Abstract:
An attitude detection device has a case having inner surfaces, electrodes each disposed on a respective inner surface of the case and being insulated from one another in at least one preselected orientation of the case, and a conductive fluid disposed in the case. In a first orientation of the case, the conductive fluid electrically connects all but one of the electrodes to generate a first electrical pattern for outputting a first output signal. In a second orientation of the case, the conductive fluid electrically connects all but three of the electrodes to generate a second electrical pattern for outputting a second output signal. In a third orientation of the case different from the first and second orientations, a third electrical pattern is generated for outputting a third output signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national state application of copending International Application Ser. No. PCT/JP99/04379 filed Aug. 12, 1999 and published in a non-English language. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an attitude detection device capable of detecting with high precision an attitude of a machine or equipment in which it is used. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Conventional Attitude Detection Device 
     A conventional attitude detection device disclosed in JP-A-6-307805, for example, has a hollow outer spherical body and an inner spherical body rigidly secured in a hollow portion of the outer spherical body with a predetermined layer space therebetween, wherein a fluid conductor is arranged between a first conductive area including an electrode formed over the entire inner side of the outer spherical body and a second conductive area including a plurality of electrodes formed in a dotted pattern on the outer side of the inner spherical body. In this conventional attitude detection device, the fluid conductor can move in the layer space between the first conductive area and the second conductive area to bring one of the electrodes in the second conductive area into electrical contact with the electrode of the first conductive area to detect the attitude of the equipment. 
     Mainspring Torque and Deflection Angle of Balance in Conventional Mechanical Watch 
     Generally, conventional mechanical watches do not have an attitude detection device. In such a conventional typical mechanical watch, as shown in FIG. 30, the mainspring torque decreases as the spring unwinds from a completely wound state (fully wound state) with the elapse of the operating time. In the case of FIG. 30, for example, the mainspring torque is about 27 g.cm in a fully wound state. The mainspring torque decreases to about 23 g.cm 20 hours after the mainspring is fully wound, and further to about 18 g.cm 40 hours from the fully wound state. 
     Generally, in a conventional typical mechanical watch, as shown in FIG. 31, as the mainspring torque decreases, the deflection angle of the balance also decreases. For example, in the case of FIG. 31, when the mainspring torque is 25 g.cm,-28 g.cm, the deflection angle of the balance is about 240-270 degrees; and when the mainspring torque is 20 g.cm-25 g.cm, the deflection angle of the balance is about 180-240 degrees. 
     Instantaneous Watch Error of Conventional Mechanical Watch 
     FIG. 32 shows a tradition of an instantaneous watch error (value representing the accuracy of a watch) as related to the deflection angle of the balance in a conventional typical mechanical watch. Here, the “instantaneous watch error” refers to a “value representing an amount gained or lost by a mechanical watch per day by assuming that the mechanical watch has been left to stand for one day while maintaining the state and environment, such as the deflection angle of the balance, as they were when the watch error was measured.” In the case shown in FIG. 32, when the deflection angle of the balance is 240 degrees or more, or 200 degrees or less, the instantaneous watch error loses. 
     For example, in the conventional typical mechanical watch, when the deflection angle of the balance is about 200-240 degrees, the instantaneous watch error is about 0-5 seconds/day (it gains about 0-5 seconds a day). When the deflection angle of the balance is approximately 170 degrees, the instantaneous watch error is approximately −20 seconds/day (it loses about 20 seconds a day). 
     FIG. 27 shows a transition over time of the instantaneous watch error in a conventional typical mechanical watch as the spring unwinds from the fully wound state. In the conventional mechanical watch, the “watch error” indicating the amount gained or lost by the watch per day is obtained by integrating over 24 hours the instantaneous watch error indicated by a thick line in FIG. 27 which is related to the time it takes for the spring to unwind from the fully wound state. 
     Generally, in the conventional mechanical watch, as the spring unwinds from the fully wound state with the elapse of the operating time, the mainspring torque decreases and the deflection angle of the balance also decreases, which in turn causes the instantaneous watch error to lose. Hence, in the prior art mechanical watch, it is a conventional practice that, to allow for the slowdown that will occur 24 hours of the operating time later, the instantaneous watch error when the spring is fully wound is advanced beforehand such that the “watch error” indicating the amount gained or lost by the watch in one day will be positive. 
     For example, in the conventional typical mechanical watch, as shown by a thick line in FIG. 27, the instantaneous watch error is about 5 seconds/day (the watch gains about 5 seconds a day) in a fully wound state. But the instantaneous watch error decreases to about −1 second/day (the watch loses about 1 second a day) 20 hours after the mainspring is fully wound, and further to −5 seconds/day (it loses about 5 seconds a day) 24 hours from the fully wound state. When 30 hours pass from the fully wound state, the instantaneous watch error becomes approximately −15 seconds/day (the watch loses about 15 seconds a day). 
     Attitude and Instantaneous Watch Error of Conventional Mechanical Watch 
     Further, in a conventional typical mechanical watch, the instantaneous watch error when the watch is in a “horizontal attitude” and in a “inverted horizontal attitude” is faster than the instantaneous watch error when it is in a “vertical attitude.” 
     For example, when a conventional typical mechanical watch is in a “horizontal attitude” and in an “inverted horizontal attitude”, although the instantaneous watch error in the fully wound state is about 8 seconds/day (the watch gains about 8 seconds a day), as indicated by a thick line in FIG. 33, the instantaneous watch error decreases to about 3 seconds/day (it gains about 3 seconds a day) 20 hours from the fully wound state, to about −2 seconds/day (it loses about 2 seconds a day) 24 hours from the fully wound state, and to about −12 seconds/day (it loses about 12 seconds a day) 30 hours from the fully wound state. 
     In the “vertical attitude”, on the other hand, the conventional typical mechanical watch has the instantaneous watch error of about 3 seconds/day (the watch gains about 3 seconds a day) in a fully wound state, as indicated by a thin line in FIG.  33 . The instantaneous watch error, however, decreases to about −2 seconds/day (the watch gains about 2 seconds a day) 20 hours after the mainspring is fully wound, to about −7 seconds/day (it loses about 7 seconds a day) 24 hours from the fully wound state, and further to about −17 seconds/day (it loses about 17 seconds a day) 30 hours from the fully wound state. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an attitude detection device capable of detecting with high precision an attitude of a machine or equipment in which it is used. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a small attitude detection device with high precision that can be used in small precision devices such as mechanical watches. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is characterized by the attitude detection device which comprises: a case having a hexahedral shape; electrodes arranged one on each inner surface of the case; and a conductive fluid accommodated in the case; wherein the electrodes are insulated from one another. 
