US3914932A - Electronic timepiece - Google Patents

Electronic timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
US3914932A
US3914932A US470698A US47069874A US3914932A US 3914932 A US3914932 A US 3914932A US 470698 A US470698 A US 470698A US 47069874 A US47069874 A US 47069874A US 3914932 A US3914932 A US 3914932A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
casing
transmissive ceramic
ceramic plate
display
conductive frame
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
US470698A
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English (en)
Inventor
Katsuhiro Teraishi
Akihiko Kouchi
Hiroshi Takeshita
Michio Asahina
Kunihiro Inoue
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.)
Suwa Seikosha KK
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Suwa Seikosha KK
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 Suwa Seikosha KK filed Critical Suwa Seikosha KK
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3914932A publication Critical patent/US3914932A/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G9/00—Visual time or date indication means
    • G04G9/0023—Visual time or date indication means by light valves in general
    • G04G9/0029—Details
    • G04G9/0035—Details constructional
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/03—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect
    • G02F1/055—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on ceramics or electro-optical crystals, e.g. exhibiting Pockels effect or Kerr effect the active material being a ceramic
    • G02F1/0551—Constructional details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/02—Component assemblies
    • G04G17/04—Mounting of electronic components

Definitions

  • An electronic timepiece is provided wherein the time is displayed on a transmissive ceramic material by electrically transforming the signal from a standard signal source such as a crystal oscillator,
  • the display is characterized by a driving circuit secured to a surface which is opposite the surface to which the transmissive ceramic material is secured.
  • This invention relates to an electronic timepiece of the type including, for instance, a crystal oscillator in the standard signal source. More particularly, the instant invention relates to an electronic timepiece wherein the time is displayed on a transmissive ceramic plate and a driving circuit therefor which is secured to the reverse surface of the base plate carrying the transmissive ceramic plate.
  • a transmissive ceramic display is found to be reliable, have a long useful life and generally avoid problems inherent in liquid crystal displays.
  • a transmissive ceramic display for a timepiece which includes a transmissive ceramic plate comprising a hot-pressed admixture of lanthanum oxide, lead titanate and lead zirconate, a linear polarizing plate overlying the transmissive ceramic plate, but in spaced relation therefrom, and a light-reflective plate underlying the transmissive ceramic plate, but in spaced relation therefrom.
  • Another aspect of the invention includes mounting the transmissive ceramic display on one face of a base plate, for instance a dial disk, and the provision of a driving circuit for the display which is mounted on the other face of the base plate.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a digital timepiece having a prominent display.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a compact driving circuit for a transmissive ceramic display.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representata tion of a transmissive ceramic display constructed in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an electrode construction employed in connection with the embodi- FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the display face of a dialdisc which carries the transmissive ceramic display shown inFIG. l;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the underside face of the dial disc shown in FIG. 3.
  • a transmissive ceramic plate 1 is mounted on a conductive frame comprising a plurality of spaced terminal tags 2 and overlies the channel formed between opposed sets thereof.
  • Transmissive ceramic plate 1 may be secured to the upper surface of the conductive frame comprised of terminal tags 2 by any conventional means.
  • Frame 2 provides a conductive support for transmissive ceramic plate 1.
  • a surface area of transmissive ceramic plate 1 of predetermined proportions overlies the channel provided in conductive frame 2.
  • Terminal tags 2 include an interior raised portion on which transmissive ceramic plate 1 is mounted and a recessed exteriorly extending portion to which electrode leads may be connected.
  • a linear polarizing plate 3 which may be fabricated of any suitable material known to function in the manner described.
  • a light reflective plate 4 which may be fabricated of any conventional material known to function in the manner described.
  • the ceramic plate 1, conductive frame 2, linear polarizing plate 3, and light reflective plate 4 are all housed in a solid, transparent resin casing 5.
  • Resin casing 5 may be of any conventional transparent resin which is non-reactive with the elements embedded therein. While the interior raised portion of conductive frame 2 is embedded in resin 5, the recessed exteriorly extending portion thereof is not encased therein.
  • These resin encased elements, as described, comprise the display cell for an electronic timepiece.
  • light directed toward the display cell as generally shown by directional arrow 6, enters the upper portion of the display cell and is reflected on light reflective plate 4 and redirected outwardly in a direction opposite to that of its entry.
  • the incoming light is doubly refracted on transmissive ceramic plate 1.
  • the value of the double refraction is nearly M4
  • the incoming light is not redirected outwardly and a time display occurs.
