Wristwatch

Abstract

To provide a wristwatch capable of suppressing a decrease in power generation amount when a part of a solar panel is shielded from light.SOLUTION: A wristwatch 1 comprises hands and a solar panel 4 arranged around a rotary shaft 3x of the hands, and the solar panel includes at least three solar cells which are connected in series. The respective solar cells have first regions 51, 61, 71, and 81 arranged on the nine o'clock side about the virtual line IL connecting twelve o'clock and six o'clock, and second regions 52, 62, 72, and 82 arranged on the three o'clock side about the virtual line, and border lines between two mutually adjacent solar cells include line parts B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8 extending radially from the rotary shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are watches with solar cells. Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic watch with a solar cell, which includes a solar cell and a translucent dial installed on the front side of the solar cell. The solar cell includes a first solar cell, a second solar cell, and a third solar cell, which are divided into three sectors by a dividing line passing through the center point of the dial, and the first solar cell and the second solar cell are arranged across two left and right regions divided by a line connecting the scales indicating 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock on the dial, and the third solar cell is arranged in only one of the two left and right regions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-108908 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a wristwatch, it is desirable to be able to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generated when a part of the solar panel is shaded by the user's sleeve, etc. For example, in the solar-powered electronic watch of Patent Document 1, if the area where the third solar cell is located, out of the two left and right areas, is shaded, the solar cell cannot generate power. Even if one of the two areas of the solar panel is shaded, it is preferable that the other area can generate power.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wristwatch that can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generated when part of the solar panel is shaded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wristwatch of the present invention comprises a hand and a solar panel arranged around the rotation axis of the hand, the solar panel including at least three solar cells connected in series, each of the solar cells having a first region arranged on the nine o'clock side of an imaginary line connecting twelve o'clock and six o'clock, and a second region arranged on the three o'clock side of the imaginary line, and the boundary line between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending radially around the rotation axis. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In a wristwatch according to the present invention, each of the multiple solar cells has a first region located on the 9 o'clock side of an imaginary line connecting 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, and a second region located on the 3 o'clock side of the imaginary line, and the boundary between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending in a radial direction about the rotation axis. The wristwatch according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing a decrease in the amount of power generation when part of the solar panel is shaded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a wristwatch according to an embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a solar panel having five solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a solar panel having six solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a solar panel having four solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a solar panel having three solar cells according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a solar panel according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a solar panel according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another solar panel according to the first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another solar panel according to the first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a solar panel according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a solar panel according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A wristwatch according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include those that a person skilled in the art would easily imagine or that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] An embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. The embodiment relates to a wristwatch. The wristwatch 1 of the embodiment is a timepiece worn on the wrist of a user, for example an electronic watch. As shown in Fig. 1, the wristwatch 1 according to the embodiment has an outer case 2, hands 3, a solar panel 4, a crystal 11, a battery 12, a dial 31, a first button 35, a second button 36, and a crown 37. The hands 3 have a second hand 32, a minute hand 33, and an hour hand 34. The outer case 2 has a substantially cylindrical case body 21 and a lug 22.

[0011] The first button 35, the second button 36, and the crown 37 are disposed on the case body 21. The first button 35 and the second button 36 are push buttons protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the case body 21. The first button 35 and the second button 36 are disposed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the case body 21. The crown 37 is disposed between the first button 35 and the second button 36.

[0012] The hands 3, dial 31, solar panel 4, and battery 12 are housed in the internal space of case body 21. A transparent crystal 11 closes the opening on the front side of case body 21. The solar panel 4 is a photoelectric conversion device that generates electricity from received light. The solar panel 4 is connected to battery 12 via a control circuit. The electricity generated by the solar panel 4 is stored in battery 12. The control circuit is, for example, a control IC that controls wristwatch 1. The control circuit has a function of controlling the charging and discharging of battery 12. The control circuit prohibits the storage of electricity in battery 12 when the voltage of battery 12 has risen to a sufficient voltage due to charging.

[0013] The solar panel 4 is disposed on the back side of the dial 31. In other words, the solar panel 4 is disposed on the opposite side of the crystal 11 with respect to the dial 31. The dial 31 is configured to transmit light from the crystal 11 side to the solar panel 4 side.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the solar panel 4 is disposed around the rotation axis 3x of the pointer 3. The rotation axis 3x of the pointer 3 is connected to a motor via a gear train and is rotated by the motor. The operation of the motor is controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit outputs a drive signal using power from the battery 12, and rotates the motor using the drive signal. The solar panel 4 of this embodiment is substantially circular. The solar panel 4 is disposed coaxially with the rotation axis 3x. A through hole 4c corresponding to the rotation axis 3x is provided in the center of the solar panel 4. The rotation axis 3x is inserted through the through hole 4c.

[0015] The solar panel 4 includes at least three solar cells connected in series. In this embodiment, the solar panel 4 has four solar cells. More specifically, the solar panel 4 has a first cell 5, a second cell 6, a third cell 7, and a fourth cell 8. The cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 are all solar cells that convert received light into electricity.

