US3449904A - Electromechanical watch - Google Patents

Electromechanical watch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3449904A
US3449904A US590004A US3449904DA US3449904A US 3449904 A US3449904 A US 3449904A US 590004 A US590004 A US 590004A US 3449904D A US3449904D A US 3449904DA US 3449904 A US3449904 A US 3449904A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
watch
frames
wheel
pawl
setting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US590004A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Heinz Waldburger
Rolf Ludin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Centre Electronique Horloger SA
Original Assignee
Centre Electronique Horloger SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Centre Electronique Horloger SA filed Critical Centre Electronique Horloger SA
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3449904A publication Critical patent/US3449904A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/08—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically
    • G04C3/10—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means
    • G04C3/101—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means constructional details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B27/00—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means
    • G04B27/004—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means having several simultaneous functions, e.g. stopping or starting the clockwork or the hands
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B27/00—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means
    • G04B27/005—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means stepwise or on determined values
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/08—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically
    • G04C3/10—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/08—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically
    • G04C3/10—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means
    • G04C3/101—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means constructional details
    • G04C3/102—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means wherein movement is regulated by a mechanical oscillator other than a pendulum or balance, e.g. by a tuning fork, e.g. electrostatically driven by electromagnetic means constructional details of the mechanical oscillator or of the coil

