, third sub-hand 73, and date wheel 50, which serve as the display unit, are driven by a motor and gear train described later. The fourth sub-hand 74 is not driven by a separate motor, but is driven in conjunction with the hour hand 711 of the first sub-hand 71 via a motor that drives the first sub-hand 71 and a gear train, thus rotating once every 24 hours. Therefore, the fourth sub-hand 74 is a third hand that operates in conjunction with the hour hand 711, which serves as the first hand, and rotates once every 24 hours.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The main parts of the movement 10, which is built into the outer casing 2 of the electronic clock 1, will be described. Figure 2 This is a top view of the main parts of the movement 10 as seen from the back cover side. Figure 3 This is a top view of the main parts of the movement 10 as seen from the side of the dial 5.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the movement 10 includes a base plate 15, a drive mechanism 100 supported by the base plate 15, and a secondary battery 14. The base plate 15 is formed of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Multiple motors and gear trains constituting the drive mechanism 100 are arranged on the rear cover side of the base plate 15.

[0034] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the drive mechanism 100 includes: a first motor 101 and a first gear train 110 for driving the hour hand 61; a second motor 102 and a second gear train 120 for driving the minute hand 62; and a third motor 103 and a third gear train 130 for driving the second hand 63. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 100 includes: a fourth motor 104 and a fourth gear train 140 for driving the hour hand 711, minute hand 712, and fourth minute hand 74 (which are first minute hands 71); a fifth motor 105 and a fifth gear train 150 for driving the second minute hand 72; a sixth motor 106 and a sixth gear train 160 for driving the third minute hand 73; and a seventh motor 107 and a seventh gear train 170 for driving the date wheel 50.

[0035] Motors 101 to 107 are stepper motors used in clocks, except for the fourth motor 104, which is a dual-coil stepper motor with two coils. Additionally, each gear train is supported by a base plate 15 and a gear train clamping plate (not shown).

[0036] The first gear train 110 includes a first intermediate gear 111 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the first motor 101, a second intermediate gear 112 that meshes with the wheel of the first intermediate gear 111, a third intermediate gear 113 that meshes with the wheel of the second intermediate gear 112, a detection wheel 114 that meshes with the wheel of the third intermediate gear 113, and an timing wheel 115. Figure 3 As shown, the hour detection wheel 114 and the hour wheel 115 are arranged on the front side of the base plate 15, i.e., the side of the dial 5. An hour hand 61 is mounted on the cylindrical hour hand shaft 610 of the hour wheel 115.

[0037] On the first intermediate wheel 111, the second intermediate wheel 112, and the detection wheel 114, there are holes for detecting the needle position, which are detected by a needle position detection device having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part that has been used in the past.

[0038] The second gear train 120 has a fifth gear 121 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the second motor 102, a third gear 122 that meshes with the wheel of the fifth gear 121, and a second gear 123 that meshes with the wheel of the third gear 122. The second gear 123 overlaps with the hour wheel 115 when viewed from above. The minute hand 62 is mounted on the cylindrical minute hand shaft 620 of the second gear 123. Holes for detecting the hand position, which are detected by a hand position detection device, are formed on the fifth gear 121, the third gear 122, and the second gear 123.

[0039] The third gear train 130 includes a second intermediate gear 131 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the third motor 103, a second wheel 132 that meshes with the wheel of the second intermediate gear 131, and a second detection wheel 133 that meshes with the wheel of the second intermediate gear 131. The second wheel 132 overlaps with the second gear 123 and the hour wheel 115 when viewed from above. A second hand 63 is mounted on the second hand shaft 630 of the second wheel 132. Holes for detecting the hand position, which is detected by a hand position detection device, are formed on the second intermediate gear 131 and the second detection wheel 133.

[0040] Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, a minute hand axis 620 is arranged inside a cylindrical hour hand axis 610, and a second hand axis 630 is arranged inside a cylindrical minute hand axis 620, which together constitute the center hand axis 60. In addition, the center hand wheel is composed of the hour wheel 115 with the hour hand axis 610, the second wheel 123 with the minute hand axis 620, and the second wheel 132 with the second hand axis 630.

[0041] The fourth gear train 140 is a gear train that drives the hour hand 711 and minute hand 712 of the first small hand 71. It includes an HT intermediate gear 141 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the fourth motor 104, an HT minute gear 142 that meshes with the wheel of the HT intermediate gear 141, an HT intermediate wheel 143 that meshes with the wheel of the HT minute gear 142, and an HT hour gear 144 that meshes with the wheel of the HT intermediate wheel 143. When viewed from above, the HT hour gear 144 overlaps with the HT minute gear 142, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, it is configured on the front side of the base plate 15.

[0042] The first small hand 71 is mounted on the first small hand axle 710 of the fourth gear train 140. Specifically, the hour hand 711 is mounted on the HT hour hand axle 713 of the HT hour wheel 144, and the minute hand 712 is mounted on the HT minute hand axle 714 of the HT minute wheel 142. Therefore, the first small hand axle 710 is composed of the HT hour hand axle 713 and the HT minute hand axle 714, and the HT hour wheel 144 and the HT minute wheel 142 constitute the first small hand train.

[0043] The fourth wheel train 140 also has a wheel train located on the front side of the base plate 15 for driving the fourth small hand 74, which serves as the AM / PM hand (24-hour hand). That is, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fourth gear train 140 has a first intermediate wheel 145 for 24-hour hand that meshes with the HT hour wheel 144, a second intermediate wheel 146 for 24-hour hand that meshes with the first intermediate wheel 145 for 24-hour hand, a third intermediate wheel 147 for 24-hour hand that meshes with the second intermediate wheel 146 for 24-hour hand, and a wheel 148 for 24-hour hand that meshes with the trolley of the third intermediate wheel 147 for 24-hour hand.

[0044] A fourth small hand 74 is mounted on the 24-hour hand shaft 740 of the 24-hour hand wheel 148.

[0045] The fifth gear train 150 is the gear train that drives the second pin 72, such as Figure 2 As shown, it has a first intermediate wheel 151 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the fifth motor 105 and a second small pinwheel 152 that meshes with the wheel of the first intermediate wheel 151. Figure 3 As shown, the second pin wheel 152 has a second pin shaft 720 for mounting the second pin 72.

