US3100278A

US3100278A - Electromagnetic pendulum drive

Info

Publication number: US3100278A
Application number: US785197A
Authority: US
Inventors: Reich Robert Walter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-01-10
Filing date: 1959-01-06
Publication date: 1963-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 1980-08-06

Description

Aug. 6, 1963 R. w. REICH ELECTROMAGNETIC PENDULUM DRIVE Filed Jan. 6. 1959 INVENTOR. ROBERT WALTER RE/CH WWW United States Patent 3,100,278 ELECTROMAGNETIC PENDULUM DRIVE Robert Walter Reich, Rotaclrerstrasse Z, Freiburg irn Breisgau, Germany Filed Jan. 6, 1959, Ser. No. 785,197 Claims priority, application Germany Jan. 10, 1958 9 Claims. ill. 318-428) The invention relates to an electronic working arrangement for clocks, chronometers and time-signal transmitting apparatus.

All the hitherto known working arrangements for clocks with tubes and transistor circuit schemes are based on the known principle of electric clocks with contacts. The transistor, for example, serves in all circuit schemes merely as substitute for the electric switch with contacts. The contact-making for producing the working impulse is effected by energizing the basic circuit of the transistor. By a suitable coil arrangement and the employment of permanent magnets a potential impulse is induced on the magnet passing into and out of a coil and this potential impulse excites the timebase emitter circuit so that the transistor becomes conductive.

Such circuit arrangements, as is generally known, are open to objections which practically outweigh the advantages of transistor circuits. In particular, it is the holding current in the circuit arrangement and the exceptionally great dependency upon tempera-ture which have a disadvantageous effect on the construction of clocks and on their use. The bolding current represents a loading of the source of current which is many times that of the working current. Through the dependency upon temperature, the accuracy of the clocks is reduced and, when dependency upon temperature also exists in the case or" the mechanical parts, this reduction in accuracy is further augmented by the amount which emanates from the transistor circuit. Compensation is not possible because the inaccuracy for the mechanical oscillating system and the inaccuracy from the transistor circuit add up. Moreover, the clock construction with coils and permanent magnets which swing in the coils also possess many other disadvantages. Primarily the unattractive appearance of the whole arrangement restricts considerably the utility value of clock-s in the case of the known system with cont-actless control for driving and energizing coils and permanent magnet in pendulum oscillation. Consequently the object of my invention is to produce an electronics arrangement for clocks, chronometers and time-signal transmitting apparatus, which is entirely independent of temperature, has an extraordinarily low cur-rent consumption, works extremely accurately and is simple to regulate. Finally the electronic arrangement according to my invention is intended to make it possible to produce clocks which are Very attractive in appearance and very practical.

These objects are attained by the new electronic Working arrangement for clocks, chronometers and time-signal transmitting apparatus, with a source of current, gear train, mechanical oscillating system and transistors or tubes, which arrangement is characterized in that an oscillator circuit arrangement with coils and/or condensers is blocked in the inoperative position by uncoupling by means of metal covers or plates and is released by coupling effected by the swinging over of a pendulum magnet, preferably with only one pole, in the direction towards the coils, whereby a sequence of impulses composed of like-poled needle-shaped impulses with high voltage in the frequency of the oscillator circuit arrangement, periodically drives the mechanical oscillating system by repelling and attracting the swinging permanent magnet.

The invention will be better understood from the fol- Bib-@278 Patented Aug. 6, 1963 ice lowing explanation thereof with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 shows schematic-ally a first form of construction of the working arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows another form of construction of the invention wherein a squegging oscillator circuit serves as osci-laltor circuit;

FIG. 3 is yet another schematic representation of a form of construction of the invention similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another form of construction of the invention which is particularly suitable for .stepby-step mechanisms and FIG. 5 finally shows schematically another .form of construction of the invention which is particularly suitable in the event where only very small permanent magnet-s can be used as swinging magnets.

As these figures will now be described in detail, and particularly FIGURE 1, it is pointed out that in the switching arrangements according to the invention the periodical drive is effected by an oscillator in a special circuit arrangement.

In FIG. 1 is shown a transistor blocking oscillator including a transistor 1 having a first coil 2 connected across its base emitter path and having a sewnd coil 3 connected to its collector. A capacitor 11 shunts coil 3, and a battery 10 connects capacitor 11 and coil 3 to the emitter of the transistor.

Coils

2 and 3 are disposed in coaxial relationship and a cup-shaped shield 4 made of this brass or aluminum is disposed between the coils thus decoupling them by magnetic shielding.

