US3698179A - Contact assembly for electric watches - Google Patents

Contact assembly for electric watches Download PDF

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Publication number
US3698179A
US3698179A US62302A US3698179DA US3698179A US 3698179 A US3698179 A US 3698179A US 62302 A US62302 A US 62302A US 3698179D A US3698179D A US 3698179DA US 3698179 A US3698179 A US 3698179A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
contact spring
contact
spring
base
damping material
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
US62302A
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English (en)
Inventor
Edward Kaulins
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.)
Timex Group USA Inc
Original Assignee
Timex Corp
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 Timex Corp filed Critical Timex Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3698179A publication Critical patent/US3698179A/en
Assigned to CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE reassignment CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FREDERIKSPLEIN HOLDING 1970 B.V., TIMEX CLOCK COMPANY, A DE CORP., TIMEX COMPUTERS LTD., A DE CORP., TIMEX CORPORATION, A DE CORP., TIMEX ENTERPRISES, INC., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX GROUP LTD., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX MEDICAL PRODUCTS LTD., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX N.V.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G04C3/04—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 balance
    • G04C3/06—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 balance using electromagnetic coupling between electric power source and balance

Definitions

  • a contact spring assembly for an electric watch comprises an elongated contact spring which intermittently engages a contact pin on the balance wheel.
  • the contact spring is fixedly mounted at one end to a base member and damped to eliminate undesirable oscillations by positioning a spring portion located a predetermined distance from the end in a slotted member.
  • the spring portion in the slot is surrounded by a material which dampens the vibrations of the spring as the free end contacts the pin during the oscillations of the balance wheel. 7, 7
  • the present invention relates to timekeeping devices and more particularly to a contact spring assembly for an electric watch.
  • the contact spring vibrates after engaging the contact pin. This vibration is generally undesirable and, to eliminate the possibility of malfunction, the spring must be adjusted extremely accurately and its functional length maintained within close tolerance. In some watch designs, damping of the contact spring is necessary for proper functioning. By positioning an intermediate portion of the contact spring in a slotted member and surrounding that portion with a selected damping material, it is possible to dampen the spring in an expeditious and inexpensive manner.
  • the subject assembly also significantly reduces the required adjustment to the contact spring and reducesthe possibility of handling damage which often occurs when the balance wheel is turned manually with the spring caught on the pin or between the jewel and pin.
  • the present invention relates to a contact spring assembly for an electric watch comprising an elongated contact spring affixed at one end to a base member with the other end free to engage a contact pin on an oscillating balance wheel.
  • a slotted or grooved portion of the base extends outwardly therefrom with a portion of the contact spring extending through the groove a predetermined distance from the fixed end.
  • the spring portion within the groove is surrounded or potted with a selected damping material to reduce spring vibrations after contact with the contact pin.
  • the damping material can be readily and inexpensively applied in a controlled amount about the spring. This damping reduces time-consuming spring adjustments and the possibility of handling damage.
  • the spring length may also be reduced resulting in a decrease in current consumption and an increase in motor efficiency.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved contact spring assembly for a watch wherein a particular damping means is provided to minimize vibrations of the spring.
  • FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of the contact spring assembly illustrating the cooperation of the spring with the balance wheel mounted pin;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the new and improved contact spring assembly comprising the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 discloses an alternate mounting arrangement for the contact spring in a contact spring assembly.
  • an electric watch includes a balance wheel 10 having a substantially annular outer rim 11 and a spoke 12 extending inwardly from the rim 11 and terminating in yoke portion 13.
  • a balance coil 14 is mounted between the arms 16 and 17 of the yoke 13 to cooperate with fixed magnets (not shown) in the functioning of the electrical circuit for the watch. Since such electrical circuits are well-known in the art, they will not be described in detail herein.
  • a contact pin 18 and a contact jewel 19 are also mounted on the yoke 13 near the balance staff axis 21.