[0046] The sixth gear train 160 drives the third pin 73, such as Figure 2 As shown, it has a first intermediate wheel 161 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the sixth motor 106 and a third small pinwheel 162 that meshes with the wheel of the first intermediate wheel 161. Figure 3 As shown, the third pin wheel 162 has a third pin shaft 730 for mounting the third pin 73.

[0047] The seventh gear train 170 is a gear train that drives the date wheel 50, and includes: a first intermediate wheel 171 that meshes with the rotor wheel of the seventh motor 107; a second intermediate wheel 172 that meshes with the wheel of the first intermediate wheel 171; a third intermediate wheel 173 that meshes with the second intermediate wheel 172; a fourth intermediate wheel 174 that is disposed on the front side of the base plate 15 and meshes with the wheel of the third intermediate wheel 173; and a date-changing wheel 175 that is disposed on the front side of the base plate 15 and meshes with the wheel of the fourth intermediate wheel 174.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the date wheel 50 is an annular component with internal teeth formed on its inner circumference. The date wheel 175 meshes with these internal teeth to rotate the date wheel 50. In addition, the center needle shaft 60, the first small needle shaft 710, the second small needle shaft 720, and the third small needle shaft 730 are arranged on the inner circumference side of the date wheel 50 in a manner that does not interfere with the date wheel 50.

[0049] Figure 2 The switching device 700 shown is a device that operates in conjunction with the operation of the handle 3. It is a general switching mechanism that, in addition to the handle shaft 701 on which the handle 3 is mounted, also includes a pull stop, clutch lever, contact spring, switch lever, pull stop spring, switch contact spring body, switch contact spring, switch wheel, etc.

[0050] The stem 701 is located in the movement 10 at the 3 o'clock position on the dial 5 when viewed from above. In addition to the stem 701, a switching device 700, including a pull rod and the like, is arranged along the outer periphery of the dial 5.

[0051] In the movement 10, on the back cover side of the base plate 15, in addition to the aforementioned structures, a wheel train bridge, circuit board, magnetic plate, circuit pressure plate, etc. (not shown) are also provided. Furthermore, in the movement 10, on the dial 5 side of the base plate 15, in addition to the aforementioned structures, a solar cell (not shown) is also provided.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the structure of an electronic clock 1. The electronic clock 1 includes an input device 11, a timing device 12, a power supply device 13, a control device 20, a storage device 30, a display unit 40, and a drive mechanism 100.

[0053] The input device 11 is configured to have the handle 3, button 4A and button 4B described above.

[0054] The timing device 12 has a quartz oscillator or the like that driven by power supplied from the power supply device 13, and outputs a clock signal based on the oscillation signal of the quartz oscillator.

[0055] The power supply device 13 is the power source for the electronic clock 1. In this embodiment, it is configured to include a solar panel, a charging circuit, and a secondary battery 14. The solar panel is a solar cell used for clocks and watches, and is constructed by connecting multiple solar cells in series. The charging circuit supplies the power generated by the solar panel to the secondary battery 14 to charge it. Furthermore, the power supply device 13 is not limited to having a solar panel and a secondary battery 14; it can be used as long as it can supply power to the control device 20, etc.

[0056] The storage device 30 includes a time data storage unit 31, a measurement time storage unit 32, a zero position storage unit 33, and a hand position storage unit 34. Furthermore, the storage device 30 can be configured as a storage area within a watch IC or as an external memory external to the watch IC.

[0057] The time data storage unit 31 stores the time displayed by each hand. Furthermore, in the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment, in order to display the local time displayed by the hour hand 61, minute hand 62, and second hand 63, and the home time displayed by the hour hand 711 and minute hand 712 of the first small hand 71, the time data storage unit 31 stores data for both types of time. Therefore, the time data storage unit 31 can, for example, directly store both local time data and home time data, or it can store data capable of calculating the two types of time data by storing the time difference data between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), local time, and home time.

[0058] The measurement time storage unit 32 stores the time measured in timing mode. In this embodiment, since it has a third small hand 73 that serves as a 1 / 20 second CG hand, the measurement time storage unit 32 stores not only the hour, minute, and second of the measurement time, but also the time in 1 / 20 second units.

[0059] The zero-position storage unit 33 stores which of the following is set as the zero-position of the first sub-hand 71 in timing mode: a first indicating position indicating 0:00 or a second indicating position indicating 12:00. The zero-position of the first sub-hand 71 refers to the position of the hour hand 711 and minute hand 712 of the first sub-hand 71 at the start of measurement in timing mode, i.e., the measurement start position.

[0060] The hour hand 711 of the first sub-hand 71 is a 12-hour clock hand that completes one revolution in 12 hours. At the first indicating position (0 o'clock) and the second indicating position (12 o'clock), the hour hand 711 indicates the same graduation. Furthermore, as described later, the first sub-hand 71 is managed using a 24-hour system with positions from 0:00 to 23:59, and the first and second indicating positions are managed separately. Moreover, since the first sub-hand 71 uses a fourth motor 104 to move the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712 in tandem, the measurement start position, i.e., the zeroing position, of the first sub-hand 71 is set in hours and minutes. Therefore, in the zero position storage unit 33, one of the two indication positions, namely the first indication position where the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712 overlap towards the 12 o'clock direction (0:00 minute) and the second indication position where the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712 overlap towards the 12 o'clock direction (12:00 minute), is selected and stored as the measurement start position of the first minute hand 71 in the timing mode, i.e., the zero position.

[0061] In addition, the zero position storage unit 33 also stores the position indicating 0 seconds as the measurement start position of the second CG hand (i.e., the second hand 63) and the 1 / 20 second CG hand (i.e., the third small hand 73).

[0062] The needle position storage unit 34 stores the needle position of each pointer. For example, in the needle position storage unit 34, a needle position counter is set for each pointer driven by each motor 101 to 107. The needle position counter updates the count value whenever a drive pulse is input to each motor 101 to 107, and resets the count value when the reference position is detected by the needle position detection device.