[0016] The solar panel 4 has a first side S1 and a second side S2, which are bounded by an imaginary line IL. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaginary line IL is a straight line connecting twelve o'clock and six o'clock on the wristwatch 1. The imaginary line IL extends in the protruding direction in which the two lugs 22 protrude from the case body 21. The first side S1 is the nine o'clock side of the imaginary line IL. The second side S2 is the three o'clock side of the imaginary line IL. The imaginary line IL is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the hands 3, and is, for example, a straight line that bisects the dial 31 when viewed from the front.

[0017] As described below, each of the cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this embodiment has a light receiving portion on both the first side S1 and the second side S2. Therefore, the solar panel 4 of this embodiment can generate power even if either the light receiving portion on the first side S1 or the light receiving portion on the second side S2 is shaded.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection region 53. The first region 51 is disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second region 52 is disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The connection region 53 connects the first region 51 and the second region 52. The illustrated connection region 53 is disposed on the second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL.

[0019] The second cell 6 has a first region 61 disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL, a second region 62 disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL, and a connection region 63. The connection region 63 connects the first region 61 and the second region 62. The illustrated connection region 63 is disposed on the second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL.

[0020] The third cell 7 has a first region 71 disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL, a second region 72 disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL, and a connection region 73. The connection region 73 connects the first region 71 and the second region 72. The illustrated connection region 73 is disposed on the first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL.

[0021] The fourth cell 8 has a first region 81 disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL, a second region 82 disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL, and a connection region 83. The connection region 83 connects the first region 81 and the second region 82. The illustrated connection region 83 is disposed on the first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL.

[0022] The first region 51, 61, 71, 81 and the second region 52, 62, 72, 82 have a substantially arc-shaped shape. That is, the first region 51, 61, 71, 81 and the second region 52, 62, 72, 82 have a tapered shape in which the circumferential width narrows as the region approaches the rotation axis 3x along a radial direction centered on the rotation axis 3x. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the radial direction is the radial direction centered on the rotation axis 3x, the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis 3x, and the axial direction is the axial direction of the rotation axis 3x.

[0023] When the solar panel 4 is viewed from the front side, the first regions 61, 71, 81, and 51 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the six o'clock position on the first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second regions 82, 52, 62, and 72 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position on the second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The first region 51 of the first cell 5 is adjacent to the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8. The second region 72 of the third cell 7 is adjacent to the first region 61 of the second cell 6. That is, in the solar panel 4, the regions 82, 52, 62, 72, 61, 71, 81, and 51 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise.

[0024] The first cell 5 has a substantially sector-shaped region 55 between the first region 51 and the second region 52. The second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 is disposed so as to cover this region 55. In other words, the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 51 to the second region 52 of the first cell 5.

[0025] Similarly, the second region 72 of the third cell 7 is disposed so as to cover the approximately sector-shaped region between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the second cell 6. The first region 61 of the second cell 6 is disposed so as to cover the approximately sector-shaped region between the first region 71 and the second region 72 of the third cell 7. The first region 51 of the first cell 5 is disposed so as to cover the approximately sector-shaped region between the first region 81 and the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8.

[0026] The connection region 53 of the first cell 5 is disposed at the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. That is, the connection region 53 connects the radially inner end of the first region 51 and the inner end of the second region 52. The connection region 53 is disposed along the radially inner edge of the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8. The shape of the connection region 53 is an arc shape having a predetermined width.

[0027] The connection region 63 of the second cell 6 is disposed at the radially outer end of the solar panel 4. That is, the connection region 63 connects the radially outer end of the second region 62 and the outer end of the first region 61. The connection region 63 is disposed along the radially outer edge of the second region 72 of the third cell 7. The shape of the connection region 63 is an arc shape having a predetermined width.

[0028] The connection region 73 of the third cell 7 is disposed at the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. That is, the connection region 73 connects the radially inner end of the second region 72 and the inner end of the first region 71. The connection region 73 is disposed along the radially inner edge of the first region 61 of the second cell 6. The shape of the connection region 73 is an arc shape having a predetermined width.

[0029] The connection region 83 of the fourth cell 8 is disposed at the radially outer end of the solar panel 4. That is, the connection region 83 connects the radially outer end of the first region 81 and the outer end of the second region 82. The connection region 83 is disposed along the radially outer edge of the first region 51 of the first cell 5. The shape of the connection region 83 is an arc shape having a predetermined width.

[0030] 3 shows an example of a connection mode in the solar panel 4. The output electrodes 41, 42 in the solar panel 4 are disposed, for example, on the first cell 5 and the fourth cell 8. In this case, the first cell 5, the second cell 6, the third cell 7, and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series.

[0031] The first cell 5 and the second cell 6 are connected in series, for example, by a connection part 43 arranged at the radially outer end. The second cell 6 and the third cell 7 are connected in series, for example, by a connection part 44 arranged at the radially outer end. The third cell 7 and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series, for example, by a connection part 45 arranged at the radially outer end. In this way, the solar panel 4 of this embodiment has a multi-stage solar cell in which four cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 are connected in series.

