Electronically controlled mechanical clock

Abstract

To provide an electronic control type mechanical watch that can correctly operate a speed governor without being affected by an external magnetic field to improve speed control accuracy and can improve the accuracy of time indication by hands.SOLUTION: An electronic control type mechanical watch comprises: a spring; a gear train that is rotated by the spring; hands that are driven by the gear train and indicate time; and a speed governor that controls the rotation speed of the gear train. The speed governor includes an electrostatic type brake that brakes the rotation of the gear train by an electrostatic force, and a speed control circuit that controls the brake state of the electrostatic type brake.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece that converts the mechanical energy of a mainspring into electrical energy and uses this electrical energy to drive a regulator that regulates the speed of a wheel train (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This electronically controlled mechanical watch is equipped with an electromagnetic induction generator that accelerates the torque generated by the unwinding of the mainspring through a wheel train to rotate a rotor with a magnet, and draws electricity from a coil attached to a stator that is placed around the rotor. This generator can brake the rotor's rotation by shorting both ends of the coil, so it also functions as an electromagnetic brake and is used as a speed regulator to regulate the rotation speed of the wheel train. This configuration makes it possible to precisely adjust the speed of the hands that are linked to the wheel train, improving the accuracy of the time indicated by the hands to the level of a quartz watch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-267979 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electronically controlled mechanical watch in Patent Document 1 uses an electromagnetic induction generator as a speed regulator, and is therefore subject to the effects of external magnetic fields. For example, when a strong AC magnetic field is applied from outside the watch, the speed regulator does not operate properly, reducing speed regulation accuracy and the accuracy of the hands indicating the time also decreases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein comprises a mainspring, a wheel train rotated by the mainspring, hands driven by the wheel train to indicate the time, and a regulator that regulates the rotational speed of the wheel train, and the regulator is characterized in that it comprises an electrostatic brake that brakes the rotation of the wheel train by electrostatic force, and a regulating circuit that controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of an electrostatic generator. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of an electrostatic generator. [Diagram 3] 4 is a graph showing a voltage waveform of a counter electrode in an electrostatic generator and a voltage waveform after rectification in a full-wave rectifier circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of electrostatic braking. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrostatic brake. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a movement of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a speed governor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a speed regulator circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a movement of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a speed governor according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed governor according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the movement of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed governor according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a movement of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed governor according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [Principles of power generation and electrostatic braking through electrostatic induction] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein is a timepiece that is highly resistant to magnetic fields by using a regulator that uses electrostatic induction rather than an electromagnetic induction regulator. Here, we will explain the principles of power generation by electrostatic induction and electrostatic braking. 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the principle of an electrostatic generator 1. In Figs. 1 and 2, of two substrates 2 and 4 arranged opposite each other, the lower substrate 2 is a conductive substrate and is movable in the left-right direction. Electret films 3A and 3B are formed on the surface of the substrate 2 facing the substrate 4. The electret films 3A and 3B are arranged at a predetermined interval along the movement direction of the substrate 2, i.e., the direction of the arrow, and their surfaces are negatively charged. The substrate 2 is connected to a GND potential (ground potential). 1 and 2, upper substrate 4 is an insulating substrate, and counter electrodes 5A, 5B are formed on the surface facing lower substrate 2. Counter electrodes 5A, 5B are connected to a full-wave rectifier circuit 6 using diodes, and full-wave rectifier circuit 6 is connected to a load circuit 7. Load circuit 7 is a circuit in which a capacitor 8 and a resistor 9 are connected in parallel.

[0008] In the electrostatic generator 1, when the substrate 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow so that the electret film 3A faces the counter electrode 5B and does not face the counter electrode 5A as shown in FIG. 1, a positive charge is induced in the counter electrode 5B by the negative charge on the surface of the electret film 3A. When the substrate 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow to the state shown in FIG. 2 where the electret film 3A faces the counter electrode 5A but does not face the counter electrode 5B, a positive charge is induced in the counter electrode 5A. In this way, by moving the substrate 2 to move the electret films 3A and 3B relative to the counter electrodes 5A and 5B, the induced charge moves and an AC current can be generated. This AC current is rectified by the full-wave rectifier circuit 6, and flows into the load circuit 7, where it charges the capacitor 8. 3 is a graph showing the voltage waveform between the opposing electrodes 5A and 5B in the electrostatic generator 1 and the voltage waveform after rectification in the full-wave rectifier circuit 6. In the full-wave rectifier circuit 6, a forward voltage drop occurs in the diode, so the output voltage is 0 V during the period when the generated voltage is equal to or lower than the forward voltage.

[0009] Next, electrostatic braking will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of electrostatic braking, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electrostatic brake. 4 shows an example in which a voltage V is applied from a power source 13 to two opposing plate electrodes 11, 12 at a distance d. The plate electrodes 11, 12 have a depth dimension W, and are configured so that the lower plate electrode 11 can move left and right along the paper, i.e., in the direction of the arrow, to change the left and right overlap dimension L of the plate electrodes 11, 12. In the state shown in Figure 4, ignoring the disturbance of the electric field at the electrode ends, the vertical force F generated in the electrode overlapping part of dimension L is v is expressed as follows: F v =(ε 0 WL / 2)(V / d) 2 …(1) Here, ε 0 is the dielectric constant of a vacuum. On the other hand, if the lower plate electrode 11 can move left and right to change the overlap dimension L, the force acting in the horizontal direction (parallel force) F h is expressed as follows (2). F h =ε 0 WV 2 / 2d…(2) In this way, when a voltage V is applied to the parallel plate electrodes 11 and 12, a parallel force F his constant regardless of the overlap dimension L of the plate electrodes 11, 12, and a force acts in the direction increasing the overlap dimension L of the plate electrodes 11, 12. By utilizing this, electrostatic braking can be achieved.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining the configuration of an electrostatic brake using an electret. The lower substrate 15 in Fig. 5 is conductive, and an electret film 17 is formed on the surface facing the upper substrate 16. The surface of the electret film 17 is negatively charged, and the surface potential is -V. The substrate 15 is movable in the left-right direction, and is connected to the GND potential. On the other hand, the substrate 16 on the upper side of Fig. 5 is an insulating substrate, and has a counter electrode 18 formed thereon. The counter electrode 18 can be switched between a state where it is connected to the GND potential and an open state by a switch 19. When the switch 19 is closed to set the electrode to the GND potential, a potential difference of V occurs between the electrodes, and a force is generated between the electrodes to increase the overlap of the electrodes. This makes it possible to brake the substrate 15, which is movable in the left-right direction. On the other hand, when the switch 19 is opened, the counter electrode 18 is in a floating state, hardly any electrostatic force is generated, and the movement of the substrate 15 is not braked. In this way, an electrically controllable electrostatic brake can be realized using electrostatic force. In the example of FIG. 5, the counter electrode 18 is controlled by switching between a constant potential and an open (floating) state, but the counter electrode 18 may be configured to switch between two or more different potentials to switch the braking or braking force. In FIG. 5, the electret film 17 is provided to generate electrostatic force, but as shown in FIG. 4, electrodes may be provided on the substrates 15 and 16, and a braking force may be generated by applying a voltage directly between the electrodes from the outside.

