Abstract: Thermal energy is converted into a mechanical energy by a thermal converter that includes a phase change material whose phase changes between solid and liquid as a result of temperature changes in the operating environment. Because the phase change material does not change to the gas state during operation, good thermal conductivity can be achieved within a normal operating temperature range and sufficient mechanical energy can be obtained, thereby enhancing the conversion efficiency of the thermal converter. Also, because the case in which the phase material is contained is not required to be at a high pressure, the case can be easily manufactured and a compressing means such as a strong spring is not required, thus reducing a size of whole device.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, which is an electronic device, is equipped with a generator 2 for converting the mechanical energy transmitted from a mainspring through the intermediary of a wheel train into electrical energy, and a rotation control unit for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator 2. The rotation control unit is equipped with a count-up/down counter 60 that compares a reference signal with a rotation detection signal of the generator 2 thereby to adjust a braking time for the generator 2, and a brake control signal generating circuit 81 that corrects the time set at the count-up/down counter 60 on the basis of the rotation cycle of the generator 2. If the rotation cycle of the generator 2 significantly deviates from a reference signal cycle, then the braking time is adjusted on the basis of the rotation cycle.

Abstract: To reduce power consumption by operating hands only when needed. By operating to depress a mode changeover switch, a second hand is moved selectively to a hand operation start time setting mode (WAKE) position, a hand operation stop time setting mode (SLEEP) and an alarm time setting mode (ALARM) position. Hand operation stop time, hand operation start time and alarm time are set by setting an hour/minute hand to desired time by operating to depress a time setting switch in a state in which the second hand is disposed at the respective setting mode positions. When the hand setting stop time arrives, operation of the time hands is stopped and when the hand operation start time arrives, the time hands are fed fast to regular time and thereafter, normal time indicating operation is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device for electronic apparatus of the electronic stem type, adapted to be shifted between a plurality of axial positions. According to one preferred embodiment, the stem (1), with axis X, has four different axial positions. Two contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) mutually offset in the direction of the axis X are provided to make contact with two respective power supply terminals (19, 20, 75, 76) of a source of electrical power supply. The stem comprises a plurality of cylindrical portions (36, 38, 50, 51, 52) which cooperate with deformable extensions (27, 28, 64, 65) of the contact clips to deform them in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X. Thus, in accordance with the axial position of the stem (1), the contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) can be in different electrical states, i.e. isolated or connected to the source of power supply, independently of one another.

Abstract: An electronically controlled timepiece includes an analog circuit (160) driven by a power source (22), a logic circuit (170) driven by a constant voltage regulator circuit (161) forming part of the analog circuit, an oscillator circuit (51) driven by the constant voltage regulator, a power source switch (162) for cutting off the supply of power to the analog circuit other than the constant voltage regulator circuit from the power source during a time correction operation, and a clock cutoff gate (171) for cutting off a clock input from the oscillator circuit to the logic circuit. During the time correction operation, power consumption is reduced because only the oscillator circuit and the constant voltage regulator circuit are operative. The oscillator circuit is not suspended, and an error in time display is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a timepiece including a barrel, a spring housed in the barrel, time display members mechanically coupled to said barrel, an electric energy generator also coupled to said barrel, and a regulator circuit for enslaving the frequency of said generator to a reference frequency. The regulator circuit includes for this purpose switching means arranged for electrically braking said generator during braking periods, when said regulator circuit detects that the frequency of said generator is higher than the reference frequency. The generator controls actuating means of an analogue power reserve member, via an electric quantity transmitted by electric coupling between the actuating means and the generator, during said braking periods.

Abstract: A first control unit 110 and second control unit 120 are disposed to a portable data terminal 100 having a heavy load group 140 and light load group 150. The first control unit 110 detects the output voltage of a secondary battery 105 and controls power supply to the heavy load group 140 by switching a first switch S1. When the first control unit 110 stops power supply to the heavy load group 140, it outputs a low level control signal CC to the second control unit 120. The load of driving the second control unit 120 is designed to be smaller than the load of driving the first control unit 110. When the control signal CC is received, the second control unit 120 starts detecting the output voltage of the secondary battery 105, and stops power supply to the switch light load group 150 and first control unit 110 if the output voltage is detected to drop to a preset threshold voltage.

