Patent Publication Number: US-8988974-B2

Title: Display apparatus and electronic timepiece

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-054309, filed Mar. 12, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a display apparatus used in devices, such as timepieces and meters, and an electronic timepiece equipped with the display apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. Heisei 11-160360, a display apparatus is known, which is used in a meter that indicates and displays speed. This type of display apparatus is configured to drive by a stepping motor a pointer (or a hand) that moves on the dial where scale marks for speed are displayed, thereby indicating a scale mark for speed on the dial. 
     The dial in this type of display apparatus is provided with scale marks such that the scale marks for speed are provided within a predetermined range on the top surface of the dial, and a stopper section in order that the position of the pointer is restricted to a starting point position of the scale marks for speed. As a result, in the display apparatus, the pointer is rotated by the stepping motor, whereby a scale mark for speed is indicated. Then, the pointer is rotated in the reverse direction by the stepping motor, whereby the pointer is returned to the starting point position, and then the stepping motor stops. 
     The stepping motor includes a coil section, a stator, and a rotor. In the stepping motor, by current being sent to the coil section, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the stator. Then, by the alternating magnetic field, the rotor including a magnet is rotated in steps of 180 degrees. In this structure, the stator is provided with a through hole where the rotor is arranged. Notches are provided on the inner surface of the through hole such that the notches are opposite to each another. The notches restrict the rotational position of the rotor each time the rotor rotates by 180 degrees. 
     In this type of display apparatus, when the pointer is strongly pressed against the stopper section by external impact being received in a state where the stepping motor is stopped by the pointer being positioned in the starting point position and being in contact with the stopper section, the stop position of the rotor in the stepping motor may become misaligned in relation to the notches provided in the through hole of the stator. As a result, the rotor cannot be rotated by the alternating magnetic field even when the current is sent to the coil section and the alternating magnetic field is generated in the stator. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a display apparatus and an electronic timepiece such that a stepping motor can be unfailingly operated even when external impact is received. 
     In order to achieve the above-described object, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a display apparatus comprising: a scale mark display section which is provided in a predetermined display area; a pointer which moves on the scale mark display section and indicates a scale mark in the scale mark display section; a stepping motor which drives the pointer; a stopper section which is positioned in an end section of the scale mark display section and which restricts movement range of the pointer; and a movable supporting section which movably supports the stopper section. 
     The above and further objects and novel features of the present invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an enlarged front view of a timepiece module according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wristwatch; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the timepiece module shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged front view of the timepiece module shown in  FIG. 1 , showing such that the timepiece module is seen through a display apparatus; 
         FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  are diagrams of a correspondence relationship between a stator and a rotor in a stepping motor of the display apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 , in which  FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the rotor is stopped in a properly aligned position, and  FIG. 4B  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the rotor is stopped in a position misaligned from the properly aligned position; 
         FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are diagrams of a correspondence relationship between a pointer and first and second stopper pins in the display apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 , in which  FIG. 5A  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pointer is in contact with either of the first and second stopper pins, and  FIG. 5B  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pointer presses either of the first and second stopper pins in the state shown in  FIG. 5A , whereby a rotating interlocking plate is rotated; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main sections of a display apparatus of a timepiece module according to a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wristwatch; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of an eccentric rotating body of the display apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  are diagrams of respective correspondence relationships among a pointer, first and second stopper sections, and the pair of eccentric rotating bodies in the display apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 , in which  FIG. 8A  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pointer is in contact with either of the first and second stopper sections, and  FIG. 8B  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pointer presses the first stopper section in the state in  FIG. 8A , whereby the eccentric rotating bodies are eccentrically rotated: 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main sections of a display apparatus of a timepiece module according to a third embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wristwatch; and 
         FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  are diagrams of respective correspondence relationships among a pointer, first and section stopper pins, and a pair of flat springs in the display apparatus shown in  FIG. 9 , in which  FIG. 10A  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pointer is in contact with either of the first and second stopper pins, and  FIG. 10B  is an enlarged front view of main sections in a state where the pair of flat springs become flexed and deformed when the pointer presses the first and second stopper pins in the state shown in  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     A first embodiment in which the present invention has been applied to a dial-type wristwatch will hereinafter be described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B . 