     In the attitude detection device of the invention, it is preferred that the conductive fluid be arranged to assume a state in which it contacts five of the electrodes, a state in which it contacts four of the electrodes, and a state in which it contacts three of the electrodes. 
     In the attitude detection device of the invention, it is preferred that the electrodes be almost square in shape and their shapes be almost identical. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is characterized by an attitude detection device which comprises: a case having a hexahedral shape; electrodes arranged two or more on each inner surface of the case; and a conductive fluid accommodated in the case; wherein the electrodes are insulated from one another. 
     The present invention is characterized by the attitude detection device which comprises: a case having a hexahedral shape; electrodes arranged two or more on each inner surface of the case; and a conductive fluid accommodated in the case; wherein the electrodes are insulated from one another. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an outline construction of the front side of a movement of a mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention (In FIG. 1 a part of the components is omitted and support members are indicated by imaginary lines). 
     FIG. 2 is an outline partial cross section of the movement of the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention (In FIG. 2 a part of the components is omitted). 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial plan view showing an outline construction of a balance in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention when a switch mechanism is in an off state. 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross section showing an outline construction of a balance in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention when a switch mechanism is in an off state. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an outline construction of a balance magnet used in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline construction of a first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section view showing an outline construction of a first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline construction of electrode patterns in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention (In FIG. 8 a case  510   a  is indicated by two-dotted chain line, with lines representing the thickness of each electrode omitted). 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of five electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention (In FIG. 9 the lines representing the thickness of each electrode are omitted). 
     FIG. 10 is a circuitry showing a pattern of five electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of four electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a circuitry showing a pattern of four electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of three electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a circuitry showing a pattern of three electrodes in a conducting state in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a table showing the relation, in the mechanical watch having the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention, between the attitude in which the mechanical watch is arranged, the conduction state of each electrode pattern of the attitude detection device of the invention, and an electric resistance provided in a circuit block of the mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial plan view showing an outline construction of a balance in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention when a switch mechanism is in an on state. 
     FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial cross section showing an outline construction of a balance in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention when a switch mechanism is in an on state. 
     FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the operation of the attitude detection device in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline construction of a second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention (In FIG. 19 a part of reference numbers of lead wires is omitted). 
     FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing an outline construction of electrode patterns in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 21 an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of 12 electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a circuitry showing a pattern of 12 electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of six electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 24 is a circuitry showing a pattern of six electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view showing a pattern of three electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 26 is a circuitry showing a pattern of three electrodes in a conducting state in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 27 is a graph schematically showing a relation between an instantaneous watch error and an elapsed time from a fully wound state of a spring in a mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention and in a conventional mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 28 is a table showing the relation, in the mechanical watch having the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention, between the attitude in which the mechanical watch is arranged, the conduction state of each electrode pattern of the attitude detection device of the invention, and an electric resistance provided in a circuit block of the mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 29 is a representative block diagram showing a configuration of a circuit for detecting the attitude of equipment having the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     FIG. 30 is a graph schematically showing the relation between a mainspring torque and an elapsed time from a fully wound state of the spring in a mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 31 is a graph schematically showing the relation between a mainspring torque and a deflection angle of the balance in a mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 32 is a graph schematically showing the relation between a deflection angle of the balance and an instantaneous watch error in the mechanical watch. 
     FIG. 33 is a graph schematically showing the relation between an instantaneous watch error (in a horizontal attitude and a vertical attitude) and an elapsed time from a fully wound state of the spring in a mechanical watch. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Now, embodiments of the attitude detection device of this invention will be described by referring to the accompanying drawings. 
     (1) First Embodiment of Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Next, the construction of the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention will be explained. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6 to  8 , the attitude detection device  510  has an almost cubicle-shaped case  510   a . The case  510   a  includes a top wall  511 , four side walls  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 , and a bottom wall  516 . 
     The case of the attitude detection device of this invention is preferably shaped almost cubicle, but it may have other hexahedral shapes such as rectangular parallelepiped. 
     The case  510   a  is formed of plastics such as polyimide, glass epoxy boards and insulating materials such as quartz. 
     In the case  510   a , the top wall  511  crosses each of the side walls  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515  perpendicularly. 
     The bottom wall  516  crosses each of the side walls  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515  perpendicularly. 
     The side wall  512  crosses the side wall  513  and the side wall  515  perpendicularly. 
     The side wall  514  crosses the side wall  513  and the side wall  515  perpendicularly. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, an electrode A 1  is provided over almost the entire inner surface of the top wall  511 . An electrode A 2  is formed over almost the entire inner surface of the side wall  512 . An electrode A 3  is provided over almost the entire inner surface of the side wall  513 . An electrode A 4  is provided over almost the entire inner surface of the side wall  514 . An electrode A 5  is provided over almost the entire inner surface of the side wall  515 . An electrode A 6  is provided over almost the entire inner surface of the bottom wall  516 . 
     Although in FIG. 8 the electrode A 2 , the electrode A 5  and the electrode A 6  are shown taken apart from the case  510   a  to facilitate the explanation, the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6  are arranged to form virtually a cube. These electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  are arranged with a space therebetween. That is, the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  are insulated from one another. 
     The electrodes A 1 -A 6  are preferably shaped almost square. It is also preferred that the shapes of these electrodes A 1 -A 6  be formed nearly equal to one another. 
     In FIG. 8, a gravity center G of the cube of the case  510   a  is defined as an origin of a coordinate system. An X axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to the electrode A 4 . The positive direction of the X axis is defined as a direction extending perpendicular to the electrode A 4  from the gravity center G toward the outside of the case  510   a.    
     A Y axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to the electrode A 3 . The positive direction of the Y axis is defined as a direction extending perpendicular to the electrode A 3  from the gravity center G toward the outside of the case  510   a.    