Shield 4 decouples coils 2 and 3 to such an extent, that the oscillator will not run. There is further provided a pendulum in form of a permanent magnet 5, the north pole of which swings over the open end of coils Z and 3 and cup 4. When magnet 5 is in or near the position indicated, the shielding effect of cup 4 is partially over-ridden by the coupling ellect exerted by magnet 5 with respect to the coils.

Whenever magnet 5 is deflected from the position illustrated (see arrows 5'), the coupling eliect vanishes and the oscillator is blocked again.

Magnet 5 exhibits another effect in that it induces a voltage in coil 2., for example when it approaches the illustrated zero position. This voltage opens transistor 1 and thus starts the oscillator.

A third function of magnet 5 is to serve as a passive impeller. Whenever the oscillator is opened, the current permitted to flow through coil 3 is determined by the direction of the collector current; the amplitude of the current through coil 3 is determined bythe feed back action of coil 2 being, on one hand now inductively coupled to coil 3, and being connected to base and emitter of transistor 1. This feed back action produces needle sharp pulses of one polarity. Current pulses of opposite polarity are produced in coil 3, but they are of considerable lesser amplitude, because in this opposite direction, the now blocked emitter :base path serves as an open circuit for the coil 2, being a secondary winding of the existing transformer action between

coils

2 and 3. The needle pulses impel magnet 5. The frequency of the oscillator and the amplitude of the oscillations are solely dependent upon the circuit constants of the oscillator. Due to the magnetic accumulation, an induction current is produced in the working coil (2 or 3) at the switching in and out of each swing and results in an increase of voltage. Under given conditions in the case of clock constructions this increase in voltage amounts to about 30 to 50 times. For the drive of such clocks a source of current with a working potential of about 1 to 2 volts is suflicient and the potential occurring on the driving coil attains about 30 to 50 volts. The frequency of the oscillator lies in the order of magnitude between 3,000 and 10,000 cycles. As the permanent magnet 5 swings over the coil arrangement, impulses are, as stated, released in the order of about to impulses at a base frequency of 3,000 to 10,000 cycles. The oscillation pull itself, due to. the permanent magnet 5 of which only one pole (the N-pole in FIG. 1), becomes operative for the coupling, is already in the form "of needle-shaped impulses which, read on one side of the zero point, have very high amplitudes of 30 to 50 times the value of the basal voltage. On the other side of the zero point relatively low impulse peaks are certainly produced but in relation to the needle-shaped high impulses scarcely become apparent. The cscillographic diagram shows an oscillation pull similar to the known diagram in the case of a direct current transformer in transistor circuit arrangement with diode introduced for suppressing a halfwave. The magnetic coupling thus produced in the arrangement according to the invention over a permanent magnet with only one pole, results in an oscillation diagram of like-directed, needle-shaped impulses which, in the driving coil, build up a magnetic field which repels the magnet. In brushing over the driving coil the magnet 5 itself is therefore repelled. This magnet 5 is now arranged in a swinging pendulum or a rotary pendulum or in a balance-like construction, so that the oscillating system receives periodic impulses. These periodic impulses are dependent in number and magnitude upon the constants of the oscillating circuit of the transistor system. It is easily possible to provide several permanent magnets in suitable arrangements, for example, in the case of'rotary pendulum clocks, in the mechanical oscillating structure. In this Way a corresponding swing pull is produced in swinging over each permanent magnet, causing a driving impulse for the further rotation.

The circuit illustrated in FIG. 2' contains all the elements of the circuit of FIG. 1. Additionally, there is a resistor 28 inserted in series circuit connection with coil 2 for adjustment of the internal impedance of the oscillator. A rectifier 6 short-circuits those voltages induced in coil 5 which do not open the transistor 1. Furthermore, in FIG. 2 is shown a balance Wheel 27, biased by a spring 26 in the usual manner while a permanent magnet oscillates with this balance and performs the same function as magnet 5 does in the device shown in FIG. 5.

In the device shown in FIG. 3, the capacitor 11 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is replaced by a capacitor 31 connected across coil 2, and a blocking diode 36 is connected in series circuit connection to L-C circuit 2-31. There is also provided a resistor 37 connected in series with diode 36.

There is a rotary pendulum or balance like structure including a shaft 38 rotatably supported in stationary bearings 32 and '33. There is a balance spring 39 connected to the shaft for recoiling a balance wheel 34. Balance wheel 34 supports small permanent magnets 35 and 35' performing a similar function as

magnets

25 and 5 previously described.