[0032] In the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, each of the cells 5, 6, 7, 8 has a first region 51, 61, 71, 81 and a second region 52, 62, 72, 82. When the first region 51, 61, 71, 81 is covered by the user's sleeve, the second region 52, 62, 72, 82 generates power. On the other hand, when the second region 52, 62, 72, 82 is covered by the user's sleeve, the first region 51, 61, 71, 81 generates power. Thus, in the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, it is difficult for any of the cells 5, 6, 7, 8 to be completely blocked by light. Therefore, the wristwatch 1 of this embodiment can reduce the number of situations in which the solar panel 4 cannot generate power, and can improve the power generation capacity of the solar panel 4.

[0033] Moreover, in the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the outer edge in the radial direction is distributed to each of the cells 5, 6, 7, and 8. The outer edge is an area that is easily hidden by the indexes of the dial 31 and the like. Since the outer edge is not concentrated in any of the solar cells, a decrease in the amount of power generated in the solar panel 4 is suppressed. Similarly, in the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the inner edge in the radial direction is distributed to each of the cells 5, 6, 7, and 8. The inner edge is an area that is easily hidden by the base of the pointer 3 and the like. Since the inner edge is not concentrated in any of the solar cells, a decrease in the amount of power generated in the solar panel 4 is suppressed.

[0034] As will be described below, the solar panel 4 of this embodiment can at least one of improve the design of the wristwatch 1 and reduce restrictions imposed by the design of the dial 31.

[0035] In the solar panel 4 of the present embodiment, the boundary between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending in the radial direction. For example, the first region 51 of the first cell 5 and the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The boundary B1 between the two regions 51, 82 is a straight line extending in the radial direction.

[0036] The solar panel 4 further has boundary lines B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8 extending in the radial direction. The boundary line B2 is a straight boundary line between the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 and the second region 52 of the first cell 5. The boundary line B3 is a straight boundary line between the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the second region 62 of the second cell 6. The boundary line B4 is a straight boundary line between the second region 62 of the second cell 6 and the second region 72 of the third cell 7. The boundary line B5 is a straight boundary line between the first region 61 of the second cell 6 and the second region 72 of the third cell 7. The boundary line B6 is a straight boundary line between the first region 61 of the second cell 6 and the first region 71 of the third cell 7. The boundary line B7 is a straight boundary line between the first region 71 of the third cell 7 and the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8. The boundary line B8 is a straight boundary line between the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8 and the first region 51 of the first cell 5.

[0037] These boundaries B1 to B8 extend radially from the center of the solar panel 4, making it possible to arrange multiple boundaries between the multiple cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 without compromising the design of the wristwatch 1. In the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the boundaries B1 to B8 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This makes it easy for the boundaries B1 to B8 to harmonize with the decoration of the hands 3 and the dial 31. Furthermore, the radial boundaries B1 to B8 are not easily restricted by the design of the dial 31.

[0038] In the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the connection areas 53, 63, 73, 83 are arranged at the radially outer end or the radially inner end. The radially outer end of the solar panel 4 corresponds to the portion of the dial 31 where the indexes and the like are arranged. Therefore, the connection areas 63, 83 arranged at the outer end are less noticeable. The radially inner end of the solar panel 4 is covered by the base of the pointer 3 and the connection portion of the pointer 3 with the rotation axis 3x. Therefore, the connection areas 53, 73 arranged at the inner end are less noticeable.

[0039] In the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the light receiving areas of the multiple cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 are equal. Therefore, the solar panel 4 can maximize the amount of power generation when the entire area of ​​the solar panel 4 receives light.

[0040] The solar panel 4 may be provided with an opening for displaying the date, day of the week, etc. Fig. 4 shows a solar panel 4 having an opening 4a. The opening 4a is disposed at the boundary between the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the second region 62 of the second cell 6. The light receiving area of ​​the two second regions 52, 62 is reduced by providing the opening 4a. In this case, the light receiving area of ​​the cells 5, 6 is adjusted by the connection regions 53, 63.

[0041] More specifically, the width W1 of the connection region 53 of the first cell 5 is made wider than the width of the connection region 73 of the third cell 7. That is, among the connection regions 53, 73 arranged inside the solar panel 4, the width W1 of the connection region 53 of the first cell 5 having the opening 4a is wider. Similarly, the width W2 of the connection region 63 of the second cell 6 is made wider than the width of the connection region 53 of the second cell 6 having the opening 4a is wider than the width of the connection region 53 of the first cell 5 having the opening 4a. That is, among the connection regions 63, 83 arranged outside the solar panel 4, the width W2 of the connection region 63 of the second cell 6 having the opening 4a is wider. The widths W1, W2 are set so that the light receiving areas of the multiple cells 5, 6, 7, 8 are equal. This allows the light receiving areas of the cells 5, 6, 7, 8 to be equal while arranging the boundaries B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8 at equal intervals.

[0042] The number of solar cells in the solar panel 4 may be three or may be five or more. FIG. 5 shows a solar panel 4 having five solar cells. The solar panel 4 has a first cell 5, a second cell 6, a third cell 7, a fourth cell 8, and a fifth cell 9. The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection region 53. The second cell 6 has a first region 61, a second region 62, and a connection region 63. The third cell 7 has a first region 71, a second region 72, a connection region 73, and an extension region 74. The fourth cell 8 has a first region 81, a second region 82, a connection region 83, and an extension region 84. The fifth cell 9 has a first region 91, a second region 92, and a connection region 93.