     A Z axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to the electrode A 1 . The positive direction of the Z axis is defined as a direction extending perpendicular to the electrode A 1  from the gravity center G toward the outside of the case  510   a.    
     Referring to FIG. 6, an electrode lead wire  521  is connected to the electrode A 1 . A electrode lead wire  522  is connected to the electrode A 2 . An electrode lead wire  523  is connected to the electrode A 3 . An electrode lead wire  524  is connected to the electrode A 4 . An electrode lead wire  525  is connected to the electrode AS. An electrode lead wire  526  is connected to the electrode A 6 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, a conductive fluid  530  is accommodated in the case  510   a . The conductive fluid  530  is mercury, for example. The volume of the conductive fluid  530  is, in the case of FIG. 7, {fraction (1/48)} that of the case  510   a  but should preferably be ⅙ to {fraction (1/48)} the volume of the case  510   a.    
     In the state of FIG. 7, the conductive fluid  530  is in contact with the electrode A 2 , the electrode A 3 , the electrode A 4 , the electrode A 5  and the electrode A 6 , but is out of contact with the electrode A 1 . Hence, in the state of FIG. 7 the electrode A 2 , the electrode A 3 , the electrode A 4 , the electrode A 5  and the electrode A 6  are shorted by the conductive fluid  530  (that is, they are electrically connected to one another). 
     (2) Terminologies for Mechanical Watch 
     Next, terminologies in the mechanical watch will be explained. 
     Generally, a side of the main plate on which a dial is mounted is referred to as a “back side” of the movement and another side opposite the dial side is referred to as a “front side” of the movement. A wheel train assembled on the “front side” of the movement is called a “front wheel train” and a wheel train assembled on the “back side” of the movement is called a “back wheel train”. 
     A state in which the dial side of the main plate faces upward is called an “inverted horizontal attitude” and a state in which the dial side faces downward is called a “horizontal attitude”. 
     Further, a state in which the dial is disposed vertically is called a “vertical attitude”; a state in which a 12-hour marking on the dial is disposed vertically upward is called a “12-hour up (12U) attitude”; a state in which a 3-hour marking on the dial is disposed vertically upward is called a “3-hour up (3U) attitude”; a state in which a 6-hour marking on the dial is disposed vertically upward is called a “6-hour up (6U) attitude”; and a state in which a 9-hour marking on the dial is disposed vertically upward is called a “9-hour up (9U) attitude.” 
     (3) Train Wheel, Escapement/Governor, and Selector 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of this invention, a movement (moving mechanism)  500  of the mechanical watch has a main plate  102  that forms a base plate of the movement. A hand setting stem  110  is rotatably fitted in a stem guide hole  102   a  of the main plate  102 . A dial  104  (shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 2) is mounted to the movement  500 . 
     The hand setting stem  110  has an angled portion and a guide shank. A clutch wheel (not shown) is fitted over the angled portion of the hand setting stem  110 . The clutch wheel has the same rotation axis as the hand setting stem  110 . That is, the clutch wheel has an angled hole, which is fitted over the angled portion of the hand setting stem  110  so that the clutch wheel is rotated as the hand setting stem  110  turns. The clutch wheel has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear being provided at one end of the clutch wheel near the center of the movement, the second wheel at the other end of the clutch wheel near the outer side of the movement. 
     The movement  500  has a switching device for determining the position of the axis direction of the hand setting stem  110 . The switching device includes a setting lever  190 , a yoke  192 , a yoke spring  194 , and a setting lever jumper  196 . According to the rotation of the setting lever, the axial position of the hand setting stem  110  is determined. Based on the rotation of the yoke, the axial position of the clutch wheel is determined. Based on the rotation of the setting lever, the yoke is positioned at two rotary positions. 
     A winding pinion  112  is rotatably mounted on the guide shank of the hand setting stem  110 . When the hand setting stem  110  is rotated when it is located at a first stem position (0th stage) nearest the inner side of the movement along its rotation axis direction, the winding pinion  112  is rotated through the clutch wheel. A crown wheel  114  is rotated by the rotation of the winding pinion  112 . A ratchet wheel  116  is rotated by the rotation of the crown wheel  114 . 
     The movement  500  is driven by a coiled mainspring  122  accommodated in a barrel  120 . The mainspring  122  is made of an elastic material having a spring characteristic such as iron. The mainspring  122  can be wound up by rotating the ratchet wheel  116 . 
     A center wheel &amp; pinion  124  is rotated by the rotation of the barrel  120 . A third wheel &amp; pinion  126  is rotated by the rotation of the center wheel &amp; pinion  124 . A fourth wheel &amp; pinion  128  is rotated by the rotation of the third wheel &amp; pinion  126 . A escape wheel &amp; pinion  130  is rotated by the rotation of the fourth wheel &amp; pinion  128 . The barrel  120 , the center wheel &amp; pinion  124 , the third wheel &amp; pinion  126 , and the fourth wheel &amp; pinion  128  forms a front train. 
     The movement  500  has an escapement/governor for controlling the rotation of the front train. The escapement/governor includes a balance  140  which repeats left and right rotations in a predetermined cycle, an escape wheel &amp; pinion  130  that is rotated by the rotation of the front train, and a pallet  142  that controls the rotation of the escape wheel &amp; pinion  130  according to the operation of the balance  140 . 
     The balance  140  includes a balance staff  140   a , a balance wheel  140   b , and a hairspring  140   c . The hairspring  140   c  is made of an elastic material having a spring characteristic, such as “elinvar.” That is, the hairspring  140   c  is made of a conductive metallic material. 
     As the center wheel &amp; pinion  124  rotates, a cannon pinion  150  also rotates at the same time. A minute hand  152  mounted to the cannon pinion  150  is arranged to indicate “minutes.” The cannon pinion  150  is provided with a slip mechanism that has a predetermined slip torque with respect to the center wheel &amp; pinion  124 . 
     As the cannon pinion  150  rotates, a minute wheel (not shown) is rotated. As the minute wheel rotates, an hour wheel rotates. An hour hand  156  is arranged to indicate “hours.” 
