EP1614206A1 - Rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications, and method for manufacturing the rotor - Google Patents

Rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications, and method for manufacturing the rotor

Info

Publication number
EP1614206A1
EP1614206A1 EP03785847A EP03785847A EP1614206A1 EP 1614206 A1 EP1614206 A1 EP 1614206A1 EP 03785847 A EP03785847 A EP 03785847A EP 03785847 A EP03785847 A EP 03785847A EP 1614206 A1 EP1614206 A1 EP 1614206A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rotor
receptacle
magnet
opening
capsule
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03785847A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Renato Sogni
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.)
R Audemars
Original Assignee
R Audemars
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 R Audemars filed Critical R Audemars
Publication of EP1614206A1 publication Critical patent/EP1614206A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C13/00—Driving mechanisms for clocks by master-clocks
    • G04C13/08—Slave-clocks actuated intermittently
    • G04C13/10—Slave-clocks actuated intermittently by electromechanical step advancing mechanisms
    • G04C13/11—Slave-clocks actuated intermittently by electromechanical step advancing mechanisms with rotating armature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/22—Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/27—Rotor cores with permanent magnets
    • H02K1/2706—Inner rotors
    • H02K1/272—Inner rotors the magnetisation axis of the magnets being perpendicular to the rotor axis
    • H02K1/2726—Inner rotors the magnetisation axis of the magnets being perpendicular to the rotor axis the rotor consisting of a single magnet or two or more axially juxtaposed single magnets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/10—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
    • H02K7/116—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications and to a method for manufacturing it.
  • Micromotors are used typically in watchmaking and in many other industrial applications (speedometers, barcode readers, et cetera).
  • So-called quartz watches include an oscillator that is constituted by a quartz rod that is cut in the shape of a tuning fork.
  • the quartz crystal resonator oscillates with great precision, dividing time into identical segments. Its vibrations have a frequency of 32768 times per second, i.e., 32768 hertz, which is 8000-13000 times faster than the vibrations of a mechanical timepiece.
  • Quartz has a particular property, i.e., piezoelectricity. It generates a variable electrical field that is synchronized on the mechanical vibrations of the rod. Vice versa, the mechanical vibrations of the rod can be supplied with power by applying a variable electric current to the rod. In this case, an electrical circuit assumes the role of the escapement of mechanical timepieces, counting the vibrations of the quartz and supplying power to them by a battery (of the zinc oxide type at 1.55 volts or of the lithium type at 3 volts).
  • the electrical pulses generated by the quartz are controlled by an integrated circuit, i.e., the brain of the quartz timepiece, which consists of a silicon chip onto which a complex network of electrical circuits, transistors, resisters and capacitors as been implanted: the integrated circuit is connected to the other components of the movement by extremely fine gold wires.
  • an integrated circuit i.e., the brain of the quartz timepiece, which consists of a silicon chip onto which a complex network of electrical circuits, transistors, resisters and capacitors as been implanted: the integrated circuit is connected to the other components of the movement by extremely fine gold wires.
  • the frequency of the electrical pulses is halved fifteen times consecutively. This produces one electrical pulse per second, which is transmitted to a step motor. This motor performs one revolution per second and transmits this motion to the hands by means of a conventional gear system, which however has an inverted ratio with respect to the gear system of a mechanical timepiece, since the motor turns faster than the hands.
  • a setting device allows to set the time of the timepiece with respect to a reference timepiece.
  • the timepiece therefore becomes a small computer, with programs capable of managing a perpetual calendar or other functions of ever increasing complexity and usefulness.
  • the rotor of the motor is generally constituted by a magnet that is coupled to an appropriately shaped shaft and includes a circular plate with a perpendicular edge at the maximum diameter.
  • a seven-tooth gear which is monolithic and concentric with respect to the plate and has a cylindrical end that has a small diameter.
  • a cylindrical portion that is monolithic and concentric with respect to the plate and also has a cylindrical end that has a small diameter.
  • the magnet is constituted by a perforated disk, which is coupled to the shaft by arranging it on the circular plate between the edge and the inner cylindrical portion.
  • the shaft is formed around the magnet, constituted by a disk, by virtue of injection technology.
  • Manufacturing the rotor is complicated by the small dimensions of its components; drilling the magnet is in fact a rather complex operation that affects the overall cost of the rotor. Likewise, handling the magnet for co-molding requires a complex and expensive apparatus.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a rotor for step micromotors and a method for manufacturing it that overcome the drawbacks of the cited prior art.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a method that is economically advantageous.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a rotor manufacturing method that is quicker and simpler than those of the cited prior art.
  • a further object is to provide a method that requires less expensive and complicated equipment.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rotor for step micromotors according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotor according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a partially sectional side view of the rotor for step micromotors;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view, taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the rotor of the preceding figures.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotor for step micromotors according to another aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a side view, taken along a transverse sectional plane, of the rotor of Figure 6.
  • a rotor for step micromotors includes a magnet 2 that is associated with a capsule 3 that forms the rotor shaft.
  • the magnet 2 is constituted by a disk that can be inserted in a cylindrical receptacle 4 formed in the capsule 3.
  • the receptacle 4 is formed in a cylindrical portion 6 that has an opening on its lateral surface; the opening is slightly narrower than the diameter of the magnet 2 andjts height matches the thickness of the magnet.
  • a concentric area 7 having a smaller diameter is provided on one base of the cylindrical portion 6, and a gear 8 protrudes from the area, is concentric with respect to the cylindrical portion 6 and has a pivot 9.
  • the cylindrical portion 6 On the opposite face with respect to the gear 8, the cylindrical portion 6 has a concentric area 11 provided with an opposite pivot 12.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 101 , which comprises a magnet 102 that is associated with a capsule 103.
  • This second embodiment of the rotor 101 is similar to the embodiment described above, except that the capsule 103 of the rotor 101 is provided with a hole 113 that is formed in the capsule at the receptacle 104 and in a position that is substantially diametrically opposite with respect to the opening.
  • the receptacle 104 is formed in a cylindrical portion 106.
  • the hole 113 cooperates with an abutment, not shown in the figures, for centering during the insertion of the magnet 102 in the receptacle.
  • a concentric area 107 having a smaller diameter is provided on one base of the cylindrical portion 106, and a gear 108 protrudes from the area, is concentric to the cylindrical portion 106, and has a pivot 109.
  • the cylindrical portion 106 On the base that lies opposite with respect to the gear 108, the cylindrical portion 106 has a concentric area 111 provided with an opposite pivot 112. In order to insert the magnet 102 in the receptacle 104 it is necessary to apply a certain pressure, since the opening is narrower than the diameter of the magnet.
  • the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may of course be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Permanent Field Magnets Of Synchronous Machinery (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

A rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications comprises a capsule that forms a shaft and a gear and is provided with a receptacle for a magnet. The magnet is inserted in the receptacle through a lateral opening and is retained in the receptacle by a lateral retention means constituted by elastically deformable edges.

Description

ROTOR FOR STEP MICROMOTORS FOR WATCHMAKING AND OTHER
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE ROTOR
The present invention relates to a rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications and to a method for manufacturing it. Micromotors are used typically in watchmaking and in many other industrial applications (speedometers, barcode readers, et cetera).
So-called quartz watches include an oscillator that is constituted by a quartz rod that is cut in the shape of a tuning fork.
The quartz crystal resonator oscillates with great precision, dividing time into identical segments. Its vibrations have a frequency of 32768 times per second, i.e., 32768 hertz, which is 8000-13000 times faster than the vibrations of a mechanical timepiece.
No mechanical device can compete with this movement for controlling its frequency and supplying power to it. Currently manufactured resonators consist of a very slender and accordingly highly impact-resistant rod made of synthetic quartz and cut in the shape of a tuning fork.
Quartz has a particular property, i.e., piezoelectricity. It generates a variable electrical field that is synchronized on the mechanical vibrations of the rod. Vice versa, the mechanical vibrations of the rod can be supplied with power by applying a variable electric current to the rod. In this case, an electrical circuit assumes the role of the escapement of mechanical timepieces, counting the vibrations of the quartz and supplying power to them by a battery (of the zinc oxide type at 1.55 volts or of the lithium type at 3 volts).
The electrical pulses generated by the quartz are controlled by an integrated circuit, i.e., the brain of the quartz timepiece, which consists of a silicon chip onto which a complex network of electrical circuits, transistors, resisters and capacitors as been implanted: the integrated circuit is connected to the other components of the movement by extremely fine gold wires.
The frequency of the electrical pulses is halved fifteen times consecutively. This produces one electrical pulse per second, which is transmitted to a step motor. This motor performs one revolution per second and transmits this motion to the hands by means of a conventional gear system, which however has an inverted ratio with respect to the gear system of a mechanical timepiece, since the motor turns faster than the hands.
A setting device allows to set the time of the timepiece with respect to a reference timepiece.
The timepiece therefore becomes a small computer, with programs capable of managing a perpetual calendar or other functions of ever increasing complexity and usefulness.
The rotor of the motor is generally constituted by a magnet that is coupled to an appropriately shaped shaft and includes a circular plate with a perpendicular edge at the maximum diameter.
On the side of the plate that lies opposite the edge there is a seven-tooth gear, which is monolithic and concentric with respect to the plate and has a cylindrical end that has a small diameter. On the opposite side of the plate, within the edge, there is a cylindrical portion that is monolithic and concentric with respect to the plate and also has a cylindrical end that has a small diameter.
The magnet is constituted by a perforated disk, which is coupled to the shaft by arranging it on the circular plate between the edge and the inner cylindrical portion. In a second embodiment of the rotor, which is formed by co-molding, the shaft is formed around the magnet, constituted by a disk, by virtue of injection technology.
Manufacturing the rotor is complicated by the small dimensions of its components; drilling the magnet is in fact a rather complex operation that affects the overall cost of the rotor. Likewise, handling the magnet for co-molding requires a complex and expensive apparatus.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a rotor for step micromotors and a method for manufacturing it that overcome the drawbacks of the cited prior art.
An object of the invention is to provide a method that is economically advantageous. A further object of the invention is to provide a rotor manufacturing method that is quicker and simpler than those of the cited prior art.