     The wristwatch includes a timepiece module  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The timepiece module  1  is arranged within a wristwatch case (not shown) and includes a housing  2 . 
     An upper dial  3  and a lower dial  4  are arranged above the housing  2  in a state the upper dial  3  and the lower dial  4  are separated by a predetermined distance in the up/down direction, as shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a second hand  5   a , a minute hand  5   b , and an hour hand  5   c  move on the upper dial  3  and time indicator marks  6  provided on the peripheral edge of the upper dial  3 , whereby the time is indicated and displayed. An opening section  7  for retrograde display, such as a barometric pressure display, is provided in the upper dial  3  on the 6 o&#39;clock side. The opening section  7  is formed into an arc-shaped long hole. 
     In addition, a display apparatus  8  for retrograde display, such as the barometric pressure display, is provided in the lower dial  4  and the housing  2  such that the display apparatus  8  corresponds to the opening section  7  of the upper dial  3 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The display apparatus  8  includes: a scale mark display section  10  that is provided on the lower dial  4 ; a pointer  11  that moves on the scale mark display section  10 ; and a stepping motor  12  that drives the pointer  11 . 
     In the scale mark display section  10 , scale marks  9  for retrograde display, such as barometric pressure, are provided on the lower dial  4  such that the scale marks  9  correspond to the opening section  7  of the upper dial  3 , as shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 . The pointer  11  moves on the scale mark display section  10  by the rotation of the stepping motor  12 , thereby indicating a scale mark  9  in the scale mark display section  10 . 
     In other words, the pointer  11  is attached to an upper end portion of a pointer shaft  13 , as shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 . A transmitting wheel  14  is provided in a lower portion of the pointer shaft  13 . The transmitting wheel  14  is rotated via an intermediate wheel  15  by the stepping motor  12 . As a result, the pointer shaft  13  is rotated by the stepping motor  12 , whereby the pointer  11  rotates and moves on the lower dial  4 . 
     In this structure, the pointer shaft  13  is attached to the housing  2  such that the intermediate portion of the pointer shaft  13  freely rotates as shown in  FIG. 2  in a state where the pointer shaft  13  is positioned in the center of an arc corresponding to the arc-shaped opening section  7  as shown in  FIG. 1 . An upper end portion of the pointer shaft  13  projects above the lower dial  4  and the pointer  11  is attached to the projected portion. In addition, the transmitting wheel  14  attached to the lower portion of the pointer shaft  13  is meshed and rotated with a pinion  15   a  of the intermediate wheel  15  rotatably attached to the housing  2 . 
     The stepping motor  12  includes a coil section  16 , a stator  17 , and a rotor  18 , and is provided within the housing  2 , as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The coil section  16  is configured such that an alternating magnetic field is generated when an alternating current is supplied to the coil section  16  where the coil  16   b  wound around a core  16   a . Both end portions of the stator  17  are respectively attached to both ends of the core  16   a  in a state where the stator  17  is arranged in parallel with the coil  16   b , whereby the magnetic field generated in the coil section  16  is transmitted to the stator  17 . 
     A shaft section  18   a  of the rotor  18  is rotatably attached to the housing  2  in a state where the rotor  18  is arranged within a through hole  17   a  provided in the intermediate portion of the stator  17 , as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The rotor  18  has a magnet section  20  that is arranged within the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17  and a rotor pinion  21  with which the intermediate wheel  15  meshes. When the magnet section  20  is arranged within the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , Poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  are divided at a line connecting a pair of notches  17   b  provided on the inner surface of the through hole  17   a  such that the pair of notches  17   b  are opposite to each other, as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     In this structure, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the pair of notches  17   b  are provided such that the positions of pair of notches  17   b  are slightly shifted from the position where the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17  is divided into half in the longitudinal direction of the stator  17 . In other words, the pair of notches  17   b  are provided on a line R 2  that is slightly tilted in relation to a line R 1  that divides the through hole  17   a  into half in the longitudinal direction of the stator  17 . Accordingly, the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is arranged within the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17  in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . 
     As a result, the rotor  18  is configured as follows: when the alternating current flows to the coil section  16 , the alternating magnetic field is generated in the stator  17 . Then, the poles (N pole and S pole) of the alternating magnetic field alternately changes at a line connecting the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the magnet section  20  rotates in steps of 180 degrees, as shown in FIG.  4 A. 