Abstract: An electronic module for regulation of a watch movement with mechanical winding includes a generator (1) permitting converting the mechanical energy supplied by the mechanical watch movement into a measuring signal (G+;G−) and an electronic circuit (11) supplied by the generator. The electronic circuit includes an energy dissipation circuit (9) permitting applying at least two separate braking couples more than zero to the generator (1). The electronic circuit (11) also includes a counter to control the braking circuit. The braking couple selected by the control circuit depends on the advance of the generator and is reduced, without being suppressed, when the measuring signal (G+;G−) passes through an extreme.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic device for generating and displaying an item of information, including a flexible body (2) shaped to be able, for example, to be secured to a user's wrist, an electronic unit (18) for generating the information, at least a display cell (20) for displaying said information, and an electric power source (22) for powering the electronic unit (18), wherein the flexible body (2) has, at at least one location on its length, an overthickness of material forming a rigid receptacle (28) in the inner cavity of which is arranged said electronic unit (18).

Abstract: A mechanism having at least a function of measuring an arbitrary elapsed time is provided, which disables the function from being reset after the function is started, and enables the function to be reset after the function is stopped. The function is continuously held in an electrical ON state after being started, except when being normally stopped. This provides a time measurement device and method in which an electrical operating state and a mechanical operating state can coincide.

Abstract: Watch movement in which the rotor of a generator (10, 11, 13) is driven by a spring over a plurality of wheels (51, 61, 71) and pinions (50, 60, 70), the operation of the generator being regulated by an electronic regulating circuit (81). Said wheels and pinions are all electrically grounded to avoid spark discharges which can be produced by the charging of voltages through frictional electricity.

Abstract: The present invention proposes to improve the yield of a micro-generator (1) used for operating a timepiece. This micro-generator operates on the basis of the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction; it is thus desirable to limit the presence of magnetic masses in proximity to said generator as much as possible. Research carried out has shown that the finish coating covering the movement-blank parts (11, 12) arranged in proximity to the micro-generator brakes the latter when it is made of a magnetic material, and in particular a ferromagnetic material. Thus, the exclusive selection of non-magnetic materials for manufacturing the movement-blank and its coating is proposed.

Abstract: A time measurement device includes a power generator 2, secondary power source 31, current time counters 922 and 932, receiver circuit 42 for receiving a time standard radio wave, time display means 5 for displaying the current time, power detector 83 for outputting a power detection signal when the power generator 2 is in a power generating state or when a voltage stored in the secondary power source 31 is at a predetermined voltage value, operation mode switcher 874 switching, in response to the power detection signal, between a power saving mode in which time display is suspended and a standard mode in which time display is not suspended. The operation mode switcher 874 causes the time display means 5 to display the current time based on the time information counted by the time counters 922 and 932 and the time information received by the receiver circuit in response to the device being switched from the power saving mode to the standard mode.

Abstract: When a time keeping apparatus is in a power saving mode, performing time display is stopped, and the apparatus periodically receives external time data and sets the data into a second time counter and an hour-and-minute time counter. When the operation mode of the time keeping apparatus is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode, the apparatus resumes display of the current time based on the counted values in the second time counter and the hour and minute time counter.

Abstract: When an electronic timepiece is in a power-saving mode in which the current time display is suspended, it is determined whether or not the charge voltage supplied from a high-capacity capacitor is higher than a predetermined reference voltage, and if higher, enough electrical energy is stored in the high-capacity capacitor to return from the power-saving mode to the display mode, so that a current time restoration process is performed upon detecting power generation. On the other hand, if the charge voltage is less than or equal to the predetermined reference voltage, the supply of the power supply voltage to the control circuits is stopped to prevent the electrical energy stored in the high-capacity capacitor from being consumed needlessly. As a result, the electronic timepiece can be reactivated quickly when the power generating device begins to generate power.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a braking torque can be increased while reduction in power generation is suppressed, and in which a rotor is prevented from stopping or rotating at an excessive speed. Such an electronic device includes a generator which is driven by an mechanical energy source and a rotation controller which controls the rotational period of the generator.

