GB458063A - Improvements in electric clocks - Google Patents

Abstract

458,063. Electric clocks. STRAHM, A., 94, Rue du Parc, La Chaux - de - Fonds, MAEDER, S., 10, Rue Petit Bale, Tavannes, and FRIEDLI, G., Reconvilier, all in Switzerland. April 6, 1936, No. 10162. Convention date, Aug. 6, 1935. [Class 139] Relates to an electric clock of the type in which the regulator (balance 2) is periodically re-energized by electromagnetic means 14, 15, and the arbor 1 of the regulator carries (a) an actuator for driving the train to the clock hands, (b) one of the contacts 4, 5 for the circuit of the electromagnet 15, and (c) the armature 14 of the electromagnet. According to the present invention the actuator for the clock train is a spring 17 coiled round the arbor 1 of the regulator 2 and coacting with a ratchet wheel 20 parallel to the arbor 1 so that in one direction of the oscillation the spring drives the ratchet and in the reverse direction is compressed as it slides over the back of a ratchet tooth. A sleeve 18 with an axial slot 19 is forced over the arbor 1 and the open end of its bore 22 is closed by the armature 14 fast on the arbor. This bore houses the actuator spring 17, the end 16 of which projects through slot 19. In one direction of rotation the end 16 meets the radial face of a ratchet tooth and rotates the wheel 20 leading to the hands. In the reverse direction the end 16 moves down the slot 19 as it slides over the back face of a ratchet tooth and compresses the spring 17. The contact 5 is held down by a spring blade 6 and has an offset turned-up contact end 5a. In one direction of rotation the contact pin 4 on arbor 1 lifts the end 5a as it makes contact and wipes past. In the return direction, pin 4 just catches the tip of end 5a. This tip may be coated with insulation.