US3877217A - Digital watch switch detent device - Google Patents

Digital watch switch detent device Download PDF

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Publication number
US3877217A
US3877217A US506369A US50636974A US3877217A US 3877217 A US3877217 A US 3877217A US 506369 A US506369 A US 506369A US 50636974 A US50636974 A US 50636974A US 3877217 A US3877217 A US 3877217A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
stem
detent
ring
switch
spring
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
US506369A
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English (en)
Inventor
Paul E Hochstrate
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Individual
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Individual
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
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Priority to US506369A priority Critical patent/US3877217A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3877217A publication Critical patent/US3877217A/en
Priority to DE19752536501 priority patent/DE2536501B2/de
Priority to CH1072375D priority patent/CH1072375A4/xx
Priority to CH1072375A priority patent/CH604224B5/xx
Priority to JP50112187A priority patent/JPS5160567A/ja
Priority to FR7528838A priority patent/FR2285646A1/fr
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
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G04C3/005—Multiple switches
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20576—Elements
    • Y10T74/20636—Detents
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20576—Elements
    • Y10T74/20636—Detents
    • Y10T74/2066—Friction

Definitions

  • a switch detent device for digital watches comprises a detent retaining ring which is snapped onto the watch [76] Inventor: Paul E. I-Iochstrate, 16 Lorraine Dr.,
  • the detent retaining ring comprises a member having a plurality of slotted portions on the periphery thereof with one of said slotted portions opening inwardly to a peculiarly shaped gripping configuration for snap mounting on the watch stem.
  • the detent spring comprises a downwardly extending portion having an aper- 3mm %55 & 3 7 5 2 M 5-, M 5 5 5b 84% 0 S W 9 mm 6 n m" 6 u 0 5 mua n e 0 us m m. .M n. .m.m A UIF l.
  • the present invention relates to digital watches and particularly to a switch detent device for digital watches.
  • the present invention is designed to provide a detent switch for use in digital watches which functions in a reliable, simple and expeditious manner and which requires a minimum of relatively inexpensive parts.
  • Present detent mechanisms are generally complicated and add to the assembly cost of a digital watch. While a number of patents have been cited above as of interest, these patents are not intended tok be an all-inclusive list of the patents in this area but merely exemplary of the state of the art.
  • the present invention relates to a switch detent device for digital watches which includes a detent retaining ring having a plurality of spaced cutout portions or slots about the periphery thereof with one of said portions extending inwardly to form an opening, the walls of which provide a gripping surface for snap fitting on a watch stem.
  • the device also includes a cooperating detent spring comprising a downwardly extending portion having an aperture therein for mounting on the watch stem and'an upper spring portion comprising an outwardly extending arm on each end and a protruding central nose, portion for engaging the slots on the ring periphery.
  • the arms each include an angled end portion for engagement with the watch bezel.
  • the watch crown on the end of the stem is turned causing the detent retaining ring or snap ring to rotate forcing the spring nose out of the peripheral slot.
  • the nose portion is resiliently urged into engagement with said slot by the spring arms. Consequently, a tactile position is effected when the stem is manually rotated.
  • an object of this invention is to provide a new and improved switch detent device for digital watches.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved digital watch detent device wherein a retaining ring is engaged by a detent spring in a novel and expeditious manner.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a new of mounting to the stem is engaged by the camming portion of a resilient detent spring during rotation of the stem.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the detent spring in engagement with the detent retaining ring
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view in the opposite direction showing the detent spring in engagement with the detent ring and bezel;
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the watch switch detent device with the operation of the spring arms shown in phantom;
  • FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a section of the detent spring.
  • the invention comprises a switch detent device 10 for digital watches which includes a detent retaining ring 11 and a detent spring member 12.
  • the switch detent device 10 is intended for use in a digital watch wherein a series of tactile positions are provided when the switch is operated. Specifically, it is intended that the various detent positions be sensed during the indexing operation as the watch stem 13 is rotated.
  • the detent retaining ring 11 comprises a substantially circular member having a plurality of slots 14 spaced about the periphery 16 thereof.
  • One of said slots 20 is enlarged at the entrance portion 17 but tapers to the same inner base radius 18 as the other slots 14.