[0063] For example, in order to drive the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712 in both forward and reverse directions using the fourth motor 104, the hand position counter for the first minute hand 71 driven by the fourth motor 104 is configured as a reversible up-down counter capable of counting 1440 count values ​​(60 minutes × 24 hours). Therefore, the hand position counter for the first minute hand 71 is configured to count from "0" to "1339", and is set such that: a count value of "0" indicates the first minute hand 71 at 0:00, a count value of "720" indicates the first minute hand 71 at 12:00, and a count value of "1339" indicates the first minute hand 71 at 23:59. The hand position counter for the first minute hand 71 increments each time a forward drive pulse is input to the fourth motor 104 from the drive control unit 25 (described later), and decrements each time a reverse drive pulse is input to the fourth motor 104 from the drive control unit 25. Furthermore, when a forward rotation drive pulse is input from the drive control unit 25 to the fourth motor 104 with a count value of "1339" and the count is incremented, the count value returns to "0". The needle position counters for other pointers are also set in the same way as for each pointer.

[0064] The control device 20 is composed of a clock IC that controls the electronic clock 1. The display control unit in this embodiment is composed of the control device 20.

[0065] The control device 20 includes an input detection unit 21, a display time control unit 22, a timing control unit 23, a mode needle control unit 24, and a drive control unit 25.

[0066] The input detection unit 21 detects the input operations of the input device 11. In this embodiment, it detects the pull-out position, rotation direction and speed of the handle 3, and the operation of pressing and releasing buttons 4A and 4B.

[0067] The display time control unit 22 updates the time data in the time data storage unit 31 using the clock signal output from the timing device 12. Furthermore, the display time control unit 22, in conjunction with the update of the time data storage unit 31, drives the drive mechanism 100 via the drive control unit 25, thereby driving the hour hand 61, minute hand 62, second hand 63, first sub-hand 71, fourth sub-hand 74, second sub-hand 72, and date wheel 50 of the display unit 40.

[0068] When in timing mode, the timing control unit 23 performs time measurement processing using the clock signal output from the timing device 12, stores the measured time in the measurement time storage unit 32, and controls the driving of the third sub-hand 73, the second hand 63, and the first sub-hand 71 used as timing hands via the drive control unit 25.

[0069] The mode needle control unit 24 controls the driving of the second small needle 72 via the drive control unit 25.

[0070] The drive control unit 25 outputs drive pulses to each motor 101 to 107 to control the drive of each motor 101 to 107.

[0071] [Control to switch to timer mode]

[0072] Next, the switching control in the control device 20, which serves as the display control unit of the electronic clock 1, will be explained when a mode switching operation to the chronograph mode is performed via the first operation unit. Furthermore, the mode switching operation is appropriately set according to the input device 11 of the electronic clock 1. However, in this embodiment, in the hour display mode, when the second pin 72 indicates the chronograph mode mark "CHR" by pulling the crown 3 out one level and pressing the button 4B, the clock chronograph mode is switched from the hour display mode to the chronograph mode by pushing the crown 3 back. Conversely, in the chronograph mode, pulling out and pushing the crown 3 back deactivates the chronograph mode and switches back to the hour display mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operation unit for switching between the hour display mode and the chronograph mode consists of the crown 3 and the button 4B. Furthermore, the switch to the chronograph mode can be a direct switch from the hour display mode to the chronograph mode, or it can be a switch from a mode other than the hour display mode, such as the time zone selection mode, to the chronograph mode.

[0073] When the input detection unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the switching action to the timing mode performed by the input device 11, the timing control unit 23 performs a zeroing process to move the third sub-hand 73, second hand 63, hour hand 711, and minute hand 712, which are used as timing hands, to the measurement start position.

[0074] Since the 1 / 20th second CG hand, i.e., the third sub-hand 73, which is the less than second CG hand, is not used in the time display mode, it stops at the 0-second position, which is the zeroing position. Therefore, when the zeroing process begins, the timing control unit 23 does not need to move the third sub-hand 73. However, in this embodiment, the process of moving the third sub-hand 73 one revolution forward in the clockwise direction to the 0-second position, which is the zeroing position, is performed. Thus, by moving the third sub-hand 73, which does not move in the time display mode, one revolution forward, the user can easily recognize that the timing mode has been switched. In addition, since the third sub-hand 73, which is the 1 / 20th second CG hand, rotates one revolution per second during time measurement, the time for rotating one revolution forward to reach the zeroing position can be set to less than 1 second, for example, 0.7 seconds.

[0075] Simultaneously with initiating the zeroing process for the third sub-hand 73, the timing control unit 23 also initiates the zeroing process for the second hand 63, which serves as the second CG hand. In this embodiment, the second hand 63, which also functions as the second CG hand, is used as the second hand in the hour display mode, and therefore begins the process of fast-forwarding from the position indicating the current second time in the clockwise direction to the 0-second position, which is the zeroing position. Furthermore, the maximum time for the second hand 63 to fast-forward in the clockwise direction to the zeroing position is the time it takes for the second hand 63 to move from the position indicating the 1-second mark to the 0-second position, which is the zeroing position, by fast-forwarding in the clockwise direction for 59 seconds, for example, 0.9 seconds.

[0076] Therefore, after switching to chronograph mode, the zeroing process for the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 is completed in less than 1 second. Furthermore, the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 are accelerated in the clockwise direction because the third motor 103 and the sixth motor 106 driving them are motors with a single coil, and their acceleration in the clockwise direction is faster than in the reverse direction. Therefore, both the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 reach zero through this clockwise acceleration.

[0077] Simultaneously with resetting the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 to zero, the timing control unit 23 begins resetting the first sub-hand 71 of the small clock. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The flowchart describes the zeroing process for the first hand 71 of the small clock. Furthermore, as a prerequisite, the zeroing process for the first hand 71 in this embodiment is based on the premise that the fourth motor 104 driving the first hand 71 has two coils and that the fast-forward frequency (i.e., fast-forward speed) is the same in both the forward and reverse directions. In addition, as mentioned above, the position of the first hand 71 is managed using hand position count values ​​from "0" to "1339".