     In addition, the rotor  18  is configured as follows: the stepped rotation of the rotor  18  is transmitted to the transmitting wheel  14  via the pinion  15   a  of the intermediate wheel  15  because the intermediate wheel  15  has meshed with the rotor pinion  21 . As a result, the pointer shaft  13  is rotated by the rotation of the transmitting wheel  14 , whereby the pointer  11  is moved, as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . 
     The display apparatus  8  further includes a first stopper pin  23  and a second stopper pin  24  (stopper section) that restrict the movement range of the pointer  11 , and a rotating interlocking plate  25  (movable supporting section) that movably supports the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24 , as shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5A , and  FIG. 5B . The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are respectively provided in both end portions of the rotating interlocking plate  25  in a state where the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  stand up. 
     In this structure, respective upper portions of the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  project above the lower dial  4  through a pair of insertion holes  26  that are respectively provided in portions of the lower dial  4  positioned on both end portions of the scale mark display section  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5A , and  FIG. 5B . Each of the pair of insertion holes  26  is formed into an arc-shaped long hole such that the center of the arc-shaped long hole coincides with the center of the pointer shaft  13  that is the rotational center of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  respectively move along these long holes. 
     An intermediate portion of the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotatably attached to the pointer shaft  13 , as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5B . The rotating interlocking plate  25  is formed in a substantially band shape, and weight balance differs between the left side and right side of the rotational center of rotating interlocking plate  25 . For example, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is formed such that the left side is thin and the right side is thick, as shown in  FIG. 5B . Furthermore, in addition to the weight imbalance on either side of the rotational center, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is configured to return to its original predetermined position every time when rotated. 
     As a result, when the pointer  11  rotates in the counter-clockwise direction and presses the first stopper pin  23  in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with the first stopper pin  23  on the left side as shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction by the first stopper pin  23  being pressed, whereby the second stopper needle  24  is moved in the same direction. In addition, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the second stopper needle  24 , whereby the first stopper pin  23  is pressed back. 
     In addition, when the pointer  11  rotates in the clockwise direction and presses the second stopper needle  24 , in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with the second stopper pin  24  on the right side as shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the clockwise direction by the second stopper pin  24  being pressed, whereby the first stopper pin  23  is moved in the same direction. In addition, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the second stopper pin  24  is pressed back. 
     Furthermore, when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in either direction because of the weight imbalance of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . Accordingly, the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are moved. As a result, the pointer  11  is moved, and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  is forcibly rotated. 
     Next, the mechanism of the display apparatus  8  of the wristwatch will be described. 
     In the display apparatus  8 , when barometric pressure is detected by a barometric sensor (not shown) mounted in the timepiece module  1 , the stepping motor  12  is rotated based on the detected data. Specifically, an alternating current is supplied to the coil section  16  of the stepping motor  12  based on the detected data from the barometric pressure sensor, whereby an alternating magnetic field is generated in the stator  17 . As a result, the rotor  18  is rotated in steps. 
     Then, the intermediate wheel  15  that has meshed with the rotor pinion  21  is rotated by the rotation of the rotor  18 . The rotation of the intermediate wheel  15  is transmitted to the transmitting wheel  14  that has meshed with the pinion  15   a  of the intermediate wheel  15 , and the pointer shaft  13  is rotated by the rotation of the transmitting wheel  14 . The pointer  11  is then rotated by the rotation of the pointer shaft  13 , thereby moving on the scale mark display section  10 . As a result, the pointer  11  indicates a scale mark  9  in the scale mark display section  10  such that the pointer  11  indicates  700  (barometric pressure) as a scale mark  9  as shown in  FIG. 1 , whereby the barometric pressure is indicated and displayed. 
     When the pointer  11  stops in this state, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off, whereby the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     In addition, when the wristwatch receives external impact in this state, the pointer  11  may rotate in an oscillating manner by the external impact, and then the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  may also rotate. Even so, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  returns to its original state corresponding to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the pointer  11  is returned to the position according to the detected data from the barometric pressure sensor. 