  • the slot 20 also extends inwardly from the radial surface 18 to form a gripping surface for the stem 13.
  • This gripping surface comprises a narrowed inlet portion 19 and outwardly sloping walls 15 leading to a key portion 21 which engages the upper end of a reduced section 22 of the stem 13.
  • the reduced stem section 22 comprises curved upper and lower surfaces 41 corresponding to the stem contour and flat parallel side walls 42. While the upper surface 41 and the upper portion of the side walls 42 fits within the key slot 21, the lower portion of the shaft section 22 is gripped by the spring-like action of the sloping walls 15.
  • the upper portion of key slot 21 includes oppositely situated cutout portions 23 and 24, each of which include cutout panels 25 and 26 leading respectively to circular cutouts 27 and 28 which are designed to provide resiliency in the ring member 11 to accomodate the insertion of the stem 13 and the gripping thereof by the sloping walls 15.
  • the spring member 12 includes a pair of outwardly extending spring arms 29 and 31 which project outwardly from a main body 32.
  • Each of the spring arms 29 and 31 include a curved end portion 33 and 3.4 which engage the watch bezel 15.
  • Spring arms 29 and 31 are shown in dotted lines in the unflexed position before assembly. After assembly, the arms keep the nose portion 37 in the slots 14 and flex when the stem is turned. They also maintain axial force on the stem to keep the crown against the bezel.
  • the curved ends 33 and 34 prevent the ends of the spring arms from digging into the bezel as they flex.
  • the main body 32 includes a lower portion having an aperture 36 which encircles the stem 13 and an upper nose portion 37 which projects outwardly from the body 32 to engage the slots 14 in the periphery of the ring 11.
  • the nose portion is sloped from the body 32 to provide a cam surface to facilitate engagement with the slots.
  • the nose 37 of the spring 12 engages one of the slots 14 due to the spring arms 29 and 31 pulling inwardly against the bezel l5.
  • the present invention provides a detent switch action in a digital watch when the crown 38 on the end of the stem 13 is turned causing the detent ring or snap ring 11 to rotate forcing the spring nose 37 out of a peripheral slot 14 or 20.
  • the nose portion 37 is resiliently urged into engagement with the slot 14 or 20 by the spring arms 29 and 31. Therefore, a tactile positioning arrangement is achieved in an expeditious manner by manual rotation of the stem 13.
  • the construction of the retaining ring 11 with the open slot 20 permits ease of mounting ring 11 to stem 13 by merely snapping it in place.
  • the entrance portion 17 which served for attaching the ring then serves as one of the detent slots similar to slots 14 for cooperating with the detent spring.
  • a switch detent device for digital watches having a stem extending into the watch case comprising:
  • detent retaining ring having a plurality of spaced slots about the periphery thereof and a central gripping portion which is mounted about the stem, and,
  • a detent spring member including a body portion having an aperture therethrough which encircles the stem and a pair of outwardly extending spring arms which contact the watch case, said spring member having a protruding nose portion which engages the slots in the ring during indexing of the stem to establish various tactile positions.
  • a switch detent device in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
  • the central gripping portion of the ring comprises a narrow entrance portion at the base of one of said slots leading to intermediate outwardly tapered wall portions and a narrow end portion to engage .a reduced section of the stem.
  • a switch detent device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:
  • the reduced stem section engaging said spring includes a pair of straight side walls and curved upper and lower portions, the upper portion engaging the narrow end portion of the ring.
  • a switch detent device in accordance with claim 2 further including:
  • a switch detent device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:
  • the spring arms each curve outwardly from said nose portion on opposite sides of the spring and include curved end "portions which contact the watch case.
  • a switch detent device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:
  • each of the slots include a curved base portion of the same radius and the slot leading to the gripping portion is arranged to accomodate insertion of the stem as well as to cooperate with said nose portion in one of said tactile positions.
  • the nose portion of the ring comprises a protruding nose extending outwardly from the ring and sloped toward its greatest protrusion at the upper surface of the spring member, the sloped walls of said nose portion acting as cam surface to facilitate engagement with the slots.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
US506369A 1974-09-19 1974-09-19 Digital watch switch detent device Expired - Lifetime US3877217A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US506369A US3877217A (en) 1974-09-19 1974-09-19 Digital watch switch detent device
DE19752536501 DE2536501B2 (de) 1974-09-19 1975-08-16 Verrastbare schaltvorrichtung, insbesondere fuer digitaluhren
CH1072375D CH1072375A4 (xx) 1974-09-19 1975-08-18
CH1072375A CH604224B5 (xx) 1974-09-19 1975-08-18
JP50112187A JPS5160567A (xx) 1974-09-19 1975-09-18
FR7528838A FR2285646A1 (fr) 1974-09-19 1975-09-19 Dispositif d'encliquetage pour commutateur de montre