[0011] [First embodiment] Next, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 6 is a front view of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the movement 30 of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20, and FIG. The electronically controlled mechanical watch 20 is a wristwatch worn on the wrist of a user, and has a cylindrical exterior case 21, with a dial 22 disposed on the inner circumference of the exterior case 21. Of the two openings of the exterior case 21, the opening on the front side is closed with a cover crystal, and the opening on the back side is closed with a back cover. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 includes a movement 30 housed in an exterior case 21, and an hour hand 23, a minute hand 24, and a second hand 25 that indicate time information as shown in Fig. 6. A small calendar window 26 is provided in the dial 22, and a date wheel 27 can be seen through the small calendar window 26. The dial 22 also includes hour marks 28 for indicating the time. Furthermore, a crown 29 is provided on the side of the exterior case 21.

[0012] The movement 30 is equipped with a wheel train 300 shown in Fig. 7. In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20, the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 are arranged on the same axis as shown in Fig. 6, but in Fig. 7, the wheel train 300 is shown expanded horizontally for the sake of explanation. The movement 30 includes a mainspring 310 serving as a power source, a wheel train 300 driven by the mechanical energy of the mainspring 310 , and a speed governor 40 that regulates the rotational speed of each gear of the wheel train 300 . The mainspring 310 is housed in the barrel complete 31. The barrel complete 31 includes a barrel 311 that houses the mainspring 310, and a barrel arbor 312. A ratchet wheel (not shown) is attached to the barrel arbor 312, and the mainspring 310 is wound by rotating the barrel arbor 312 together with the ratchet wheel. The winding mechanism for the mainspring 310 is the same as that of a conventional mechanical timepiece, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The winding mechanism for the mainspring 310 may be a manual winding mechanism that operates the crown 29, or may be an automatic winding mechanism that uses a rotor. The barrel 31 rotates by mechanical energy released from the mainspring 310. The rotation of the barrel 31 is transmitted to the wheel train 300. The wheel train 300 includes a center wheel 32, a third wheel 33, and a fourth wheel 34. The rotation of the barrel 31 is accelerated and transmitted to the center wheel 32. The minute hand 24 is attached to the center wheel 32. The rotation of the center wheel 32 is accelerated and transmitted to the fourth wheel 34 via the third wheel 33. The second hand 25 is attached to the fourth wheel 34. The speed increase ratio from the center wheel 32 to the fourth wheel 34 is 60 times. The hour hand 23 is driven from the center wheel 32 via a reduction wheel train. This reduction wheel train is not shown because it has the same configuration as a conventional mechanical watch, but it is composed of, for example, a barrel pinion, a minute wheel, and a barrel wheel, and the hour hand 23 is attached to the barrel wheel. The time may be displayed by a disk instead of a pointer.

[0013] A governor wheel 41 is further provided ahead of the second wheel 34 to which the second hand 25 is attached, and is rotated at an increased speed by the second wheel 34. A disk-shaped rotating base plate 50 is attached to the governor wheel 41. A disk-shaped fixed base plate 60 is provided in a position facing the rotating base plate 50. The rotating base plate 50 rotates integrally with the governor wheel 41. The fixed base plate 60 is fixed to a wheel train bridge, a circuit board, or the like (not shown). The governor 40 is configured to include a governor wheel 41, a rotating base plate 50, and a fixed base plate 60. The governor 40 adjusts the rotational speed of the rotating base plate 50 and the governor wheel 41 to control the rotational speed of the wheel train 300 and to control the speed at which the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 move. In other words, without the governor 40, the mainspring 310 would unwind at a high speed, and the hands would move faster than the progress of the time. In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20, the governor 40 brakes the rotation of the rotating base plate 50, thereby regulating the speed of the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 to match the progress of the time.

[0014] As also shown in FIG. 8 , the governor 40 includes, in addition to the governor wheel 41, the rotating base plate 50, and the fixed base plate 60, a charging circuit 70 that charges with generated current, and a governor circuit 80. The charging circuit 70 includes a rectifier circuit 71 that rectifies the generated AC current, a power supply circuit 72 that converts the current rectified by the rectifier circuit 71 into a constant voltage, and a capacitor 73 that is a power storage device that stores electric energy by applying the voltage converted into a constant voltage by the power supply circuit 72. The rectifier circuit 71 is a full-wave rectifier circuit formed by a bridge circuit using diodes. The power storage device may be a secondary battery instead of the capacitor 73. The rotating substrate 50 is a conductive substrate and is connected to a GND potential. A charged film 53 made of an electret film is radially arranged on a rotation facing surface 52 that is provided perpendicular to the axial direction of a rotating shaft 51 of the rotating substrate 50 and faces the fixed substrate 60. The surface of the charged film 53 holds a negative charge and is negatively charged. The charged film 53 is formed radially from the center of rotation of the rotatable base plate 50 toward the outer periphery. That is, a central surface portion 54 having a planar circular shape is provided in the planar center portion of the rotation facing surface 52 of the rotatable base plate 50. The charged film 53 is then provided radially from the outer periphery of the central surface portion 54 to the outer periphery of the rotation facing surface 52. For this reason, the charged film 53 is formed in a region sandwiched between two dividing lines along the radial direction of the rotation facing surface 52, and the width dimension gradually increases from the inner periphery toward the outer periphery. Moreover, the charged films 53 are formed at predetermined angles along the circumferential direction of the rotationally opposed surface 52. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, twelve charged films 53 are provided at 30 degree intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotationally opposed surface 52. That is, the charged films 53 are arranged at intervals of an angle α = 30 degrees. Between each charged film 53, there is provided a gap 55 where no charged film is provided. The gap 55 is a portion where the rotationally opposed surface 52 is exposed, and each gap 55 is also disposed at an angle α of 30 degrees, the same as that of the charged films 53. Here, the circumferential width dimension of charged film 53 is smaller than the circumferential width dimension of gap 55. In other words, when the angular range of the outer circumferential edge of charged film 53 is β1 and the angular range of the outer circumferential edge of gap 55 is β2, β1<β2. β1 is, for example, 14 degrees, and β2 is, for example, 16 degrees.

[0015] The fixed substrate 60 is an insulating substrate. On a fixed opposing surface 61 of the fixed substrate 60 facing the rotatable substrate 50, opposing electrodes are radially arranged. The opposing electrodes include a power generation electrode 63 that generates power by the charged film 53 that moves with the rotation of the rotatable platform 50, and a braking electrode 64 that brakes the rotation of the rotatable platform 50 with electrostatic force. The power generating electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 are formed radially from the center of rotation of the fixed substrate 60 toward the outer periphery, similar to the charged film 53. That is, a central surface portion 65 having a planar circular shape is provided in the planar center portion of the fixed opposing surface 61 of the fixed substrate 60. The power generating electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 are then provided radially from the outer periphery of the central surface portion 65 to the outer periphery of the fixed opposing surface 61. For this reason, similar to the charged film 53, the power generating electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 are formed in an area sandwiched between two dividing lines along the radial direction of the fixed opposing surface 61, and the width dimensions gradually increase from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. Furthermore, a through hole 65A through which the rotation shaft 51 is inserted is formed in the center of the fixed substrate 60 in the plane.