  • the contact assembly 20 cooperates with the contact pin 18 and jewel 19 during the oscillation of the balance wheel 10 to complete the electrical circuit and provide an impulse to the balance wheel 10.
  • the contact assembly 20 includes a contoured base 22 of a plastic material such as dacron fiber-filled diallyl ortho-phthalate resin.
  • a contact member 23 comprising curved metal strip portion 24, an intermediate portion (not shown) and a narrow mounting portion 26 is moulded within the base 22 with the portions 24 and 26 extending outwardly from substantially opposite portions of the base 22.
  • the mounting portion 26 includes an end section 27 which is arranged generally perpendicular to the main body of mounting portion 26 of the contact member 23 to facilitate attachment of contact spring 28 thereto.
  • the spring 28 is mounted to the end section 27 of contact member 23 by means such as soldering.
  • a protruding portion 29 extends outwardly from the base 33 and includes a slot 31 within which an intermediate section of the spring 28 is held in a damping material 32 such as Chem-O-Sol manufactured by the Chemical Products Corporation of East Buffalo, Rhode Island. It is to be understood of course that other damping materials having similar properties which would minimize the vibrations of the contact spring 28 may also be satisfactory. Since the slot 31 has an open upper end the spring 28 may be readily potted with a damping material 32. Ideally, the slot 31 should be spaced as close to the fixed end of spring 28 as possible.
  • the slot 31 and, in fact, the mounting portion 26 of member 23 may be shaped in a number of suitable configurations.
  • a member 35 which includes an upright portion 33 curving inwardly to a U- shaped slotted portion 34 is affixed to the mounting portion of contact member 23 with solder 36.
  • solder 36 it may be possible to eliminate the base portions of FIG. 2 entirely and coat the end portion of spring 28 with plastic in the area of mounting section 27.
  • the balance wheel 10 oscillates bringing the contact spring 28 into engagement with the contact pin 18.
  • the current induces a magnetic field which opposes the field of a fixed magnet (not shown).
  • the opposition of the magnetic fields imparts an impulse to the balance 10 when the magnet is in place.
  • the purpose of the contact jewel 19 is to limit the physical contact between the contact pin 18 and the contact spring 28 so that the flow of electrical energy occurs at a precise position during the rotation of the balance.
  • the spring 28 can be shortened since there is little likelihood that no con tact will be made due to the vibrations of the spring 28. Shortening the spring lessens changes of stubbing the tip of the spring 28 on the contact jewel 19. With a shorter spring, there is the possibility of a reduction in current consumption and a gain in motor efficiency.
  • Damping of the contact spring 28 minimizes the vibrations of the spring after contact with the pin 18 jewel 19 arrangement.
  • the adjustment of the spring 28 can be decreased and the tolerances on its functional length need not be controlled quite so strictly.
  • a contact spring assembly for timepieces comprising:
  • a contact member embedded within the base and extending outwardly therefrom.
  • a contact spring having a free end and being mounted to the contact member
  • the base includes an outwardly projecting portion having a slot formed therein, said contact spring extending through the slot and having the damping material arranged thereabout within the slot.
  • a contact spring assembly for timepieces comprising:
  • a contact spring having a free end and being mounted to the contact member
  • the contact member includes a body portion and an end portion comprising a mounting portion and a slotted portion, the contact spring being affixed to the mounting portion and having the damping material arranged thereabout in the slotted portion.
  • a contact spring assembly for timepieces comprising:
  • a contact spring having a free end and being mounted to the contact member
  • a contact spring assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
  • the contact member includes a relatively narrow body portion and an end portion extending at an angle thereto to facilitate mounting of one end 0 the contact spring, and the projecting portion of the base is speed in close proximity to the contact member to dampen the spring near the end thereof.
  • the end portion of the contact member comprises a mounting area for one end of the contact spring and an off-set slotted portion for the contact spring, the spring being potted with a damping material within the groove to minimize vibrations and said slotted portion being in proximity to the mounting area.
  • the damping material adheres to the walls of the slot and the contact spring to form an integral assembly, said material being readily deposited within said slot and about the contact spring.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
US62302A 1970-07-20 1970-07-20 Contact assembly for electric watches Expired - Lifetime US3698179A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6230270A 1970-07-20 1970-07-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3698179A true US3698179A (en) 1972-10-17

