GB1380464A - Quartz controlled chronometer - Google Patents

Abstract

1380464 Electronic timepieces TIMEX CORP 24 March 1972 [24 March 1971] 13997/72 Heading G3T In a timepiece controlled by a quartz crystal oscillator 10 via a frequency divider 12 and a driver circuit 16 which feeds pulses of alternating polarity to the oscillatory rotor of an electromechanical transducer 18, the driver circuit has two inputs 13, 14 receiving anti-phase output signals from the divider, transistors 19, 21, 22 being coupled to the input 13 so as to saturate in response to a rising potential on that input, and transistors 24, 26, 27 being coupled to the other input 14 so that ground potential thereon simultaneously cuts off the latter transistors. With a rising potential on input 14 and ground on 13, the reverse effect occurs. The length of driving impulses on line 17 to the rotor can be adjusted by R-C networks 28, 29 and 31, 32. The transducer comprises a coil 33 which oscillates between positions defined by sets of fixed permanent magnets 36, 37 and is attached to an index lever staff 34; arms 39, 41 of the lever advance a ratchet wheel 43. If the coil 33 becomes displaced by mechanical shock to the other of its two positions, synchronism is restored at the instant of the next pulse which is ineffective on the coil. A number of coil forms are suggested. Magnetic detenting of the rotor is provided by a ferrite or iron core 44 carried by the coil and co-operating with fixed permanent magnets 46, 47. Each pulse through the coil so magnetises the core 44 as to cause repulsion from the adjacent magnet and attraction to the other.