Abstract: The electronic watch includes analogue display means (1) formed of at least one hand (2) driven by at least one motor (3), a time base (4) for controlling means (8) for driving said motor, a rechargeable power source (9), means (14) for stopping the motor (3) acting particularly on said drive means, and time counting means (18) in synchronism with said analogue display means (1) for a sufficient supply voltage.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a time base (13), a generator (1) formed in particular of a rotor (2) with permanent magnets and at least one coil (3), a barrel (6) with a mainspring coupled to said generator in order to drive it, analogue time indicating means (7) also driven by said barrel. These time indicating means operate substantially synchronously relative to said time base as long as the torque CB provided by said barrel is greater than or equal to a minimum synchronisation torque CSYNC. The timepiece also includes means (12, 16) for braking said generator, magnetised means (18) having with the rotor, when the generator is stopped, a static positioning torque CP allowing said rotor to be kept in a substantially stationary position.

Abstract: There are provided a power-generation mechanism (2) having a rotary weight (21) and a generator for converting the mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotary weight (21) into electrical energy, a time-measuring mechanism for measuring time, and a receiving mechanism having an antenna (6) for receiving wireless information, and the antenna (6) is placed further towards the outside in the radial direction of the rotary weight (21) than the rotation path of the outer circumferential edge of the rotary weight (21).

Abstract: A first voltage detector detects whether the voltage of a secondary cell has reached to 1.2V and a first timer counts a time duration for which the voltage is equal to or above 1.2V. If the time counted by the first timer reaches one hour, a second timer starts counting time for one hour. An amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell is displays after counting of the one hour by the second timer is over. As a result, an accurate display of the amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell can be achieved.

Abstract: An adherent timer device for mounting upon a prescription medicine bottle cap. The device comprises a cover having an aperture through the cover and a skirt extending from the cover with a lip portion inwardly protruding from the skirt. An electronic counting means having an electronic display viewable through the aperture of the cover resides within the skirt. A battery powering the electronic counting means is springably engaged with the electronic counting means. A reset post for breaking engagement of the battery with the electronic counting means extends from the cover. An insulating pull tab is placed between the battery and a spring contact plate interrupting flow of energy from the battery to the electronic counting means. A mounting face has structure for snap fit engagement with the inner lip of the skirt and an adhesive backing for securing the mounting face to a prescription medicine bottle cap.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprises power generation means for generating electricity by using external energy, storage means for storing electric energy received from the power generation means, time-indicating means powered by electric energy supplied from the power generation means or the storage means for indicating time, a switch circuit including a plurality of switching devices and adapted to transfer or intercept electric energy between the power generation means and the storage means and between the power generation means and the time-indicating means, voltage measuring means for measuring voltage across the time-indicating means, and control means that selects one of predetermined power ratios based on the results of measurement by the voltage measuring means and controls the switch circuit according to the selected ratio when the power generation means charges the storage means and the time-indicating means.

Abstract: Thermal energy is converted into a mechanical energy by a thermal converter that includes a phase change material whose phase changes between solid and liquid as a result of temperature changes in the operating environment. Because the phase change material does not change to the gas state during operation, good thermal conductivity can be achieved within a normal operating temperature range and sufficient mechanical energy can be obtained, thereby enhancing the conversion efficiency of the thermal converter. Also, because the case in which the phase material is contained is not required to be at a high pressure, the case can be easily manufactured and a compressing means such as a strong spring is not required, thus reducing a size of whole device.

Abstract: When a time keeping apparatus is in a power saving mode, performing time display is stopped, and the apparatus periodically receives external time data and sets the data into a second time counter and an hour-and-minute time counter. When the operation mode of the time keeping apparatus is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode, the apparatus resumes display of the current time based on the counted values in the second time counter and the hour and minute time counter.

Abstract: An energy saving device includes a high voltage power source, a direct current gate and and exchange gate for separating a pair of direct current gages in the same as voltage, amperage and watt of the direct current gate by electric discharging of switching pulse.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is controlled such that, when an amount of the actual capacity that remains in storage means 30 thereof is found to be less than a predetermined amount as a result of measurement of a voltage between the terminals of the storage means 30 by voltage measurement means 80, all electrical discharge paths from the storage means 30 to timing means 20 and an electric power generator 10 are completely shut off by the agency of charge/discharge control means 40, thereby preventing occurrence of wasteful over-discharge from the storage means 30. As a result, upon resumption of power generation by the electric power generator 10, entire electric energy generated can be effectively utilized, so that the restart of a time-keeping operation by the timing means 20 is speeded up, and the operation thereafter is stabilized.