     The barrel  120  is supported rotatable with respect to the main plate  102  and a barrel bridge  160 . The center wheel &amp; pinion  124 , the third wheel &amp; pinion  126 , the fourth wheel &amp; pinion  128  and the escape wheel &amp; pinion  130  are supported so that they can rotate relative to the main plate  102  and the train wheel bridge  162 . The pallet  142  is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main plate  102  and a pallet bridge  142 . 
     The balance  140  is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main plate  102  and a balance bridge  166 . That is, an upper tenon  140   a   1  of the balance staff  140   a  is supported rotatable by a balance upper bush  166   a  secured to the balance bridge  166 . The balance upper bush  166   a  includes a balance upper hole jewel and a balance upper cap jewel. The balance upper hole jewel and the balance upper cap jewel are made of an insulating material such as ruby. 
     A lower tenon  140   a   2  of the balance staff  140   a  is supported rotatable by a balance lower bush  102   b  secured to the main plate  102 . The balance lower bush  102   b  includes a balance lower hole jewel and a balance lower cap jewel. The balance lower hole jewel and the balance lower cap jewel are made of an insulating material such as ruby. 
     The hairspring  140   c  is a spiral thin leaf spring coiled in a plurality of turns. The inner end of the hairspring  140   c  is fixed to a hairspring holder  140   d  secured to the balance staff  140   a  and the outer end of the hairspring  140   c  is secured by a screw to a stud  170   a  mounted on a stud support  170  rotatably secured to the balance bridge  166 . The balance bridge  166  is made of a conductive metal such as brass. 
     (4) Switch Mechanism of Mechanical Watch Having Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Next, the switch mechanism of the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of this invention will be explained. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 to  4 , a switch lever  168  is rotatably mounted on the balance bridge  166 . A first contact member  168   a  and a second contact member  168   b  are provided to the switch lever  168 . The switch lever  168  is attached to the balance bridge  166  so that it is rotatable about the rotating center of the balance  140 . The switch lever  168  is made of a plastic insulating material such as polycarbonate. The first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b  are made of a conductive metal such as brass. A portion of the hairspring  140   c  near its outer end is situated between the first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b.    
     Coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  mounted on the front surface of the main plate  102  so that they face the main plate side of the balance wheel  140   b . The number of coils is four, for example, as shown in FIG.  1  and but may also be  1 ,  2 , or  3 . 
     A balance magnet  140   e  is attached to the main plate side of the balance wheel  140   b  so that it faces the front side of the main plate  102 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the circumferential intervals of a plurality of coils are preferably an integer times the circumferential interval between the S and N poles of the balance magnet  140   e  facing the coils. Not all the coils need to be arranged at the same intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, in configurations where a plurality of coils are provided, it is desired that wires between the coils be connected in series so as not to cancel the current generated in each coil by electromagnetic induction. Alternatively, the wires between the coils may be connected in parallel in such a manner that will not cancel the currents generated in these coils by electromagnetic induction. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the balance magnet  140   e  is shaped like a ring and has 12 magnet portions, each having vertically polarized S pole  140   s   1 - 140   s   12  and N pole  140   n   1 - 140   n   12 , with S and N poles alternated in the circumferential direction. The number of magnet portions arranged in a ring pattern in the balance magnet  140   e  is  12  in the case of FIG. 5, but needs only to be two or more. It is preferred that the length of one magnet portion be almost equal to the outer diameter of one coil facing that magnet portion. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a gap is provided between the balance magnet  140   e  and the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The gap between the balance magnet  140   e  and the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  is determined so that the magnetic force of the balance magnet  140   e  can affect the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  when the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are conducting. 
     When the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are not conducting, the magnetic force of the balance magnet  140   e  does not influence the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The balance magnet  140   e  is secured, as by bonding, to the main plate side of the balance wheel  140   b , with one of its sides placed in contact with a ring-shaped rim portion of the balance wheel  140   b  and the other side facing the front side of the main plate  102 . 
     Although in FIG. 4 the hairspring  140   c  is shown exaggerated in terms of its thickness (in the radial direction of the balance), it is in fact 0.021 mm thick for example. The balance magnet  140   e  is about 9 mm in outer diameter, about 7 mm in inner diameter and about 1 mm in thickness, and has a residual flux density of approximately 1 tesla. The coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  each have 1000 turns, for example, and their coil wire diameter is about 25 micrometers. The gap STC between the balance magnet  140   e  and the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  is about 0.4 mm for example. 
     (5) Attitude Detection Device and Circuit Block 
     Next, in the embodiment of the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention, explanations will be made of the attitude detection device  510  and a circuit block  520 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 to  4 , the attitude detection device  510  and the circuit block  520  are arranged on the front side of the main plate  102 . The attitude detection device  510  is mounted on the circuit block  520 . The circuit block  520  has a plurality of lead terminals. 
     In the embodiment of the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention, the attitude detection device  510  is arranged on the main plate  102  such that the X and Y axes are parallel to the surface of the main plate  102  and also to the surface of the dial  104 . Hence, the attitude detection device  510  on the main plate  102  has its Z axis directed perpendicular to the surface of the main plate  102  and also to the surface of the dial  104 . 
     A first lead wire  182  is arranged to connect one end of the coil  180  to a first lead terminal (not shown) of the circuit block  520 . The other end of the coil  180  is connected to one end of the coil  180   a . The other end of the coil  180   a  is connected to one end of the coil  180   b . The other end of the coil  180   b  is connected to one end of the coil  180   c . That is, the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are connected in series. 
     A second lead wire  184  is arranged to connect the other end of the coil  180   c  to a second lead terminal (not shown) of the circuit block  520 . A third lead wire  186  is arranged to connect the stud support  170  to a third lead terminal (not shown) of the circuit block  520 . A fourth lead wire  188  is arranged to connect the first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b  to the fourth lead terminal (not shown) of the circuit block  520 . 
     FIG. 9 shows the state of the attitude detection device  510  when the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of this invention takes the “horizontal attitude.” In the state shown in FIG. 9, the conductive fluid  530  shorts the electrode A 2 , electrode A 3 , electrode A 4 , electrode A 5  and electrode A 6  (that is, they are all electrically connected). 
