JPS5918477A - Dial type stop watch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow users to recognize the display of the battery life more frequently by prolonging the time until the capacity of a battery runs out with a gradual decrease in the current consumption close to the complete expiration of the battery life. CONSTITUTION:In a 1/20sec drive controlling circuit 15, a step motor 17 is normally driven at 20Hz during the measurement except for the split display period until the battery comes close to the end of the life. With the battery very close to the end of the life thereof, the step motor is driven only for the period during which the measured time coincides with the indication position of a 1/ 20sec pointer when a signal is outputted to stop measurement or to direct the display of the times clocked part-way or the 1/20sec pointer indicates 0 position when a signal is outputted to direct the restarting of the time measurement or to release the display of the times clocked part-way. Thus, the current consumption can be reduced greatly very close to the end of the battery life more than before.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for reducing current consumption of a pointer light indicator stopwatch near the end of its battery life.

In recent years, as an alternative to the conventional mechanical stopwatch, a pointer display stopwatch has been devised that uses a crystal oscillator as a time reference source and displays the measured time by a pointer that is moved by a plurality of step motors. However, driving a step motor requires approximately 1.5 to 3 per step.
It requires a large amount of power compared to μW and 0M08-IO, etc. Therefore, Vi 20 to 40 per second is applied to the tape motor that moves the hand that displays digits less than one second, for example, 1720 seconds.
It requires a current consumption of μA. It is known that the discharge characteristics of silver oxide batteries currently used as watch batteries remain flat at approximately 1.58 V until the end of discharge, and once the voltage begins to drop, the life span ends within a short period of time. . Capacity from when the battery voltage starts to drop until the end of its life j11
Vt0.2~0.5mAH, current consumption approximately 40μ
In case A, it only corresponds to about 5 hours. Therefore 1
In a pointer display stopwatch that has a pointer that displays sub-second digits, even if the battery life is indicated by a 2-second step hand, etc., the battery capacity will run out before the user notices it. It's possible.

The present invention eliminates such drawbacks and its purpose is to:
By reducing the current consumption near the end of the battery life, the time until the battery capacity is exhausted is lengthened1, and the user has more opportunities to recognize the battery life display.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on Examples.

In this embodiment, the end of the battery life is controlled by controlling the drive of the step motor that moves the pointer that displays the digits of less than 1 second (l/20 seconds in this embodiment), which requires the most current consumption. I will now explain how to reduce the current consumption of a nearby stopwatch.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the time reference source 1 has a crystal oscillator as the source oscillator, and the time reference source 1 is 32768 yen.
It oscillates at Hz. Branch and waveform shaping circuit 2132
The frequency of the 768 Hz reference signal is divided sequentially to form a 20 Hz signal φ20, which serves as a reference for time measurement of a stopwatch, and a 16 Hz signal φ16, which is used when returning to zero. The switch control circuit 7 generates a start command stop signal St that commands the start and stop of time measurement, and a split signal that commands the display and cancellation of the display of the intermediate measurement time, by a combination of operations of the external operation members 3, 4, and 5.6. Sp, reset signal R,,l,'! that commands each pointer to return to zero. O 1/20 second hand set signal Be V2O that commands a change in the zero position of the second hand;
Second hand set signal sg s that commands a change in the zero position of the second hand
ec, minute set signal sg that commands a change in the zero position of the minute hand
Output min.

In this embodiment, when the external operation member 6 is open, the stopwatch mode is set, and when the external operation member 3 is operated, the logic state of the start contest stop signal Bt changes cyclically, and the logic state of the start contest stop signal st changes to "
When the external operating member 4 is operated at Hg9, the logic state of the split signal sp changes cyclically, and when the external operating member 5 is operated, the logic state of the reset signal Rg changes to "Lo".
The switch control circuit 7 is configured so that the signal changes from "w" to "-instant" Hi I. Also, when the external operating member 6 is closed, each hand is in zero position correction mode, and when the external operating member 3f is operated, the 1720 second hand set signal 8111/20
The switch control circuit 7 is configured such that the logic state of the second hand set signal sesec instantly changes from "Low" to "Hif" and when the external operating member 4 is operated, the logic state of the second hand set signal sesec changes from "Loh+" to "H4#" momentarily. ing. Furthermore, when the reset signal Fg reaches 9zl, the start)-stop signal St
The switch control circuit 7 is configured so that the split signal EJp is always "LQw".