Abstract: An inside notch (37) serving as an adjusting section is provided for a magnetic balancing adjustment between stators (31 and 32) and a rotor (12). The inside notch acts to reduce cogging torque, thereby allowing the rotor to rotate using a slight torque. Therefore, the rotor can be more readily started without using a complicated structure, can be prevented from easily stopping due to an external disturbance, and can be made more reliable. In reducing the cogging torque, it is not necessary to reduce the number of magnetic flux lines by, for example, making a rotor magnet (12b) smaller, making it possible to maintain the efficiency with which electrical power is produced.

Abstract: A power-generation detection circuit for detecting a power-generation state by an AC voltage supplied from a power-generation device including a capacitor, and switching element, a resistor, and an inverter circuit which controls the charging of the capacitor by a power-generation device. The switching element is switched by the AC voltage from the power-generation device. The voltage of the capacitor is detected by the inverter circuit thereby performing power-generation detection.

Abstract: If a supply voltage reaches a voltage level that may lead to detection errors of a supply voltage detecting circuit, then a voltage detecting operation is prohibited if generation of power that can be charged into a high-capacity secondary power source is not detected, while the voltage detecting operation is continued if the generation of power that can be charged into the high-capacity secondary power source is detected.

Abstract: In an electronic timepiece having a power saving mode, to prevent a situation in which a long period of time is needed for confirming a measured time period from being brought about. A mode control portion outputs a power saving processing signal to a display driving portion when an operating portion is not being operated for a predetermined time period in a state in which a chronograph measuring portion is not operated to measure a time period and a display driving portion erases display of a display portion to constitute a power saving mode. When the chronograph measuring portion carries out time measuring operation, the mode control portion prohibits the operation from being shifted to the power saving mode even when a nonoperational time period of the operating portion has elapsed the predetermined time period and therefore, a measured time period measured by the chronograph measuring portion is displayed at the display portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (1) powered by an electric power source formed by a battery (P) including a case (2, 21, 22), a battery compartment (7) formed by a housing (6) arranged inside said case to accommodate the battery, and means for closing the housing including a removable cover (8) able to be mechanically locked onto the case. The timepiece further includes connecting means (10, 11), arranged partly in said housing, for allowing electric access to electric or electronic components of the timepiece housed within the case. These connecting means include a plurality of connection terminals (10) arranged in the housing at the periphery of the battery, this housing being arranged so that the connection terminals are accessible from outside the case after the removal of the removable cover, without requiring the battery to be removed from its housing.

Abstract: To effectively prevent positional deviation of a battery. A hook-shaped member of a spring electrode terminal, and hook-shaped members of a spring electrode terminal are arranged in respective apices of a regular triangle to restrict movements of a battery in a direction along a cross section against the bias of a spring electrode terminal, which abuts against a negative surface of the battery. Battery abutments are arranged in respective apices of a substantially regular triangle to permit the bias of the respective spring electrode terminals to bias the battery toward the battery abutment, thus restricting positional deviation of the battery in a horizontal plane. When the battery is to be removed, a battery removal tool arranged near the hook-shaped member is inserted into a tool insertion portion to remove the battery.

Abstract: An electronically controlled timepiece includes an analog circuit (160) driven by a power source (22), a logic circuit (170) driven by a constant voltage regulator circuit (161) forming part of the analog circuit, an oscillator circuit (51) driven by the constant voltage regulator, a power source switch (162) for cutting off the supply of power to the analog circuit other than the constant voltage regulator circuit from the power source during a time correction operation, and a clock cutoff gate (171) for cutting off a clock input from the oscillator circuit to the logic circuit. During the time correction operation, power consumption is reduced because only the oscillator circuit and the constant voltage regulator circuit are operative. The oscillator circuit is not suspended, and an error in time display is eliminated.

Abstract: The transmission device disclosed is inserted between a rotating oscillating weight and an electric micro-generator in order to drive the generator rotor from the oscillating weight by multiplying the rotational speed. Its intermediate wheel and pinion includes a barrel (27) whose central shaft (24) is coupled to the drum (41) of the barrel by a spiral spring (30). The inner end of the spring has a bent portion (34) which engages via resilience in any one of a number of hollows (51) in the shaft and can be released by sliding over a slanting side (52) when the shaft exerts too great a torque in the given rotational direction. This arrangement prevents damage resulting from shocks, in particular in the case of a watch, without using a friction system.