     Referring to FIG. 10, when the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6  in the state of FIG. 9 are all electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  520  forms a first pattern  531  connecting a resistance R 1  in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 . In the state of FIG. 9, the first pattern  531  connects the resistance R 1  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     FIG. 11 shows the state of the attitude detection device  510  when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is arranged to have the dial inclined 45 degrees to the horizontal plane. In this state of FIG. 9, the conductive fluid  530  short-circuits the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 6  (i.e., these electrodes are electrically connected to one another). 
     Referring to FIG. 12, when the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 6  in the state of FIG. 11 are electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  520  forms a second pattern  532  connecting a resistance R 2  in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 6 . In the state of FIG. 11, the second pattern  532  connects the resistance R 2  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     FIG. 13 shows another state of the attitude detection device  510  when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is arranged to have the dial inclined 45 degrees to the horizontal plane but in a state different from that shown in FIG.  11 . In the state of FIG. 13, the conductive fluid  530  short-circuits the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 6  (i.e., these electrodes are electrically connected to one another). 
     Referring to FIG. 14, when the electrodes A 3 , A 3 , A 6  in the state of FIG. 13 are electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  520  forms a third pattern  533  connecting a resistance R 3  in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 6 . In the state of FIG. 13, the third pattern  533  connects the resistance R 3  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     FIG. 15 shows the relation between a variety of electrode patterns in conduction and the resistance provided in the circuit, in the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     In FIG. 15, the rotation angle about the X axis is taken as α, and the rotation angle about the Y axis as β. At this time the rotation angle about the Z axis is arbitrary. 
     It should be noted that, for each attitude value shown in FIG. 15, the attitude state detected varies depending on the amount of the conductive fluid. 
     In FIG. 15, A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6  represent the electrode A 2 , electrode A 3 , electrode A 4 , electrode A 5  and electrode A 6 , respectively. “ON” means that the associated electrode is electrically conducting to other “ON” electrodes. “OFF” means that the associated electrode is not electrically conducting to any other electrodes. 
     (Attitude State 1) 
     An attitude state 1 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “horizontal attitude.” The attitude state 1 falls in a range where the α is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees. 
     In this attitude state 1, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 1  in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6 . In this attitude state 1, the first pattern  531  connects the resistance R 1  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 1  at this time is taken as a reference value Rref (ohm). 
     For example, when a combined resistance value of the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  is 1.7 kilo-ohms, the reference value Rref is 1.2 kilo-ohms. 
     (Attitude State 2) 
     The attitude state 2 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “9-hour up (9U) attitude”. The attitude state 2 falls in a range where the α is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees and the β is between +83 degrees and +97 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 2, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 1 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 1 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6 . In this attitude state 2, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     (Attitude State 3) 
     The attitude state 3 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “12-hour up (12U) attitude”. The attitude state 3 falls in a range where the α is between +83 degrees and +97 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 3, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5  and A 6 . In this attitude state 3, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     (Attitude State 4) 
     The attitude state 4 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is in the “3-hour up (3U) attitude”. The attitude state 4 falls in a range where the α is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees and the β is between −83 degrees and +97 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 4, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 5  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 5  and A 6 . In this attitude state 4, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     (Attitude State 5) 
     The attitude state 5 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “6-hour up (6U) attitude”. The attitude state 5 falls in a range where the α is between −83 degrees and +97 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 5, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 6 . In this attitude state 5, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     (Attitude State 6) 
     The attitude state 6 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “inverted horizontal attitude”. The attitude state 6 falls in a range where the α is between +173 degrees and +187 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 6, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 5  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 5 . In this attitude state 6, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference valueRref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     (Attitude States 7-18) 
     The attitude states 7-18 shown in FIG. 15 correspond to cases where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is neither in the “horizontal attitude” or “inverted horizontal attitude” or “vertical attitude”. 
     The attitude state 7 falls in a range where the α is between −7 degrees and −83 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and +7 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 7, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 3  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3 , A 4  and A 6 . In this attitude state 7, the resistance R 3  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 3  at this time is 1.83 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 1.83×Rref). 
     Similarly, in the attitude states 8-18 shown in FIG. 15, the resistance R 3  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     (Attitude States 19-26) 
     The attitude states 19-26 shown in FIG. 15 correspond to cases where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention has its dial in a vertical position. 
     The attitude state 19 falls in a range where the α is between −7 degrees and −83 degrees and the β is between −7 degrees and −83 degrees. 
     In the attitude state 19, the circuit block  520  is arranged to electrically connect the electrodes A 2 , A 3  and A 6  together and connect the resistance R 2  (not shown) in series with the electrodes A 2 , A 3  and A 6 . In this attitude state 19, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  at this time is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     Similarly, in the attitude states 20-26 shown in FIG. 15, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     The resistance reference value Rref is determined by considering a braking force of the balance  140  described later which restricts the rotation of the balance  140 . The resistance reference value Rref may be determined either by calculation or by experiment. 
     (6) Second Embodiment of Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Next the construction of the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention will be described. 
     Referring to FIG. 19, an attitude detection device  550  has an almost cubicle-shaped case  550   a . The case  550   a  includes a tap wall  551 , four side walls  552 ,  553 ,  554 ,  555  and a bottom wall  556 . 
     The case  550   a  is formed of plastics such as polyimide, glass epoxy boards and insulating materials such as quartz. 
     In the case  550   a , the top wall  551  crosses each of the side walls  552 ,  553 ,  554 ,  555  perpendicularly. 
     The bottom wall  556  crosses each of the side walls  552 ,  553 ,  554 ,  555  perpendicularly. 
     The side wall  552  crosses the side wall  553  and the side wall  555  perpendicularly. 
     The side wall  554  crosses the side wall  553  and the side wall  555  perpendicularly. 
     Referring to FIG. 20, four electrodes A 11 , A 12 , A 13 , A 14  are provided on the inner surface of the top wall  551 . The four electrodes A 11 , A 12 , A 13 , A 14  have square shapes of almost the same size and are insulated from one another. 
     Four electrodes A 21 , A 22 , A 23 , A 24  are provided on the inner surface of the side wall  552 . The four electrodes A 21 , A 22 , A 23 , A 24  have square shapes of almost the same size and are insulated from one another. 