[0016] The braking electrodes 64 are formed at 30 degree intervals along the circumferential direction of the fixed opposing surface 61, similar to the charged film 53. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, nine braking electrodes 64 are provided at 30 degree intervals along the circumferential direction of the fixed opposing surface 61. Spacing portions 66 are provided between these braking electrodes 64. The spacing portions 66 are portions where the fixed opposing surface 61 is exposed, and are arranged at 30 degree intervals like the spacing portions 55. The area of ​​the fixed opposing surface 61 where the braking electrodes 64 are arranged defines a braking electrode area 64A.

[0017] The power generation electrode 63 includes two first electrodes 631 and two second electrodes 632. The first electrodes 631 and the second electrodes 632 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the fixed opposing surface 61. The two first electrodes 631 are arranged at 30 degree intervals like the charged film 53, the two second electrodes 632 are also arranged at 30 degree intervals, and the first electrode 631 and the adjacent second electrode 632 are arranged at 15 degree intervals. Here, the first electrode 631 and the adjacent second electrode 632 constitute a pair of power generation electrodes 63. Therefore, two pairs of power generation electrodes 63 are provided on the fixed substrate 60. A power generation electrode region 63A is configured by an area of ​​the fixed opposing surface 61 where the power generation electrode 63 is arranged. In addition, on the fixed opposing surface 61, a first spacing portion 67 and a second spacing portion 68 are provided between the braking electrode region 64A and the power generation electrode region 63A.

[0018] The circumferential width of the first electrode 631, the second electrode 632 and the braking electrode 64 is the same as that of the charged film 53, and is smaller than the circumferential width of the gap 66, the first gap 67 and the second gap 68. The circumferential width of the gap 66 and the first gap 67 is the same as that of the gap 55, and the circumferential width of the second gap 68 is larger than those of the gap 55, the gap 66 and the first gap 67. Therefore, as the rotating substrate 50 rotates, when viewed in a planar view from a direction along the rotation axis 51 of the rotating substrate 50, a first state in which the charged film 53 overlaps with the first electrode 631 but does not overlap with the second electrode 632, and a second state in which the charged film 53 overlaps with the second electrode 632 but does not overlap with the first electrode 631 occur alternately.

[0019] The two first electrodes 631 of the fixed substrate 60 are connected to a first wiring 635 , the two second electrodes 632 are connected to a second wiring 636 , and the nine braking electrodes 64 are connected to a third wiring 641 . The first wiring 635 and the second wiring 636 are connected to a charging wiring 74 of the charging circuit 70. The charging wiring 74 is connected to a rectifier circuit 71 and a speed adjustment circuit 80. The rectifier circuit 71 is also connected to a power supply circuit 72 and a GND potential, and rectifies the current generated by the power generation electrode 63 and outputs it to the power supply circuit 72. The power supply circuit 72 generates a constant voltage for driving the speed adjustment circuit 80. A capacitor 73 for storing electric energy is provided between the power supply circuit 72 and the speed adjustment circuit 80. The third wiring 641 is connected to the speed regulation circuit 80 via a braking wiring 86. The speed regulation circuit 80 outputs a braking signal to the braking electrode 64 so that the rotation speed of the rotating base plate 50 detected from the voltage fluctuation of the power generation electrode 63 becomes a reference speed.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a speed regulation circuit 80. The speed regulation circuit 80 includes a reference frequency generation circuit 81, a comparator 82, a phase frequency comparator 83, a timing generation circuit 84, and a braking control circuit 85. In Fig. 9, the phase frequency comparator 83 is abbreviated as PFD. PFD is an abbreviation for Phase Frequency Detector. The reference frequency generating circuit 81 includes an oscillation circuit using an oscillator 811 and a frequency dividing circuit. The oscillator 811 is a quartz oscillator or a MEMS oscillator, and for example, a 32.768 kHz tuning fork quartz oscillator is used to form the oscillation circuit. Note that MEMS is an abbreviation for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. The reference frequency generating circuit 81 divides the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 811, and generates a clock signal to be output to a timing generating circuit 84 and a reference frequency signal for speed control to be output to a phase frequency comparator 83. The voltage signal input from the power generating electrode 63 to the speed regulator circuit 80 is compared with a reference voltage by a comparator 82 and shaped into a square wave, which becomes a rotation speed signal that indicates the rotation speed of the rotating platform 50 . The reference frequency signal generated by reference frequency generation circuit 81 and the rotation speed signal are compared by phase frequency comparator 83. Phase frequency comparator 83 is a known comparator used in PLL circuits and the like, and outputs a signal to the DOWN output if the frequency of the rotation speed signal input to the FIN terminal is higher than the reference frequency signal input to the REF terminal. Therefore, when the rotation speed signal has a higher frequency than the reference frequency signal, phase frequency comparator 83 outputs a signal indicating the lead of the rotation speed signal to timing generation circuit 84. Note that PLL is an abbreviation for Phase-Locked Loop. Timing generation circuit 84 generates the timing for sending a braking signal to braking electrode 64, based on the clock signal generated by reference frequency generation circuit 81. Governor 40 of the present embodiment only performs control to decelerate the speed of rotatable plate 50, in order to prevent mainspring 310 from unwinding at high speed. For this reason, timing generation circuit 84 adjusts the waveform timing so that a braking signal is sent in which an electrostatic force acts only in the direction in which the rotation of rotatable plate 50 is braked. The braking control circuit 85 turns the switch 851 on and off in response to a control signal from the timing generation circuit 84. In this embodiment, by turning on the switch 851 and connecting the braking electrode 64 to the GND potential, the rotating platform 50 is controlled to a braking state in which the rotating platform 50 is braked, and by turning off the switch 851, the rotating platform 50 is controlled to a non-braking state. The braking signal output from the braking control circuit 85 is given to the braking electrode 64 via the braking wiring 86, braking the rotation of the rotating substrate 50. As a result, the rotating substrate 50 stabilizes at a rotation speed at which the rotation speed signal and the reference frequency signal match. In this way, the speed of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 can be regulated.

[0021] As described above, the speed governor 40 generates electricity through electrostatic induction by the rotation of the rotatable base 50, and can regulate the speed of the rotatable base 50 using the generated electricity. For this reason, the governor 40 is configured to include an electrostatic brake 42, a speed-adjusting circuit 80, an electrostatic generator 43, and a charging circuit 70. The electrostatic brake 42 is configured to include a rotating base plate 50 and a fixed base plate 60. In particular, the electrostatic brake 42 is configured by the rotating base plate 50 on which the charged films 53 are radially arranged, and the fixed base plate 60 having a braking electrode area 64A on which the braking electrodes 64 are radially arranged. The electrostatic generator 43 is configured to include a rotating substrate 50 and a fixed substrate 60. In particular, the electrostatic generator 43 is configured by the rotating substrate 50 on which the charged films 53 are radially arranged, and the fixed substrate 60 having a power generation electrode region 63A on which the power generation electrodes 63 are radially arranged.