[0078] The timing control unit 23 first obtains the current hand position of the first hand 71 of the small clock, that is, the hand positions of the hour hand 711 and minute hand 712 that display the hometown time in the time display mode (step S1). Since the current hand position of the first hand 71 is stored in the hand position storage unit 34, the timing control unit 23 obtains the hand position of the first hand 71 by detecting the value of the hand position counter used by the first hand 71 in the hand position storage unit 34.

[0079] Next, the timing control unit 23 determines whether the current position of the first small hand 71 is greater than or equal to 6:00 and less than 18:00 (step S2). Specifically, the timing control unit 23 determines whether the hand position count value obtained in step S1 is greater than or equal to "360" representing 6:00 and less than "1080" representing 18:00.

[0080] If the determination in step S2 is "yes", the timing control unit 23 sets the zero position, i.e., the measurement start position, to the second indication position, i.e., 12:00 (step S3). Then, the timing control unit 23 determines whether the current hand position is below 12:00 (step S4). If the determination in step S4 is "yes", the timing control unit 23 sets the rotation direction to clockwise (step S5); if the determination in step S4 is "no", the timing control unit 23 sets the rotation direction to counterclockwise (step S6).

[0081] If the determination in step S2 is "No", the timing control unit 23 sets the zero position, i.e., the measurement start position, to the first indication position, i.e., 0:00 (step S7). Then, the timing control unit 23 determines whether the current hand position is above 18:00 or 0:00 (step S8). If the determination in step S8 is "Yes", the timing control unit 23 sets the rotation direction to forward (step S9); if the determination in step S8 is "No", the timing control unit 23 sets the rotation direction to reverse (step S10).

[0082] Next, the timing control unit 23 saves the zero position, i.e. the measurement start position, set in steps S3 and S7 in the zero position storage unit 33 and updates it (step S11).

[0083] Next, the timing control unit 23 calculates the needle movement amount, i.e. the number of drive pulses of the fourth motor 104, based on the zero position set according to the current needle position of the first small needle 71 and the rotation direction (step S12).

[0084] Then, the timing control unit 23 executes the movement of the first hand 71 of the small clock toward the zero position based on the set rotation direction and hand movement amount (step S13).

[0085] Through the above zeroing process, the first hand 71 is zeroed to the position between the first indicating position (0:00) and the second indicating position (12:00), where the movement time of the first hand 71 (the hour hand 711, which acts as the first pointer) and the minute hand 712 (which acts as the second pointer) is shorter. This position is the measurement start position, and the zeroing position is also the measurement start position. For example, if the current time of the hometown time displayed by the first hand 71 is 17:05, when switching to the timing mode, step S2 is judged as "yes", step S3 sets the zeroing position to 12:00, which is the second indicating position, step S4 is judged as "no", and step S6 sets the rotation direction to reverse. Then, in step S11, the timing control unit 23 updates the zero position to 12:00, which is the second indicated position. In step S12, based on the relationship between the current hand position of 17:05 and the zero position, the hand movement is calculated to be 5 hours and 5 minutes. In step S13, the fourth motor 104 is reversed and moved in reverse for 5 hours and 5 minutes via the drive control unit 25. The fourth sub-hand 74, which is the AM / PM hand, is driven in conjunction with the first sub-hand 71, and moves in reverse to the downward position indicating 12 o'clock.

[0086] In this way, since the zero position of the first hand 71 can be selected from the first indicated position (0:00) and the second indicated position (12:00), and the fourth motor 104 makes the forward and reverse directions move at the same speed, the time it takes for the first hand 71 to move to the measurement start position (zero position) when switching to timing mode can be minimized. That is, since the zero position of the first hand 71 of the small clock is either the first indicated position or the second indicated position, and it can move at the same speed in both forward and reverse directions, it can move to the zero position in a maximum of 6 hours. In this embodiment, the maximum time for the hour hand 711 and the minute hand 712, which move by the fourth motor 104, to move to the zero position is 3.5 seconds.

[0087] [Time measurement control in timer mode]

[0088] After switching to timing mode, when the input detection unit 21 detects a button operation indicating the start of time measurement, the timing control unit 23 begins time measurement. In this embodiment, time measurement begins when button 4A is pressed. Therefore, button 4A is the third operation unit that indicates the start of measurement in timing mode.

[0089] In this embodiment, the condition for allowing the button operation to start time measurement is that the second CG hand and the insufficient second CG hand used in the timing have completed their movement towards the zero position. Even before the first hand 71 of the small clock returns to zero, if the second hand 63 (which serves as the second CG hand) and the third hand 73 (which serves as the 1 / 20 second CG hand) move to the zero position (0 seconds), then the button operation to start time measurement is allowed, and time measurement begins. As mentioned above, since the maximum time for the second hand 63 to move to the zero position is 0.9 seconds, and the time for the third hand 73 to complete one rotation is 0.7 seconds, after the user switches to timing mode, the button operation to start time measurement is allowed after a maximum of 0.9 seconds have elapsed since the second hand 63 and the third hand 73 returned to the zero position. Therefore, time measurement can begin even before the first hand 71 returns to the zero position.

[0090] In addition, the following two forms are known as conditions for button operation that allow time measurement to begin.

[0091] The first type allows measurement to begin regardless of whether the timing hand is moving or returning to zero. The advantage of this first type is that the user can start measuring immediately without waiting for the timing mode to prepare. The disadvantage is that because operation can be performed while the hand is moving, it is difficult to determine what the hand is displaying.

[0092] The second method allows measurement to begin after all the timing pointers have moved to the zero position. The advantage of the second method is that the switching to timing mode is clear, easy to understand, and less prone to misoperation. The disadvantage is that it takes a longer time to wait for the pointers to reach the zero position.

[0093] In contrast, in this embodiment, time measurement begins between the first and second forms, and measurement can be performed after the second hand (the third small hand 73) and the second hand (the second hand 63) used in timing have moved to the zero position.