Definitions

  • Resonators of this type oscillate at a relatively low frequency and are free of error due to the differences in the frequency of oscillations occurring when the resonators are in different positions. Nevertheless, their practical use in a wrist watch has not heretofore been possible.
  • the particular arrangement of such a resonator presents new problems with respect to the placement of the various components of the watch such as the hands setting mechanism, the hands and the energy source.
  • the present invention precisely has for object to solve these problems.
  • the electromechanical watch according to the invention is characterised by the fact that such frames are rectangular and comprise a central common perforated part secured to the foot by a diminished section in such a way as to ensure the dynamic coupling of the two frames, and that the hands setting mechanism is positioned between the frames.
  • FIGURE 1 shows in a plan view the essential components of a wrist watch.
  • FIGURE 2 shows a cross sectional view thereof.
  • FIGURE 3 shows the hand setting mechanism
  • FIGURE 4 shows a detail of FIGURE 3.
  • FIGURE 5 shows the hand mechanism in its hand setting positions.
  • FIGURES 6 and 7 show details of FIGURE 5.
  • the watch shown on FIGURES l and 2 comprises a circular plate on which is mounted a resonator 2 having the shape of a figure eight with flattened loops 3, 4 to form rectangular frames symmetrically arranged with respect to a diameter 5 of the watch and linked in the centre of the latter by a perforated part 6, itself connected to foot 7 by a diminished section 8 in such a way as to ensure the dynamic coupling of the two frames.
  • Each of the outer sides 3a, respectively 40, of the frames carry magnets 9, respectively 10, forming simultaneously the oscillating masses.
  • These magnets consist of U-shaped elements the wings of which carry on their inner surfaces permanent magnets 11 and 12, 13 and 14 respectively, cooperating with their pick up coils 15 and driving coils 16 on the one hand with driving coil 17 on the other hand.
  • the oscillating masses oscillate in the plane of the frames in counter phase in the direction of arrow 18 under the ice influence of currents circulating in the coils and form a system dynamically balanced and with a period of oscillation practically independent of the orientation of the of the system in space.
  • the resilient energy is distributed in the frames in such a way as to avoid high mechanical tension.
  • the oscillation is maintained in a known manner by means of a transistorized amplifying circuit, not shown, linking the pick up coil to the driving coils and to the energy source.
  • These coils of very small thickness are mounted on insulators 19, respectively 20, extended beyond the outer edges of the coils in order to be secured on plate 1 of the watch by means of screws 21, 22, 23 and 24.
  • These coils have their rectilinear portions 150, 16a and 17a: positioned between the polar pieces of each of the transducers, while their outer parts 15b, 16b and 17b run along the periphery of the watch and bear on the insulators 19 and 20.
  • the maintenance energy source consists of a cylindrical elongated cell 26 mounted parallel to frame 3 and partially engaged therein.
  • the diameter of this cell is small enough so as not to increase the total thickness of the case which is determined principally by the transducers.
  • This pawl drives a ratchet wheel 32 forming the first mobile of the movement.
  • the rotation in the opposite direction of this ratchet wheel is prevented by the stop pawl 60 secured on plate 1.
  • the cannon pinion, the cannon wheel, and the seconds shaft in the centre pass through the circular opening 6 provided in the resonator.
  • FIGURES 3 to 7 Between the frames of the resonator is provided a space for placing the hands setting mechanism. This mechanism is shown in detail on FIGURES 3 to 7. During setting, the resonator is disengage from the ratchet wheel and simultaneously the movement is braked.
  • FIGURE 3 there will be recognized a driving pawl 31 cooperating with the ratchet wheel 32, as well as the stop pawl 60 mounted as close as possible to the driving pawl in such a way that their relative operating phases can be adjusted one to the other in precise manner.
  • the rotational movement of the ratchet wheel 32 is then transmitted by means of pinions 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 and wheels 38, 39, 40 and 41 operating the frequency division necessary to the seconds pinion 42 in the centre of the movement, the seconds pinion bearing the centre seconds hand 45, and to the centre Wheel 43 frictionally mounted on the centre shaft stalf.
  • the movement is transmitted to minutes hand 46 and to the hours hand 47 by means of a gear train of the usual type comprising intermediate wheel 44 and a snap-on cannon pinion.
  • the device for disconnecting the resonator comprises a lever 48 engaging by a stud 51 in an annular groove of the setting stem 50. This bolt is maintained in position by a spring 49.
  • the setting pinion 52 is secured on the setting stem 50 by a key 53.
  • the braking device consists of a lever 54 pivoted at 54a and maintained against the extremity 56 of the setting stem 50 by means of spring 55.
  • the working bent extremity of lever 48 bears an eccentric 68 shown in detail on FIGURE 4.
  • This eccentric is provided with an annular groove 69 and by a screw plug 70 permitting adjustment of the position of the eccentric with respect to its mounting point in the lever 48.
  • the driving pawl 31 moves freely in groove 69, the horizontal faces of which limit the vertical movements of pawl 31, which in case of shock might leave the teeth of the click wheel 32.
  • the main purpose of the eccentric is to disconnect pawls 31 and 60 from the ratchet wheel.
  • the position for disconnecting the pawl and for setting the hand is shown in FIGURES 5, 6 and 7.
  • the setting stem 50 departs then from lever 54, leaving the pull of spring 55 to keep the lever in engagement with wheel 41. Furthermore, the setting pinion 52 comes to mesh with the small setting wheel 59. In this position by means of the large setting wheel 58 and the wheel 57, it is then possible to drive the minute hand 46 and the hour hand 47.
  • FIGURE 7 shows how lever 54 comes to bear against the teeth of the middle wheel 41.
  • Extremity 62 of this lever has a concave surface 64 the radius of curvature of which is equal to the outer radius of the middle wheel 41. There is thus guaranteed an instantaneous blocking of the middle wheel 41 when the setting stem is pulled.
  • a mechanical resonator serving as a time base and a driving member and consisting of two frames symmetrically secured to common central pin disposed between the frames, with magnets secured on the outer sides of said frames, said frames having a perforated central common part connected to said pin by a diminished section in such a way as to ensure the dynamic coupling of said two frames; driving coils in a maintenance circuit cooperating with said magnets for maintaining the fiexural transversal oscillation of said frames and a hand-setting mechanism for said watch positioned between said frames.
  • said magnets consist of U-shaped members having wings bearing on their inner faces permanent magnets mounted above and below that part of each of said driving coils which is directed towards the centre of the watch, the width of said coils being several times greater than the thickness thereof.
  • Watch according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said frames, has an opening and at least one battery is disposed therein at least partially, said battery feeding said maintenance circuit for said watch.
  • Watch according to claim 1 having a gear train wherein said hand setting mechanism comprises means for simultaneously disconnecting said resonator from the gear train and for braking the wheel works.
  • Watch according to claim 5 having a driving pawl secured on said resonator and a stop pawl, said two pawls being mounted in close proximity to one another and cooperating with a click wheel, said hand setting mechanism comprising two levers simultaneously operated by the setting stem of said watch.
  • one of said levers comprises a disconnecting lever bearing at one extremity thereof an adjustable eccentric stud having a groove, wherein said driving pawl moves freely during normal operation of said watch and comes to bear, when disconnected from said ratchet wheel against the bottom of said groove, thereby bending the driving pawl, said lever ensuring, at the same time, limitation of the driving pawls movement perpendicular to its oscillation plane in case of shock.
  • one of said levers comprises a braking lever having a concave surface at one end thereof, the radius of curvature of the said surface corresponding to the radius of the wheel to be braked.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
US590004A 1965-11-10 1966-10-27 Electromechanical watch Expired - Lifetime US3449904A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1551465A CH448904A (fr) 1965-11-10 1965-11-10 Montre électromécanique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3449904A true US3449904A (en) 1969-06-17