Abstract: A wristwatch has a rigid watchcase and opposed pairs of lugs for mounting a wristband. The watchcase houses a battery-powered quartz watch movement and includes a number of battery compartments outside of the watch movement for batteries to power the watch movement. Each battery compartment has a door that enables changing the battery in the compartment without exposing the watch movement to the outside environment. The lugs are integrally attached to the doors and provide convenient handles for opening and closing the doors.

Abstract: With respect to a generator (20), a storage device (22) for storing electrical energy output from the generator and a bypass circuit (31) are connected in parallel with each other. A bypass circuit switch (33) of this bypass circuit (31) is controlled on and off according to the voltage of the storage device (22). This makes it possible to reduce the input current into the storage device so as to implement a reduction in the voltage of the storage device, thereby preventing overcharging. Moreover, since a generated waveform corresponding to the rotation period of the generator can be obtained, the rotation period of the generator can be controlled highly precisely and reliably based on this generated waveform, thereby implementing the indication of the correct time.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is formed of a power generating device for generating power, a control device for driving on receipt of a power supply from the power generating device, a display device for displaying a time by an operation of the control device, a detecting device for detecting a state of the power generating device, and a deciding device for deciding whether or not the power generating device generates power based on a detection signal sent from the detecting device. The control device controls such that a power generating state of the power generating device is displayed on the display device based on a decision of the deciding device. It is possible to reduce power consumption by stopping hands if required.

Abstract: Generator of the clockwork type including a stator formed of at least three coils (11a, 11b, 11c) and a rotor formed of two flanges (81, 82) carried by a shaft (5) and supporting an even number of magnets (91, 92). The rotor is formed of at least two distinct parts prior to assembly with the stator. In order to assemble the rotor, its shaft is introduced into a central space (13) defined by the coils coaxially to the axes of said coils, which thus allows the coils to be closer together so that the distance separating any two adjacent coils is less than the diameter D of said shaft (5) at its center.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generator unit is provided with good heat conducting efficiency and increased resistance to damage of thermoelectric elements due to horizontal and vertical force applied to the thermoelectric elements. Protecting members such as a frame and support columns are disposed around thermoelectric elements between a heat absorbing member and a heat radiating member of the thermoelectric power generator unit. A buffer is provided between the thermoelectric elements and at least one of the heat absorbing member and the heat radiating member.

Abstract: When the stem of an electronic watch such as one using a quartz oscillator circuit is pulled out, a switch operates so that the hands stop while the oscillation continues, thereby reducing the current consumption. The watch may be stored in this condition and, to achieve an even further power savings, a counting circuit is provided counts and, when a given amount of time has elapsed after the stem is pulled out, a signal is output, so as to stop both oscillation and frequency dividing. Additionally, a pull-down resistance connected to the switch is made by two transistors having a large and a small resistance values, with the above-noted signal being used to cause conduction through only the transistor with the large resistance value when in the power-saving condition, so that current in that part is small.

Abstract: A circular case battery hole is formed in the case back right below a battery accommodation hole, and in a portion of the outer surface around the battery hole is provided a battery cover detachment recess portion. A battery cover is formed of a disklike elastic sealing member having a large-diameter portion at its watch case interior side and a small-diameter portion at its outer side, and a disklike hard member made of a metal, a plastic, or the like joined to outer side of the elastic sealing member. The battery cover is attached to the case battery hole portion in such a manner that the small-diameter portion of the elastic sealing member has a horizontal fitting margin relative to the case battery hole. In the battery cover of this embodiment, the elastic sealing member has a fitting recess portion at its outer side while the hard member has an fitting projection portion at its internal side, and the elastic sealing member and the hard member are joined by projection-recess fitting.

Abstract: Clock saver apparatus and methods which enable the restoration of clock operations in the event that a power outage is brief and without requiring that an operator reset the clock are described. In one embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:32 a.m. In another embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected plus the determined time duration of the power outage. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., and if the power outage duration is 15 seconds, then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:47 a.m.