[0094] Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of this embodiment are intermediate between the first and second embodiments. Specifically, the reason for selecting the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 as hands that complete their movement before measurement can be performed is that, since the first sub-hand 71, as a small clock, takes longer to return to zero compared to the other hands, the disadvantage of not being able to immediately perform measurement after mode switching while waiting for the first sub-hand 71 to complete its movement is significant. On the other hand, for the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73, which are hands smaller than seconds, it is difficult for the user to determine whether measurement has started if measurement does not begin from the zero position. Furthermore, since their movement time is shorter than that of the first sub-hand 71, the disadvantage of waiting time is smaller. Since the first sub-hand 71, as a small clock, represents the minutes and hours of the measurement time, it is not used to display the measurement time until one minute has elapsed. Therefore, even if the first sub-hand 71, which returns to zero in approximately 3.5 seconds, moves to zero immediately after the start of time measurement, the impact is minimal because the user is focused on the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73, even if time measurement begins before the first sub-hand 71 returns to zero.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing pointer is equipped with a sub-seconds CG hand that indicates seconds less than a second (e.g., 1 / 100th or 1 / 20th of a second). When the sub-seconds CG hand is in motion or when its motion begins, the fast-forwarding of other hands and the date wheel 50 is stopped. For example, if the local time is 0:00 AM, and the date wheel 50 needs to be fast-forwarded due to a change in the displayed date, the fast-forwarding of the date wheel 50 begins after the sub-seconds CG hand stops, even if the sub-seconds CG hand has moved. Furthermore, if the sub-seconds CG hand is activated by operating a measurement to start timing during the fast-forwarding of the date wheel 50 due to a date change, the date wheel 50 is stopped even if it is moving. As another example, sometimes automatic reception based on GPS satellite signal reception functions during time measurement, resulting in the fast-forwarding of the hour hand 61, minute hand 62, and date wheel 50. In this case, the motion of the sub-seconds CG hand is also prioritized, so the fast-forwarding of other hands begins after the sub-seconds CG hand stops.

[0096] This control is implemented because, when controlling the movement of the CG hand (which operates at less than 1 / 20 of a second) using software while maintaining low power consumption, the processing load is very high. If other actions are performed in parallel, a processing time delay occurs, making it difficult to ensure that the CG hand operates in sync with the actual measurement time. Therefore, as in this embodiment, when the third sub-hand 73, which is the 1 / 20 second CG hand, operates, the processing load can be reduced by stopping the fast-forwarding of other hands.

[0097] When switched to timer mode and the second hand 63 and the third sub-hand 73 return to the zero position (0 seconds), the timer control unit 23 accepts the operation to start time measurement from button 4A. Therefore, when the input detection unit 21 detects that button 4A has been pressed, the timer control unit 23 begins time measurement, causing the third sub-hand 73, second hand 63, and first sub-hand 71 to move. Furthermore, to reduce the workload of time measurement processing, the third sub-hand 73, acting as a 1 / 20 second CG hand, only moves for a maximum of one minute from the start of time measurement, then stops at the 0 seconds position. Additionally, when performing segmented operations or stop operations (described later), the second hand 63 and the first sub-hand 71 stop at the position displaying the measured time during the operation, and the third sub-hand 73 displays the seconds at the time of the operation.

[0098] When button 4A is pressed during time measurement, the timing control unit 23 stops the time measurement, halting the movement of the third sub-hand 73, the second hand 63, and the first sub-hand 71. When button 4A is pressed again during the time measurement stop, the timing control unit 23 restarts the time measurement. Upon restarting the time measurement, the third sub-hand 73 only moves for one minute.

[0099] When the time measurement period is 12 hours, that is, when the hour hand 711 of the first small hand 71 moves one revolution and returns to the zero position, the timing control unit 23 automatically stops the time measurement.

[0100] When time measurement stops, pressing button 4B resets the timer. The third sub-hand 73, the second hand 63, and the first sub-hand 71 are then... Figure 5 When switching to the timing mode, it also returns to the zero position. Therefore, button 4B is the second operating unit for performing the reset operation.

[0101] For example, if the zero position is 0:00 when switching to timing mode, and after 9 hours of timing measurement, a reset operation is performed using button 4B, since the position of the first small hand 71 before the reset is 9:00, therefore, Figure 5 In the flowchart shown, if the determination is "yes" in step S2 and "yes" in step S4, the first small needle 71 moves to the 12:00 position in the positive direction, and the new zero position is updated with 12:00.

[0102] Next, press button 4A to start the timing measurement. After measuring for 5 hours, and then resetting using button 4B, since the position of the first small hand 71 before the reset was 17:00, therefore, Figure 5 In the flowchart, if the result is "yes" in step S2 and "no" in step S4, the first small hand 71 will reverse and move to the 12:00 position, and the new zero position will be updated using 12:00.

[0103] Therefore, the zero position of the first pin 71 stored in the zero position storage unit 33 of the storage device 30 is updated when switching to the timing mode and when resetting the time measurement in the timing mode. The zero position of the first pin 71 stored in the zero position storage unit 33 is utilized when there is a deviation between the time measured by the timing and the displayed position of the pin, such as when the segment is released later or when the timing hand restarts from zero.

[0104] Furthermore, when restarting after resetting in chronograph mode, measurement begins even if none of the chronograph hands return to zero. That is, the pointer's movement is as follows if there is a start indication before the chronograph hands return to the zero position.

[0105] The third sub-hand 73, acting as the 1 / 20-second timing hand, is fast-forwarded to zero in the forward direction. However, if a start indication is given before returning to the zero position, the third sub-hand 73 does not stop at the 0-second position (the zero position) but continues fast-forwarding until it catches up with the displayed measurement time. Furthermore, after the position of the third sub-hand 73 catches up with the measurement time, the third sub-hand 73 begins moving in 1 / 20-second increments. The forward fast-forward frequency of the third sub-hand 73 is, for example, 85.3 Hz. In this embodiment, since the third sub-hand 73 is designed to rotate one revolution by inputting 60 drive pulses to the sixth motor 106, theoretically, if the fast-forward frequency is 60 Hz or higher, the third sub-hand 73 can catch up with the displayed measurement time.