  • Transmissive ceramic plate 1 may be fabricated by hot pressing an admixture of lanthanum oxide, lead titanate and lead zirconate. Such hot pressed ceramics are conventionally referred to in the art as PLZT. In these transmissive ceramics, lead hafnate may be conveniently substituted therein for lead zirconate with the same satisfactory results. These transmissive ceramics are characterized by light transmission therethrough, and more importantly, they have a light-scattering or double refractive character which may be induced by an electric field and stress to illuminate a time display. The particular character of a PLZT is functionally dependent upon its composition.
  • compositions wherein the ratio of zirconium to titanium is about 65 to 35.
  • the composition includes from about 9 to about 10% lanthanum.
  • PLZT compositions of this type are sensitive to double refraction under stress or electrically induced, and the double refractive character thereof terminates upon removal of the electric field or stress.
  • the double refractive character of the ceramic induced by stress or an electric field is retained and memorized for a short period of time after removal of the field or stress.
  • the transmissive ceramic display cell as generally shown schematically in FIG. 1, is highly reliable and mechanically simple to operate. Moreover, the transmissive ceramic plate is an insulator and only relatively small amounts of current flow therethrough; therefore, a minimum amount of power is required in the display.
  • a transmissive ceramic provides the display cell with optimum display characteristics.
  • An embodiment of an electrode arrangement which displays time and may be utilized in connection with the transmissive ceramic cell is-best seen in FIG. 2.
  • the electrode arrangement shown therein is based 'on the El -shape employed in a conventional numeral display.
  • Discrete segments of the linear side walls of the arrangement are combshaped electrodes.
  • Interior discrete electrode segments are connected and drawn to a common input 7.
  • Electrodes of the type generally disignated 8 and 9 are drawn to discrete comb-like segments for independently displaying a selected discrete segment.
  • an electrode arrangement of the type best seen in-"FIG. 2 is provided on either one or both surfaces of transmissive ceramic plate 1 and when energized, a time display occurs. Since it is impractical to employ a dynamic scattering method for disclosing the display; each discrete electrode segment must be connect'ed to a respective transistor. As a consequence of this-type of construction, the driving circuit therefor wouldtordinarily be large and complex, even if integrated circuits were employed. Furthermore, if as contemplated, the transmissive ceramic and driving circuit therefor'were disposed on the base plate, the base plate would 'ha'veto be provided with a very large surface area because of the interconnected wires thereon.
  • a second aspect of this invention provides an improvedarrangement whereby time may be displayed on the transmissive ceramic by a compact miniaturized driving circuit.
  • the driving circuit is mounted on the opposite surface ofthebase plate, for instance, a dial disc of an electronic .watch on which the transmissive ceramic is concomitantly mounted.
  • the mounted driving circuit is connected to the transmissive ceramic by means, of a print wiring which extends into through holes provided in the base plate.
  • This arrangement not only compacts the display and driving circuit therefor, it also provides a display with optimum reliability.
  • An embodiment of a suitable arrangement is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • a dial disc 10 is provided on which a'transmissive ceramic display cell 11, ofthe type shown schematically in detail in FIG. 1, is mounted.
  • a concomitant plurality of print wires 13 are connected, for instance, by solder connections.
  • Print wires 13 are introduced onto the opposite surface of dial disc 10 through a plurality of through holes provided in the dial disc.
  • the through holes 14 provide means through which print wires 13 may be connected with an integrated circuit decoder 15.
  • both driving circuit and display'are disposed on a single base plate and wiring contacts therefor may be miniaturized and the wiring itself may be minimized.
  • the arrangement is easy to construct and assemble, and provides a display of optimum reliability.
  • a display assembly for an electronic timepiece including a display cell comprising a transparent resin casing, a transmissive ceramic plate embedded in said casing, electrodes mounted on said transmissive ceramic plate for displaying a time setting, a conductive frame engaging said transmissive ceramic plate, said conductive frame having an inner portion embedded in said casing and an outer portion extending outside said casing, said conductive frame comprising respective parallel pluralities of discrete terminal tags, each terminal tag being conductively connected to an electrode, a linear polarizing plate embedded in said casing in overlying parallel relationship relative to said transmissive ceramic plate, and a light reflective plate embedded in said casing in underlying parallel relationship relative to said transmissive ceramic plate.
  • the display assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a dial disc supporting said display cell, said dial disc having an upper and a lower surface, and being provided with a plurality of through-holes, said display cell being mounted on said upper surface of said dial disc, a driving circuit for said electronic timepiece being mounted on said lower surface of said dial disc, and a plurality of print wires for connecting said driving circuit to said respective pluralities of terminal tags through said through-holes provided in said dial disc.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
US470698A 1973-05-16 1974-05-16 Electronic timepiece Expired - Lifetime US3914932A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP48053674A JPS506369A (en, 2012) 1973-05-16 1973-05-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3914932A true US3914932A (en) 1975-10-28

