US3798521A - Circuitry for synchronizing a mechanical resonator - Google Patents

Circuitry for synchronizing a mechanical resonator Download PDF

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Publication number
US3798521A
US3798521A US00332678A US3798521DA US3798521A US 3798521 A US3798521 A US 3798521A US 00332678 A US00332678 A US 00332678A US 3798521D A US3798521D A US 3798521DA US 3798521 A US3798521 A US 3798521A
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voltage
coil
resonator
semi
frequency
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US00332678A
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J Berney
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BERNARD GOLAY SA
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C11/00—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks
    • G04C11/08—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction
    • G04C11/081—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction using an electro-magnet
    • G04C11/084—Synchronisation of independently-driven clocks using an electro-magnet or-motor for oscillation correction using an electro-magnet acting on the balance
    • 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
    • G04C3/065—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 the balance controlling gear-train by means of static switches, e.g. transistor circuits

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  • the invention relates to electrical and electronic timing instruments and the like as well as to associated processes.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a process for synchronizing a mechanical resonator with pilot frequency f by means of an electromagnetic maintenance motor component put under the control of a modulated voltage generator at frequency n'f where n is an integer, the said resonator receiving for that purpose pulses of energy guaranteeing the maintenance of its oscillation, practically on the instant that it traverses its position of rest.
  • a resonator is elastically restrained whenever it tends to exceed an angle of oscillation preset in relation to its position of rest.
  • a modulated voltage source is made to operate at frequency nf on the control circuit of an electromagnetic maintenance motor component to obtain, as a function of the phase shift between the pilot frequency and frequency f i A f of the mechanical resonator oscillations, a change of the energy of the maintenance pulses capable of stabilizing the mechanical resonator oscillation frequency at frequencyf.
  • a device for putting the process of the invention into service employs a mechanical resonator in the form of an oscillating unit of the balance-wheel type. It works in conjunction with a permanent magnet and a maintenance actuating coil excited, in practice, at the instant the balance passes through its position of rest.
  • the device is characterized by means which elastically push back the oscillating unit when its angle of oscillation tends to exceed an angle of oscillation preset in relation to its position of rest to raise its frequency from f Af to f Af.
  • the device is further characterized by a modulated voltage source at frequency n'f controlling a semi-conductor switch in such manner that it is opened and closed alternatively during each succeeding half period of the frequency n'f, such switch being connected to the control circuit of the actuating coil of voltage V so that the voltage applicable to this latter may be alternately equal to V and V AV during each half period of maintenance pulse, the effect being to change the energy received by the resonator in terms of its phase shift.
  • the modulated voltage source will be preferably a square-wave generator, but can also be a generator with other characteristics.
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical section taken axially of the mechanical portion according to a first embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the structure of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram of an electrical portion according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a curve relating to the oscillation of the mechanical resonator
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the distribution of actuating pulses transmitted according to FIG. 3, to the mechanical portion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate second and third electrical portions in accordance with further embodiments.
  • FIGS. 8 through 13 illustrate very diagrammatically three embodiments which differ in the mechanical portion from the first embodiment.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated the synchronizing of the oscillation frequency of a mechanical resonator 1, constituted by a balance wheel rotating on shaft 2, with electrical actuating pulses of given pilot frequency f, transmitted to the winding of an actuating coil 3.
  • the resonator 1 carries a permanent magnet 4, and is further connected to a spiral spring 5 in the same way as is known for clockwork balance wheels.
  • the magnet 4 is so arranged that when the resonator is at rest it stands between the poles 6 of the electromagnet formed by the aforesaid actuating coil and its core 7.
  • Said resonator 1 also carries a peg 8 which, on each swing to both sides of its position of rest, hits a leaf spring 9 carried by a terminal stud 9' set in a bridge 10 supporting one of the bearings 11 of the shaft or arbor 2, whose other bearing 12 is located in the plate 13.
  • the peg 8 hits the leaf spring 9 once per semi-oscillation and said leaf resists the peg and instantaneously changes the oscillation frequency of the resonator, which tends in practice to oscillate between the frequencies f i Af.
  • Core 7 carries, as can be seen, a second coil 14 designated as the interceptor coil since on each crossing of magnet 4, the latter induces in it a current whose phase shift, duration and characteristics are dependent on the oscillation frequency of the resonator.
  • the coils 3 and 14 again appear at B3 and B14.
  • the control circuit of the maintenance motor element is supplied at successive half periods with current provided by an oscillator (not shown) generating square waves 15 of frequency f, by means of a semiconductor switch formed by the transistor T3 connected to a source of voltage +V and on whose base the voltage 15 acts.
  • the control circuit composed of coil B14, capacitor C, resistor R and transistor T14 forms part of an arrangement known in watch-making for the maintenance of balance wheel oscillations.
  • the idea is to correct a frequency F AF tosynchronize it with pilot frequency f. For that reason the pulses emitted by the collector of transistor T3 travel through the collector of second transistor T14 whose emitter is connected to coil B3 and coil B14, which transmitsto it the induced pulses. Its collector is further connected to voltage +V through a diode D.