Family

ID=22041600

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US62302A Expired - Lifetime US3698179A (en) 1970-07-20 1970-07-20 Contact assembly for electric watches

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US3698179A (xx)
JP (1) JPS5021270B1 (xx)
BE (1) BE770232A (xx)
CA (1) CA937058A (xx)
CH (2) CH1069771A4 (xx)
DE (1) DE2135866C3 (xx)
DK (1) DK136995B (xx)
FR (1) FR2099482B1 (xx)
GB (1) GB1316392A (xx)
NL (1) NL7109994A (xx)
NO (1) NO136321C (xx)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3792579A (en) * 1970-10-22 1974-02-19 T Inagaki Electric contacting device for timepieces
US3978652A (en) * 1975-06-19 1976-09-07 Timex Corporation Formed contact spring for electro-mechanical watches
WO2001013183A1 (fr) * 1999-08-12 2001-02-22 Seiko Instruments Inc. Compteur de temps mecanique equipe d'un detecteur d'attitude
WO2001035171A1 (fr) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique dotee d'un mecanisme de commande de l'angle de rotation du balancier annulaire regle
WO2001035172A1 (fr) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique dotee d'un mecanisme de commande de l'angle de rotation du balancier annulaire regle et comportant des bobines
WO2002050616A1 (fr) * 2000-12-20 2002-06-27 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique a detecteur de position et detecteur de position
US6612734B1 (en) * 1999-07-29 2003-09-02 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical timepiece with stud adjustment mechanism

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6387364A (ja) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-18 小松フオ−クリフト株式会社 階段登はん用手押し式カ−トの姿勢制御装置

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3529415A (en) * 1968-09-11 1970-09-22 Timex Corp Electric watch contact assembly

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1205695A (fr) * 1957-07-29 1960-02-04 Charles Denning Ltd Appareil de mesure du temps

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3529415A (en) * 1968-09-11 1970-09-22 Timex Corp Electric watch contact assembly

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3792579A (en) * 1970-10-22 1974-02-19 T Inagaki Electric contacting device for timepieces
US3978652A (en) * 1975-06-19 1976-09-07 Timex Corporation Formed contact spring for electro-mechanical watches
US6612734B1 (en) * 1999-07-29 2003-09-02 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical timepiece with stud adjustment mechanism
WO2001013183A1 (fr) * 1999-08-12 2001-02-22 Seiko Instruments Inc. Compteur de temps mecanique equipe d'un detecteur d'attitude
WO2001035171A1 (fr) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique dotee d'un mecanisme de commande de l'angle de rotation du balancier annulaire regle
WO2001035172A1 (fr) * 1999-11-11 2001-05-17 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique dotee d'un mecanisme de commande de l'angle de rotation du balancier annulaire regle et comportant des bobines
US6554468B1 (en) * 1999-11-11 2003-04-29 Seiko Instruments Inc. Mechanical timepiece with timed annular balance rotating angle control mechanism
WO2002050616A1 (fr) * 2000-12-20 2002-06-27 Seiko Instruments Inc. Piece d'horlogerie mecanique a detecteur de position et detecteur de position

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA937058A (en) 1973-11-20
DE2135866C3 (de) 1980-07-03
FR2099482A1 (xx) 1972-03-17
JPS5021270B1 (xx) 1975-07-22
DK136995C (xx) 1978-05-16
BE770232A (fr) 1971-12-01
FR2099482B1 (xx) 1976-02-13
DE2135866B2 (de) 1979-10-25
NL7109994A (xx) 1972-01-24
AU3134171A (en) 1973-01-25
NO136321C (no) 1977-08-17
DE2135866A1 (de) 1972-01-27
GB1316392A (en) 1973-05-09
CH1069771A4 (xx) 1974-05-31
DK136995B (da) 1977-12-27
NO136321B (xx) 1977-05-09
CH556054A (xx) 1974-11-15

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TIMEX CORPORATION, A DE CORP.;TIMEX COMPUTERS LTD., A DE CORP.;TIMEX CLOCK COMPANY, A DE CORP.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004181/0596

Effective date: 19830331