GB1350134A - Electronic timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

1350134 Electronic watches CITIZEN WATCH CO Ltd 2 Aug 1971 [1 Aug 1970] 36126/71 Heading G3T A battery powered electronic timepiece Fig. 1 (not shown) utilizes as its reference frequency the natural frequency of a first flexion oscillator or vibrator 1 Fig. 2 having Piezo-electric drive and sensing elements 3 and 2, 2' respectively connected in an oscillation maintaining circuit (e.g. as Fig.4 including a phase shifter R21, R25, C24 and amplifier 31) which also produces an output at the reference frequency. This output is fed via a signal converter 11 (e.g. frequency divider, wave shaper not shown) to drive Piezoelectric elements stuck on a second mechanical vibrator such as tuning fork 4. Vibrations of the fork are converted to rotary motion by a pawl 6 and ratchet wheel (not shown) which is coupled by a gear train to time indicating means (not shown). In Fig. 4 the value of R25 or alternatively C24, may be adjusted to compensate for ageing of the tuning fork 4. Both of the vibrators may be as vibrator 1 Fig.2 and mounted parallel to one another on a common support Figs.9 and 10 (not shown). Alternatively the time base vibrator may be as 51, in Fig.12 wherein the fork arms 51a, 51b carry respective balancers 51c and 51d which oscillate in phase opposition and compensate for transient disturbances. The driving vibrator is in the form of a cantilever and comprises an oscillatory mass 52a fixed intermediately to a U-shaped spring 52b the ends of which are attached at 103, 104 to a support 105. Resilient shock-proof mounting of the time base vibrator is described with reference to Fig.13 (not shown).