  • each semi-period will in turn make the transistor T3 conductive or on the contrary will block it. During the half period in which it is conductive, it short-circuits diode D.
  • the actuating coil B3 receives practically the whole voltage V if the transistor T3 is conductive or a voltage V Vd if the transistor T3 is blocked, Vd being the voltage drop in the diode.
  • FIG. 5 shows the shape of the square pulses of frequency f and its lower part shows the shape of the actuating pulses actually transmitted to coil B3. Of these last pulses, the one marked 16 corresponds to the normal run in the synchronization state.
  • the pulse induced in the interceptor coil is in this case produced at the very instant when the curve 15, passes the transistor T3 from the dormant state to that of conductivity.
  • the maintenance energy corresponds to voltage V Vd and, just after, to the voltage V. This amount of energy will be that which would correspond to the maintenance of the ideal resonator of frequencyf.
  • the coil B14 signal will be transmitted late, namely at the instant when the full voltage V can be transmitted to the actuator coil B3 (curve 18). Acceleration will then occur.
  • FIG. 6 relates to a second embodiment of the electrical portion which makes use of the Zener diode effect.
  • the square pilot pulses 15 are again applied to transistor T3.
  • the actuator and interceptor coils are shown again at B3 and I314.
  • the emitter of transistor T3 is connected directly to coil B3 and its collector to a Zener diode Z.
  • This diode is made conductive or dormant as in the preceding example. This variation, in
  • V or to a reduced voltage V V where V represents the voltage drop in diode Z.
  • the third embodiment of the electrical equipment is shown in FIG. 7. It uses a single junction transistor T3, the motor pulses being in this coil saw-toothed.
  • the left spring can be attached to the permanent frame of the device and made to abut against a fixed member of the device as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the oscillating-resonator 19 carries and takes with it the flexible leaf spring 20 which, as shown in FIG. 9, impinges on a pin 21 fastened to the frame of the device.
  • two magnets 22 and 23 are used, the former being borne and carried along by the oscillating resonator 24 and the other being fixed.
  • a spiral spring 25 (for example, corresponding to spring 5 in FIGS. 1 and 2) has the play of its outside turn limited by two pins 26 and 27 so that at a given moment its motion is stopped and it is repelled (FIG. 13).
  • a controlled oscillating device comprising a resonator in the form of a balance-wheel type oscillating unit having a position of rest and being angularly oscillatable therefrom, a permanent magnet on said resonator and having a path of movement established thereby, magnetic poles adjacent said path, an interceptor coil associated with said poles and excited when the resonator passes through said position of rest, means elastically repelling said resonator when its angle of oscillation tends to exceed a predetermined angle of oscillaturn, causes coil B3 to be subjected to either the full tion relative to its rest position to raise the frequency thereof from f Af to f Af, means to produce a voltage of a frequency nf, a semiconductor switch including a voltage dropping element and controlled by the latter said means so that the switch is alternately opened and closed during each succeeding half period of the voltage of frequency n-f, an actuating coil associated with said interceptor coil and poles, and a control circuit for the actuating coil and including a semiconductor
  • said voltage dropping element is a diode between the voltage source and the control circuit and wherein the semiconductor switch includes a semi-conductor connected in parallel to said diode.
  • said voltage dropping element is a Zener diode and wherein the semiconductor switch includes a semi-conductor series-connected to said Zener diode.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a fixed elastic body and wherein the oscillating unit includes a stop which impinges on said elastic body at said predetermined angle.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a fixed stop and wherein the resonator includes an elastic body which hits said stop at said predetermined angle.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a fixed permanent magnet and wherein the resonator includes a permanent magnet which, at said predetermined angle, encounters said fixed permanent magnet to be repelled thereby.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a spiral spring, and spaced abutments, the resonator being connected to said spiral spring, and having a play which is limited by said abutments.
  • a controlled oscillating device comprising a mechanical oscillating means having a characteristic frequency of oscillation f, a permanent magnet on said oscillating means and having a path of movement established thereby, magnetic poles adjacent said path, an interceptor coil associated with said poles and excited when said magnet passes said poles, stop means elastically repelling and changing the frequency of oscillation of said oscillating means when the latter exceeds a predetermined angle of oscillation, an actuating coil operatively associated with said interceptor coil and poles and adapted to impart energy via said poles to said magnet, means to produce an oscillating voltage of frequency n'f, voltage generating means for supplying an actuating voltage for said actuating coil, a semiconductor switch means including a voltage dropping element for reducing said actuating voltage, a semiconductor controlled by said interceptor coil, said semi-conductor switch means being controlled by said oscillating voltage of frequency n-f for the selective decreasing of said actuating voltage depending on the phase relationship between the excitation of said interceptor coil and said oscillating voltage.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
  • Control Of Multiple Motors (AREA)
  • Reciprocating, Oscillating Or Vibrating Motors (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Resistance Or Impedance (AREA)
  • Transmitters (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)
US00332678A 1971-05-04 1973-02-15 Circuitry for synchronizing a mechanical resonator Expired - Lifetime US3798521A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH654571A CH613594B (fr) 1971-05-04 1971-05-04 Procede de synchronisation a une frequence moyenne f des oscillations d'un resonateur mecanique d'instrument de mesure du temps et dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procede.

