GB623646A - Impulse controlled escapement mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

623,646. Counting-apparatus. PRODUCTION INSTRUMENT CO. Sept. 11, 1946, No. 27310. Convention date, Sept. 28, 1945. [Class 106 (i)] [Also in Group XXIV] An escapement mechanism is shown applied to a counting apparatus subjected to electrical impulses from a source 25 and switch 26 which are indicated on number wheels 23. The drive shaft 13 of the apparatus is driven through an elastic coupling 12 from a shaft 11 and is itself coupled through a spring device 64 with an escapement element 80. This escapement element carries axially disposed pins 62, 63 (see also Fig. 3) alternately extending from side flanges 60, 61 to overlap. These pins are alternately engaged by radial pins 45 on a control member 44 which is supported on flexible diaphragms 35, 36 and is adapted to be pulled downwards against a spring 50 on the energization of a coil 34 carried thereby on closure of the switch 26, the coil 34 moving into the space 33 of an electromagnet 14, 15 energized by a source 31. On this downward movement of the control member 44 the pins 45 move from the full line position shown in Fig. 3, where they engage pins 62, to the dotted line position, which movement allows the escapement element 80 to rotate a small amount until the pins 63 engage the pins 45. On opening the switch 26, the member 44 is released to move upwards and move pins 45 from pins 63 back to pins 62, thus allowing another small rotary movement of the escapement element. Thus, impulses derived from opening and closing the switch 26 produce successive increments of rotation of the shaft 13 which is suitably geared to operate the counting discs 23.