     On the one hand, when the barometric pressure decreases, the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  rotates in the reverse direction, and the pointer  11  moves towards the first stopper pin  23  on the left side. Specifically, an alternating current is supplied to the coil section  16  of the stepping motor  12  such that the rotor  18  rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the alternating magnetic field is generated in the stator  17 , and the rotor  18  is rotated in the reverse direction. Accordingly, the pointer shaft  13  rotates in the reverse direction, and the pointer  11  moves on the scale mark display section  10  in the reverse direction. At this time, when the barometric pressure is at the lowest, the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the first stopper pin  23  on the left side. 
     Then, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off and the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the first stopper pin  23  by the impact, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction by the first stopper pin  23  being pressed, whereby the second stopper pin  24  is moved in the same direction, as shown in  FIG. 5B . Then, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the reverse direction (in other words, rotated in the clockwise direction) by the rebound of the second stopper needle  24 , whereby the first stopper pin  23  is pressed back. 
     As described above, when the pointer  11  presses the first stopper pin  23 , the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  may rotate slightly and then the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  may become positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17  as shown, in  FIG. 4B , for example. Even so, the first stopper pin  23  is pressed back by the reverse rotation of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     On the other hand, when the barometric pressure increases and then the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the second stopper pin  24  on the right side, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off and the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time as well, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the second stopper pin  24  by the impact, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the clockwise direction by the second stopper pin  24  being pressed, whereby the first stopper pin  23  is moved in the same direction, as shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 5B . Then, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the first stopper pin  23 , whereby the second stopper pin  24  is pressed back. 
     At this time as well, when the pointer  11  presses the second stopper pin  24 , the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  may rotate slightly and then the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  may become positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Even so, the second stopper pin  24  is pressed back by the reverse rotation of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     Furthermore, when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  comes into contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the rotating interlocking plate  25  is forcibly rotated in either direction. As a result, the pointer  11  is moved and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  is forcibly rotated. 
     In other words, when the wristwatch is strongly shaken, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in either direction because of the weight imbalance of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . Accordingly, the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are moved, and the pointer  11  is rotated, whereby the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  is rotated. 
     As a result, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  is rotated by the rotation of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  is in a rotatable state. 
     As described above, the display apparatus  8  of the wristwatch includes: the scale mark display section  10  provided in a predetermined display area, the pointer  11  that moves on the scale mark display section  10  and indicates a scale mark  9  in the scale mark display section  10 , the stepping motor  12  for driving the pointer  11 , the pair of stopper pins  23  and  24  for restricting the movement range of the pointer  11  that are respectively positioned in both end portions of the scale mark display section  10 , and the rotating interlocking plate  25  that is a movable support section that movably supports the pair of stopper pins  23  and  24 . Therefore, even when external impact is received, the stepping motor  12  can be unfailingly operated. 
     In other words, in the display apparatus  8 , when the pointer  11  strongly presses either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  by external impact being received in a state where the stepping motor  12  is stopped by the pointer  11  being in contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated by the impact. Accordingly, the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  is moved. 
     Then, after the pointer  11  moves together with the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  can be returned to the original position. As a result, even when the rotational position of the stepping motor  12  is misaligned, the misaligned position can be returned to the original position. Therefore, even when external impact is received, the stepping motor  12  can be unfailingly operated. 
     In this structure, the rotating interlocking plate  25  is arranged such that the rotating interlocking plate  25  can rotate around the rotational center of the pointer  11 , and the weight balance of the rotating interlocking plate  25  differs between both sides of the rotational center. The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are respectively attached to both end portions of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . Therefore, even when the rotating interlocking plate  25  is rotated by external impact being received in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the rotating interlocking plate  25  can be rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, and thereby returned to its original rotation position because of the weight imbalance. As a result, even when the rotational position of the stepping motor  12  is misaligned, the misaligned position can be returned to its original position. 
     Furthermore, in the display apparatus  8 , because of the weight imbalance of the rotating interlocking plate  25 , when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  comes into contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the rotating interlocking plate  25  can be forcibly rotated in either direction. As a result, the pointer  11  can be moved, and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  can be forcibly rotated. 
     Therefore, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  can be forcibly rotated by the rotation of the rotating interlocking plate  25 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  can correspond to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  can be in a rotatable state. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention has been applied to a wristwatch will be described with reference to  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . Note that sections that are the same as those according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are given the same reference numerals. 