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US3798521A true US3798521A (en) 1974-03-19

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US00332678A Expired - Lifetime US3798521A (en) 1971-05-04 1973-02-15 Circuitry for synchronizing a mechanical resonator

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US (1) US3798521A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5331384B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CH (1) CH613594B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2219548C3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (1) FR2135179B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1389293A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
IT (1) IT953670B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3892066A (en) * 1974-02-27 1975-07-01 Microna Inc Synchronized watch movement
US3921386A (en) * 1973-02-24 1975-11-25 Itt Circuit for synchronizing watches driven by a coil-magnet system
US4007582A (en) * 1973-03-13 1977-02-15 Eurosil, G.M.B.H. Method and apparatus for synchronizing an electrodynamic clockwork drive
US4354858A (en) * 1980-07-25 1982-10-19 General Electric Company Method for filtering particulates
US4544867A (en) * 1983-04-04 1985-10-01 Jones Jr John O Vibrator for furniture
US4583027A (en) * 1982-12-27 1986-04-15 Hitachi Metals International, Ltd. Moving magnet linear motor
EP1521142A1 (fr) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 Asulab S.A. Pièce d'horlogerie ayant un mouvement mécanique associé à un régulateur électronique

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ATE557328T1 (de) * 2004-10-26 2012-05-15 Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa Chronographmodul für armbanduhr
FR3018930A1 (fr) * 2014-03-24 2015-09-25 Jonathan Boulanger Balancier a mouvement perpetuel

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3292064A (en) * 1964-03-16 1966-12-13 Gen Electric Frequency regulated chronometer

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3292064A (en) * 1964-03-16 1966-12-13 Gen Electric Frequency regulated chronometer

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3921386A (en) * 1973-02-24 1975-11-25 Itt Circuit for synchronizing watches driven by a coil-magnet system
US4007582A (en) * 1973-03-13 1977-02-15 Eurosil, G.M.B.H. Method and apparatus for synchronizing an electrodynamic clockwork drive
US3892066A (en) * 1974-02-27 1975-07-01 Microna Inc Synchronized watch movement
US4354858A (en) * 1980-07-25 1982-10-19 General Electric Company Method for filtering particulates
US4583027A (en) * 1982-12-27 1986-04-15 Hitachi Metals International, Ltd. Moving magnet linear motor
US4544867A (en) * 1983-04-04 1985-10-01 Jones Jr John O Vibrator for furniture
EP1521142A1 (fr) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 Asulab S.A. Pièce d'horlogerie ayant un mouvement mécanique associé à un régulateur électronique
US20050073913A1 (en) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-07 Asulab S.A. Timepiece having a mechanical movement associated with an electronic regulator
US7016265B2 (en) 2003-10-01 2006-03-21 Asulab S.A. Timepiece having a mechanical movement associated with an electronic regulator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT953670B (it) 1973-08-10
CH613594GA3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1979-10-15
DE2219548A1 (de) 1972-12-28
FR2135179B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-12-20
FR2135179A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1972-12-15
CH613594B (fr)
JPS5331384B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1978-09-02
DE2219548B2 (de) 1977-12-29
DE2219548C3 (de) 1979-01-18
GB1389293A (en) 1975-04-03

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