     Four electrodes A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 34  are provided on the inner surface of the side wall  553 . The four electrodes A 31 , A 32 , A 33 , A 34  have square shapes of almost the same size and are insulated from one another. 
     Four electrodes A 41 , A 42 , A 43 , A 44  are provided on the inner surface of the side wall  554 . The four electrodes A 41 , A 42 , A 43 , A 44  have square shapes of almost the same size and are insulated from one another. 
     Four electrodes A 51 , A 52 , A 53 , A 54  are provided on the inner surface of the side wall  554 . The four electrodes A 51 , A 52 , A 53 , A 54  have almost square shapes and are insulated from one another. 
     Four electrodes A 61 , A 62 , A 63 , A 64  are provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall  556 . The four electrodes A 61 , A 62 , A 63 , A 64  have square shapes of almost the same size and are insulated from one another. 
     Although FIG. 20 shows the electrodes A 21 -A 24 , electrodes A 51 -A 54  and electrodes A 61 -A 64  to be separated from the case  550   a  to facilitate the explanation, they are in fact arranged to form an almost cubicle body. These electrodes are arranged at intervals, i.e., insulated from one another. 
     These electrodes A 11 -A 64  are preferably formed identical. 
     In FIG. 20, a gravity center G of the cubicle case  550   a  is defined to be an origin of a coordinate system, as in the case of FIG.  8 . The X axis and the positive direction of the X axis, the Y axis and the positive direction of the Y axis, and the Z axis and the positive direction of the Z axis are also defined in the same manner as in FIG.  8 . 
     In the embodiment of the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of this invention, the attitude detection device  550  is arranged on the main plate  102  such that the X and Y axes are parallel to the surface of the main plate  102  and also to the surface of the dial  104 . Hence, the attitude detection device  510  on the main plate  102  has its Z axis directed perpendicular to the surface of the main plate  102  and to the surface of the dial  104 . 
     Referring to FIG. 19, the electrode lead wires  560  are connected to respective electrodes. 
     Referring to FIG. 21, a conductive fluid  570  is accommodated in the case  550   a . The conductive fluid  570  is mercury for example. The volume of the conductive fluid  570  is, in the case of FIG. 21, {fraction (1/48)} that of the case  550   a  but should preferably be {fraction (1/48)} to {fraction (1/348)} the volume of the case  550   a.    
     FIG. 21 shows the state of the attitude detection device  550  when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is set in the “horizontal attitude.” In the state shown in FIG. 21, the conductive fluid  570  is in contact with the electrodes A 23 , A 24 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 44 , A 53 , A 54 , A 61 , A 62 , A 63  and A 64  but not with other electrodes. Hence, in the state of FIG. 21, the conductive fluid  570  short-circuits the electrodes A 23 , A 24 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 44 , A 53 , A 54 , A 61 , A 62 , A 63  and A 64  (i.e., electrically connected to one another). 
     Referring to FIG. 22, when the electrodes A 23 , A 24 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 44 , A 53 , A 54 , A 61 , A 62 , A 63  and A 64  in the state of FIG. 21 are all electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  580  forms a first pattern  581  connecting a resistance R 1  in series with these electrodes. In the state of FIG. 22, the first pattern  581  connects the resistance R 1  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     FIG. 23 shows the state of the attitude detection device  550  when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is arranged to have the dial inclined 45 degrees to the horizontal plane. In this state of FIG. 23, the conductive fluid  570  short-circuits the electrodes A 23 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 61 , A 62  (i.e., these electrodes are electrically connected to one anther). 
     Referring to FIG. 24, when the electrodes A 23 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 61 , A 62  in the state of FIG. 23 are electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  580  forms a second pattern  582  connecting a resistance R 2  in series with these electrodes. In the state of FIG. 23, the second pattern  582  connects the resistance R 2  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     FIG. 25 shows another state of the attitude detection device  550  when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is arranged to have the dial inclined 45 degrees to the horizontal plane but in a state different from that shown in FIG.  23 . In the state of FIG. 25, the conductive fluid  570  short-circuits the electrodes A 23 , A 33  and A 61  (i.e., these electrodes are electrically connected to one another). 
     Referring to FIG. 26, when the electrodes A 23 , A 33 , A 61  in the state of FIG. 25 are electrically connected to one another, the circuit block  580  forms a third pattern  583  connecting a resistance R 3  in series with these electrodes. In the state of FIG. 25, the third pattern  583  connects the resistance R 3  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     For this attitude detection device  550  of the second embodiment of the invention, a table can be generated which, like the one shown in FIG. 15, shows the relation between the conducting state of each of various electrode patterns and the resistance provided in the circuit block. 
     That is, in the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention arranged in a variety of attitudes, the wiring and the resistance in the circuit block can be determined by performing calculation as in the table of FIG. 15 or by conducting experiments. 
     Referring to FIG. 28, an attitude state 1 corresponds to a case where the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is in the “horizontal attitude.” The attitude state 1 falls in a range where the α is between −2.5 degrees and +2.5 degrees and the β is between −2.5 degrees and +2.5 degrees. 
     In this attitude state 1, the electrodes A 23 , A 24 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 44 , A 53 , A 54 , A 61 , A 62 , A 63 , A 64  are conducting to one another and the resistance R 1  is connected in series with these electrodes. In this attitude state 1, the first pattern  581  connects the resistance R 1  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 1  at this time is taken as a reference value Rref (ohm). 
     For example, when a combined resistance value of the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  is 1.7 kilo-ohms, the reference value Rref is 1.2 kilo-ohms. 
     The attitude state 2 in FIG. 28 corresponds to a case where the α is between −4.5 degrees and +85.5 degrees and the β is between −14 degrees and +14 degrees. 
     In this attitude state 2, the electrodes A 23 , A 33 , A 34 , A 43 , A 61 , A 62  are conducting to one another and the resistance R 2  is connected in series with these electrodes. In this attitude state 2, the second pattern  582  connects the resistance R 2  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     The attitude state 3 in FIG. 28 corresponds to a case where the α is approximately 45 degrees and the β is between about 45 degrees. 