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US506369A US3877217A (en) 1974-09-19 1974-09-19 Digital watch switch detent device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3877217A true US3877217A (en) 1975-04-15

Family

ID=24014304

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US506369A Expired - Lifetime US3877217A (en) 1974-09-19 1974-09-19 Digital watch switch detent device

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3877217A (xx)
JP (1) JPS5160567A (xx)
CH (2) CH604224B5 (xx)
DE (1) DE2536501B2 (xx)
FR (1) FR2285646A1 (xx)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4031341A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-06-21 Timex Corporation Dual function pusher and rotate switch for solid state digital watches having detent spring
US4062179A (en) * 1974-12-28 1977-12-13 Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha Switching mechanism for an electronic timepiece
US4133286A (en) * 1977-02-24 1979-01-09 Therm-O-Disc Incorporated Adjustable thermostat
US4455886A (en) * 1981-11-16 1984-06-26 Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated Adjustable thermostat
US4536095A (en) * 1984-09-13 1985-08-20 Timex Corporation Crown setting switch for a wristwatch
US4727526A (en) * 1985-12-24 1988-02-23 Seikosha Co., Ltd. Alarm on-off mechanism for alarm watch
US4949591A (en) * 1988-04-15 1990-08-21 Capro, Inc. Lever control

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107819236A (zh) * 2017-11-20 2018-03-20 镇江华京通讯科技有限公司 一种射频同轴连接器连体式防尘盖

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2674085A (en) * 1952-10-08 1954-04-06 Robert S Israel Time zone watch
US2869395A (en) * 1955-09-27 1959-01-20 Kenneth C Allison Rotary switch detent spring
US3745762A (en) * 1971-01-28 1973-07-17 Buren Watch Co Sa Device for indication of the hour in a timepiece

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2674085A (en) * 1952-10-08 1954-04-06 Robert S Israel Time zone watch
US2869395A (en) * 1955-09-27 1959-01-20 Kenneth C Allison Rotary switch detent spring
US3745762A (en) * 1971-01-28 1973-07-17 Buren Watch Co Sa Device for indication of the hour in a timepiece

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4062179A (en) * 1974-12-28 1977-12-13 Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha Switching mechanism for an electronic timepiece
US4031341A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-06-21 Timex Corporation Dual function pusher and rotate switch for solid state digital watches having detent spring
US4133286A (en) * 1977-02-24 1979-01-09 Therm-O-Disc Incorporated Adjustable thermostat
US4455886A (en) * 1981-11-16 1984-06-26 Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated Adjustable thermostat
US4536095A (en) * 1984-09-13 1985-08-20 Timex Corporation Crown setting switch for a wristwatch
US4727526A (en) * 1985-12-24 1988-02-23 Seikosha Co., Ltd. Alarm on-off mechanism for alarm watch
US4949591A (en) * 1988-04-15 1990-08-21 Capro, Inc. Lever control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2285646B3 (xx) 1978-05-05
DE2536501A1 (de) 1976-04-01
CH604224B5 (xx) 1978-08-31
JPS5160567A (xx) 1976-05-26
FR2285646A1 (fr) 1976-04-16
DE2536501B2 (de) 1977-07-07
CH1072375A4 (xx) 1977-08-15

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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