Abstract: In a power feeding apparatus A1, a drive circuit 11 receives electrical power supplied from a power supply 10 and generates a driving signal V. In response to this, an actuator 12 vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted through vibration transmission members 14 and 20 to a converter 21 of a power receiving apparatus B1. The converter 21 includes a piezoelectric device. Accordingly, vibration is converted into voltage, thus generating an electromotive voltage Vg. The electromotive voltage Vg is rectified by a rectification circuit 23, and a large-capacitance capacitor 24 is charged with rectified voltage. A clock circuit 25 receives power from the large-capacitance capacitor 24 and measures time.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece charging device for charging an electronic timepiece comprising: a generator for converting external energy into electric energy; a secondary power source for storing the electric energy generated by the generator; a timepiece driving circuit for performing a time-keeping operation; and a time display circuit for displaying time information from the timepiece driving circuit, wherein, the timepiece driving circuit is connected in parallel to the secondary power source; and the secondary power source comprises an equivalent capacitive component for storing an electric charge and a resistive component formed by a part of the equivalent capacitive component.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generating timepiece (1) comprises a dial (30), a movement (40), and a heat conduction sheet (50), provided within an enclosed space, defined by a case (10) made of metal, with a glass (20) fixedly attached thereto, and a case back (70), and further comprises a thermoelectric element (60), housed in a gap between the heat conduction sheet (50) and the case back (70). The case back 70 is made of two kinds of materials each having a thermal conductivity differing from that of the other. The case back (70) is made up of a heat conducting part (71) made of material, such as metal, and the like, having a high thermal conductivity, and formed in a shape larger in outer size than the thermoelectric element (60), so as to be disposed opposite to the thermoelectric element (60), and a heat insulating part (72) made of material having a low thermal conductivity such as plastics, and the like, and formed so as to be disposed on the outside of the heat conducting part (71).

Abstract: The power generated by a power generating means (1) of a power-generating type electronic clock is measured by a first power generating sensing means (101) and a second power generating sensing means (102). The power generation level required when the operation is changed from a normal mode to a power-saving mode and the power generation level required when the operation is changed from the power-saving mode back to the normal mode are made different to prevent the phenomenon that the operation changes frequently by imparting hysteresis characteristics to the power generation level which causes a change in the mode, thereby improving the power-saving effect.

Abstract: When an external switch means (1) is operated, a setting means (4) receives an output signal G1 therefrom and outputs setting signals S for varying the internal resistance of an adjusting means (5). When the internal resistance of the adjusting means (5) is varied, the potential (voltage value) at point A of the input value to a sensing means (6) is varied because it is the product of the generation quantity (current) of a power generating means (11) and the internal resistance. When the potential at point A exceeds a threshold value (H), the sensing means (6) outputs a sensing signal K of L level. When the sensing signal K of L level is outputted, the operation of the electronic timepiece changes to a power save mode where the drive of the second hand is stopped, for example. Thus the operation of the electronic timepiece changes to a power save mode when the power generation level of the power generating means (11) is equal to or lower than a specified level.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic watch 10 having a large variety of added functions, and providing an electronic watch and drive method therefor that have a high value as a product and a configuration enabling separate use of an energy-saving mode and a function information operating mode, this electronic watch 10 having a reference signal generation means 1, a time information generation means 2, which generates time information TJ based on a reference signal S3R from the reference signal generation means 1, a function information generation means for generating function information FJ, a display drive means 4, which outputs drive signals DRT and DRF for the purpose of displaying the function information FJ and the time information TJ on an appropriate display means, and a display means 5, which displays the function information FJ and the time information TJ based on the drive signals DRT and DRF from the display drive means 4, this electronic watch having an energy-saving operating condition with a power consump

Abstract: An electronic device capable of increasing the braking torque applied to an electric power generator without causing a significant reduction in electric power generated by the electric power generator. The electronic device, which may be embodied in an electronically controlled mechanical clock, includes an electric power generator for converting mechanical energy transmitted from a spring via a wheel train to electrical energy, and a rotation controller for controlling the rotation period of the electric power generator.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes: a voltage-controlled oscillator (25) including a generator that uses a rotor (12) driven by a spring (1a) to rotate, and a brake circuit (23) for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator (20); and a rotation control circuit (50) for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator (20) by controlling the brake circuit (23). The rotation control circuit (50) includes a phase-comparison circuit (54) for comparing the phases of rectangular-wave pulses fr output from a VCO (25) and time standard signal fs, and a brake control circuit (56) for inputting, based on an output from the phase-comparison circuit (54), a signal for controlling the brake circuit (23) to voltage-controlled oscillator (25). By providing the VCO (25) and the phase-comparison circuit (54), PLL control is realized to enable a rapidly responsive system.