The switch 8 closes only when the start-stop signal st is Hi'. The battery voltage detection circuit 9 periodically detects the battery voltage, and outputs a battery life signal BLD that becomes Hi' when the battery voltage becomes 1.4 V or less.

Note that the detection timing of the battery voltage detection circuit 9 is configured to be different from the timing of driving each step motor.

10, 11.12.13.14.15, 16.17.1
8.19 is a component for displaying the i/20 second digit.

5- The V2O second hand hour counter 10 is a 20-decimal counter that counts the 20 Hg signal φ20, which is the standard for time measurement of the stopwatch, and is reset when the reset signal Rg 2'll"H7" output from the switch control circuit 7 is reached. Ru. When the split signal etc. output from the switch control circuit 7 is "H71", the latch circuit 11
Hold the contents of Q second time counter 10 /l L
At the time of O, . . . #, the contents of the 1/20 second time counter 10 are bused. -The number output circuit 12 is the latch circuit 11 and 1
/20 When the contents of the second hand position counter 13 match, it outputs a 0 second match signal Y, 1/20, which is "87g" and becomes "Low" when they do not match. The 1720 second hand position counter 13 is a 20-decimal counter for storing the indicated position of the 1720 second hand 19, and counts the 1/20 second hand drive signal φM1/20, and outputs the 1/20 second hand set signal Bti 1 from the switch control circuit 7. /20 becomes "H8f".The 1/20 second hand 0 position detection circuit 14 detects 11 when the outputs (α, β, r, δ, ζ) of the 1/20 second hand position counter 13 are all "Low".
6-1/20 second hand 0 position signal 01AO is output.The 140 second hand drive control circuit 15 outputs 17 signals such as a start-stop signal st, a sprint signal Sp, and an IAO second match signal Y. O4O
Depending on the logic state of the second hand 0 position signal 01AO1 and the battery life signal BLD, the 20Hz signal φ20 or the Vi16Hz signal φ16 is selected as the 1/20 second hook drive signal φM 1/20. The drive pulse shaping circuit 16 uses the IAO second hand drive signal φ
When M1/20 or 1/20 second hand cent signal Be 1/20 is input, a drive pulse PM 1/20 for driving the step motor 17 is output in response to each signal. The wheel train 18 is linked to the step motor 17 and the 1/20 second hand 19
is configured to make one revolution in 20 steps.

20, 21.22.23.24.25.26.27.2
8 is a component for displaying seconds digits. The second counter 20 is a sexagesimal counter that counts the IHz signal φBeC output from the 1/20 second counter 10, and is reset when the reset signal Re becomes "Ht9."The latch circuit 21 stores the contents of the second counter 20. Hold when split signal 8p is Hi'.
When it is Low, [Fi Babasru]. - The multiple output circuit 22 outputs a second coincidence signal yesec which is f Hz f when the contents of the latch circuit 21 and the second hand position counter 23 match, and TJ0wq when they do not match. Second hand position counter 23 This is a sexagesimal counter for storing the indicated position of the second hand 28.
8fjC is counted, and the reset is completed when the second hand number 5e860 reaches #Htf. The second hand drive control circuit 24 outputs a split signal sp1 second coincidence signal Yg Bg(
3, the second hand drive signal 'r M se+c
As I Hz signal φsec or 16'Hz signal φ1
Select 6f. When the drive pulse forming circuit 25 receives the second hand drive signal φM SeC or the second hand set signal sg sea, it outputs a drive pulse Ru8ec for driving the step motor 26 in response to each signal.

The wheel train 27 is interlocked with the step motor 26, and the second hand 28 is at 60.
It is configured to make one revolution in steps.