It is evident that the oscillator circuit can also be constructed with only one coil as self-induction and a condenser. The self-induction coil is this case the driving coil. When using two or more coils the manner in which these are arranged is immaterial. They can be arranged side-by-side, one behind the other, one within the other or in some other fashion. The only important factor is that the permanent magnet establishes a coupling between the coils and that normally uncoupling or turning out by metallic screening occurs in inoperative position. It is very advantageous to accommodate the whole arrangement in the base of a clock so that it is entirely out of sight. The permanent magnet or magnets can also be built in the swinging or rotating pendulum so as to be completely invisible. As these magnets do not swing in any coils but only over them, it is not necessary to take into consideration the guiding of the pendulum. It is also possible to regulate the clock by varying the distance of the pendulum from the driving coils, which is not possible in the case of arrangements with swing-in magnets and when using a transistor system as contactless switch. For example, if the permanent magnet is accommodated in a spherical or conical pendulum so that the screw. thread can be provided directly on the housing of the pendulum. Also by providing a screw-thread on the pendulum rod it is possible, by merely turning the pendulum housing, to effect regulation by changing the distance of the permanent magnet. Similarly, this can be eifected in the case of rotary pendulum clocks by raising and lowering the pendulum balls in which the permanent magnets are fitted. Any lcnown circuit arrangement can be employed as oscillator system, such as, for example, (the Meacham bridge, or the Hartley circuit, or a multiple vibrator circuit or a blocking oscillator circuit as shown in FIGURE 2, or any other suitable circuit arrangement for producing oscillations in the frequency range up to about 10,000 cycles per second. The circuit arrangement is built-up on the basic principle so that .the startingin of oscillation is effected by the coupling via permanent magnet or magnets. In inoperative position, provision is made that no feed current flows by suitably uncoupling.

For very small clocks very advantageous constructional possibilities are obtained by using simple oscillating circuit arrangements with only one transistor of miniature size. Both s-tep-by-step switching mechanisms and also mechanisms with mechanical oscillating systems can be built up in balance-like constructions. In the case of a step-by-step switching mechanism the frequency of the switch-in of the actual oscillating element is preferably based on a second. The oscillating circuit arrangement of the oscillator is then so chosen that a basic frequency of about 3,000 to 10,000 cycles is produced by suitably dimensioning the selfainductance coils or the condensers and that this basic frequency always occurs every second. As shown FIGURE 4 the simplest way of attaining this is by charging a condenser 43 in the base circuit of the transistor. The condenser 43 is so dimensioned that the charging time amounts to exactly one second. By connecting up in series a variable resistance 44, the charging time for the condenser can be accurately regulated to the value of a second. It is evident that any other switching period can be used if the ratio of transmission in the train of gears is appropriately chosen. In the case of a balance-type of clock movement, either the balance itself is constructed as a disc-shaped permanent magnet or a suitable small permanent magnet is fitted on the balance (see FIG. 3). The only important point is that the permanent magnet is periodically released by coupling the oscillating process in the transistor circuit.

By using the above-described control arrangement according to the invention, very significant advantages are obtained for the construction of clocks. Dependency upon temperature does not exist at all, because there is no holding current dependent upon temperature in the transistor circuit arrangement. The current consumption is extremely low and amounts to about 10% as compared with the switching arrangements in which the transistor acts as contactless switch. Regulation can be carried out in a very simple manner. The clock construct-ion itself can be performed in any desired manner, because no consideration need be paid to the electrical setup. As a result clocks of extremely attractive appearance and very practical design can be produced.

The constructional principle can obviously be applied in a similar manner for chronometers and for standard time keepers and also for time-signal transmitters. For standard time keepers a suitable quartz, adjustable by thermostats, can be included in the circuit arrangement.

For chronometers and tirne-signal transmitters, the frequency of the oscillator can be chosen to suit the range of measurement. For measurements of fractions of seconds the basic frequency should preferably be chosen as high as possible. This frequency is only limited by the known transistor characteristics. When using tubes, the basic frequency can be of any desired height. In certain cases, which might arise on account of the construction of the clock, the magnetic coupling cannot be effected over one magnet pole but both poles are operative, it is then necessary to cut-out a semi-wave in the current feed to the driving coil by introducing-a diode in front of the alternating voltage which then occurs. 'If, in special cases, only very small permanent magnets are employed so that the coupling is not strong enough to initiate an oscillating process with sufliciently high amplitude of oscillations, a strong reaction is obtained, as shown in FIGURE 5, over a small auxiliary coil 51 which is also arranged on the driving coil 3, and a condenser 52 between the emitter and the base of the transistorl. If, in such a case, there is very low current flux through the driving coil, that is if the negative voltage on the base of the transistor has only attained a certain yet too low value, the base receives via the auxiliary coil 51 and the condenser 52 a supple: mentary negative voltage which accelerates considerably the reaction procedure and allows the amplitude of the oscillations to rise to the necessary value. The second condenser or capacitor 53 serves a similar function as capacitor 43 in FIG. 4.