[0022] Next, a speed regulation control operation in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 will be described. After the mainspring 310 of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 is wound manually or automatically, when the mainspring 310 unwinds and the barrel 31 rotates, the speed regulator wheel 41 and the rotating base plate 50 rotate via the wheel train 300. When the rotating base plate 50 rotates, the charged film 53 of the rotating base plate 50 moves relative to the power generation electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 of the fixed base plate 60 that faces it. As the rotating substrate 50 rotates, a first state in which the charged film 53 faces the first electrode 631 and a second state in which the charged film 53 faces the second electrode 632 alternate, and as a result, as described above, charges are alternately induced in the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632, generating a generated current. The generated AC current is rectified by the rectifier circuit 71, made a constant voltage by the power supply circuit 72, charged in the capacitor 73, and drives the speed regulator circuit 80. As described above, the speed regulating circuit 80 outputs a braking electrode signal to the braking electrode 64 so that the rotation speed signal based on the generating electrode signal output from the generating electrode 63 coincides with a reference frequency signal obtained by dividing the oscillation signal of the oscillator 811. The reference frequency signal is set to match the speed at which the second wheel 34, to which the second hand 25 is attached, makes one rotation in 60 seconds. This applies braking to the rotating base plate 50, and the speed of the wheel train 300 is also regulated to a constant speed via the speed regulating wheel 41, so that the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 also move at constant speeds. Furthermore, as the rotating base plate 50 rotates at a constant speed, the generating current in the generating electrode 63 is also continuously generated at a constant level, and the speed regulating circuit 80 is driven stably.

[0023] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 of this embodiment, the rotational speed of the wheel train 300 is regulated by the electrostatic brake 42, so stable regulation can be performed without being affected by external magnetic fields, resulting in a timepiece with high magnetic resistance. Since the power generating electrode 63 is also provided on the fixed opposing surface 61 on which the braking electrode 64 is arranged, the rotating base plate 50 and the fixed base plate 60 can be used for both the electrostatic brake 42 and the electrostatic generator 43, simplifying the structure and contributing to the miniaturization of the speed governor 40. Furthermore, since only one rotating base plate 50 and one fixed base plate 60 are required, this also contributes to the thinning of the speed governor 40. Since it is equipped with an electrostatic generator 43, the generator is not affected by external magnetic fields, and magnetic resistance can be further improved. In addition, the primary battery that drives the speed-regulating circuit 80 is no longer necessary, which contributes to further miniaturization of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20.

[0024] Since a charged film 53 is provided on the rotating base plate 50, there is no need to generate a high potential for braking, as would be the case if an electrode were provided in place of the charged film 53 and a potential difference were applied between this electrode and the braking electrode 64, and therefore the configuration of the speed control circuit 80 can be simplified. Since the power generation electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 are provided on the fixed substrate 60, the first electrode 631, the second electrode 632, the third wiring 641, the charging wiring 74, the braking wiring 86, etc. can be wired more easily than if these electrodes were provided on the rotating substrate 50.

[0025] [Second embodiment] Next, an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the main parts of a movement 30B of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed regulator 40B of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B. Note that in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B, the same components as those in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. The governor 40B is configured to include a rotating plate 50B integrally attached to the governor wheel 41, a first fixed plate 610, and a second fixed plate 620. The rotating plate 50B is disposed between the first fixed plate 610 and the second fixed plate 620. Note that the configurations of the barrel 31 that houses the mainspring 310 and the wheel train 300 are the same as those of the movement 30 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The rotating base plate 50B of the speed governor 40B is driven to rotate by the wheel train 300, and has a first rotational opposing surface 521 and a second rotational opposing surface 522 that are perpendicular to the rotation axis 51. The first rotational opposing surface 521 is a surface that faces the first fixed base plate 610, and the second rotational opposing surface 522 is a surface that faces the second fixed base plate 620. Charged films 53 are radially arranged on the first rotational opposed surface 521 and the second rotational opposed surface 522, similar to the rotational opposed surface 52 of the rotatable base 50 of the first embodiment. The number of charged films 53 arranged and the intervals between them are the same as those of the rotatable base 50. In addition, the rotational shaft 51, the central surface portion 54, the interval portion 55, etc. are also the same as those of the rotatable base 50.

[0027] First fixed substrate 610 is disposed opposite first rotational opposite surface 521, and second fixed substrate 620 is disposed opposite second rotational opposite surface 522. First fixed substrate 610 has a first fixed opposite surface 611 that faces first rotational opposite surface 521. Second fixed substrate 620 has a second fixed opposite surface 621 that faces second rotational opposite surface 522. Similar to the fixed substrate 60, a central surface portion 65 and a through hole 65A through which the rotation shaft 51 is inserted are formed at the center of the first fixed opposing surface 611 and the second fixed opposing surface 621 in the plane. Brake electrodes 64 and spacing portions 66 are radially arranged on first fixed opposing surface 611. The entire surface of first fixed opposing surface 611 is made into a brake electrode area, and brake electrodes 64 are arranged in the same number and at the same spacing as charged films 53 on the opposing first rotating opposing surface 521. Each brake electrode 64 is connected to a third wiring 641, and the third wiring 641 is connected to a brake wiring 86.

[0028] The power generation electrodes 63 are radially arranged on the second fixed opposing surface 621. The entire surface of the second fixed opposing surface 621 is a power generation electrode area. The power generation electrodes 63 include a first electrode 631 and a second electrode 632, and the first electrodes 631 and the second electrodes 632 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. Twelve first electrodes 631 are arranged at 30 degree intervals along the circumferential direction, similar to the charged film 53. Twelve second electrodes 632 are also arranged at 30 degree intervals along the circumferential direction, similar to the charged film 53. Therefore, twelve pairs of power generation electrodes 63, each of which is made up of a pair of a first electrode 631 and a second electrode 632, are provided on the second fixed opposing surface 621. The first electrode 631 is connected to a first wiring 635 , the second electrode 632 is connected to a second wiring 636 , and the first wiring 635 and the second wiring 636 are connected to a charging wiring 74 . 11, like the governor 40 of the first embodiment, the governor 40B includes a charging circuit 70 and a speed regulation circuit 80. The charging circuit 70 and the speed regulation circuit 80 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B, as the rotating substrate 50B rotates, the charged film 53 on the second rotating opposing surface 522 moves relative to the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 arranged on the second fixed opposing surface 621 of the second fixed substrate 620, and positive charges are alternately induced on the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632, and the induced charges move via the first wiring 635, the second wiring 636, and the charging wiring 74, outputting an alternating current to the charging circuit 70. This alternating current is rectified by the rectifier circuit 71, made into a constant voltage by the power supply circuit 72, and stored in the capacitor 73. The speed adjusting circuit 80 is driven by the electric energy stored in the capacitor 73. The brake electrode signal output from the speed regulating circuit 80 is input to the brake electrode 64 of the first fixed substrate 610 via the brake wiring 86 and the third wiring 641. As a result, an electrostatic brake force is generated between the brake electrode 64 arranged on the first fixed opposing surface 611 of the first fixed substrate 610 and the charged film 53 arranged on the first rotational opposing surface 521 of the rotatable substrate 50B, the rotational speed of the rotatable substrate 50B can be regulated to a constant speed, the gear train 300 also rotates at a constant speed, and the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 also move at constant speeds.