[0043] The first regions 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91 are regions disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second regions 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92 are regions disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The first regions 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91 and the second regions 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92 have a tapered shape in which the circumferential width narrows as the region approaches the rotation axis 3x in the radial direction.

[0044] 5, the regions 82, 92, 52, 62, 72, 61, 71, 51, 81, and 91 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position. The connection regions 53, 63, 73, 83, and 93 connect the first regions 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91 to the second regions 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92.

[0045] The connection region 53 of the first cell 5, the connection region 73 of the third cell 7, and the connection region 93 of the fifth cell 9 are arranged at the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. More specifically, the connection region 53 of the first cell 5 has a ring shape and is arranged at the most central side of the solar panel 4. The arc-shaped connection regions 73, 93 are arranged radially outward from the connection region 53. Thus, in the solar panel 4 of FIG. 5, the radially inner connection regions 53, 73, 93 are arranged side by side in the radial direction.

[0046] The connection area 63 of the second cell 6 and the connection area 83 of the fourth cell 8 are located at the radially outer ends of the solar panel 4 .

[0047] The extension regions 74, 84 are regions for connecting two cells 7, 8 in series. The extension region 74 of the third cell 7 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 71 toward the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8. The extension region 84 of the fourth cell 8 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 81 toward the first region 71 of the third cell 7. The first region 51 of the first cell 5 is disposed between the two first regions 71, 81. The extension regions 74, 84 are disposed along the radially outer edge of the first region 51. The boundary between the two extension regions 74, 84 is disposed at the nine o'clock position.

[0048] The electrodes 41, 42 of the solar panel 4 are arranged, for example, in the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the second region 92 of the fifth cell 9. In this case, the first cell 5, the second cell 6, the third cell 7, the fourth cell 8, and the fifth cell 9 are connected in series. The first cell 5 and the second cell 6 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 43 arranged at the radially outer end. The second cell 6 and the third cell 7 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 44 arranged at the radially outer end. The third cell 7 and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 45 arranged at the radially outer end. The connection portion 45 connects the two extension regions 74, 84. The fourth cell 8 and the fifth cell 9 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 46 arranged at the radially outer end.

[0049] The solar panel 4 in FIG. 5 has straight boundary lines B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, and B10 extending in the radial direction. The boundary lines B1 to B10 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the solar panel 4 in FIG. 5 can at least one of improve the design of the wristwatch 1 and reduce the restrictions imposed by the design of the dial 31. Furthermore, in the solar panel 4 in FIG. 5, the light receiving areas of the five cells 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are equal. Therefore, the amount of power generation when the entire area of ​​the solar panel 4 receives light can be maximized.

[0050] In the solar panel 4 of FIG. 5, each of the cells 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 has a first region 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 and a second region 52, 62, 72, 82, 92. When the first region 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 is covered by the user's sleeve or the like, the second region 52, 62, 72, 82, 92 generates power. On the other hand, when the second region 52, 62, 72, 82, 92 is covered by the user's sleeve or the like, the first region 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 generates power. Therefore, the solar panel 4 of FIG. 5 can improve the power generation capacity of the solar panel 4 in a five-stage connection configuration.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a solar panel 4 having six solar cells. The solar panel 4 has a first cell 5, a second cell 6, a third cell 7, a fourth cell 8, a fifth cell 9, and a sixth cell 10. The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection region 53. The second cell 6 has a first region 61, a second region 62, a connection region 63, and an extension region 64. The third cell 7 has a first region 71, a second region 72, and a connection region 73. The fourth cell 8 has a first region 81, a second region 82, and a connection region 83. The fifth cell 9 has a first region 91, a second region 92, a connection region 93, and an extension region 94. The sixth cell 10 has a first region 101, a second region 102, and a connection region 103.

[0052] The first region 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101 is a region disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second region 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102 is a region disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The first region 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101 and the second region 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102 have a tapered shape in which the circumferential width becomes narrower as the region approaches the rotation axis 3x along the radial direction.

[0053] 6, the regions 92, 102, 52, 82, 62, 72, 61, 71, 81, 51, 91, and 101 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position. The connection regions 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, and 103 connect the first regions 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, and 101 and the second regions 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, and 102.

[0054] The connection region 53 of the first cell 5, the connection region 73 of the third cell 7, the connection region 83 of the fourth cell 8, and the connection region 103 of the sixth cell 10 are disposed at the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. More specifically, the connection region 53 of the first cell 5 and the connection region 83 of the fourth cell 8 have an arc shape and are disposed at the most central side of the solar panel 4. The arc-shaped connection region 73 is disposed radially outward from the connection region 83. The arc-shaped connection region 103 is disposed radially outward from the connection region 53.

[0055] The connection area 63 of the second cell 6 and the connection area 93 of the fifth cell 9 are located at the radially outer ends of the solar panel 4 .