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ID=12949362

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US470698A Expired - Lifetime US3914932A (en) 1973-05-16 1974-05-16 Electronic timepiece

Country Status (4)

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US (1) US3914932A (en, 2012)
JP (1) JPS506369A (en, 2012)
DE (1) DE2423808B2 (en, 2012)
GB (1) GB1437862A (en, 2012)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4026103A (en) * 1974-12-02 1977-05-31 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic timepiece with digital display means
US4033110A (en) * 1975-12-22 1977-07-05 Bulova Watch Company, Inc. Solid-state electronic watch assembly
US4060971A (en) * 1974-09-10 1977-12-06 Time Computer, Inc. Solid state watch with inertial switch
US4092820A (en) * 1975-03-25 1978-06-06 Citizen Watch Company Limited Electronic timepiece
US4496775A (en) * 1982-04-26 1985-01-29 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. 1,2,3,3,5,6-Hexamethyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]-oct-5-en-2-ol, process for producing same, intermediates useful in said process and organoleptic uses of same

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS55135877U (en, 2012) * 1979-03-20 1980-09-27
JPS6147187U (ja) * 1984-09-01 1986-03-29 住友電気工業株式会社 プラスチツクパイプの接続部

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3427797A (en) * 1966-12-12 1969-02-18 Kenjiro Kimura Timepiece using a solar battery as the power source
US3505804A (en) * 1968-04-23 1970-04-14 Rca Corp Solid state clock
US3540209A (en) * 1968-07-31 1970-11-17 Timex Corp Horological time display
US3612656A (en) * 1969-06-23 1971-10-12 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Liquid crystal device with lower means located behind the liquid crystal cell
US3695747A (en) * 1971-06-04 1972-10-03 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Optical transmission system including strain-biased electrooptic ceramic devices
US3747322A (en) * 1971-05-20 1973-07-24 Hmw Industries Light control for timing displays
US3757510A (en) * 1972-07-03 1973-09-11 Hughes Aircraft Co High frequency electronic watch with low power dissipation

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3427797A (en) * 1966-12-12 1969-02-18 Kenjiro Kimura Timepiece using a solar battery as the power source
US3505804A (en) * 1968-04-23 1970-04-14 Rca Corp Solid state clock
US3540209A (en) * 1968-07-31 1970-11-17 Timex Corp Horological time display
US3612656A (en) * 1969-06-23 1971-10-12 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Liquid crystal device with lower means located behind the liquid crystal cell
US3747322A (en) * 1971-05-20 1973-07-24 Hmw Industries Light control for timing displays
US3695747A (en) * 1971-06-04 1972-10-03 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Optical transmission system including strain-biased electrooptic ceramic devices
US3757510A (en) * 1972-07-03 1973-09-11 Hughes Aircraft Co High frequency electronic watch with low power dissipation

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4060971A (en) * 1974-09-10 1977-12-06 Time Computer, Inc. Solid state watch with inertial switch
US4026103A (en) * 1974-12-02 1977-05-31 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic timepiece with digital display means
US4092820A (en) * 1975-03-25 1978-06-06 Citizen Watch Company Limited Electronic timepiece
US4033110A (en) * 1975-12-22 1977-07-05 Bulova Watch Company, Inc. Solid-state electronic watch assembly
US4496775A (en) * 1982-04-26 1985-01-29 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. 1,2,3,3,5,6-Hexamethyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]-oct-5-en-2-ol, process for producing same, intermediates useful in said process and organoleptic uses of same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1437862A (en) 1976-06-03
DE2423808A1 (de) 1974-12-12
JPS506369A (en, 2012) 1975-01-23
DE2423808B2 (de) 1978-05-11

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