[0106] The second hand 63, which acts as the second CG hand, is fast-forwarded to zero in the forward direction. However, if there is a start indication before returning to the zero position, the second hand 63, similar to the third sub-hand 73, will fast-forward until it catches up with the displayed measurement time when the measured time has exceeded 1 second.

[0107] As described above, the first hand 71 of the small clock, which serves as the hour and minute CG hand, fast-forwards to the zero position set according to the position of the first hand 71 before it is about to reset and stops. That is, since the first hand 71 returns to zero in about 3.5 seconds at most, the first hand 71 stops at the zero position before the first hand 71 starts moving after 1 minute of measurement time.

[0108] [Segmented Measurement Control]

[0109] Segmented measurement is a method of measuring elapsed time (i.e., segmented time) by stopping the timing pointer while continuously measuring the time.

[0110] To perform this segmented measurement, as with normal timing measurements, after switching to timing mode, when button 4A is pressed, as shown... Figure 6As shown, the timing control unit 23 starts timing measurement (step S21). Therefore, the second hand 63, the third sub-hand 73, and the first sub-hand 71, which serve as timing hands, enter the hand-moving state (step S22).

[0111] The timing control unit 23 determines whether button 4B was pressed and a segmented operation was performed during the movement of the timing hand in step S22 (step S23). If the determination in step S23 is "no", the timing control unit 23 continues the movement of the timing hand in step S22, i.e., the time measurement state.

[0112] On the other hand, if the determination in step S23 is "yes", that is, if button 4B is pressed, the timing control unit 23 stops the timing hand in a segmented display manner (step S24). At this time, the timing control unit 23 continues time measurement, that is, updating the measurement time stored in the measurement time storage unit 32.

[0113] The timing control unit 23 determines whether the segment release operation was performed by pressing button 4B during the stop in the segmented display mode in step S24 (step S25). If the determination is "no" in step S25, the timing control unit 23 maintains the state of stopping the timing hand in the segmented display mode in step S24 and continues to update the measurement time in the measurement time storage unit 32.

[0114] On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 is "yes", that is, when button 4B is pressed to perform the segment release operation, the timing control unit 23 executes the process of causing the timing hand to fast forward to the measurement time in step S30.

[0115] The processing in step S30 is as follows Figure 7 The flowchart is shown. The timing control unit 23 obtains the timing measurement time by referring to the measurement time storage unit 32 (step S31). In addition, the timing control unit 23 determines whether the zero position is the first indicated position, i.e., 0:00, by referring to the zero position storage unit 33 (step S32).

[0116] If the determination in step S32 is "No", that is, when the zero position is 12:00, the timing control unit 23 adds 12 hours to the timing measurement time for hand position conversion (step S33). That is, since the hand position of the first small hand 71 stored in the hand position storage unit 34 is a 24-hour system, when the zero position is 12:00 and the timing measurement time is 1 hour, the hand position indicated by the first small hand 71 needs to be 13:00, that is, the hand position counter needs to be set to "780". Therefore, by adding a 12-hour offset to the timing measurement time, it is possible to convert to the 24-hour system hand position of the first small hand 71. Furthermore, the processing in step S33 is merely a process for determining the hand position of the first small hand 71; the measurement time stored in the measurement time storage unit 32 continues to be updated via a clock signal.

[0117] If the determination in step S32 is "yes", or after the offset processing in step S33, the timing control unit 23 performs a conversion of the hand positions to the first sub-hand 71, second hand 63, and third sub-hand 73 based on the timing measurement time (step S34). In step S34, the timing control unit 23 converts the hour and minute data of the timing measurement time set according to the zero position into the hand position of the first sub-hand 71. Furthermore, the timing control unit 23 converts the seconds and data less than a second (1 / 20 second) of the timing measurement time into the hand positions of the second hand 63 and third sub-hand 73. The zero position of the second hand 63 and third sub-hand 73 is always 0 seconds, therefore no offset transformation is required.

[0118] Next, the timing control unit 23 calculates the amount of movement from the positions of the first sub-hand 71, second hand 63, and third sub-hand 73, which were stopped after the segmentation, to the positions converted in step S34 (step S35). Furthermore, the timing control unit 23 controls the fourth motor 104, third motor 103, and sixth motor 106 via the drive control unit 25, causing the first sub-hand 71, second hand 63, and third sub-hand 73 to begin fast-forwarding in the forward direction by the amount of movement calculated in step S35 (step S36). When the segmentation is released, through this fast-forwarding in step S36, the first sub-hand 71, second hand 63, and third sub-hand 73, acting as timing hands, move rapidly from the position where they stopped after the segmentation to a position indicating the current timing measurement time.

[0119] when Figure 7 When the processing of step S30 shown is completed, as follows Figure 6As shown, the timing hand continues to move (step S26). When button 4B is pressed while the timing hand is moving, the display is split into segments. Then, when button 4B is pressed again, the segmentation is released. When button 4A is pressed while the timing hand is moving, the timing measurement stops. When button 4B is pressed in this stopped state, the timing measurement time is reset, and each timing hand returns to zero.

[0120] [Control for switching between time display modes]

[0121] Next, the control method for switching from chronograph mode to hour display mode will be explained. The operation to deactivate chronograph mode can be appropriately set, but in this embodiment, as described above, the chronograph mode is deactivated and the hour display mode is switched by pulling out and pushing back the crown 3. At this time, the second hand 72 switches to the hour display mode, for example, displaying the day of the week. Furthermore, since the hour hand 61 and minute hand 62 continue to display the local time even in chronograph mode, the hour display continues even after the chronograph mode is deactivated. On the other hand, the hour display control unit 22 switches the second hand 63 to display the seconds of the current time, and the third hand 73 moves to the zero position, i.e., the 0-second position.

[0122] Furthermore, the time control unit 22 moves the first hand 71 of the small clock to the current time position. (See reference...) Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the movement control of the first small needle 71.

[0123] When the timing mode is deactivated, the display time control unit 22 retrieves the hand position A of the small clock, i.e. the first small hand 71, when the timing mode is deactivated from the hand position storage unit 34 (step S41).

[0124] Next, the time control unit 22 retrieves the current time of the small clock, i.e., the time of the first hand 71, from the time data storage unit 31 (step S42). Then, the time control unit 22 retrieves the current time of the small clock's hand position B, i.e., the hand position B indicating the home time (step S43).