29, 50.31.32.33.34.35.36.5
7 is a component for displaying minute digits. The minute time counter 29 is a sexagesimal counter that counts the V2OHz signal φ n outputted from the second time counter 20, and is reset when the reset signal Ro reaches "nz I." The contents are held when the split signal 8p is “HiwO” and “IJ
Pass when Qw'. - When the contents of the number output circuit 311-t latch circuit 30 and the minute hand position counter 32 match, "Ht9"; when they do not match, "L"
The minute hand position counter 52 that outputs the minute coincidence signal Yemin that becomes "ow'" is a sexagesimal counter for storing the indicated position of the minute hand 37, and counts the minute hand drive signal φM trin, and when the minute hand set signal aemin becomes "Ht f" The minute hand drive control circuit 35 selects the 1/60 H2 signal φrnin or 161 (Z signal φ16) as the minute hand drive signal φMmirr depending on the logic state of the split signal and the minute coincidence signal Yetnin.The drive pulse shaping circuit 54Fi, When the minute hand drive signal φM min or the minute hand set signal Be mn is input, the drive pulse PM for driving the step motor 55 corresponds to each signal.
Output win. The wheel train 36 is configured to operate in conjunction with the step motor 35 so that the minute hand 37 makes one revolution in 60 steps.

9- FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the 1/20 second hand drive control circuit 15. In FIG. 2, 5B, 39.40.41.42 are inverters, 43, 45, 46.47 FiAND gates, and 44.48 are OR gates. AND gate 45, battery life signal BLD input from terminal 3 is Hi'
And the start/stop signal St input from the terminal work 2, 2'll pi' (during tt all)
Te, Ka, split signal Sp input from terminal IX is "Low" (when not split display), and 1/20 second hand 0 position signal input from terminal 6 01/20
When is LOW (when the 1/20 second hand does not indicate the 0 position), select the 16Hz signal φ16 as the 1/20 second hand drive signal φM 1/20 until the 1720 second hand indicates the zero position. , 16'H wealth, L,
The AND gate 46 determines that the start race stop signal St is "
When low (when commanded to stop measurement)
Next, when the split signal Hp is 〃Hj' (when split display is commanded), if the 1/20 second coincidence signal Y81/20 input from terminal No. 1 is "Low", the 16Hz signal φ16 1720 second hand drive signal φM
Select 1/'20 and move the hand at 16Hz until the 1/20 second hand stops. 10- Time and split time are indicated. AND gate 47 outputs battery life signal B T,
D is L0w' and the sublit signal egg is “LOIL”
)' and 1720 seconds coincidence signal Yg 1/20 is H
i', the 20 Hz signal φ20 is selected as the 1/20 second hand drive signal φM1/20, and the 1/20 second hand is
0H2 gives you luck T+ki.

As described above, if the 1/20 second hand drive control circuit 15 is configured as shown in FIG.
TJOll)f) During measurement, the step motor 17 is always driven at 20Hz except during the split)ff indication period, but when the battery life is nearing the end (BLD is "Hi"), the step motor 17 is always driven at 20Hz. When the motor 17 outputs a signal instructing to stop time measurement (st is Low M, or a signal instructing to display an intermediate time (sp is "Hi"), the measured time and the indicated position of the 1720 second hand match. Until,
A signal that commands the start of time measurement again (St is “Hj”)
or a signal to cancel the display of the intermediate time (EJp is LO)
It is only driven until the 1/20 second hand indicates the 0 position when u)') is output. Therefore, when the battery life is nearing its end, the current consumption can be significantly reduced compared to before J'-J.

FIG. 3 shows another example of the configuration of the 1720 second button drive formation circuit 15. In Fig. 6, 49.50.51.52 are inverters, 53, 54, 55it AND gates, 56
is an OR gate. In addition, the terminals 1 to 15 are input to terminals 1 to 5 in FIG. 2 (the same signals as those in column I+j are input).