     In this attitude state 3. the electrodes A 23 , A 33 , A 61  are conducting to one another and the resistance R 3  is connected in series with these electrodes. In this attitude state 3, the third pattern  583  connects the resistance R 3  in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     The relation between the electrode conduction state and the resistance can be determined for a variety of attitude states in a way similar to that of FIG. 15 (FIG. 28 does not list all the possible cases). It is noted that, for each attitude value shown in FIG. 28, the attitude state detected varies depending on the amount of the conductive fluid. 
     FIG. 29 shows a representative block diagram showing a configuration of a circuit for detecting the attitude of equipment having the second embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 29, the electrodes A 11 -A 64  are connected through individual lead wires (not shown) to a signal input unit  591 . 
     The signal input unit  592  checks which of these electrodes A 11 -A 64  are electrically connected to each other. 
     An attitude state memory unit  592  stores information on the relation between the conduction states of the electrodes A 11 -A 61  and the attitudes taken by the attitude detection device. 
     The attitude check unit  592  receives a signal output from the signal input unit  591  and, by using the attitude information stored in the attitude state memory unit  592 , determines the attitude of the attitude detection device. 
     The attitude checks concern, for example, an angle with respect to the X axis, an angle with respect to the Y axis, and an angle with respect to the Z axis. 
     Examples of attitude check results are whether the angle with respect to the X axis is larger or smaller than a reference value, whether the angle with respect to the Y axis is larger or smaller than a reference value, and whether the angle with respect to the Z axis is larger or smaller than a reference value. 
     An attitude check result output unit  594  receives a signal from the attitude check unit  592  and outputs a signal representing the attitude of the attitude detection device. 
     An output unit  595  displays the attitude of the attitude detection device or outputs a signal for controlling the equipment according to the attitude of the attitude detection device. 
     For example, the output unit  595  is preferably a display, a printer or a light emitting device. 
     It is also possible to correct the attitude of the equipment having the attitude detection device according to the signal from the output unit  595  which is intended to be used to control the equipment based on the attitude of the attitude detection device. 
     The circuit shown in FIG. 29 can also be applied to the first embodiment of the attitude detection device of the invention. 
     (7) Operation of Balance when Coils Are Not Conducting in Mechanical Watch Having Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  4  and  18 , in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention, the operation of the balance  140  when the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are not electrically connected, i.e., when the circuit is open, will be explained. 
     The hairspring  140   c  expands or contracts in its radial direction according to the rotation angle of the balance  140 . In the state of FIG. 3, for example, when the balance  140  rotates clockwise, the hairspring  140   c  contracts toward the center of the balance  140 . When on the other hand the balance  140  rotates counterclockwise, the hairspring  140   c  expands away from the center of the balance  140 . 
     Hence, in FIG. 4 when the balance  140  rotates clockwise, the hairspring  140   c  approaches the second contact member  168   b . When the balance  140  rotates counterclockwise, the hairspring  140   c  approaches the first contact member  168   a.    
     When the rotation angle (deflection angle) of the balance  140  is less than a predetermined threshold value, e.g., 180 degrees, the amount of radial contraction or expansion of the hairspring  140   c  is small, so that the hairspring  140   c  does not contact the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b.    
     When the rotation angle (deflection angle) of the balance  140  is in excess of the predetermined threshold value, e.g., 180 degrees, the amount of radial contraction or expansion of the hairspring  140   c  becomes large enough so that the hairspring  140   c  contacts both of the first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b.    
     For example, a portion  140   ct  of the hairspring  140   c  near its outer end is situated in a gap of about 0.04 mm between the first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b . Hence, when the deflection angle of the balance  140  is more than 0 degree and less than 180 degrees, the portion  140   ct  of the hairspring  140   c  near its outer end does not contact the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b . That is, because the external end portion of the hairspring  140   c  does not contact the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b , the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  do not conduct, so that the magnetic flux of the balance magnet  140   e  does not affect the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . As a result, the deflection angle of the balance  140  is not attenuated by the balance magnet  140   e  and the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     (8) Operation of Balance when Coils Are Conducting in Mechanical Watch Having Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Next, in the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of the invention, the operation of the balance  140  when the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are electrically connected, i.e., when the circuit is closed, will be explained by referring to FIGS. 16,  17  and  18 . FIGS. 16 and 17 show a case in which the deflection angle of the balance  140  is 180 degrees or more. 
     In FIG. 17 the thickness of the hairspring  140   c  (thickness in the radial direction of the balance) is shown exaggerated. 
     When the deflection angle of the balance  140  exceeds 180 degrees, the portion  140   ct  of the hairspring  140   c  near its outer end contacts the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b . In this state, the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  conduct, allowing a current induced by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance magnet  140   e  to exert a rotation restraining force on the balance  140 . This applies a braking force to the balance  140  to restrain the rotation of the balance  140  and thereby reduce its deflection angle. 
     Then, when the deflection angle of the balance  140  decreases to a range between 0 and 180 degrees, the portion  140   ct  of the hairspring  140   c  near its outer end no longer contacts the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b . Hence, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, because the outer end portion of the hairspring  140   c  does not contact the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b , the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  do not conduct, with the result that the flux of the balance magnet  140   e  no longer influences the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c.    
     When the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are connected together, i.e., the circuit is closed, and when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is in the “horizontal attitude”, the resistance R 1  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . In other words, the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  and the resistance R 1  are conducting. A current induced by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance magnet  140   e  exerts a rotation restraining force on the balance  140 . That is, a braking force of a magnitude corresponding to the resistance value of Rref (ohm) is applied to the balance  140  to restrain its rotation and reduce its deflection angle. 
     When the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are conducting, i.e., the circuit is closed, and the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is not in the “horizontal attitude” or “inverted horizontal attitude” or “vertical attitude”, then the resistance R 3  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 3  at this time is 1.83 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 1.83×Rref). 
     In this state, the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  and the resistance R 3  are conducting. A current induced by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance magnet  140   e  exerts a rotation restraining force on the balance  140 . That is, a braking force of a magnitude corresponding to the resistance value of 1.83×Rref (ohm) is applied to the balance  140  to restrain its rotation and reduce its deflection angle. 
     By setting the resistance value in this way, the braking force applied when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is neither in the “vertical attitude” nor “horizontal attitude,” nor “inverted horizontal attitude” is made smaller than a braking force applied when the mechanical watch is in the “horizontal attitude” or “inverted horizontal attitude”. Further, the braking force applied when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is neither in the “vertical attitude” nor “horizontal attitude” nor “inverted horizontal attitude” is made larger than a braking force applied when the mechanical watch is in the “vertical attitude”. 
