US3834155A - Offset pallet lever for watch escapement - Google Patents

Offset pallet lever for watch escapement Download PDF

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Publication number
US3834155A
US3834155A US00443281A US44328174A US3834155A US 3834155 A US3834155 A US 3834155A US 00443281 A US00443281 A US 00443281A US 44328174 A US44328174 A US 44328174A US 3834155 A US3834155 A US 3834155A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
balance wheel
pallet
wheel
combination according
portions
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00443281A
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English (en)
Inventor
P Wuthrich
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.)
Timex Group USA Inc
Original Assignee
Timex Corp
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
Priority to US00443281A priority Critical patent/US3834155A/en
Application filed by Timex Corp filed Critical Timex Corp
Publication of US3834155A publication Critical patent/US3834155A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to GB5192874A priority patent/GB1445660A/en
Priority to AU76441/74A priority patent/AU484719B2/en
Priority to CA216,424A priority patent/CA1017954A/en
Priority to DE19752502403 priority patent/DE2502403A1/de
Priority to CH78875D priority patent/CH78875A4/xx
Priority to CH78875A priority patent/CH588106B5/xx
Priority to JP50016746A priority patent/JPS50116074A/ja
Priority to FR7505178A priority patent/FR2261560B1/fr
Priority to HK72/77A priority patent/HK7277A/xx
Assigned to CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE reassignment CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FREDERIKSPLEIN HOLDING 1970 B.V., TIMEX CLOCK COMPANY, A DE CORP., TIMEX COMPUTERS LTD., A DE CORP., TIMEX CORPORATION, A DE CORP., TIMEX ENTERPRISES, INC., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX GROUP LTD., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX MEDICAL PRODUCTS LTD., A BERMUDA CORP., TIMEX N.V.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B15/00—Escapements
    • G04B15/06—Free escapements
    • G04B15/08—Lever escapements