[0056] The extension region 64 of the second cell 6 is a region for connecting the two cells 5, 6 in series. The extension region 64 extends in the circumferential direction from the second region 62 of the second cell 6 toward the second region 52 of the first cell 5. The second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 is disposed between the two second regions 52, 62. The extension region 64 is disposed along the radially outer edge of the second region 82.

[0057] The extension region 94 of the fifth cell 9 is a region for connecting the two cells 8, 9 in series. The extension region 94 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 91 of the fifth cell 9 toward the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8. The first region 51 of the first cell 5 is disposed between the two first regions 81, 91. The extension region 94 is disposed along the radially outer edge of the first region 51.

[0058] The electrodes 41, 42 of the solar panel 4 are arranged, for example, in the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the second region 102 of the sixth cell 10. In this case, the first cell 5, the second cell 6, the third cell 7, the fourth cell 8, the fifth cell 9, and the sixth cell 10 are connected in series. The first cell 5 and the second cell 6 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 43 arranged at the outer end in the radial direction. The connection portion 43 connects the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the extension region 64 of the second cell 6. The second cell 6 and the third cell 7 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 44 arranged at the outer end in the radial direction.

[0059] The third cell 7 and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 45 arranged at the radially outer end. The fourth cell 8 and the fifth cell 9 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 46 arranged at the radially outer end. The connection portion 46 connects the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8 and the extension region 94 of the fifth cell 9. The fifth cell 9 and the sixth cell 10 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 47 arranged at the radially outer end.

[0060] The solar panel 4 in FIG. 6 has straight boundary lines B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, and B12 extending in the radial direction. The boundary lines B1 to B12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the solar panel 4 in FIG. 6 can at least improve the design of the wristwatch 1 or reduce the restrictions imposed by the design of the dial 31. In addition, in the solar panel 4 in FIG. 6, the light receiving areas of the six cells 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are equal. Therefore, the amount of power generation when the entire area of ​​the solar panel 4 receives light can be maximized.

[0061] 7 shows another example of a solar panel 4 having four solar cells. The solar panel 4 shown in FIG. 7 has a first cell 5, a second cell 6, a third cell 7, and a fourth cell 8. The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and an extension region 54. The second cell 6 has a first region 61, a second region 62, and a connection region 63. The third cell 7 has a first region 71, a second region 72, and an extension region 74. The fourth cell 8 has a first region 81, a second region 82, and a connection region 83.

[0062] The first region 51, 61, 71, 81 is a region disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second region 52, 62, 72, 82 is a region disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The first region 51, 61, 71, 81 and the second region 52, 62, 72, 82 have a tapered shape in which the circumferential width becomes narrower as the region approaches the rotation axis 3x in the radial direction.

[0063] 7, the regions 52, 82, 62, 72, 71, 61, 81, and 51 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position. The connection regions 63,83 connect the first regions 61,81 and the second regions 62,82.

[0064] 7, the first region 51 and the second region 52 form a single sector-shaped region. That is, the first region 51 and the second region 52 are continuous in the circumferential direction. Similarly, in the third cell 7, the first region 71 and the second region 72 form a single sector-shaped region.

[0065] The extension region 54 of the first cell 5 extends in the circumferential direction from the second region 52 to the second region 62 of the second cell 6. The extension region 74 of the third cell 7 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 71 to the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8.

[0066] The electrodes 41, 42 of the solar panel 4 are arranged, for example, in the first region 51 of the first cell 5 and the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8. In this case, the first cell 5, the second cell 6, the third cell 7, and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series. The first cell 5 and the second cell 6 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 43 arranged at the outer end in the radial direction. The connection portion 43 connects the extension region 54 of the first cell 5 and the second region 62 of the second cell 6. The second cell 6 and the third cell 7 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 44 arranged at the outer end in the radial direction. The third cell 7 and the fourth cell 8 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 45 arranged at the outer end in the radial direction. The connection portion 45 connects the extension region 74 of the third cell 7 and the first region 81 of the fourth cell 8.

[0067] The first region and the second region in the solar cell may further include a plurality of regions. FIG. 8 shows a solar panel 4 in which the second regions 52, 62, 72, and 82 include a plurality of regions. The solar panel 4 in FIG. 8 includes a first cell 5, a second cell 6, a third cell 7, and a fourth cell 8. The first cell 5 includes a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection region 53. The second cell 6 includes a first region 61, a second region 62, and a connection region 63. The third cell 7 includes a first region 71, a second region 72, and a connection region 73. The fourth cell 8 includes a first region 81, a second region 82, and a connection region 83.

[0068] The second region 52 of the first cell 5 has a first division region 52a, a second division region 52b, and a connection region 52c. The division regions 52a and 52b are generally fan-shaped regions and are arranged apart in the circumferential direction. The connection region 52c extends in the circumferential direction and connects the two division regions 52a and 52b. The connection region 52c is arranged at the inner end of the solar panel 4 in the radial direction.

[0069] The second region 62 of the second cell 6 has a first division region 62a, a second division region 62b, and a connection region 62c. The division regions 62a, 62b are generally fan-shaped regions and are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The connection region 62c extends in the circumferential direction and connects the two division regions 62a, 62b. The connection region 62c is arranged at the inner end of the solar panel 4 in the radial direction.