[0030] For this reason, the speed governor 40B is configured to include an electrostatic brake 42B, a speed regulation circuit 80, an electrostatic generator 43B, and a charging circuit 70. The electrostatic brake 42B is configured to include a rotating base plate 50B and a first fixed base plate 610. In particular, the electrostatic brake 42B is configured by the first rotation facing surface 521 of the rotating base plate 50B on which the charged films 53 are radially arranged, and the first fixed base plate 610 on which the braking electrodes 64 are radially arranged. The electrostatic generator 43B includes a rotating substrate 50B and a second fixed substrate 620. In particular, the electrostatic generator 43B is configured by the second rotating opposing surface 522 of the rotating substrate 50B on which the charged films 53 are radially arranged, and the second fixed substrate 620 on which the power generation electrodes 63 are radially arranged.

[0031] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20B of this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained with the same configuration as in the first embodiment. That is, since the rotation speed of the wheel train 300 is regulated by the electrostatic brake 42B, stable regulation can be performed without being affected by external magnetic fields, and a timepiece with high magnetic resistance can be realized. In addition, since the charged film 53 is disposed on both sides of the rotating substrate 50B and the first fixed substrate 610 and the second fixed substrate 620 are provided with the rotating substrate 50B sandwiched therebetween, the braking electrode 64 can be disposed on the entire surface of the first fixed opposing surface 611 of the first fixed substrate 610, and the power generating electrode 63 can be disposed on the entire surface of the second fixed opposing surface 621 of the second fixed substrate 620. Therefore, the functions of the electrostatic brake 42B and the electrostatic generator 43B can be independently assigned to the first fixed substrate 610 and the second fixed substrate 620. Therefore, both the braking efficiency and the power generating efficiency can be improved, the diameters of the rotating substrate 50B, the first fixed substrate 610, and the second fixed substrate 620 can be reduced, and only one rotating substrate 50B is required, which contributes to making the governor 40B smaller and thinner.

[0032] [Third embodiment] Next, an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20C of a third embodiment will be described. The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20C is a timepiece in which the speed regulator 40C has been changed from the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20 of the first embodiment, and the barrel 31 in which the mainspring 310 is housed and the wheel train 300 have the same configuration, so their description will be omitted. In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20C, the same components as those of the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0033] 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed governor 40C of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20C. The speed governor 40C includes a rotating substrate 50C, a fixed substrate 60C arranged opposite the rotating substrate 50C, a switching circuit 90, a charging circuit 70, and a speed governor circuit 80. The rotatable base plate 50C has the same configuration as the rotatable base plate 50 of the first embodiment, rotates integrally with the governor wheel 41 (not shown), and has charged films 53 arranged radially on a rotation facing surface 52C that faces the fixed base plate 60C. The rotating shaft 51, central surface portion 54, and spacing portion 55 of the rotatable base plate 50C also have the same configuration as the rotatable base plate 50. The fixed substrate 60C has the same configuration as the second fixed substrate 620 of the second embodiment, and first electrodes 631 and second electrodes 632 are alternately and radially arranged on the fixed opposing surface 61C that faces the rotating substrate 50C. These first electrodes 631 and second electrodes 632 serve both as power generation electrodes for power generation and as braking electrodes for braking, and the switching circuit 90 switches the functions over time to achieve both power generation and speed control by braking. The center surface portion 65 and through hole 65A of the fixed substrate 60C also have the same configuration as the second fixed substrate 620.

[0034] The switching circuit 90 includes switches 91, 92 that selectively connect a first wiring 635 connected to the first electrode 631 and a second wiring 636 connected to the second electrode 632 to the charging circuit 70 and the speed regulation circuit 80. The switches 91, 92 switch between a power generation state in which the first wiring 635 and the second wiring 636 are connected to the charging wiring 74 and a braking state in which they are connected to the braking wiring 86, in response to a switching signal output from the speed regulation circuit 80 via the switching wiring 87. Therefore, the rotating base plate 50C and the fixed base plate 60C function as an electrostatic generator 43C when they are set in a generating state by the switching circuit 90, and function as an electrostatic brake 42C when they are set in a braking state. The charging circuit 70 and the speed regulation circuit 80 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The speed-regulating circuit 80 can control the braking force by adjusting the ratio between the power generation period during which the switches 91, 92 are connected to the charging line 74 and the braking period during which the switches 91, 92 are connected to the braking line 86 in a certain cycle, for example, one second. That is, when the mainspring 310 is wound and the accumulated mechanical energy is large, the mechanical energy transmitted from the barrel 31 to the wheel train 300 is also large, so the speed-regulating circuit 80 increases the braking force by lengthening the braking period. On the other hand, when the mainspring 310 is unwound and the mechanical energy is reduced, the speed-regulating circuit 80 reduces the braking force by shortening the braking period. Moreover, during the braking period, the speed regulation circuit 80 alternately switches between a first braking state in which the first electrode 631 is connected to the GND potential and the second electrode 632 is in an open state, and a second braking state in which the second electrode 632 is connected to the GND potential and the first electrode 631 is in an open state, thereby applying braking using both the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632. This makes it possible to increase the braking force in a short period of time.

[0036] [Effects of the third embodiment] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20C can achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiments with the same configuration. That is, since the rotation speed of the wheel train 300 is regulated by the electrostatic brake 42C, stable regulation can be performed without being affected by external magnetic fields, and a timepiece with high magnetic resistance can be realized. Furthermore, since a switching circuit 90 is provided that selectively connects the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 provided on the fixed opposing surface 61C of the fixed substrate 60C to the speed regulator circuit 80 and the charging circuit 70, the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 can be used both as a power generation electrode and a braking electrode. Therefore, by temporally switching the functions of the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 with the switching circuit 90, an electrostatic brake 42C and an electrostatic generator 43C can be realized, which simplifies the structure of the speed governor 40C and contributes to a smaller and thinner design. Furthermore, the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 provided on the entire surface of the fixed opposing surface 61C of the fixed base plate 60C can be used as a power generation electrode and a braking electrode by switching over time, so that the electrode area for power generation and the electrode area for braking can be maximized, and power generation efficiency and braking efficiency can be improved. This also makes it possible to reduce the diameters of the rotating base plate 50C and the fixed base plate 60C, which contributes to the miniaturization of the speed governor 40C.

[0037] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the main parts of a movement 30D of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed regulator 40D of the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D. Note that in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D, the same components as those in the electronically controlled mechanical timepieces 20, 20B, and 20C of the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. The governor 40D includes a governor wheel 41 driven by the wheel train 300, a generator wheel 45 that rotates at an increased speed from the governor wheel 41, an electrostatic brake 42D, and an electrostatic generator 43D. The electrostatic brake 42D includes a first rotating base plate 510D that rotates integrally with the governor wheel 41, a first fixed base plate 610D that faces the first rotating base plate 510D, and a speed governor circuit 80. The electrostatic generator 43D includes a second rotating plate 520D that rotates integrally with the generator wheel 45, a second fixed plate 620D that faces the second rotating plate 520D, and a charging circuit . The barrel 31 housing the mainspring 310 and the wheel train 300 are configured in the same manner as in the movement 30 of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0038] The first rotating substrate 510D has a first rotation facing surface 511D facing the first fixed substrate 610D. Charged films 53 are radially arranged on the first rotation facing surface 511D, similar to the rotation facing surface 52 of the rotating substrate 50 of the first embodiment. The number and spacing of the charged films 53 and the spacing portions 55 are the same as those of the rotating substrate 50. The first fixed substrate 610D has the same configuration as the first fixed substrate 610 of the second embodiment, and includes a first fixed opposing surface 611D that faces the first rotation opposing surface 511D. The first fixed opposing surface 611D has the braking electrodes 64 and the spacing portions 66 radially arranged thereon. The braking electrodes 64 are connected to the third wiring 641, and the third wiring 641 is connected to the braking wiring 86.