     A display apparatus  30  of the wristwatch is configured such that a first stopper section  31  and a second stopper section  32  are respectively provided in a pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  (movable support sections), as shown in  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . Other configurations are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment. 
     The pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33 , each of which includes a rotating shaft  34  and an eccentric section  35 , are respectively arranged in portions of the lower dial  4  positioned in both end portions of the scale mark display section  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . In this structure, the rotating shafts  34  are rotatably attached to the housing  2  and the lower dial  4 . The upper portions of the rotating shafts  34  project above the lower dial  4 , the lower portions project into spaces  36  within the housing  2 , and the eccentric sections  35  are respectively attached to the projected lower portions. 
     Each of the eccentric sections  35  is formed into a substantially elliptic cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8A , and  FIG. 8B . The lower portion of the rotating shaft  34  is attached to one off-centered side portion of the eccentric section  35  (upper right side portion in  FIG. 7 ). In this state, the eccentric section  35  rotates within the space  36  of the housing  2 . In addition, each of the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  is formed into a substantially elliptic cylindrical shape that is smaller than the eccentric section  35 . The upper portion of each of the rotating shafts  34  is attached to one off-centered side portion of each of the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  (lower left side portion in  FIG. 7 ). Each of tip end sections  31   a  and  32   a  projects towards the opposite side of each of the eccentric sections  35 . 
     Accordingly, the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  is configured such that the tip end section  31   a  of the first stopper section  31  and the tip end section  32   a  of the second stopper section  32  respectively project towards the pointer  11  side that moves on the scale mark display section  10 . Tip end sections  35   a  of the eccentric sections  35  respectively project towards the opposite side of the pointer  11  that moves on the scale mark display section  10 . As a result, the movement range of the pointer  11  is restricted by the pointer  11  coming into contact with the tip end section  31   a  of the first stopper section  31  and the tip end section  32   a  of the second stopper section  32  in this state. 
     In addition, the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  is configured as follows the pointer  11  further rotates and presses the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with the tip end section  31   a  of the first stopper section  31  or the tip end section  32   a  of the second stopper section  32  as shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . As a result, the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  is pressed and rotated around the rotation shaft  34 , thereby eccentrically rotating the eccentric section  35 . The eccentric section  35  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  is pressed back to the original position. 
     Furthermore, the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  is configured as follows: when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the eccentric section  35  eccentrically is rotated around the rotation shaft  34 . As a result, the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  is rotated around the respective rotation shafts  34  and forcibly rotate the pointer  11 . 
     Next, the mechanism of the display apparatus  30  of the wristwatch will be described. 
     In the display apparatus  30  as well, when barometric pressure is detected by a barometric sensor (not shown) mounted in the timepiece module  1 , the stepping motor  12  is rotated based on the detected data, as in the case of the first embodiment. As a result, the pointer  11  moves on the scale mark display section  10  and indicates a scale mark  9  in the scale mark display section  10  such that the pointer  11  indicates  700  (barometric pressure) as a scale mark  9  as shown in  FIG. 1 , whereby the barometric pressure is indicated and displayed. 
     On the other hand, when the barometric pressure decreases and the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the tip end section  31   a  of the first stopper  31  on the left side, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off, whereby the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time as well, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the tip end section  31   a  of the first stopper section  31  by the impact, the first stopper section  31  is pressed and rotated around the rotating shaft  34 , thereby eccentrically rotating the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  33 . The eccentric section  35  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the pointer  11  is pressed back. 
     Accordingly, even when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  rotates slightly and the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  becomes positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the pointer  11  is pressed back by the eccentric rotation of the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  33 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     Similarly, when the barometric pressure increases, and the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the tip end section  32   a  of the second stopper section  32  on the right side, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off and the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time as well, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the tip end section  32   a  of the second stopper section  32  by the impact, the second stopper section  32  is pressed and rotated around the rotating shaft  34 , thereby eccentrically rotating the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  33 . The eccentric section  35  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the pointer  11  is pressed back. 