[0070] The second region 72 of the third cell 7 has a first division region 72a, a second division region 72b, and a connection region 72c. The division regions 72a and 72b are generally fan-shaped regions and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The connection region 72c extends in the circumferential direction and connects the two division regions 72a and 72b. The connection region 72c is located at the outer end of the solar panel 4 in the radial direction.

[0071] The second region 82 of the fourth cell 8 has a first division region 82a, a second division region 82b, and a connection region 82c. The division regions 82a, 82b are generally fan-shaped regions and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The connection region 82c extends in the circumferential direction and connects the two division regions 82a, 82b. The connection region 82c is located at the outer end of the solar panel 4 in the radial direction.

[0072] On the second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL, the divided regions 82a, 52a, 82b, 52b, 62a, 72a, 62b, and 72b are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position.

[0073] In the solar panel 4 shown in Fig. 8, each of the second regions 52, 62, 72, 82 has two divided regions, and the divided regions are arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction. This prevents a decrease in power generation capacity when a part of the solar panel 4 is shaded by the user's sleeve or the like. Fig. 9 shows an example of a shaded region Sh. The shaded region Sh includes not only the first side S1 of the solar panel 4, but also a part of the second side S2.

[0074] As can be seen from Fig. 9, when a part of the second side S2 is shaded, a large difference is unlikely to occur in the light receiving area of ​​the second regions 52, 62, 72, 82. For example, in the second region 82 of the fourth cell 8, most of the first divided region 82a is shaded, but the second divided region 82b is outside the region Sh where the light is almost entirely shaded. Therefore, a decrease in the light receiving area of ​​the second region 82 is suppressed compared to the case where the entire second region 82 is disposed near the virtual line IL as in the solar panel 4 of Fig. 2. In other words, it is possible to distribute the shaded area between two adjacent cells 5, 8.

[0075] 8, the solar panel 4 has boundary lines B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 of divided regions on the second side S2. The boundary lines B1 to B7 are straight lines extending in the radial direction and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Note that, in the solar panel 4, divided regions may also be provided in the first regions 51, 61, 71, and 81. For example, divided regions may be provided in the first regions 51, 61, 71, and 81 such that all boundary lines extending in the radial direction are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0076] Figure 10 shows a solar panel 4 having three solar cells. The solar panel shown in Figure 10 has a first cell 5, a second cell 6, and a third cell 7. The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection region 53. The second cell 6 has a first region 61, a second region 62, and an extension region 64. The third cell 7 has a first region 71, a second region 72, and an extension region 74.

[0077] The first regions 51, 61, 71 are regions disposed on a first side S1 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The second regions 52, 62, 72 are regions disposed on a second side S2 with respect to the imaginary line IL. The first regions 51, 61, 71 and the second regions 52, 62, 72 have a tapered shape in which the circumferential width narrows as the region approaches the rotation axis 3x in the radial direction.

[0078] 10, regions 72, 52, 62, 61, 51, and 71 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction clockwise from the twelve o'clock position.

[0079] 10, the first region 61 and the second region 62 are continuous in the circumferential direction and form a single sector-shaped region. Similarly, in the third cell 7, the first region 71 and the second region 72 form a single sector-shaped region.

[0080] The extension region 64 of the second cell 6 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 61 toward the first region 71 of the third cell 7. The extension region 74 of the third cell 7 extends in the circumferential direction from the first region 71 toward the first region 61 of the second cell 6. The first region 51 of the first cell 5 is disposed between the two first regions 61, 71. The extension regions 64, 74 are disposed along the radially outer edge of the first region 51.

[0081] The electrodes 41, 42 of the solar panel 4 are arranged, for example, in the second region 52 of the first cell 5 and the second region 72 of the third cell 7. In this case, the first cell 5, the second cell 6, and the third cell 7 are connected in series. The first cell 5 and the second cell 6 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 43 arranged at the radially outer end. The second cell 6 and the third cell 7 are connected in series, for example, by a connection portion 44 arranged at the radially outer end. The connection portion 44 connects the two extension regions 64, 74.

[0082] The solar panel 4 in Fig. 10 has straight boundary lines B1, B2, B3, and B4 extending in the radial direction. In the solar panel 4 in Fig. 10, the light receiving areas of the three cells 5, 6, and 7 may be equal. In this case, for example, the arrangement of the boundary lines B1 to B4 in the circumferential direction is adjusted based on the light receiving areas. The boundary lines B1 to B4 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0083] As described above, the wristwatch 1 of this embodiment has the hand 3 and the solar panel 4. The solar panel 4 is arranged around the rotation axis 3x of the hand 3. The solar panel 4 includes at least three solar cells connected in series. For example, the solar panel 4 shown in FIG. 2 has four solar cells, the first cell 5 to the fourth cell 8. Each solar cell has a first region and a second region. The first region is an area arranged on the nine o'clock side of the imaginary line IL connecting twelve o'clock and six o'clock. The second region is an area arranged on the three o'clock side of the imaginary line IL. For example, the solar panel 4 shown in FIG. 2 has first regions 51, 61, 71, 81 and second regions 52, 62, 72, 82.