In the case of clocks with stepaby-step switching mechanism, it is particularly advantageous to produce by means of a small iron screw with a coating of plastic or some other non-magnetic material on its point, an armature adjustable in distance and on which the permanent magnet pulls itself into inoperative position. In this manner a clock is produced which runs in any position. During the stepping impulse the magnet is attracted in this case by the driving coil system and in the intervals between the progressive steps the permanent magnet pulls itself again against the iron screw into inoperative position. Thus, a spring or weight of any kind is entirely unnecessary.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, and, accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Impelling system for a clock comprising in combination: a transistor oscillator including two coils disposed for mutual inductive coupling; stationary means disposed between said two coils for decoupling them; and a mechanical oscillator including a permanent magnet with one pole thereof oscillating in the vicinity of said coils so as to temporarily couple them thus overriding the effect of said decoupling means.

2. In an electronic clock having a source of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils coupled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one of said coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil; metallic plate means for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; and a permanent magnet constituting a mechanical oscillator and having one of its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses are produced in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional impelling field for said permanent magnet.

3. In an electronic clock having a source of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit inluding a transistor and a pair of coils coupled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one of said coils being connected to said source of energyand in series with said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil; a metallic plate for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; and a plurality of permanent magnets constituting a mechanical oscillator, magnets having one of their respective poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses are produced in said series connected coil, setting up aunidirectional impelling field for said permanent magnets.

4. In an electronic clock having a source of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils cow pled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one of said coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil, a metallic plate for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit, and a balance Wheel having a permanent magnet mounted thereon and moving therewith, said balance wheel with magnet constituting a mechanical oscillator, with the. magnet having one of its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses are produced in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional impelling field for said permanent magnet.

5. In an electronic clock having a source of electrical energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils coupled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one of said coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil; a metallic plate for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; a diode connected across one of said coils; and a permanent magnet constituting a mechanical oscillator and having one of its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses :are produced in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional impelling. field for said permanent magnet.

6. In an electronic clock having a source of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils coupled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one of said coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with the collector-emitter path of said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil; a metallic plate means for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; a diode connected in series with the base-emitter circuit of said transistor and being poled for current conduction in the emitter current direction; and a permanent magnet constituting a mechanical oscillator and having one of its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses are produce in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional irnpelling field for said permanent magnet.

7. In an electronic clock having a source of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils respectively connected to the collector-emitter circuit and the base-emitter circuit of said transistor and being coupledtor oscillator operation, one ofsaid coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with the collector-emitter path of said transistor so that current can only pass in one direction through said series connected coil; metallic plate means for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; and a permanent magnet distant-adjustably positioned with respect to said coils and constituting additionally a mechanical oscillator, said magnet having one of its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high frequency current pulses are produced in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional impelling field for said permanent magnet.

8. In an electronic clock having a sou-roe of electric energy, the combination comprising: an electronic oscillator circuit including a transistor and a pair of coils coupled to the transistor for oscillator operation, one or said coils being connected to said source of energy and in series with said transistor so that current can only pass in one d-inection through said series connected coil;. a metallic plate for uncoupling said coils to block said oscillator circuit; a temperature stabilized quartz in said oscillator as frequency determining element thereof; and a permanent magnet constituting a mechanical oscillator and having one or its poles movable over said coils so as to couple said coils for temporarily unblocking said oscillator circuit whereby during a short period of unblocking occurring during each cycle of said mechanical oscillator, a plurality of unidirectional high trequency current pulses are produced in said series connected coil, setting up a unidirectional impelling field for said permanent magnet.

9. In an electronic clock, the combination as set forth in claim 2, comprising, in addition: a third coil and a capacitor connected in series, said capacitor being connected to the base of said transistor, said coil beinginductively coupled to said pair of coils.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,777,950 Doremus Jan. 15, 1957 2,814,769 Williams Nov. 26, 1957 2,829,324 Seargent Apr. 1, 1958 2,843,742 Cluwen July 15, 1958 OTHER REFERENCES Gray, Wallace: Principles and Practice of Electrical Engineering, 6th edition, page 374. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1947.

Terman, F.E.: Electronic and Radio Engineering, 4th edition, page 6 34, FIG. 18-18. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1955.