Definitions

  • the pallet lever is constructed so that it can be pivotably mounted on an axis that lies within the outer diameter of the balance wheel by means of an offset portion passing around the balance wheel.
  • the pallet lever is preferably an integral plastic member.
  • the designer wishes to be free to arrange the locations of escape wheel and balance wheel and to have the freedom to locate the pivot point of the interconnecting pallet lever wherever he wants in order to reach an optimum ratio of center distances, from escape wheel axis to pallet lever axis versus balance wheel axis to pallet lever axis. Should the pallet lever axis fall within the outer diameter of the balance wheel, the designer has, in the past, had two choices. He must either redesign the escapement so that the pivot points lie outside of the balance wheel axis, or he must locate the pivot points both on the same side of the balance wheel by utilizing a separate bridge member, as seen in exemplary U.S. Pats. Nos. 764,137Leonard (July 5, 1904); Cloux (Nov. 26, 1963); and 3,492,808-Wuthrich (Feb. 3, 1970).
  • the improved pallet lever of the present invention allows the designer to place the pivot point of the pallet lever inside the outer diameter of the oscillating balance wheel and offers other improved features, as well, when it is manufactured in the preferred embodiment from a single plastic piece.
  • the invention comprises an improved pallet lever having a pair of pallet arms and a forked impulse arm and having a first portion pivotably mounted on one side of the balance wheel, an offset axial portion passing outside of the balance wheel diameter, and a third portion connected to the offset portion and providing the second pivotable mounting on the opposite side of the balance wheel.
  • the afore-said three portions are part of a single molding of wear-resistant plastic.
  • one object of the present invention is to provide an improved pallet lever construction which is economical to manufacture as a plastic member.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an im proved pallet lever construction which offers greater flexibility to the designer in locating-the pallet lever pivot axis.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an escapement mechanism
  • FIG. 2 is an elevation view, in section, and with pertinent portions rotated into the plane of the drawing.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawing portions of a conventional escape wheel are shown at l with teeth 2 formed to provide the usual functions, as set forth in the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,146,581, which is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, however, the teeth 2 are provided with special banking surfaces 3 and inclined impulse faces 4. The escape wheel is urged in the direction indicated by the arrow by a gear train and spring mechanism (not shown).
  • a conventional oscillating balance wheel is shown at 5 with an inner hub 6 and outer rim 7 connected by spokes 8.
  • Hub 6 is mounted on a balance staff 9 having an integral safety roller 10 with indented portion 10a. Also projecting axially from hub 6 is a roller pin 11 (See FIG. 2).
  • the improved pallet lever which is the subject of the present invention, is seen to comprise a first portion 12 pivotably mounted on the top side of the balance wheel at an axis 13 lying inside the outer diameter of rim 7 of the balance wheel.
  • This first portion includes a pair of pallet arms 14, 15 with pallets 16, 17 formed integrally therewith. Pallets 16, 17 have inclined impulse faces 16a, which alternately cooperate with impulse faces 4 of the escapement teeth.
  • the first pallet lever portion 12 also has an impulse arm 18 with a flat section 18a terminating in a conventional forked end 19 arranged to cooperate with the roller pin 11.
  • Impulse arm 18 also has an integral rib 18b terminating in a projection 20 which cooperates with the indentation 10a in the conventional manner.
  • the pallet lever has a second offset axially extending portion 21 which is preferably molded as an integral hollow column depending from one of the pallet arms 15. This is better seen by reference to FIG. 2 which is a developed or rotated projection giving some distortion of the shape of the parts, but illustrating the method of operation.
  • the escape wheel 1, balance wheel 5, and pallet lever 12 are all pivotably mounted between opposed plate members, here frame plate 22 and bridge member 23. Escape wheel 1 is carried on shaft 24 via journal bearings 25.
  • the balance wheel staff 9 oscillates in v-shaped jewel bearings 26, oscillatory counterforce being provided by the conventional hairspring 27.
  • the pallet lever also includes a third portion 28 which extends from the offset portion 21 under rim 7 on the opposite side of the balance wheel.
  • a steel pin 29 provides a first pivotal mounting by extending from frame 22 into an aperture 30 in the portion 28 of the pallet lever.
  • a coaxial pin 31, extending from the bridge 23 into a recess 32 in the upper portion 12 of the pallet lever, provides a second pivotal mounting.
  • the balance wheel 5 oscillates through v the combined action of the hairspring 27 and periodic impulses imparted to the roller pin 11 by impulse arm 18 of the pallet lever.
  • the escape wheel 1 is periodically released by, and provides driving impulses to, the pallet arms.
  • the pallet lever oscillates in the normal manner about axis 13.
  • the two co-axial pins 29, 31 about which it pivots can be'located within the effective outer diameter of balance wheel 5, i.e.', within the outer diameter of rim 7 or any projections therefrom.
  • the term outer diameter as used herein means the diameter of the outer reachof any oscillating portions of the balance wheel.
  • first, second and third portions of the pallet lever be all molded of a single plastic member
  • metal plate members for portions 12 and 28 connected by a separate offset portion 21.
  • the pallet lever is made up of separate pieces.
  • integral plastic lever with hollow column is the preferred embodiment of the invention, is very rigid and provides an outstanding construction when molded from a single piece of wear-resistant plastic such as acetal glass-filled plastic. Also the use of integral pallets on the pallet arms using the aforesaid plastic material, provides a very economical pallet lever construction, by eliminating the usual jewels or pins. It is desired to cover in the appended claims all modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
  • An escapement for a horological device having a toothed escape wheel, an oscillatory balance wheel with portions oscillating through an arc with an outer diameter and a pivotable pallet lever periodically connected therebetween to controllably release the escape wheel by means of a pair of pallet arms and provide driving impulses to the balance wheel by means of an impulse arm,
  • said pallet lever comprising a first portion pivotably mounted on one side of the balance wheel within said outer diameter thereof, a second offset portion extending axially outside the outer diameter of the balance wheel, and a third portion pivotably mounted on the opposite side of the balance wheel from said first portion, said first, second, and third portions connected to provide a pallet lever with pivot points inside the outer diameter of the balance wheel and on opposite sides thereof.
  • said first portion includes said pair of pallet arms and wherein said offset portion depends from one of said pallet arms.
  • said first portion includes an impulse arm comprising a plastic member with a flat section terminating in a fork and an integral rib terminating in a projection, said fork and projection being adapted for cooperative association with portions of the balance wheel.
  • said first portion includes an impulse arm comprising a flat section terminating in a fork and an integral rib section terminating in a projection, said fork and projection being adapted for cooperation with parts of the balance wheel.
  • said first portion further includes pallet arms having projecting integral pallets adapted to cooperate with the teeth of said escape wheel.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Gears, Cams (AREA)
US00443281A 1974-02-19 1974-02-19 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement Expired - Lifetime US3834155A (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00443281A US3834155A (en) 1974-02-19 1974-02-19 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement
GB5192874A GB1445660A (en) 1974-02-19 1974-11-29 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement
AU76441/74A AU484719B2 (en) 1974-02-19 1974-12-16 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement
CA216,424A CA1017954A (en) 1974-02-19 1974-12-19 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement
DE19752502403 DE2502403A1 (de) 1974-02-19 1975-01-22 Ankerhemmung
CH78875D CH78875A4 (xx) 1974-02-19 1975-01-23
CH78875A CH588106B5 (xx) 1974-02-19 1975-01-23
JP50016746A JPS50116074A (xx) 1974-02-19 1975-02-08
FR7505178A FR2261560B1 (xx) 1974-02-19 1975-02-19
HK72/77A HK7277A (en) 1974-02-19 1977-02-03 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00443281A US3834155A (en) 1974-02-19 1974-02-19 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3834155A true US3834155A (en) 1974-09-10

Family

ID=23760164

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00443281A Expired - Lifetime US3834155A (en) 1974-02-19 1974-02-19 Offset pallet lever for watch escapement