[0084] The boundary between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending in a radial direction around the rotation axis 3x. For example, in the solar panel 4 shown in FIG. 2, the boundary between the two solar cells has boundary lines B1 to B8 as shown in FIG. 3. The boundary lines B1 to B8 are all straight lines extending in a radial direction. In the wristwatch 1 of this embodiment, each solar cell has a first region and a second region, which suppresses a decrease in the amount of power generation when a part of the solar panel 4 is shaded. In addition, in the solar panel 4 of this embodiment, the boundary between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending in a radial direction, which allows multiple regions to be arranged without compromising the design.

[0085] In this embodiment, one solar cell has a connection area that connects the first area and the second area. For example, in the solar panel 4 of FIG. 2, cells 5, 6, 7, and 8 have connection areas 53, 63, 73, and 83. The connection areas are located at the radially outer end or the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. These ends are likely to be hidden by the decoration of the dial 31 and the hands 3. Therefore, the provision of the connection areas is unlikely to result in a decrease in the amount of power generation.

[0086] In this embodiment, the solar panel 4 has a plurality of the straight line portions. For example, the solar panel 4 in Fig. 2 has boundary lines B1 to B8 that are straight line portions, as shown in Fig. 3. The boundary lines B1 to B8 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis 3x. Therefore, the straight line portions easily blend in with the design of the dial 31.

[0087] In this embodiment, the connection region of one solar cell is disposed along the radially outer edge of another solar cell, or along the radially inner edge of another solar cell. For example, in the solar panel 4 of FIG. 2, the connection region 53, 73 is disposed along the radially inner edge of the other cells 8, 6. The connection region 63, 83 is disposed along the radially outer edge of the other cells 7, 5. This arrangement allows the connection region that bypasses the other cells to be disposed inconspicuously.

[0088] The shape of the dial 31 is not limited to the illustrated circular shape. The shape of the dial 31 may be, for example, an oval shape or a polygonal shape such as a rectangle. The arrangement of the connection parts that connect the multiple solar cells is not limited to the arrangement illustrated in this embodiment. For example, the connection parts may be arranged at the inner end in the radial direction.

[0089] [First Modification of the Embodiment] A first modified example of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a solar panel according to the first modified example of the embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the solar panel according to the first modified example of the embodiment. The first modified example of the embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that, for example, instead of the connection region of the above embodiment, a connection structure that connects a first region and a second region of a solar cell is provided.

[0090] The solar panel 4 according to the first modified embodiment has a first cell 5 and a second cell 6. The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, and a connection structure 50. The second cell 6 has a first region 61 and a second region 62. The first region 51 and the second region 52 of the first cell 5 are regions formed independently of each other and are connected in parallel by the connection structure 50.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the first cell 5 has a first electrode layer 5a, a semiconductor layer 5b, and a second electrode layer 5c. The first electrode layer 5a is a transparent electrode layer and is formed of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). The semiconductor layer 5b is a power generation layer that generates power from received light. The second electrode layer 5c is an electrode layer formed of a conductive metal. The first electrode layer 5a is disposed on the front surface of the semiconductor layer 5b, and the second electrode layer 5c is disposed on the back surface of the semiconductor layer 5b. The film substrate 4b of the solar panel 4 is disposed on the back surface of the second electrode layer 5c.

[0092] The connection structure 50 has a first conductive portion 56, an insulating layer 57, and a second conductive portion 58. The first conductive portion 56 is a conductor that connects the first electrode layer 5a of the first region 51 and the first electrode layer 5a of the second region 52. The insulating layer 57 insulates the first conductive portion 56 from other solar cells. The illustrated first conductive portion 56 is disposed across the second cell 6. The insulating layer 57 is interposed between the first conductive portion 56 and the second cell 6. The first conductive portion 56 is formed, for example, by overlapping the insulating layer 57 after the insulating layer 57 is formed. One end of the first conductive portion 56 is connected to the first electrode layer 5a of the first region 51 through the insulating layer 57. The other end of the first conductive portion 56 is connected to the first electrode layer 5a of the second region 52 through the insulating layer 57.

[0093] The second conductive portion 58 is a conductor that connects the second electrode layer 5c in the first region 51 and the second electrode layer 5c in the second region 52. The second conductive portion 58 is formed, for example, superimposed on the film substrate 4b. One end of the second conductive portion 58 penetrates the film substrate 4b and is connected to the second electrode layer 5c in the first region 51. The other end of the second conductive portion 58 penetrates the film substrate 4b and is connected to the second electrode layer 5c in the second region 52.

[0094] The connection structure 50 shown in Fig. 11 is disposed at the radially inner end of the solar panel 4. This allows the connection structure 50 to be minimized. The connection structure 50 also extends in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis 3x. This makes it possible to make the connection structure 50 less noticeable and to make the connection structure 50 blend in with the decoration of the dial 31.