     As a result, even when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  rotates slightly and the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  becomes positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the pointer  11  is pressed back by the eccentric rotation of the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  33 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     Furthermore, when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  33  is forcibly rotated. As a result, the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are rotated, whereby the pointer  11  is moved. As a result, the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  is forcibly rotated. 
     Therefore, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  is rotated by the eccentric rotation of the eccentric section  35  of the eccentric rotating body  35 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  is in a rotatable state. 
     As described above, in the display apparatus  30  of the wristwatch, when the pointer  11  is strongly pressed against either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  by external impact being received in a state where the stepping motor  12  is stopped by the pointer  11  being in contact with either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32 , the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  is eccentrically rotated by the impact. Accordingly, the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are moved. 
     Then, after the pointer  11  moves together with either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32 , the eccentric rotating body  33  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  can be returned to the original positions. As a result, even when the rotational position of the stepping motor  12  is misaligned, the misaligned position can be returned to the original position. Therefore, even when external impact is received, the stepping motor  12  can be unfailingly operated. 
     In this structure, each of the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  includes the rotating shaft  34  and the eccentric section  35 . The rotating shaft  34  is attached to an off-centered portion of eccentric section  35 . The first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are respectively attached to the rotating shafts  34 . Therefore, when the pointer  11  presses against either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  and then eccentrically rotates the eccentric section  35 , the eccentric section  35  is rotated in the reverse direction by the rebound of the rotation, whereby the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are returned to its original positions. As a result, the rotational position of the rotor  18  can be returned to its original position. 
     Furthermore, display apparatus  30  is configured such that the pair of eccentric rotating bodies  33  eccentrically rotates. As a result, when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotating in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32 , the wristwatch can be strongly shaken, whereby the eccentric rotating bodies  33  are forcibly eccentrically rotated and then the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are rotated. Therefore, the pointer  11  can be moved, and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  can be forcibly rotated. 
     Therefore, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  can be forcibly rotated by the eccentric rotation of the eccentric rotating body  33 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  can correspond to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  is in a rotatable state. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a third embodiment in which the present invention has been applied to a wristwatch will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10A , and  FIG. 10B . In this structure as well, sections that are the same as those according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are given the same reference numerals. 
     A display apparatus  40  of the wristwatch is configured such that the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are respectively provided in a pair of flat springs  41  (resilient member), as shown in  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10A , and  FIG. 103 . Other configurations are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment. 
     In this structure, a disk-shaped fixing section  42  is provided on the housing  2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The pointer shaft  13  is rotatably attached to the fixing section  42 . The pair of flat springs  41  is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the fixing section  42  such that each of the pair of flat springs  41  extends towards a radial direction. The pair of flat springs  41  is configured such that each of the tip end sides of the pair of flat springs  41  is flexed and deformed along the circumferential direction of the fixing section  42 , as shown in  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B . The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are respectively attached to the tip end portions of the pair of flat springs  41  in a state where the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  respectively stand up. 
     The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  are configured such that the respective upper portions of the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  project above the lower dial  4  through the pair of insertion holes  26  that are respectively provided in portions of the lower dial  4  positioned on both end portions of the scale mark display section  10 , as in the case of the first embodiment. Each of the pair of insertion holes  26  is formed into an arc-shaped long hole such that the center of the arc-shaped long hole coincides with the center of the pointer shaft  13 . The first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  respectively move along these long holes. 
     Next, the mechanism of the display apparatus  40  of the wristwatch will be described. 
     In the display apparatus  40  as well, when barometric pressure is detected by a barometric sensor (not shown) mounted in the timepiece module  1 , the stepping motor  12  is rotated based on the detected data, as in the case of the first embodiment. As a result, the pointer  11  moves on the scale mark display section  10  and indicates a scale mark  9  in the scale mark display section  10  such that the pointer  11  indicates  700  (barometric pressure) as a scale mark  9  as shown in  FIG. 1 , whereby the barometric pressure is indicated and displayed. 