Family

ID=4409683

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US590004A Expired - Lifetime US3449904A (en) 1965-11-10 1966-10-27 Electromechanical watch

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3449904A (de)
AT (1) AT272207B (de)
BE (1) BE689472A (de)
CH (1) CH448904A (de)
DE (1) DE1523892B2 (de)
FR (1) FR1502936A (de)
NL (1) NL6615692A (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4645356A (en) * 1974-04-09 1987-02-24 Seiko Instruments & Electronics Ltd. Wristwatch
US20100091187A1 (en) * 2008-10-15 2010-04-15 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Method and audio/video device for processing caption information

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3150337A (en) * 1961-02-27 1964-09-22 Armec Corp Electro-mechanical resonant device
US3262259A (en) * 1965-02-10 1966-07-26 Bulova Watch Co Inc Time setting mechanism for electronic timepieces

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3150337A (en) * 1961-02-27 1964-09-22 Armec Corp Electro-mechanical resonant device
US3262259A (en) * 1965-02-10 1966-07-26 Bulova Watch Co Inc Time setting mechanism for electronic timepieces

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4645356A (en) * 1974-04-09 1987-02-24 Seiko Instruments & Electronics Ltd. Wristwatch
US20100091187A1 (en) * 2008-10-15 2010-04-15 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Method and audio/video device for processing caption information

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE689472A (de) 1967-04-14
CH1551465A4 (de) 1967-08-31
DE1523892A1 (de) 1969-10-02
FR1502936A (fr) 1967-11-24
AT272207B (de) 1969-06-25
NL6615692A (de) 1967-05-11
CH448904A (fr) 1968-04-11
DE1523892B2 (de) 1971-08-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5988255B2 (ja) 機械式クロックムーブメント用の音叉共振器
US10222757B2 (en) Regulating system for a mechanical watch
US3451280A (en) Device for transforming the movement for an electronic watch
US3462943A (en) Alarm wristwatch
US3449904A (en) Electromechanical watch
KR101445455B1 (ko) 표시 부재 조합체를 구비한 표시 장치
CN102998959B (zh) 由间歇式擒纵机构同步的振荡器
US3469389A (en) Electromechanical vibrator assembly for a timepiece
US3059412A (en) Electric watch
US5172349A (en) Electronic timepiece with analog display
US3875739A (en) Control mechanism of at least one element of a timepiece which is running step by step
US3805511A (en) Electric timepiece assembly
US3683613A (en) Miniaturized movement for an electronic timepiece
US3312053A (en) Step by step drvie mechanism for timepiece
US3481137A (en) Electronic timepiece
US3665698A (en) Electromechanical clockwork with decoupling mechanism
US3665699A (en) Device for locking an electro-dynamically maintained balance/balance-spring
US3604202A (en) Electric timepiece
US3645089A (en) Intermittent driving mechanism for timepiece
US3782101A (en) Timepieces with torsion resonators
US3678679A (en) Alarm clocks and watches
US2640311A (en) Winding and setting mechanism for watch and clock movements and the like
US3664119A (en) Calendar electric timepiece
US2640175A (en) Time keeping device motor
US3224183A (en) Electrically actuated time integrating device