A further object is to provide a method that requires less expensive and complicated equipment.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a rotor for step micromotors, as claimed in the appended claims.
This aim and these objects are also achieved by a method for manufacturing a rotor for step micromotors as claimed in the appended claims.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rotor for step micromotors according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotor according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a partially sectional side view of the rotor for step micromotors; Figure 4 is a sectional view, taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the rotor of the preceding figures;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotor for step micromotors according to another aspect of the invention;
Figure 7 is a side view, taken along a transverse sectional plane, of the rotor of Figure 6.
With reference to the cited figures, a rotor for step micromotors according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1 , includes a magnet 2 that is associated with a capsule 3 that forms the rotor shaft.
The magnet 2 is constituted by a disk that can be inserted in a cylindrical receptacle 4 formed in the capsule 3.
The receptacle 4 is formed in a cylindrical portion 6 that has an opening on its lateral surface; the opening is slightly narrower than the diameter of the magnet 2 andjts height matches the thickness of the magnet.
A concentric area 7 having a smaller diameter is provided on one base of the cylindrical portion 6, and a gear 8 protrudes from the area, is concentric with respect to the cylindrical portion 6 and has a pivot 9.
On the opposite face with respect to the gear 8, the cylindrical portion 6 has a concentric area 11 provided with an opposite pivot 12.
In order to insert the magnet 2 in the receptacle 4, it is necessary to apply a certain pressure, because the opening is narrower than the diameter of the magnet.
Lateral edges 14 and 15 of the opening undergo elastic deformation in order to allow the passage of the magnet; once the magnet has entered, they return to the initial position, providing a retention means that prevents the escape of the magnet from the receptacle. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 101 , which comprises a magnet 102 that is associated with a capsule 103.
This second embodiment of the rotor 101 is similar to the embodiment described above, except that the capsule 103 of the rotor 101 is provided with a hole 113 that is formed in the capsule at the receptacle 104 and in a position that is substantially diametrically opposite with respect to the opening.
As in the first embodiment, the receptacle 104 is formed in a cylindrical portion 106. The hole 113 cooperates with an abutment, not shown in the figures, for centering during the insertion of the magnet 102 in the receptacle. A concentric area 107 having a smaller diameter is provided on one base of the cylindrical portion 106, and a gear 108 protrudes from the area, is concentric to the cylindrical portion 106, and has a pivot 109.
On the base that lies opposite with respect to the gear 108, the cylindrical portion 106 has a concentric area 111 provided with an opposite pivot 112. In order to insert the magnet 102 in the receptacle 104 it is necessary to apply a certain pressure, since the opening is narrower than the diameter of the magnet.
The lateral edges of the opening undergo elastic deformation in order to allow the passage of the magnet; once the magnet has entered, they return to the initial position, providing a retention means that prevents the escape of the magnet from the receptacle. In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, a rotor for step micromotors having been provided which is economically advantageous and can be obtained with a manufacturing method that is cheaper than hitherto known systems.
In particular, in the method according to the invention it is no longer necessary to provide a hole in the magnet beforehand, this operation being onerous and difficult.
The rotor and the method for manufacturing it according to the invention are susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, within the scope of the appended claims. All the details may further be replaced with technically equivalent elements.
The materials used, as well as the dimensions, may of course be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Claims

1. A rotor for step micromotors, comprising a capsule that forms a shaft and a gear and is provided with a receptacle for a magnet, characterized in that it comprises at least one lateral opening that allows the insertion of said magnet in said receptacle and comprises a lateral retention means that retains said magnet inside said receptacle.
2. The rotor according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a hole that is formed in said capsule at said receptacle and in a position that is substantially diametrically opposite with respect to said opening.
3. The rotor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said lateral retention means comprises extended lateral edges of said cylindrical chamber that make said opening narrower.
4. A capsule for the rotor of a step micromotor, comprising a shaft and a gear and having a receptacle for a magnet, characterized in that it comprises at least one lateral opening that allows the insertion of said magnet in said receptacle and comprises a lateral retention means that retains said magnet within said receptacle.
5. The capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a hole that is formed at said receptacle and in a position that is substantially diametrically opposite with respect to said opening.
6. The capsule according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said lateral retention means comprises extended lateral edges of said cylindrical chamber that make said opening narrower.
7. A method for manufacturing a rotor for micromotors comprising the following steps: a first step for molding a capsule that comprises at least one receptacle provided with a lateral opening that comprises a lateral retention means; and a second step for inserting a magnet in said receptacle through said opening.
8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the insertion of said magnet in said receptacle occurs by elastic deformation of lateral edges of said receptacle that constitute said lateral retention means.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said insertion step comprises an operation for centering said capsule.
EP03785847A 2003-04-16 2003-12-17 Rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications, and method for manufacturing the rotor Withdrawn EP1614206A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI20030792 ITMI20030792A1 (en) 2003-04-16 2003-04-16 STEP BY STEP MICROMOTOR ROTOR FOR WATCHES
PCT/EP2003/014366 WO2004093293A1 (en) 2003-04-16 2003-12-17 Rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications, and method for manufacturing the rotor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1614206A1 true EP1614206A1 (en) 2006-01-11

Family

ID=33187371

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03785847A Withdrawn EP1614206A1 (en) 2003-04-16 2003-12-17 Rotor for step micromotors for watchmaking and other industrial applications, and method for manufacturing the rotor

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1614206A1 (en)
CN (1) CN1771645A (en)
AU (1) AU2003294874A1 (en)
IT (1) ITMI20030792A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004093293A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6169135B2 (en) * 2015-07-03 2017-07-26 三菱電機株式会社 Electric motor
WO2019203817A1 (en) * 2018-04-18 2019-10-24 Borgwarner Inc. Electric turbocharger magnet decoupling
US11283319B2 (en) 2019-11-11 2022-03-22 Infinitum Electric, Inc. Axial field rotary energy device with PCB stator having interleaved PCBS

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5448021A (en) * 1977-09-21 1979-04-16 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Rotor of pulse motor for clock
DE3612724A1 (en) * 1986-04-16 1987-10-29 Dieter Schick Magnetic rotor for a crystal clock mechanism, and an injection-moulding die for its production
JPH1068784A (en) * 1996-08-27 1998-03-10 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Rotor for clock pulse motor
FR2811820B1 (en) * 2000-07-13 2003-02-28 Isa France Sa ROTOR FOR MICRO-MOTOR

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004093293A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003294874A1 (en) 2004-11-04
WO2004093293A1 (en) 2004-10-28
CN1771645A (en) 2006-05-10
ITMI20030792A1 (en) 2004-10-17

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