[0125] The display time control unit 22 determines whether the difference between the needle position B and the needle position A is less than 12 hours (step S44). If the determination in step S44 is "yes", the rotation direction is set to forward (step S45). If the determination in step S44 is "no", the rotation direction is set to reverse (step S46).

[0126] Next, the display time control unit 22 calculates the movement amount of the first small hand 71 according to each rotation direction (step S47), and fast-forwards the first small hand 71 to the current time position with the set rotation direction and movement amount (step S48).

[0127] For example, if the timing mode is reset to 12:00 (the second indicator position) and the timing mode is deactivated after measuring one hour, the first sub-hand 71's position A becomes the position indicating 13:00. On the other hand, suppose the first sub-hand 71 indicates the current time (home time) at position B as 3:15. Since position BA is calculated based on the time taken from position A to position B after rotating in the forward direction, position B is considered as 24 hours + 3 hours and 15 minutes, thus position BA becomes 14 hours and 15 minutes, and is determined to be more than 12 hours. Therefore, the rotation direction is set to reverse, and the reverse hand movement from 13:00 (position A) to 3:15 (position B) is 9 hours and 45 minutes. Therefore, the first sub-hand 71 moves in a manner that accelerates 9 hours and 45 minutes in the reverse direction.

[0128] By switching to the time display mode, the hour hand 61, minute hand 62, and second hand 63 display the local time in hours, minutes, and seconds. The first small hand 71 displays the hometown time in hours and minutes. The fourth small hand 74 displays the hometown time in AM or PM. The third small hand 73 stops at the zero position, i.e., the 0-second position.

[0129] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0130] In this embodiment, during the timing of transitioning to timing mode or resetting the measurement display, the indicator position with the shorter movement time of the first pin 71 (either the first indicator position or the second indicator position) can be set as the zero position based on the display time of the first pin 71 and the measurement time, and the needle movement for zeroing can begin. Therefore, compared to the case where the maximum movement of the first pin 71 is 12 hours when the zero position at the start of measurement in timing mode is always set to 0:00 (the first indicator position), the maximum movement of the first pin 71 to the zero position can be reduced to half, such as 6 hours, thus shortening the movement time. Therefore, for the user, the time for displaying and recognizing the measurement time during mode switching can be shortened, improving user operability and convenience. Furthermore, the same effect can be achieved during the timing reset operation after timing measurement.

[0131] Because a zero-position storage unit 33 is provided to store the zero-position of the first pin 71 each time it is updated, when the display time of the first pin 71 deviates from the measurement time, such as when the segment is released, and the display time is made to match the measurement time, the amount of movement required to fast-forward the first pin 71 can be easily calculated using the zero-position stored in the zero-position storage unit 33 and the measurement time stored in the measurement time storage unit 32, and fast-forward processing can be easily performed. That is, without storing the zero-position, in order to calculate the position when the segment is released, it is necessary to count the time from the start of the segment to the end of the segment and add it to the pin position to calculate the display position. This requires additional storage area and the use of a timer for time measurement, resulting in a large amount of resource usage. In contrast, if the zero-position storage unit 33 is provided as in this embodiment, it is not necessary to count the time from the start of the segment to the end of the segment.

[0132] [Variation Example]

[0133] In chronograph mode, the first hand that serves as the hour CG hand is not limited to the hour hand 711 of a small clock; the hour hand 61 can also be used as the first hand. The hour hand 61 also displays the time in a 12-hour format, so the measurement start position (zeroing position) can be selected from either the first indicating position (0 o'clock) or the second indicating position (12 o'clock). Furthermore, in chronograph mode, the second hand that serves as the minute CG hand is not limited to the minute hand 712; the minute hand 62 can also be used as the second hand. In this case, since the minute hand 62, which serves as the minute CG hand, moves independently via the second motor 102, its measurement start position can be fixed at the 0-minute position.

[0134] As the motor driving the first pointer that becomes the hour CG hand in timing mode, a fourth motor 104 with dual coils and the same rapid-forward speed in both the forward and reverse directions is used. However, a motor with different rapid-forward speeds in each direction can also be used. In this case, in order to select the shorter movement time by taking into account the difference in rapid-forward speed between the forward and reverse directions, a threshold time is set for selecting the first and second indicator positions as the zero-position. Figure 5 The time required for needle position determination in steps S2, S4, and S8 is sufficient.

[0135] [Summarize]

[0136] The electronic clock disclosed herein has at least two modes: an hour display mode and a timekeeping mode. The electronic clock includes: a first operation unit that performs a mode switching operation; a first hand that displays the hour in a 12-hour format in the hour display mode and displays the hour of the measurement time in the timekeeping mode; and a display control unit that, based on the mode switching operation to the timekeeping mode, causes the first hand to fast-forward to the measurement start position in the timekeeping mode. The display control unit manages two indication positions: a first indication position where the first hand indicates 0 o'clock in the hour display mode and a second indication position where the first hand indicates 12 o'clock in the hour display mode. When switching to the timekeeping mode, the display control unit, based on the display time of the first hand at the time of the switching operation, sets the indication position with the shorter movement time of the first hand among the two indication positions as the measurement start position, and causes the first hand to move to the set measurement start position.

[0137] According to the electronic clock of this disclosure, the display control unit can select from two indication positions—a first indication position indicating 0 o'clock and a second indication position indicating 12 o'clock—to set the measurement start position in timing mode. Therefore, based on the display time of the first hand when switching to timing mode, the measurement start position with the shorter movement time of the first hand can be selected. Thus, compared to always setting the measurement start position in timing mode to the first indication position indicating 0, the time required for the first hand to move to the measurement start position can be shortened.

[0138] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, it is preferable to have a second operation unit. In the timing mode, the second operation unit performs a reset operation to reset the time measurement. When the reset operation is performed, the display control unit sets the indicator position of the first pointer with the shorter movement time among the two indicator positions as the measurement start position based on the position of the first pointer, and moves the first pointer to the set measurement start position.