[0039] The second rotating substrate 520D has a second rotation facing surface 522D that faces the second fixed substrate 620D. Charged films 53 are radially arranged on the second rotation facing surface 522D, similar to the rotation facing surface 52 of the rotatable substrate 50 of the first embodiment. The number and spacing of the charged films 53 and the spacing portions 55 are the same as those of the rotatable substrate 50. The second fixed substrate 620D has the same configuration as the second fixed substrate 620 of the second embodiment, and has a second fixed opposing surface 621D that faces the second rotating substrate 520D, and a power generation electrode 63 consisting of a pair of a first electrode 631 and a second electrode 632 is radially arranged on the second fixed opposing surface 621D. The first electrode 631 is connected to a first wiring 635 , the second electrode 632 is connected to a second wiring 636 , and the first wiring 635 and the second wiring 636 are connected to a charging wiring 74 . 14, the speed governor 40D, like the speed governor 40 of the first embodiment, includes a charging circuit 70 and a speed regulation circuit 80. The charging circuit 70 and the speed regulation circuit 80 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D, when the governor wheel 41 and the generator wheel 45 rotate in conjunction with the wheel train 300, the first rotating substrate 510D and the second rotating substrate 520D rotate. As the second rotating substrate 520D rotates, the charged film 53 on the second rotating opposing surface 522D moves relative to the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632 arranged on the second fixed opposing surface 621D of the second fixed substrate 620D, and positive charges are alternately induced on the first electrode 631 and the second electrode 632, and the induced charges move via the first wiring 635, the second wiring 636, and the charging wiring 74, outputting an alternating current to the charging circuit 70. The alternating current is rectified by the rectifier circuit 71, made constant voltage by the power supply circuit 72, and stored in the capacitor 73. The speed regulator circuit 80 is driven by the electric energy stored in the capacitor 73. The brake electrode signal output from the speed regulating circuit 80 is input to the brake electrode 64 of the first fixed substrate 610D via the brake wiring 86 and the third wiring 641. As a result, an electrostatic brake force is generated between the brake electrode 64 arranged on the first fixed opposing surface 611D of the first fixed substrate 610D and the charged film 53 arranged on the first rotation opposing surface 511D of the first rotating substrate 510D, the rotation speed of the first rotating substrate 510D can be regulated to a constant speed, the gear train 300 also rotates at a constant speed, and the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 are also moved at constant speeds.

[0041] [Effects of the fourth embodiment] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20D can achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiments with the same configuration. That is, since the rotation speed of the train wheel 300 is regulated by the electrostatic brake 42D, stable regulation can be performed without being affected by external magnetic fields, and a timepiece with high magnetic resistance can be realized. In addition, the first rotating substrate 510D and the first fixed substrate 610D constituting the electrostatic brake 42D, and the second rotating substrate 520D and the second fixed substrate 620D constituting the electrostatic generator 43D are provided independently, so that the rotation speeds of the first rotating substrate 510D and the second rotating substrate 520D can be set separately. Therefore, the rotation speed of the first rotating substrate 510D can be set to a speed suitable for braking, and the rotation speed of the second rotating substrate 520D can be set to a speed suitable for power generation, thereby improving both power generation efficiency and speed control efficiency.

[0042] [Fifth embodiment] Next, an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the main parts of a movement 30E of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E, and Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a speed regulator 40E of an electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E. Note that in the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E, the same components as those in the electronically controlled mechanical timepieces 20, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified. The governor 40E includes a governor wheel 41 driven by a wheel train 300, a generator wheel 45 that rotates at an increased speed from the governor wheel 41, an electrostatic brake 42E, and an electromagnetic induction generator 200. In other words, the governor 40E is provided with an electromagnetic induction generator 200 instead of the electrostatic generator 43D of the governor 40D. The electrostatic brake 42E includes a rotating base plate 50E that rotates integrally with the governor wheel 41, a fixed base plate 60E that faces the rotating base plate 50E, and a speed governor circuit 80. The rotatable platform 50E has the same configuration as the rotatable platform 50 of the first embodiment, and has a rotationally opposed surface 52E that faces the fixed platform 60E. Charged films 53 are radially arranged on the rotationally opposed surface 52E, similar to the rotationally opposed surface 52 of the first embodiment. The number and intervals of the charged films 53 and the spacing portions 55 are the same as those of the rotatable platform 50. The fixed substrate 60E has the same configuration as the first fixed substrate 610 of the second embodiment, and includes a fixed opposing surface 61E facing the rotation opposing surface 52E. The fixed opposing surface 61E has braking electrodes 64 and spacing portions 66 radially arranged thereon. The braking electrodes 64 are connected to a third wiring 641, and the third wiring 641 is connected to a braking wiring 86.

[0043] Electromagnetic induction generator 200 has the same configuration as a stepping motor in a typical electronic watch, and includes generator wheel 45 that rotates at an increased speed from governor wheel 41, rotor 220 that rotates integrally with generator wheel 45, stator 230 arranged around rotor 220, and coil 240. Coil 240 is connected to charging circuit 70 via charging wiring 74.

[0044] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E, when the governor wheel 41 and the generator wheel 45 rotate in conjunction with the wheel train 300, the rotating base plate 50E and the rotor 220 rotate. As the rotor 220 rotates, the magnetic flux flowing through the stator 230 changes, generating induced power in the coil 240 and generating electricity. The alternating current generated in the coil 240 is output to the charging circuit 70 via the charging wiring 74, rectified by the rectifier circuit 71, made into a constant voltage by the power supply circuit 72, and stored in the capacitor 73. The speed regulator circuit 80 is driven by the electrical energy stored in the capacitor 73. The brake electrode signal output from the speed regulating circuit 80 is input to the brake electrode 64 of the fixed substrate 60E via the brake wiring 86 and the third wiring 641. As a result, an electrostatic brake force is generated between the brake electrode 64 arranged on the fixed opposing surface 61E of the fixed substrate 60E and the charged film 53 arranged on the rotationally opposing surface 52E of the rotatable substrate 50E, the rotational speed of the rotatable substrate 50E can be regulated to a constant speed, the gear train 300 also rotates at a constant speed, and the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25 also move at constant speeds.

[0045] [Effects of the Fifth Embodiment] According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece 20E, since an electrostatic brake 42E is used, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, since an electromagnetic induction generator 200, which has the same configuration as a stepping motor in a typical electronic watch, is used as the generator, the generated power can be increased and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, although the electromagnetic induction generator 200 is affected by external magnetic fields, it is capable of generating enough electricity to drive the regulating circuit 80, and since the governor 40E, which regulates the rotational speed of the wheel train 300, is electrostatic, it is possible to eliminate the influence of external magnetic fields and perform stable, highly accurate regulation, thereby achieving a watch with high magnetic resistance.