If the 1720 second button drive forming circuit 15 is configured as shown in Fig. 3, until the battery life is almost over (BLD is "LQ game"),
During the step motor 1 f'i measurement, it is always driven at 20 Hz except during the split display period, but when the battery life is nearing the end (BLD is "Hi"'), the step motor 17 is driven at V20 seconds. Once the hook indicates the 0 position, it will not be driven thereafter. Therefore, near the end of the battery life, the current consumption can be significantly reduced compared to before that time.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the second hand drive control circuit 24 and the minute hand drive control circuit 33. In Figure 4, 57.58t:
l inverter, 59.60 is AND gate, 61-digit OR
It is a gate. Also, in FIG. 3, the second hand drive control circuit 2
4, the second match signal Y88eC is sent to terminal ■9.
The terminal +olC inputs the 1Hz signal φ5ecdi, and in the case of the minute hand drive control circuit 35, the minute match signal Ye min is input to the terminal ■9, and the terminal 110K inputs the 1/5OHz signal φ
min enters. Incidentally, a 16 Hz signal φ16 is input to the terminal II+ and the split signal S is input to the terminal II+.

The drive control circuit shown in Fig. 4 is configured to always display the measured time regardless of the battery voltage, so the current consumption remains the same between near the end of the battery life and before it.
The step motor 26 that drives the second hand 28 is driven once every second, and the step motor 111 that drives the minute hand 37
Since it is only driven once per minute, there is no problem because the current consumption is much lower than when moving the needle 19 for 1/20 seconds (the step motor 17 is driven 20 times per second). @ This concludes the explanation of this embodiment.

In the present invention, when the battery voltage detection circuit detects that the battery life is about to end, the pointer is stopped at the zero position and the step motor is not operated. Alternatively, normally the pointer is stopped at the zero position and the step motor is not operated, but the step motor is operated only when a signal commanding the stop of one time measurement or a signal commanding the display of the intermediate time is output. The current consumption required to drive the step motor can be significantly reduced by indicating the measurement time using the battery, which increases the time it takes for the battery to run out, giving the user an opportunity to recognize the battery life display. This has the excellent effect of increasing the amount of

In the present invention, when it is detected that the battery life is about to end, the finger hook stops at the zero position even if the opening side is started. It also has the effect that the user can recognize the end of the battery life even without adding a life display method.

In the embodiment, the present invention is applied only to the 1720 seconds hand, but the present invention can also be applied to the second hand 1 minute by providing respective 0 position detection circuits and changing the configuration 14- of the drive control circuit. It is possible to control the 0 second hand and 101, and it is possible to reduce the current consumption to a large extent.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
A configuration example of the 1720 second hand drive control circuit 19 shown in the figure, FIG. 3 is another configuration example of the 1720 second hand drive control circuit 19 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the second hand drive control circuit 24 and the minute hand drive control circuit 37 shown in FIG. 1... Time reference source 2... Frequency division and waveform shaping circuit 3, 4.5.6... External operating member 7...
. . . Switch control circuit 8 . . . Switch 9 controlled by signal St.
...Battery voltage detection circuit 10...1/20 second time counter 11, 21
．． 30... Latch circuit 12.22.31.
......-Several building output circuit 13...1/20
Second hand position counter 14... IAO second hand second hand 0 inspection detection 15...1/') 0 second hand drive control circuit 16.25.34... Drive pulse Molding circuit 17.26.35... Step motor 1B, 27.35... Wheel train 19...
・・1/20 second hand 20・・・Mechanical time counter 23・・・Second hand position counter 24・・・Second hand drive control circuit 28・・・Second hand 29・・・・...Minute time counter 62...Minute hand position counter 36...Minute hand drive control circuit 67...Minute hand and above Applicant: Kabubo Company Shuho Seikosha Agent Patent Attorney Tsutomu Mogami

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) It has a battery voltage detection circuit and a drive control circuit configured to stop the pointer at the zero position when the battery voltage detection circuit detects that the battery voltage value is lower than the reference voltage value. A pointer display stopwatch characterized by: (2) A battery voltage detection circuit, and when the battery voltage detection circuit detects that the battery voltage value is lower than the reference voltage value, the pointer normally stops at the zero position and generates a signal that commands the stop of time measurement. or a drive control circuit configured to instruct the measurement time only when a signal instructing the display of the intermediate measurement time is output.