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US3834155A (xx)
JP (1) JPS50116074A (xx)
CA (1) CA1017954A (xx)
CH (2) CH78875A4 (xx)
DE (1) DE2502403A1 (xx)
FR (1) FR2261560B1 (xx)
GB (1) GB1445660A (xx)
HK (1) HK7277A (xx)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4008565A (en) * 1975-08-20 1977-02-22 Ebauches S.A. Timepiece having an oscillating regulating member
US4122665A (en) * 1975-08-05 1978-10-31 Eta A.G. Ebauches-Fabrik Method of manufacturing a pallet lever and pallet lever made by this method
US20100208555A1 (en) * 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 Hiraoka Masashi Escapement governor, mechanical watch, pallet fork (incomplete) manufacturing method, and roller manufacturing method
CN101711378B (zh) * 2007-05-30 2012-03-14 奥米加股份有限公司 用于钟表的叉瓦式擒纵机构
US20120307601A1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2012-12-06 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Impact-proof timepiece escapement
US20140376337A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2014-12-25 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Timepiece assembly with overmoulded wheel sets
US20190278227A1 (en) * 2016-11-23 2019-09-12 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Rotating resonator with flexure bearing maintained by a detached lever escapement
EP4246245A1 (en) * 2022-03-18 2023-09-20 Flexous Mechanisms IP B.V. Movement for a watch

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1255852A (fr) * 1960-05-02 1961-03-10 Langendorf Watch Co Perfectionnements apportés aux montres électriques à ancre
CH371999A (de) * 1959-10-01 1963-05-31 Junghans Geb Ag Schaltgetriebe für einen elektrisch angetriebenen Drehschwinger in einer Uhr
US3111807A (en) * 1961-05-18 1963-11-26 Ebauches Sa Electric clock or watch having an oscilatory regulator
US3425212A (en) * 1967-05-12 1969-02-04 Gen Time Corp Quiet clockwork escapement
US3492808A (en) * 1968-01-23 1970-02-03 Us Time Corp The Watch construction with spacer block as assembly aid

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH371999A (de) * 1959-10-01 1963-05-31 Junghans Geb Ag Schaltgetriebe für einen elektrisch angetriebenen Drehschwinger in einer Uhr
FR1255852A (fr) * 1960-05-02 1961-03-10 Langendorf Watch Co Perfectionnements apportés aux montres électriques à ancre
US3111807A (en) * 1961-05-18 1963-11-26 Ebauches Sa Electric clock or watch having an oscilatory regulator
US3425212A (en) * 1967-05-12 1969-02-04 Gen Time Corp Quiet clockwork escapement
US3492808A (en) * 1968-01-23 1970-02-03 Us Time Corp The Watch construction with spacer block as assembly aid

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4122665A (en) * 1975-08-05 1978-10-31 Eta A.G. Ebauches-Fabrik Method of manufacturing a pallet lever and pallet lever made by this method
US4008565A (en) * 1975-08-20 1977-02-22 Ebauches S.A. Timepiece having an oscillating regulating member
CN101711378B (zh) * 2007-05-30 2012-03-14 奥米加股份有限公司 用于钟表的叉瓦式擒纵机构
US20100208555A1 (en) * 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 Hiraoka Masashi Escapement governor, mechanical watch, pallet fork (incomplete) manufacturing method, and roller manufacturing method
US8591101B2 (en) * 2009-02-17 2013-11-26 Seiko Instruments Escapement governor, mechanical watch, pallet fork (incomplete) manufacturing method, and roller manufacturing method
US20120307601A1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2012-12-06 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Impact-proof timepiece escapement
US8757869B2 (en) * 2010-04-01 2014-06-24 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Impact-proof timepiece escapement
US20140376337A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2014-12-25 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Timepiece assembly with overmoulded wheel sets
US20190278227A1 (en) * 2016-11-23 2019-09-12 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Rotating resonator with flexure bearing maintained by a detached lever escapement
US11520289B2 (en) * 2016-11-23 2022-12-06 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Rotating resonator with flexure bearing maintained by a detached lever escapement
EP4246245A1 (en) * 2022-03-18 2023-09-20 Flexous Mechanisms IP B.V. Movement for a watch
WO2023175194A1 (en) 2022-03-18 2023-09-21 Flexous Mechanisms Ip B.V. Movement for a watch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1017954A (en) 1977-09-27
HK7277A (en) 1977-02-11
CH78875A4 (xx) 1976-11-30
GB1445660A (en) 1976-08-11
FR2261560A1 (xx) 1975-09-12
DE2502403A1 (de) 1975-08-21
CH588106B5 (xx) 1977-05-31
AU7644174A (en) 1976-06-17
JPS50116074A (xx) 1975-09-11
FR2261560B1 (xx) 1979-06-22

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., THE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TIMEX CORPORATION, A DE CORP.;TIMEX COMPUTERS LTD., A DE CORP.;TIMEX CLOCK COMPANY, A DE CORP.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:004181/0596

Effective date: 19830331