[0046] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present disclosure that can achieve the object of the present disclosure are included in the present invention. In each of the above embodiments, a charged film 53 is provided on the rotatable substrate 50, 50B, 50C, 50E, the first rotatable substrate 510D and the second rotatable substrate 520D, and a braking electrode 64 and a power generating electrode 63 are provided on the fixed substrate 60, 60C, 60E, the first fixed substrate 610, 610D and the second fixed substrate 620, 620D, but it is also possible to provide the braking electrode and the power generating electrode on the rotatable substrate and provide a charged film on the fixed substrate. In the electrostatic brakes 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, and 42E, the braking signal output to the braking electrode 64 is set to GND potential in the braking state and open potential in the non-braking state, but as explained above in the section on the principles of electrostatic braking, a method of switching between different potentials may also be used. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a charged film 53, i.e., an electret film, is provided, but instead of the charged film 53, an electrode facing the braking electrode 64 may be provided, and a method of applying an electrostatic brake by applying a potential difference between these electrodes may be adopted. The speed regulating circuit 80 may be driven by a primary battery or a secondary battery. If a secondary battery is provided, the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece may be provided with a power generating device such as a solar panel or an electromagnetic induction generator that generates power without being linked to the drive of the wheel train 300, or the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece may be provided with a coil or the like for contactless charging from the outside, or the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece may be provided with an external terminal for charging.

[0047] In the above embodiment, an electrostatic governor is used to regulate the movement of the hour hand 23, minute hand 24, and second hand 25, but an electrostatic governor may also be used to regulate the movement of the chronograph pointers, etc. The rotatable substrates 50, 50B, 50C, 50E, the first rotatable substrate 510D, and the second rotatable substrate 520D may be made of insulating substrates, and may not be limited to being disk-shaped, but may be in a pinwheel shape in which the substrate is only located in the charged film 53 area to match the shape of the charged film 53. The fixed substrates 60, 60C, 60E, the first fixed substrates 610, 610D, and the second fixed substrates 620, 620D may be made of conductive substrates, in which case the power generating electrode 63 and the braking electrode 64 may be formed via an insulating film. The number of pairs of power generating electrodes 63, each composed of a first electrode 631 and a second electrode 632, is not limited to two pairs or twelve pairs as in the above embodiments, but must be at least one pair, and the number may be set according to the power generating capacity required to drive the speed regulator circuit 80.

[0048] [Summary of this disclosure] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein comprises a mainspring, a wheel train rotated by the mainspring, hands driven by the wheel train to indicate the time, and a regulator that regulates the rotational speed of the wheel train, and the regulator is characterized in that it comprises an electrostatic brake that brakes the rotation of the wheel train by electrostatic force, and a regulating circuit that controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake. In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein, the governor that regulates the rotational speed of the wheel train is constructed using an electrostatic brake, thereby eliminating the influence of external magnetic fields and enabling stable regulation, resulting in a timepiece with high magnetic resistance.

[0049] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein, the electrostatic brake comprises a rotating base that is driven to rotate by the wheel train, and a fixed base arranged opposite the rotating base, a charged film is arranged radially on the rotating opposing surface of the rotating base that faces the fixed base, and braking electrodes are arranged radially on the fixed opposing surface of the fixed base that faces the rotating base, and the regulating circuit controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake by changing the electrical state of the braking electrodes. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, by using a charged film in the electrostatic brake, it is no longer necessary to generate a high voltage for braking, and the configuration of the speed-regulating circuit can be simplified. Furthermore, since the braking electrode is provided on the fixed substrate, the wiring for changing the electrical state of the braking electrode can be easily arranged.

[0050] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein, the electrostatic brake comprises a rotating base that is driven to rotate by the wheel train, and a fixed base arranged opposite the rotating base, brake electrodes are arranged radially on the rotating opposing surface of the rotating base that faces the fixed base, and charged films are arranged radially on the fixed opposing surface of the fixed base that faces the rotating base, and the regulating circuit controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake by changing the electrical state of the brake electrodes. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, by using a charged film in the electrostatic brake, it is no longer necessary to generate a high voltage for braking, and the configuration of the speed-regulating circuit can be simplified.

[0051] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein, the fixed opposing surface or the rotating opposing surface on which the brake electrode is arranged is provided with a brake electrode area on which the brake electrode is arranged, and a power generation electrode area on which one or more pairs of power generation electrodes composed of a first electrode and a second electrode are provided, the electrostatic brake also serves as an electrostatic generator which generates electricity by the charged film overlapping alternately with the first electrode and the second electrode in a plan view seen from a direction along the rotation axis of the rotating base as the rotating base rotates, and the speed regulating circuit is driven by the power generated by the electrostatic generator. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein, since it is equipped with an electrostatic generator, it is possible to operate the speed-regulating circuit without using a primary battery, etc. Furthermore, by making the generator electrostatic, it is also not affected by external magnetic fields, so it is possible to realize a timepiece with higher magnetic resistance. Furthermore, since a generator electrode is also provided on the fixed opposing surface or rotating opposing surface to which the brake electrode is arranged, the brake and generator can be integrated, simplifying the structure and contributing to the miniaturization of electronically controlled mechanical timepieces.

[0052] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein comprises a rotating base plate that is driven to rotate by the wheel train and has a first rotational opposing surface and a second rotational opposing surface perpendicular to the rotation axis, a first fixed base plate arranged opposite the first rotational opposing surface, and a second fixed base plate arranged opposite the second rotational opposing surface, wherein charged films are radially arranged on the first rotational opposing surface and the second rotational opposing surface, braking electrodes are radially arranged on the first fixed opposing surface that faces the first rotational opposing surface of the first fixed base plate, and one or more pairs of generating electrodes composed of a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on the second fixed opposing surface that faces the second rotational opposing surface of the second fixed base plate, the rotating base plate and the first fixed base plate form the electrostatic brake, the rotating base plate and the second fixed base plate form an electrostatic generator, and the speed regulating circuit is driven by power generated by the electrostatic generator and changes the electrical state of the braking electrodes to control the braking state of the electrostatic brake. According to the electronically controlled mechanical watch of the present disclosure, by disposing charged films on both sides of the rotating base, providing a first fixed base and a second fixed base on either side of the rotating base, and providing a braking electrode and a power generating electrode on each, it is possible to independently assign the functions of a brake and a generator to each fixed base. This makes it possible to increase both the braking efficiency and the power generating efficiency, reduce the diameter of the rotating base and the fixed base, and only one rotating base is required, which contributes to the miniaturization of the speed governor.

[0053] In the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, there is provided a rotating base plate that is driven and rotated by the wheel train and has a rotationally opposed surface on which a charged film is radially arranged, a fixed base plate that is arranged opposite the rotating base plate and has a fixed opposed surface on which first and second electrodes that serve as braking electrodes and power generating electrodes are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction and that faces the rotationally opposed surface, a first wiring that connects to the first electrode, a second wiring that connects to the second electrode, a rectifier circuit that rectifies the generated current generated by the first electrode and the second electrode, and a charging circuit that stores the generated current. and a switching circuit that switches between a braking state in which the first wiring and the second wiring are connected to the speed regulating circuit and the rotating base and the fixed base function as the electrostatic brake, and a power generation state in which the first wiring and the second wiring are connected to the charging circuit and the rotating base and the fixed base function as an electrostatic generator, wherein the speed regulating circuit is driven by electricity generated by the electrostatic generator and stored in the power storage device, and controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake by changing the electrical state of the braking electrode. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, a switching circuit is provided that selectively connects the first and second electrodes provided on the fixed opposing surface of the fixed substrate to the speed control circuit and the charging circuit, so that the first and second electrodes can be used as both the power generation electrode and the braking electrode. Therefore, by switching the functions of the first and second electrodes over time with the switching circuit, the structure of the electrostatic brake and electrostatic generator can be simplified, contributing to miniaturization.