     When the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  are conducting, i.e., the circuit is closed, and the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is in the “vertical attitude”, the resistance R 2  is connected in series with the four coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c . The value of the resistance R 2  is 3.48 times the reference value Rref (ohm) (i.e., 3.48×Rref). 
     In this state, the coils  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  and the resistance R 2  are conducting. A current induced by a change in the magnetic flux of the balance magnet  140   e  exerts a rotation restraining force on the balance  140 . That is, a braking force of a magnitude corresponding to the resistance value of 3.48×Rref (ohm) is applied to the balance  140  to restrain its rotation and reduce its deflection angle. 
     By setting the resistance value in this way, the braking force applied when the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention is in the “vertical attitude” is made smaller than a braking force applied when the mechanical watch is in the “inverse horizontal attitude”. 
     In the mechanical watch having the attitude detection device of this invention with the above configuration, it is possible to control the rotation angle of the balance  140  very accurately according to the attitude taken by the mechanical watch. 
     As described above, in the mechanical watch in which an escapement/governor includes a balance repeating left and right rotations, an escape wheel rotating according to the rotation of the front train, and a pallet controlling the rotation of the escape wheel according to the operation of the balance, the use of the attitude detection device of the invention allows the rotation angle of the balance to be controlled according to various attitudes taken by the mechanical watch. Hence, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the mechanical watch without reducing the operating time. 
     That is, in the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, attention is focused on the correlation between the instantaneous watch error and the deflection angle to control the rotation angle of the balance according to various attitudes of the mechanical watch to keep the deflection angle constant, thereby suppressing variations in the instantaneous watch error to reduce the amount gained or lost by the watch per day. 
     In the conventional mechanical watch without the attitude detection device, the deflection angle changes with the elapse of time according to the relation between the operating time and the deflection angle. Further, according to the relation between the deflection angle and the instantaneous watch error, the instantaneous watch error changes with the elapse of time. In addition, the instantaneous watch error also change with the elapse of time according to the relation between the attitude of the mechanical watch and the instantaneous watch error. 
     Therefore, in the conventional mechanical watch without the attitude detection device, it is difficult to extend the operating time of the mechanical watch during which a predetermined precision can be maintained. 
     (9) Simulation of Instantaneous Watch Error in Mechanical Watch Having Attitude Detection Device of the Invention 
     Next, let us explain about the result of simulation regarding the instantaneous watch error conducted on the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention developed to solve the problems experienced with the conventional mechanical watch without the attitude detection device. 
     Referring to FIG. 27, in the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, the instantaneous watch error of the mechanical watch is first adjusted to a fast state, as indicated by markings x and a thin line in FIG.  27 . In the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, when the balance  140  rotates a predetermined angle or more, the outer end portion of the hairspring  140   c  comes into contact with the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b , at which time the effective length of the hairspring  140   c  is reduced, further advancing the instantaneous watch error. 
     That is, in the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, when the outer end portion of the hairspring  140   c  is out of contact with the first contact member  168   a  and the second contact member  168   b , the watch error is approximately 18 seconds/day (the watch gains about 18 seconds a day) as indicated by markings x and a thin line in FIG. 27 when the mainspring is fully wound. The instantaneous watch error decreases to about 13 seconds/day (the watch gains about 13 seconds a day) 20 hours after the mainspring is fully wound, and further down to about −2 seconds/day (it loses about 2 seconds a day) 30 hours from the fully wound state. 
     In this mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, if it is assumed that the balance rotation angle control mechanism is not operated, when the outer end portion of the hairspring  140   c  is in contact with the first contact member  168   a  or the second contact member  168   b , the watch error with the mainspring fully wound is about 18 seconds/day (the watch gains about 18 seconds a day). The instantaneous watch error decreases to about 13 seconds/day (the watch gains 13 seconds a day) 20 hours after the mainspring is fully wound. The instantaneous watch error further decreases to about −2 seconds/day (the watch loses about 2 seconds a day) 30 hours from the fully wound state. 
     On the other hand, in the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, if the balance rotation angle control mechanism is operated, the instantaneous watch error can be maintained at about 5 seconds/day (the watch maintains a state in which it gains about 5 seconds a day) while the balance rotation angle control mechanism is in operation, i.e., from the time the mainspring is fully wound until the operating time passes 27 hours, as indicated by black circle markings and a thick line in FIG.  27 . The instantaneous watch error decreases to about −2 seconds/day (the watch loses about 2 seconds a day) 30 hours from the fully wound state. 
     Further, the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention is constructed to control the balance rotation angle according to various attitudes of the mechanical watch. Hence, the deflection angle can be kept almost constant in whatever attitude the mechanical watch may take. 
     As a result, in the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention, the characteristic indicated by the black circle markings and the thick line in FIG. 27 can be maintained in any attitude of the mechanical watch. 
     With this invention, a small, highly precise attitude detection device can be realized. 
     Therefore, the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention allows the deflection angle of the balance to be controlled very effectively in whatever attitude the mechanical watch may take. Hence, the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention can suppress a change in the instantaneous watch error. Thus, the operating time from the fully wound state during which the instantaneous watch error is about 0-5 seconds/day can be extended, when compared with the conventional mechanical watch without the attitude detection device of this invention which is indicated by black square markings and a thick line. 
     That is, the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of the invention has approximately 32 hours of operating time with the instantaneous watch error of less than about ±5 seconds/day. This operating time is about 1.45 times the operating time of about 22 hours in which the instantaneous watch error of the conventional mechanical watch without the attitude detection device of this invention is within ±5 seconds/day. 
     The result of the above simulation therefore has found that the mechanical watch with the attitude detection device of this invention has a very high precision compared with the conventional mechanical watch. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The attitude detection device of this invention is small and highly accurate. 
     Thus, the attitude detection device of the invention is suited for realizing a mechanical watch that is simple in construction and has a very high precision. 
     Further, because the attitude detection device of this invention is small and highly accurate, it can be used on machine tools, measuring devices, video equipment and recording equipment.