GB1164728A - An Electrically Controlled Time Signal-Producing System - Google Patents

Abstract

1,164,728. Time switches; momentary-contact switches. FABRIQUE D'HORLOGERIE LA VEDETTE and JAZ S.A. 13 Oct., 1967 [25 Oct., 1966], No. 46883/67. Heading H1N. [Also in Division G3] A switch operated by a timepiece movement for energizing an electronic circuit to produce signals at predetermined times, e.g. for actuating an electromagnetic clock striking mechanism, comprises a shaft 66, Fig. 8, driven by the timepiece movement and carrying a cam 67 against which is urged by a spring 74 a pin 68 on a trigger 69 pivoted on a shaft 70 and carrying a switch contact 10. At predetermined intervals the cam 67 permits the pin 68 to fall abruptly so that the contact 10 engages the abler switch contact 11, on a resilient blade 72 so urged by a lateral projection 71 on the cam 67, when the latter is in a switch operating position, that the contact 11 can be engaged by the moving contact 10. The duration of each engagement of the contacts 10, 11 is predetermined by controlling the movement of the trigger 69 by means of a toothed sector 78 thereon which rotates a pinion 79 carrying a vane 80 retarded by air resistance, inertia, magnetic braking or other means. When the trigger 69 is raised from its lowermost position by the cam 67 the projection 71 no longer displaces the blade 72, and the contact 10 passes the contact 11 without engaging it. In an alternative construction the shaft 66, Fig. 10, carries a cam 83 having an outer section acting upon the pin 68 on the trigger 69 and an inner section against which is drawn by a spring 88 a projection 87 on a pivoted lever 84 carrying the contact 11. Before the trigger 69 is permitted to fall the cam 83 permits the lever 84 to turn anticlockwise so that when contact 10 moves it engages the contact 11; and before the trigger 69 is lifted from its lowest position the cam 83 rotates the lever 84 clockwise so that the contacts 10, 11 do not engage when the trigger 69 is raised. The fall of the trigger 69 is time controlled by an escapement comprising a balance 93, a return spring 98, and pallets 95, 96 cooperating with teeth 97 on the trigger 69. The switch can be rendered inoperative during desired periods by adjustment of a cam 114 driven by the timepiece movement and arranged to prevent falling of the trigger 69 during such periods.