[0054] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein includes an electrostatic brake and an electrostatic generator that are driven by the wheel train to generate electricity, the electrostatic brake includes a first rotating base plate that is driven to rotate by the wheel train and a first fixed base plate that is disposed opposite the first rotating base plate, a charged film is radially disposed on a first rotating opposing surface of the first rotating base plate that faces the first fixed base plate, and braking electrodes are radially disposed on a first fixed opposing surface of the first fixed base plate that faces the first rotating base plate, and the electrostatic generator is driven by the wheel train. and a second fixed substrate arranged opposite the second rotating substrate, a charged film is radially arranged on a second rotating opposing surface of the second rotating substrate facing the second fixed substrate, and one or more pairs of power generating electrodes composed of a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on the second fixed opposing surface of the second fixed substrate facing the second rotating substrate, and the speed regulating circuit is driven by power generated by the electrostatic generator and controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake by changing the electrical state of the braking electrodes. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, the first rotating substrate and the first fixed substrate that constitute the electrostatic brake, and the second rotating substrate and the second fixed substrate that constitute the electrostatic generator are provided independently, so that the rotation speeds of the first rotating substrate and the second rotating substrate can be set separately. Therefore, the rotation speed of the first rotating substrate can be set to a speed suitable for braking, and the rotation speed of the second rotating substrate can be set to a speed suitable for power generation, thereby improving both power generation efficiency and speed regulation efficiency.

[0055] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein is characterized in that it comprises an electromagnetic induction generator that is driven by the wheel train to generate electricity, the electromagnetic induction generator comprising a rotating rotor driven by the wheel train, a stator, and a coil, and the speed regulating circuit is driven by the power generated by the electromagnetic induction generator. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, an electromagnetic induction generator, which has the same configuration as a stepping motor in a typical electronic timepiece, is used as the generator, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, although electromagnetic induction generators are affected by external magnetic fields, they are able to generate enough electricity to drive the regulating circuit, and since the regulator that regulates the rotational speed of the gear train is electrostatic, it is possible to eliminate the effects of external magnetic fields and perform stable, highly precise regulation, resulting in a watch with high magnetic resistance.

[0056] The electronically controlled mechanical timepiece disclosed herein is characterized in that it comprises a primary battery or a secondary battery that drives the speed regulating circuit. According to the electronically controlled mechanical timepiece of the present disclosure, the speed regulating circuit is driven by a primary battery or a secondary battery, which allows the circuit configuration of the timepiece to be simplified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...electrostatic generator, 2...substrate, 3A...electret film, 3B...electret film, 4...substrate, 5A...counter electrode, 5B...counter electrode, 6...full-wave rectifier circuit, 7...load circuit, 8...capacitor, 9...resistance, 11...plate electrode, 12...plate electrode, 13...power source, 15...substrate, 16...substrate, 17...electret film, 18...counter electrode, 19...switch, 20...electronically controlled mechanical clock, 20B...electronically controlled mechanical clock, 20C...electronically controlled mechanical clock, 20D...electronically controlled mechanical clock, 20E...electronically controlled mechanical clock, 23...hour hand, 24...minute hand, 25...second hand, 30...movement, 3 0B…movement, 30D…movement, 30E…movement, 31…barrel, 32…second wheel, 33…third wheel, 34…fourth wheel, 40…governor, 40B…governor, 40C…governor, 40D…governor, 40E…governor, 41…governor wheel, 42…electrostatic brake, 42B…electrostatic brake, 42C…electrostatic brake, 42D…electrostatic brake, 42E…electrostatic brake, 43…electrostatic generator, 43B…electrostatic generator, 43C…electrostatic generator, 43D…electrostatic generator, 45…generator wheel, 50…rotating base, 50B…rotating base, 50C…rotating base, 50E…rotating base, 51… Rotating shaft, 52...rotationally opposed surface, 52C...rotationally opposed surface, 52E...rotationally opposed surface, 53...charged film, 55...gap, 60...fixed substrate, 60C...fixed substrate, 60E...fixed substrate, 61...fixed opposed surface, 61C...fixed opposed surface, 61E...fixed opposed surface, 63...power generating electrode, 63A...power generating electrode region, 64...braking electrode, 64A...braking electrode region, 65A...through hole, 66...gap, 67...first gap, 68...second gap, 70...charging circuit, 71...rectifier circuit, 72...power supply circuit, 73...capacitor, 74...charging wiring, 80...speed adjusting circuit, 81...reference frequency generating circuit, 82...comparator, 83... Phase frequency comparator, 84... timing generation circuit, 85... braking control circuit, 86... braking wiring, 87... switching wiring, 90... switching circuit, 91... switch, 92... switch, 200... electromagnetic induction generator, 220... rotor, 230... stator, 240... coil, 300... gear train, 310... spring, 510D... first rotating substrate, 511D... first rotating opposing surface, 520D... second rotating substrate, 521... first rotating opposing surface, 522... second rotating opposing surface, 522D... second rotating opposing surface, 610... first fixed substrate, 610D... first fixed substrate, 611... first fixed opposing surface, 611D... first fixed opposing surface,620...second fixed substrate, 620D...second fixed substrate, 621...second fixed opposing surface, 621D...second fixed opposing surface, 631...first electrode, 632...second electrode, 635...first wiring, 636...second wiring, 641...third wiring, 811...vibrator, 851...switch.

Claims

[Claim 1] Spring and a gear train rotated by the mainspring; A hand driven by the wheel train to indicate time; a speed governor that regulates the rotational speed of the wheel train, The speed governor is an electrostatic brake that brakes the rotation of the wheel train by electrostatic force; a speed control circuit for controlling the braking state of the electrostatic brake, a rotating base plate which is driven to rotate by the wheel train and has a rotation facing surface on which charged films are radially arranged; a fixed base plate disposed opposite the rotating base plate, the fixed base plate having a fixed opposing surface opposite the rotating opposing surface, the first electrodes and the second electrodes serving as braking electrodes and power generating electrodes being alternately disposed along a circumferential direction; A first wiring connected to the first electrode; A second wiring connected to the second electrode; a charging circuit including a rectifier circuit that rectifies a current generated by the first electrode and the second electrode and a power storage device that stores the current; a switching circuit for switching between a braking state in which the first wiring and the second wiring are connected to the speed regulator circuit and the rotating base and the fixed base function as the electrostatic brake, and a power generation state in which the first wiring and the second wiring are connected to the charging circuit and the rotating base and the fixed base function as electrostatic generators, The speed regulator circuit is driven by the electric power generated by the electrostatic generator and stored in the power storage device, and controls the braking state of the electrostatic brake by changing the electrical state of the braking electrode. An electronically controlled mechanical watch characterized by:

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