[0139] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, the display control unit can, during a reset operation, set the measurement start position of the first pointer from two indicated positions, based on the current position of the first pointer, and move it to that position. Therefore, even during a reset, the time required for the first pointer to move to the measurement start position can be shortened.

[0140] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, preferably, the electronic clock has a second hand that moves in conjunction with the first hand to display minutes. The display control unit manages the position where the first and second hands indicate 0:00 as the first indication position and the position where the first and second hands indicate 12:00 as the second indication position. When switching to the timing mode, the display control unit, based on the display time of the first and second hands at the time of the switching operation, sets the indication position with the shorter movement time of the first and second hands as the measurement start position, and moves the first and second hands to the set measurement start position.

[0141] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, the first and second hands move in tandem, and can therefore be driven by a single motor. Thus, since the measurement start position during mode switching can be selected from the first indicating position (0:00) and the second indicating position (12:00), the time required to move the first and second hands to the measurement start position can be shortened compared to always setting the measurement start position to the first indicating position.

[0142] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, it is preferred that the electronic clock has a third hand that moves in conjunction with the first hand, rotating once every 24 hours.

[0143] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, a third hand is linked to the first hand and rotates once every 24 hours, so that the user can easily determine whether the first hand is showing the morning or afternoon time.

[0144] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, preferably, there is a motor that drives the first pointer, the motor having two coils that can drive the first pointer at the same speed in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0145] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, since the motor driving the first pointer has two coils and can drive the first pointer at the same speed in both the forward and reverse directions, the movement time of the first pointer until the measurement start position can be minimized.

[0146] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, preferably, the electronic clock has: a fourth hand that displays a measurement time of less than a second in the timing mode, the position indicating 0 seconds being set as the measurement start position; and a third operation unit that indicates the start of measurement in the timing mode, wherein the display control unit, based on a mode switching operation to switch to the timing mode, causes the fourth hand to fast forward to the measurement start position, and after the fourth hand moves to the measurement start position, the display control unit receives the instruction from the third operation unit to start the measurement and begins timing time measurement.

[0147] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, when switching to chronograph mode, the fourth hand fast-forwards to the measurement start position indicating 0 seconds, thus allowing the user to easily confirm that chronograph mode has been switched. Furthermore, since the fourth hand displays the measurement time in seconds or less, the time taken to fast-forward to the measurement start position is also short. If the fourth hand reaches the measurement start position, chronograph measurement can begin. Therefore, time measurement in chronograph mode can begin before the first hand reaches the measurement start position, thereby shortening the waiting time until measurement begins.

[0148] In the electronic clocks disclosed herein, it is preferred that the upper limit of time that can be measured in the timing mode is 12 hours.

[0149] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, the upper limit of time that can be measured in chronograph mode is 12 hours. Therefore, the first hand of the 12-hour system moves only one revolution from the starting position of the measurement in chronograph mode, so the user can easily confirm the measured time.

[0150] In the electronic clock of this disclosure, it is preferable to have a storage unit that stores the time in the time display mode, the measured time in the timing mode, and the position of the first pointer.

[0151] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, there is a storage unit that stores the time in the time display mode, the measured time in the timing mode, and the position of the first pointer. Therefore, when the time display mode and the timing mode are switched by a mode switching operation, the time and the measured time can be easily switched and displayed by the first pointer.

[0152] In the electronic clocks disclosed herein, it is preferable that the storage unit stores the set measurement start position.

[0153] According to the electronic clock disclosed herein, the measurement start position set by the display control unit is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, when the measurement time deviates from the time indicated by the timing hand during segmented operation, the process of fast-forwarding the timing hand to the measurement time can be easily performed when the segment is released.

Claims

1. An electronic clock, characterized in that, The electronic clock has at least two modes: an hour display mode and a timekeeping mode. The electronic clock has the following features: The first operation unit performs a mode switching operation to switch the mode; A first pointer, which displays the hour of the time in 12-hour format in the time display mode and displays the hour of the measured time in the timing mode; as well as The display control unit, based on a mode switching operation to switch to the timing mode, causes the first pointer to fast-forward to the measurement start position in the timing mode. The display control unit distinguishes and manages two indication positions: a first indication position where the first pointer indicates 0 o'clock in the time display mode, and a second indication position where the first pointer indicates 12 o'clock in the time display mode. When switching to the timing mode, the display control unit sets the indicator position with the shorter movement time of the first pointer among the two indicator positions as the measurement start position based on the display time of the first pointer during the switching operation, and moves the first pointer to the set measurement start position.

2. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has a second operating unit, which performs a reset operation to reset the time measurement in the timing mode. When the reset operation is performed, the display control unit sets the indicator position with the shorter movement time of the first pointer among the two indicator positions as the measurement start position based on the position of the first pointer, and moves the first pointer to the set measurement start position.

3. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has a second hand that moves in conjunction with the first hand to display minutes. The display control unit manages the position indicated by the first and second pointers at 0:00 as the first indicated position, and manages the position indicated by the first and second pointers at 12:00 as the second indicated position. When switching to the timing mode, the display control unit sets the indicator position with the shorter movement time of the first and second pointers among the two indicator positions as the measurement start position based on the display time of the first and second pointers during the switching operation, and moves the first and second pointers to the set measurement start position.

4. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has a third hand that moves in conjunction with the first hand, rotating once every 24 hours.

5. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has a motor that drives the first hand. The motor has two coils and is capable of driving the first pointer at the same speed in both the forward and reverse directions.

6. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has the following features: The fourth pointer, which displays the measurement time in seconds in the timing mode, indicates that the position of 0 seconds is set as the measurement start position; and The third operation unit indicates the start of measurement in the timing mode. The display control unit, based on a mode switching operation to switch to the timing mode, causes the fourth pointer to fast-forward to the measurement start position. After the fourth pointer moves to the measurement start position, the display control unit receives the instruction from the third operation unit to start the measurement and begins timing measurement.

7. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum measurable time in the timing mode is 12 hours.

8. The electronic clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic clock has a storage unit that stores the time in the time display mode, the measured time in the timing mode, and the position of the first pointer.

9. The electronic clock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The storage unit stores the set measurement start position.

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