     On the other hand, when the barometric pressure decreases and the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the first stopper pin  23  on the left side, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off, whereby the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time as well, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the first stopper pin  23  by the impact, the flat spring  41  is flexed and deformed by the first stopper pin  23  being pressed. The flat spring is resiliently returned by the rebound of the deformation, whereby the pointer  11  is pressed back. As a result, even when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  rotates slightly and the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  becomes positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the pointer  11  is pressed back by the resilient return force of the flat spring  41 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     Similarly, when the barometric pressure increases, and the pointer  11  stops by coming into contact with the second stopper pin  24  on the right side, energization of the stepping motor  12  is cut off and the rotation of the rotor  18  stops. At this time as well, the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  maintains in a state where the rotor  18  can rotate the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     When the wristwatch receives external impact in this state and then the pointer  11  presses the second stopper pin  24  by the impact, the flat spring  41  is flexed and deformed by the second stopper pin  24  being pressed. The flat spring  41  is resiliently returned by the rebound of the deformation, whereby the pointer  11  is pressed back. As a result, even when the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  rotates slightly and the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  becomes positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the pointer  11  is pressed back by the resilient return force of the flat spring  41 . 
     As a result, in the stepping motor  12 , the rotor  18  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 . Therefore, the stepping motor  12  is in a state where the rotor  18  rotates the next time the barometric pressure is measured and a current is supplied to the coil section  16 . 
     Furthermore, when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotate in a state where the pointer  11  is in contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the wristwatch is strongly shaken, whereby the flat spring  41  is forcibly flexed and deformed. As a result, the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  is rotated, the pointer  11  is moved, and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  is forcibly rotated. 
     Therefore, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  is rotated by the flexural deformation of the flat spring  41 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  corresponds to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  is in a rotatable state. 
     As described above, in the display apparatus  40  of the wristwatch, when the pointer  11  is strongly pressed against either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  by external impact being received in a state where the stepping motor  12  is stopped by the pointer  11  being in contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the flat spring  41  is flexed and deformed by the impact, and either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  can be moved. 
     Therefore, after the pointer  11  moves together with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the flat spring  41  can be resiliently returned by the rebound of the movement. Accordingly, either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24  can be returned to the original position. As a result, even when the rotational position of the stepping motor  12  is misaligned, the misaligned position can be returned to the original position. Therefore, even when external impact is received, the stepping motor  12  can be unfailingly operated. 
     In this structure, the pair of flat springs  41  flexes and deforms in a direction where the pair of flat springs  41  rotates around the pointer shaft  13 . Therefore, when for some reason the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  will not rotating in a state where the pointer  11  comes into contact with either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , the wristwatch can be strongly shaken, whereby the pair of flat springs  41  is forcibly flexed and deformed. As a result, the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24  can be rotated, whereby the pointer  11  can be moved and the rotor  18  of the stepping motor  12  can be forcibly rotated. 
     Therefore, even when the pointer  11  stops in a state where the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  is positionally misaligned in relation to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , the rotor  18  can be forcibly rotated by the flexural deformation of the pair of flat springs  41 . As a result, the boundary portion of the poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnet section  20  of the rotor  18  can correspond to the pair of notches  17   b  in the through hole  17   a  of the stator  17 , whereby the rotor  18  is in a rotatable state. 
     According to the above-described third embodiment, the flat springs  41  are used as the movable supporting section. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other spring members, such as a coil spring may be used. In addition, the present invention is not limited to spring members, and elastic members such as urethane resin or rubber may be used. 
     In addition, according to the above-described first to third embodiments, the scale mark display section  10  is provided with scale marks  9  for displaying barometric pressure or the like. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied for displaying temperature, humidity, the wax and wane of the moon, the rise and fall of the tides, speed, and the like. 
     In addition, according to the above-described first to third embodiments, the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24 , or the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are provided on both sides of the scale mark display section  10 . However, the first stopper pin  23  and the second stopper pin  24 , or the first stopper section  31  and the second stopper section  32  are not necessarily required to be provided on both sides of the scale mark display section  10 . Either of the first stopper pin  23  or the second stopper pin  24 , or either of the first stopper section  31  or the second stopper section  32  may be provided on at least only one side of the scale mark display section  10 . 
     Furthermore, according to the above-described first to third embodiments, the present invention is applied to a dial-type wristwatch. However, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied to a wristwatch, and may be applied to various types of clocks, such as travel clocks, alarm clocks, mantelpiece clocks, and wall clocks. Moreover, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied to clocks, and may be applied to meters, such as a speedometer. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is intended that the invention be not limited by any of the details of the description therein but includes all the embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims.