Background Of The Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to static convergence assemblies for cathode ray
tubes (CRTs) and particularly to a static convergence assembly wherein a pluralty
of magnetic elements are maintained in fixed angular orientation relative to one another
and are independently adjustable with regard to distance from, and orientation with
respect to, the neck of a CRT.
[0002] In color television receivers, color images are produced on the screen of a CRT through
the combined use of three independent electron beams and an array of red, green and
blue phosphor dots on the screen surface. Color images of various hues are produced
through controlled independent illumination of the primary color phosphor dots. To
this end, color CRTs include a shadow mask which functions to assure that individual
phosphor dots will be illuminated only by those electrons which arrive from a particular
direction. Since the paths of the three electron beams generated within the tube are
different from one another, the CRT, when properly constructed and adjusted, can be
operated such that each beam illuminates only those phosphor dots of a particular
color. When each of the beams is modulated with appropriate information, a wide spectrum
of perceived colors can be displayed.
[0003] To generate the three electron beams, color CRTs are typically provided with three
electron guns arranged in either a straight "in-line" or triangular "delta" pattern.
Regardless of the pattern employed, proper operation of the CRT results when the three
electron beams are made to converge toward a single point on the shadow mask. To provide
such convergence, a variety of devices have been developed which seek to provide independant
control of the static position of each electron beam.
[0004] In one prior convergence device, a plurality of generally circular rings, carrying
a number of magnetic pole pairs, were disposed around the neck of the CRT. The rings
were grouped into pairs which could be independently rotated around the CRT neck in
unison or in opposition to one another. Although this convergence device was effective
in operation, it was difficult to construct and adjust and, therefore, had a detrimental
effect on manufacturing economy.
[0005] In another prior convergence device, a number of parallel, straight, ferrite rods,
each having a plurality of pole pairs formed thereon, were mounted in tangential orientation
relative to the neck of a CRT. Each of the rods was adjustable with respect to its
axial and rotational position such that beam convergence could be readily achieved.
Although this convergence device was considerably simpler in both operation and construction
than earlier devices, it nevertheless retained some complexity and thus offered room
for still further improvement.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved CRT static convergence assembly.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a CRT static convergence
assembly which is simple and economical to manufacture and adjust, and which provides
effective adjustment of beam convergence.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a CRT static convergence
assembly which is adaptable for use with both "in-line" and "delta" electron gun configurations.
Summary Of The Invention
[0009] A static convergency assembly for use with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) of the type having
an elongate neck of generally circular cross-section includes a magnet for developing
a magnetic field. The magnet includes a pair of spaced magnetic poles between which
a pole axis is defined. A mount is provided for positioning the magnet adjacent the
neck of the CRT such that the pole axis is oriented generally perpendicularly to a
selected radius extending radially therefrom. The mounting is such that the magnet
is rotatable around the selected radius and is adjustably positionable therealong.
When so mounted, the strength and orientation of the magnetic field developed within
the CRT neck by the magnet, can be adjusted.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0010] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth
with particularity in the apended claims. The invention, together with the further
objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures
of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
Figure 1 is an oblique rear perspective view of a static convergence assembly, constructed
in accordance with the invention, mounted on the neck of a CRT;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the static convergence assembly shown in Figure
1 taken along line 2-2 thereof;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the static convergence assembly shown in Figure
2 taken along line 3-3 thereof;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the static convergence assembly shown in Figure
3 taken along line 4-4 thereof;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the static convergence assembly shown in Figure
3 taken along line 5-5 thereof;
Figure 6 is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the static convergence
assembly, constructed in accordance with the invention, suitable for use with CRTs
having an "in-line" electron gun configuration;
Figure 7 is another alternate embodiment of the static convergence assembly suitable
for use with CRTs having an "in-line" electron gun configuration showing the addition
of a third converging magnet;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the static convergence
assembly shown in Figure 7 showing the magnetic field orientation which results when
a convergence magnet is positioned parallel to the axis of the CRT neck;
Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing the magnetic field orientation which
results when the convergence magnet shown therein is oriented perpendicularly to axis
of the CRT neck;
Figure 10 is a view similar to Figures 8 and 9 showing the magnetic field orientation
resulting when the convergence magnet shown therein is oriented obliquely to the axis
of the CRT neck.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment
[0011] Referring to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a static convergence
assembly 10 is shown mounted on the elongate neck 11 of a conventional television
cathode ray tube (CRT) 12. In accordance with conventional design, CRT 12 includes
a hollow glass envelope 13 which tapers from a generally planar viewing screen 14
toward neck 11. Color images are formed on viewing screen 14 by means of three electron
beams which are generated by an electron gun assembly 15 (Figure 3) located within
neck 11. A deflection yoke 16 encircles a portion of the CRT neck and functions, in
known manner, to magnetically deflect the electron beams horizontally and vertically
across viewing screen 14 to produce a display raster.
[0012] Red, green and blue phosphor dots are distributed over the interior surface of the
viewing screen, and a shadow mask (not shown), positioned adjacent the phosphor coating,
functions to assure that individual phosphor dots are illuminated by only one of the
three electron beams generated by electron gun 15. Proper color balance in the displayed
image is achieved when phosphor dots of a particular hue are illuminated by only one
of the three electron beams. This is achieved when the three beams converge such that
each strikes the shadow mask at the same point at all times during the raster scan.
Static convergence assembly 10 functions to magnetically deflect each electron beam
such that the desired convergence is obtained.
[0013] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, CRT neck 11 is of generally circular hollow cross-section.
Electron gun assembly 15 includes three individual electron guns 17, 18 and 19 which
are arranged in a triangular or "delta" pattern and which generate the electron beams
for illuminating the blue, green and red phosphor dots respectively. A plurality of
accelerating electrodes 20 and 21 are positioned immediately ahead of electron gun
assembly 15 and function to shape and modulate each of the electron beams with appropriate
video information. Static convergence assembly 10 is positioned on CRT neck 11 between
electron gun assembly 15 and viewing screen 14 as shown.
[0014] Static convergence assembly 10 is preferably molded of an electrically insulating,
nonmagnetic, semi-flexible material, such as nylon, and includes a collar portion
22 adapted to encircle a portion of the generally circular exterior of neck 11. Collar
22 extends substantially fully around the neck and terminates in a pair of outwardly
extending, substantially parallel, spaced flanges 23 and 24 through which a threaded
fastener, such as sheet metal screw 25, extends. The threaded shank 26 of screw 25
extends through a first aperture in flange 24 and engages a second aperture formed
in flange 23. Preferably, the first aperture is somewhat larger than the second such
that only flange 23 threadedly engages shank 26. Upon rotation of screw 25, flanges
23 and 24 are drawn closer together to lock the static convergence assembly in place.
[0015] Static convergence assembly 10 further includes a plurality of extension arms which
extend radially outwardly from collar 22. In the case of static convergence assemblies
intended for use with CRTs having a "delta" electron gun configuration, three extension
arms 27, 28 and 29 are provided at equal 120° spacing from one another as shown in
Figures 1 and 2. As further shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, each of the extension arms
is generally rectangular in shape and cross-section, and is integrally formed with
collar 22.
[0016] Static convergence assembly 10 further includes a plurality of elongate stems 30,
31 and 32 extending along extension arms 27, 28 and 29 in generally parallel alignment
therewith. As illustrated, each of the stems is of generally circular cross-section
and is longer than the extension arm along which it is positioned. Preferably, the
stems are formed of the same material as the collar.
[0017] Adjacent the outermost end of each extension arm, a generally cube-shaped block 33,
34 and 35 is formed. A circular passage 36 is formed through each block and extends
in a direction parallel to, and spaced from, the longitudinal axis of the associated
extension arm. A channel 37 is formed through the side face of each block such that
the block is of somewhat U-shaped cross-section as illustrated in Figure 4. The dimensions
of bore 36 and channel 37 are such that stems 30-32 are snugly received in their respective
blocks with the result that each can be moved to, and retained in, a selected rotational
and longitudinal position relative to its adjacent extension arm. As shown, for example,
by the arrow and phantom view of stem 32 in Figure 2, each stem is longitudinally
displaceable over a range along its associated extension arm.
[0018] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the innermost end of each stem 30-32
is provided with a magnetic field producing element such as permanent magnets 38,
39 and 40. Each magnet is of generally cylindrical form and has length substantially
equal to the diameter of the stem on which it is mounted. A pair of magnetic poles
are formed at opposite ends of each magnet and a pole axis 38a, 39a and 40a is defined
between each pole pair. Each magnet is mounted such that its pole axis is oriented
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of its associated stem, and is received in
a circular recess 41, 42 or 43 formed therethrough. A bevelled channel 44, 45 and
46 is formed in the end of each stem and extends into the adjacent recess as illustrated
to allow each permanent magnet to be pressed through the end of the stem and into
its recess. The bevelled shape of the channels 44-46 permits the magnets to be installed
at the time of manufacture through the simple expedient of pressing the stems downwardly
onto the magnets such that each magnet is forced into its respective recess. As shown
in Figure 2, the ends of each stem preferably extend slightly beyond the magnets and
are shaped to conform to the external shape of CRT neck 11.
[0019] In use, static convergence assembly 10 is positioned on CRT neck 11 such that each
of the extension arms extends along a radius defined by the central axis 47 of the
neck and one of the electron guns 17-19. Screw 25 is then tightened to lock the assembly
in the desired position. Next, the rotational and longitudinal position of each stem
30-32 is adjusted by displacing the stems along the directions shown by the arrows
in Figures 2 and 5. This has the effect of altering the strength and orientation of
the magnetic fields developed within CRT neck 11 by each of the permanent magnets
with the further effect that the paths of the electron beams developed by electron
guns 17-19 are varied. Because each permanent magnet is substantially closer to one
of the three electron beams than to the others, adjustment of a single stem will primarily
influence the position of the nearest beam. Accordingly, static convergence assembly
10 provides substantially independent adjustment of each of the three electron beams
and thereby simplifies the convergence adjustment. To further enhance the ease of
adjustment, the length of each stem is such that a convenient handle portion 48-50
projects beyond the ends of the extension arms even when each stem is pressed fully
toward CRT neck 11.
[0020] Figure 6 illustrates the static convergence assembly adapted for use with CRTs having
an "in-line" electron gun configuration. As shown, the electron guns 17, 18 and 19
of such a CRT are arranged in linear fashion along a diameter of CRT neck 11. The
static convergence assembly includes a collar 51 having a pair of extension arms 52
and 53 extending radially outwardly therefrom at 180° spacing from one another. Collar
51 and extension arms 52 and 53 are similar in construction to their counterparts
in the "delta" configuration embodiment shown in Figure 2. A pair of stems 54 and
55 are mounted along arms 52 and 53 in the manner previously described and carry permanent
magnets 56 and 57 at their ends adjacent CRT neck 11.
[0021] In use, collar 51 is positioned such that arms 52 and 53 are aligned with the electron
guns 17-19 as shown. When so positioned, permanent magnets 56 and 57 function to magnetically
deflect the electron beams, formed by electron guns 17 and 19 respectively, toward
the beam developed by the center electron gun 18. In most cases, the adjustment available
with the assembly shown in Figure 6 will be sufficient to achieve satisfactory beam
convergence.
[0022] In the event a further degree of adjustment is required, the static convergence assembly
illustrated in Figure 7 can be utilized. In this configuration, a third extension
arm 58 is provided opposite screw 25 and at an equal 90° circumferential spacing from
arms 52 and 53. a stem 59, which can be identical with the other stems shown and described,
extends along extension arm 58 and carries a permanent magnet 60 at its end nearest
CRT neck 11. The field produced by magnet 60 primarily influences the vertical position
of the beam developed by electron gun 18 and permits exact convergence to be achieved
in the event of slight miss alignment of the electron guns. The construction of the
assembly illustrated in Figure 7 is all other respects similar to that shown in Figure
2.
[0023] Figures 8, 9 and 10 show the magnet field orientations which result when one of the
stems (e.g. stem 30) is rotated. In Figure 8, the pole axis 38a of permanent magnet
38 is parallel to the axis 47 of CRT neck 11. Accordingly, the lines of force 61 of
the field produced by the magnet are substantially parallel to the path traveled by
the electrons in each of the electron beams. It is a well known physical property
that movement of a charged particle in a direction parallel to the field lines of
a static magnetic field will have no effect on the movement of the particle. Accordingly,
when the magnet is positioned as shown in Figure 8, the field it develops will have
little or no effect on the position of the beam on the CRT viewing screen.
[0024] In Figure 9, the magnet is positioned such that its pole axis 38a is oriented perpendicularly
to the axis 47 of the CRT neck. When so positioned, the magnetic field lines will
be substantially perpendicular to the path of the beam electrons and, accordingly,
each electron will experience a substantially vertically oriented force as it passes
through the magnetic field. This has the effect of deflecting the electron beam either
up or down on the viewing screen depending on the particular orientation of the magnet.
Rotation of the magnet through 180° will reverse the direction of beam deflection.
[0025] In Figure 10, the pole axis 38a of the permanent magnet is oriented at an angle with
respect to the axis of the CRT neck, and, thus, the magnetic field produced within
the neck will include parallel and perpendicular components. Beam deflection will
depend primarily on the strength of the perpendicular field component and will be
substantially unaffected by the parallel components. The angular position of the permanent
magnet with respect to the neck axis determines the relative strength of the perpendicular
field component and thus affects the degree to which the beam is deflected. Accordingly,
the degree of beam deflection can be varied through rotation of the appropriate stem.
It will be appreciated that displacing the stem away from the CRT neck will reduce
the effective magnetic field strength within the CRT neck and will also influence
the degree of beam deflection. It will also be appreciated that the rotational position
of the static convergence assembly itself on the CRT neck will influence the direction
of beam deflection and can be adjusted, when necessary, so as to achieve optimum beam
convergence.
[0026] Although a particular static convergence assembly construction has been shown and
described, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made thereto.
For example, while cylindrical permanent magnets have been shown, rectangular or square
magnets could be successfully employed. Furthermore, various means other than the
flanges 23, 24 and screw 25 can be employed for mounting the convergence assembly
to the CRT neck. Finally, the precise shapes of the various extension arms, collars
and stems is not critical.
[0027] While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will
be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim
in the apended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within
the true spirit and scope of the invention.
1. A cathode ray tube deflection system, comprising:
a cathode ray tube having an elongate neck and a screen for displaying a desired predetermined
picture;
an electron gun assembly contained within said neck and including an outer, an inner,
and another outer electron gun;
said electron guns being arranged in a generally linear fashion along a diameter of
said neck and providing, respectively, an outer, an inner, and another outer beam
of electrons, said electron beams, when undeflected generally defining a plane across
said neck;
first and second mounting means extending outwardly from said neck;
a first magnet carried by said first mounting means with the magnetic poles of said
first magnet in magnetic communication with one of said outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a first magnetic axis;
a second magnet carried by said second mounting means with the magnetic poles of said
second magnet in magnetic communication with one of said outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a second magnetic axis; and
whereby with adjustment of said mounting means the angles between said first and second
magnetic axes and said plane are adjustable to vary the deflection of said outer electron
beams, both within and out of said plane, by said first and second magnets.
2. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 1, said system further comprising
a collar portion releasably affixed around said elongate neck, said collar portion
including two extension arms extending radially outwardly from said neck, said first
and second mounting means being supported by said first and second extension arms,
respectively, and each of said mounting means being longitudinally and rotationally
adjustable relative to said extension arms.
3. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 2, wherein said extension arms
are spaced 180° apart from one another around said elongate neck.
4. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 2, wherein each of said extension
arms include a bore for receiving said mounting means therethrough whereby said mounting
means is rotationally and longitudinally slidable relative to said extension arms.
5. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claims 2 or 4, wherein said mounting
means each comprise an elongate stem, each said stem having a circular cross-section
and having a longitudinal extent greater than said extension arms such that a user-actuable
handle portion is formed beyond the outermost end of said extension arms.
6. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 2, wherein said magnets each comprise
generally cylindrical permanent magnets, and each of said mounting means include a
bore for receiving said magents therein.
7. A cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 6, wherein each of said mounting
means include a beveled channel opening into said bore whereby said magnets can be
pressed through said channel and into said bore.
8. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claims 1 or 3, wherein said first and
second mounting means lie substantially within said plane.
9. A cathode ray tube deflection system, comprising:
a cathode ray tube having an elongate neck and a screen for displaying a desired predetermined
picture;
an electron gun assembly contained within said neck and including an outer, an inner,
and another outer electron gun;
said electron guns being arranged in a generally linear fashion along a diameter of
said neck and providing, respectively, an outer, an inner, and another outer beam
of electrons, said electron beams, when undeflected generally defining a plane across
said neck;
a collar portion releasably affixed to said neck and including two extension arms,
said arms extending radially outwardly from said neck;
first and second elongate stems each said stem being adjustably held within each said
extension arm, said elongate stems each being rotationally and longitudinally adjustable
within each said extension arm;
a first magnet carried at an end of said first stem with the magnetic poles of said
first magnet in magnetic communication with one of said outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a first magnetic axis;
a second magent carried at an end of said second stem with the magnetic poles of said
second magnet in magnetic communication with one of said outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a second magnetic axis; and
whereby with adjustment of each of said stems the angle between said first and second
magnetic axes and said plane are adjustable to vary the deflection of said outer electron
beams, bother within and out of said plane, by said first and second magnets.
10. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 9, wherein said extension arms
each include a bore for receiving said elongate stems therethrough, said stems each
being rotationally and longitudinally slidable relative to each said extension arm.
11. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 9, wherein said magnets each comprise
generally cylindrical permanent magnets, and each of said stems include a bore adjacent
said one end for receiving said magnets therein
12. A cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 11, wherein said one end of each
of said stems include a beveled channel opening into said bore whereby said magnets
can be pressed through said end and into said bore.
13. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 9, wherein said first and second
stems lie substantially within said plane.
14. In a cathode ray tube deflection system inluding a cathode ray tube having an
elongate neck, an electron gun assembly contained within said neck and including three
electron guns arranged in a generally linear fashion and providing an outer, an inner,
and another outer beam of electrons which, when undeflected, generally define a plane,
and a static convergence assembly, said convergence assembly, comprising:
first and second mounting means extending outwardly from the neck;
a first magnet carried by said first mounting means with the magnetic poles of said
first magnet in magnetic communication with one of the outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a first magnetic axis;
a second magnet carried by said second mounting means with the magnetic poles of said
second magnet in magnetic communication with one of the outer electron beams, said
magnetic poles defining a second magnetic axis; and
whereby, with adjustment of said mounting means the angles between said first and
second magnetic axes and the plane are adjustable to vary the deflection of the outer
electron beams, both within and out of the plane, by said first and second magnets.
15. The static convergence assembly of claim 14, said assembly further comprising
a collar portion releasably attachable to the elongate neck of the cathode ray tube,
said collar portion including first and second extension arms extending radially outwardly
from and affixed to said collar portion, said first and second mounting means being
supported by said first and second extension arms, respectively, said mounting means
being rotationally and longitudinally adjustable relative to said extension arms.
16. The static convergence assembly of claim 15, wherein said extension arms spaced
180° apart from one another around said elongate neck.
17. The static convergence assembly of claims 14 or 15, wherein said first and second
mounting means lie substantially within the plane.
18. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 15, wherein each of said extension
arms include a bore for receiving said mounting means therethrough whereby said mounting
means are rotationally and longitudinally slidable relative to said extension arms.
19. The static convergence assembly of claims 15 or 18, wherein said mounting means
each comprise an elongate stem, each said stem having a circular cross-section and
having a longitudinal extent greater than said extension arms such that a user-actuable
handle portion is formed beyond the outermost end of said extension arms.
20. The static convergence assembly of claim 14, wherein said magnets each comprise
generally cylindrical permanent magnets, and said mounting means each include a bore
for receiving said magnets therein.
21. The static convergence assembly of claim 20, wherein each of said mounting means
include a beveled channel opening into said bore whereby said magnets can be pressed
through said channel and into said bore.
22. In a cathode ray tube deflection system including a cathode ray tube having an
elongate neck, an electron gun assembly contained within said neck and including three
electron guns arranged in a generally linear fashion and providing an outer, an inner,
and another outer beam of electrons which, when undeflected, generally define a plane,
and a static convergence assembly, said convergence assembly comprising:
a collar portion releasably attachable to the elongate neck of the cathode ray tube;
first and second extension arms, each extending radially outwardly from and affixed
to said collar, said extension arms spaced 180° apart from one another;
a first elongate stem positioned within said first extension arm, said first stem
being rotationally and longitudinally adjustable within said first extension arm;
a second elongate stem positioned within said second extension arm, said second stem
being rotationally and longitudinally movable within said second extension arm;
a first magnet retained within an end of said first stem with the magnetic poles of
said first magnet in magnetic communication with one of the outer electron beams,
said magnetic poles defining a first magnetic axis;
a second magnet retained within an end of said second stem with the magnetic poles
of said second magnet in magnetic communication with one of the outer electron beams,
said magnetic poles defining a second magnetic axis; and
whereby, with adjustment of each of said stems the angle between said first and second
magnetic axes and the plane are adjustable to vary the deflection of the outer electron
beams, both within and out of the plane, by said first and second magnets.
23. The static convergence assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second stems
lie substantially within the plane.
24. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 22, wherein said extension arms
each include a bore for receiving said elongate stems therethrough, said stems each
being rotationally and longitudinally slidable relative to each said extension arm.
25. The cathode ray tube deflection system of claim 22, wherein each said stem is
longer than each said extension arm such that a user-actuable hadle portion is formed
beyond the outermost end of each said extension arm.
26. The static convergence assembly of claim 22, wherein said magnets each comprise
generally cylindrical permanent magnets, and each of said stems include a bore adjacent
said one end for receiving said magnet therein.
27. The static convergence assembly of claim 26, wherein each of said stems include
a beveled channel opeing into said bore whereby said magnets can be pressed through
said channel and into said bore.