[0095] The second electrode layer 5c of the first cell 5 may not be divided into the first region 51 and the second region 52 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of Fig. 14. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, in the first cell 5, the second electrode layer 5c may have a region 5d corresponding to the first region 51, a region 5e corresponding to the second region 52, and a connection region 5f. The connection region 5f is an arc-shaped region connecting the regions 5d and 5e. The connection region 5f is disposed radially inward with respect to the second electrode layer 6c of the second cell 6.

[0096] The connection region 5f may be disposed further radially inward relative to the radially inner edge of the second cell 6. In other words, the second electrode layer 5c of the first cell 5 may have a portion that protrudes radially inward relative to the first electrode layer 5a and the semiconductor layer 5b. This protruding portion may be used as the connection region 5f.

[0097] [Second Modification of the Embodiment] A second modified example of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a plan view of a solar panel according to the second modified example of the embodiment, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the solar panel according to the second modified example of the embodiment. The solar panel 4 according to the second modified example of the embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that, for example, an additional conductive portion is provided in the connection region.

[0098] The basic configuration of the solar panel 4 shown in Fig. 15 is similar to the configuration of the solar panel 4 shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the solar panel 4 shown in Fig. 15 has a configuration in which conductive parts 59 and 89 described below are added to the solar panel 4 in Fig. 2.

[0099] The first cell 5 has a first region 51, a second region 52, a connection region 53, and a conductive portion 59. The fourth cell 8 has a first region 81, a second region 82, a connection region 83, and a conductive portion 89. The connection region 53 of the first cell 5 is located at an inner radial end of the solar panel 4. The connection region 83 of the fourth cell 8 is located at an outer radial end of the solar panel 4.

[0100] The conductive portion 59 of the first cell 5 extends from the first region 51 to the second region 52 via the connection region 53. The conductive portion 59 is formed in an arc shape on the radially inner edge of the first cell 5. The position of the conductive portion 59 in the connection region 53 is closer to the rotation axis 3x than the center line of the connection region 53.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 16, the conductive portion 59 overlaps the first electrode layer 5a of the first cell 5. The conductive portion 59 is formed, for example, from a conductive paste or the like. The first electrode layer 5a is, for example, a transparent electrode. A transparent electrode has a lower conductivity than a metal electrode. For this reason, the electrical resistance value is likely to be large at narrowed portions such as the connection region 53. In the solar panel 4 according to the second modified example, the conductive portion 59 reduces the resistance value between the first region 51 and the second region 52.

[0102] The conductive portion 89 of the fourth cell 8 extends from the first region 81 to the second region 82 via the connection region 83. The conductive portion 89 is formed in an arc shape on the radially outer edge of the fourth cell 8. The position of the conductive portion 89 in the connection region 83 is a position radially outer than the center line of the connection region 83. The conductive portion 89 overlaps the first electrode layer of the fourth cell 8. That is, the conductive portion 89 is disposed on the front side of the fourth cell 8.

[0103] In the first cell 5, the conductive portion 59 is disposed at the radially inner end, and therefore the conductive portion 59 is less noticeable. In the fourth cell 8, the conductive portion 89 is disposed at the radially outer end, and therefore the conductive portion 89 is less noticeable. Thus, with the solar panel 4 of the second modification, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency without impairing the design.

[0104] The contents disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1: Wristwatch 2: Outer case, 3: Pointer, 3x: Rotating axis 4: solar panel, 4a: opening, 4b: film substrate 5: first cell, 5a: first electrode layer, 5b: semiconductor layer, 5c: second electrode layer 6: second cell, 7: third cell, 8: fourth cell 9: Fifth cell, 10: Sixth cell 11: Windshield, 12: Battery 21: Case body, 22: Can 31: dial, 32: second hand, 33: minute hand, 34: hour hand, 35: first button 36: Second button, 37: Crown 41, 42: electrodes; 43, 44, 45, 46, 47: connection parts 50: Connection structure 51,61,71,81,91,101:First area 52,62,72,82,92,102:Second area 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103: Connection area 54,64,74,84,94:Extension area 56: first conductive portion, 57: insulating layer, 58: second conductive portion, 59: conductive portion B1,B2,B3,B4,B5,B6,B7,B8,B9,B10,B11,B12: Boundary line (straight part) IL: Virtual line S1: First side, S2: Second side

Claims

1. Guidelines and A solar panel disposed around the axis of rotation of the pointer; Equipped with The solar panel includes at least three solar cells connected in series; Each of the solar cells has a first region disposed on the nine o'clock side of an imaginary line connecting twelve o'clock and six o'clock, and a second region disposed on the three o'clock side of the imaginary line, A boundary line between two adjacent solar cells includes a straight line portion extending in a radial direction centered on the rotation axis. A wristwatch characterized by

2. One of the solar cells has a connection region connecting the first region and the second region, The connection region is disposed at the radially outer end or the radially inner end of the solar panel.

2. The watch according to claim 1.

3. The solar panel has a plurality of the straight portions, The straight line portions are arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

3. A wristwatch as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The connection region of one of the solar cells is disposed along the radially outer edge of the other of the solar cells, or along the radially inner edge of the other of the solar cells.

3. The wristwatch according to claim 2.

Images