A ball clock

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of science popularization exhibits, in particular to a rolling ball clock. The present application comprises a timing guide rail in inclined distribution, which is arranged in at least two layers from top to bottom. Each layer of the timing guide rail is provided with a timing groove and a next guide groove. The timing groove is used to store a plurality of timing balls to represent the number of time units of the current layer. When the timing groove of the current layer is full, the timing balls are deviated to the next guide groove and transported to the timing groove of the next layer through the next channel. Then, the timing groove of the current layer releases all the timing balls. The rolling ball clock further comprises a conveying assembly for continuously supplying timing balls to the timing groove of the uppermost layer with the same time difference. The present application has a reasonable structure and precise and reliable action, so as to effectively stimulate the public interest in science and finally achieve the effect of enlightening science.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of science popularization exhibits, specifically a rolling ball clock. Background Technology

[0002] Science exhibits are scientifically accurate and engaging, presenting scientific knowledge in a vivid and illustrative way. They are often displayed in science museums and educational centers, and through permanent and temporary exhibitions, using participatory, experiential, and interactive exhibits and supplementary display methods, the aim is to stimulate scientific interest and inspire scientific concepts, thereby providing science education to the public.

[0003] The display of timekeeping exhibits helps the public appreciate the value of time. However, most existing timekeeping demonstration devices simply enlarge existing clocks and watches for display. For example, the document titled "A Clock and Watch Science Demonstration Device" in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN211928899U describes a simulated mechanical clock with its internal mechanical mechanism displayed through transparent acrylic. Because this type of timekeeping structure is relatively conventional in existing technology, the public's desire to explore it is relatively low, and its effect on stimulating public scientific interest and inspiring scientific understanding is generally limited. In contrast, there are many different methods of timekeeping, such as water droplet timekeeping and hourglass timekeeping. Clearly, the development of timekeeping devices that differentiate themselves from common timekeeping structures would be more effective in stimulating public scientific interest and inspiring scientific understanding, and therefore urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to avoid and overcome the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a rolling ball clock with a reasonable structure and accurate and reliable operation, which can effectively stimulate public scientific interest and ultimately achieve the effect of enlightening science.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A rolling ball clock includes a timing rail arranged at an angle, which is configured as at least two layers arranged from top to bottom. Each layer of the timing rail is provided with a timing slot and an advancement slot. The timing slot is used to store a number of timing balls to represent the number of time units in the current layer. When the timing slot of the current layer is full, the timing balls are yawed toward the advancement slot and conveyed to the adjacent lower-layer timing slot through the advancement channel. After that, the timing slot of the current layer releases all the timing balls. The rolling ball clock also includes a conveying component for continuously supplying timing balls to the uppermost timing slot at the same time difference.

[0007] As a further aspect of the present invention: the timing slot is constrained within the timing slot by a ball-blocking component, and a release component is provided on the advanced guide groove to maintain the constrained state of the ball-blocking component. When the timing ball slides in the advanced guide groove and collides with the release component, the constrained state of the ball-blocking component on the timing ball is released and all timing balls are released. After that, the ball-blocking component and the release component are reset.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the timing guide rail is provided with a ball-inlet guide groove, and the timing ball is transported to the timing slot or the advanced guide groove through the ball-inlet guide groove. The end of the ball-inlet guide groove is adjacent to the starting end of the timing slot and the advanced guide groove, and the end of the ball-inlet guide groove is offset towards the starting end of the timing slot, so as to preferentially guide the timing ball into the timing slot. After the timing slot is fully loaded, due to the obstruction of the last timing ball, the new timing ball collides with the last timing ball and is deflected into the advanced guide groove by force.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the timing guide rails are arranged in a spiral shape, the upper progressive guide grooves are connected to the adjacent lower ball-collecting guide grooves through progressive channels, the rolling ball clock also includes a ball-receiving guide rail for supplying timing balls to the conveying component, the lowest progressive guide grooves are connected to the ball-receiving guide rails through progressive channels, and after all the timing balls in the timing grooves are released, they are retrieved to the ball-receiving guide rails through the return ball guide rails.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the ball-blocking component and the release component are both axially coupled on the timing guide rail, and the two rotating shafts are both horizontally arranged and perpendicular to the length direction of the timing slot and the advanced guide slot, respectively. The release component includes a release push rod that collides with the timing ball and drives the release component to rotate. The release component also includes a hook for hooking the ball-blocking component and preventing the ball-blocking component from rotating. The ball-blocking component includes a stop bar for restraining the rolling of the timing ball. The ball-blocking component also includes a hanging post that is hooked by the hook to prevent the ball-blocking component from rotating.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the ball clock also includes a reset component that pushes the ball stopper to reset. The interval between the transmission component conveying two timing balls to the timing slot is one time period. The transmission component generates a driving action to drive the reset component to reset once within one time period. The tripping component is automatically reset by its own gravity.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the timing guide rail, the ball receiving guide rail, and the conveying assembly are all fixed on the main support. The main support is provided with a groove for positioning the sliding direction of the reset component. A double-section connecting rod is hinged on the main support. One end of the double-section connecting rod is rotatably engaged with the main support, and the other end of the double-section connecting rod is fixed with a protruding tongue. The conveying assembly is provided with a pressure tongue that rotates once within a time period. The pressure tongue abuts against the protruding tongue, which drives the double-section connecting rod and pushes the reset component to produce a sliding action.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the conveying assembly includes a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear whose axes are horizontally distributed and mesh with each other. The front ends of the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear are provided with positioning rails at intervals to form a ball feeding channel for the movement of the timing ball between the first transmission gear, the second transmission gear and the positioning rails. The first transmission gear is provided with an eccentric upper ball through hole, which is used to receive the timing ball and send the timing ball into the ball feeding channel, and push the timing ball upward. The second transmission gear is provided with a transmission fork that takes over from the upper ball through hole to push the timing ball upward, and the transmission fork conveys the timing ball to the timing guide rail.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: the diameter of the upper ball through hole increases sequentially along its axis towards the ball feeding channel, so as to constrain the timing ball in the ball feeding channel through the inclined inner wall of the upper ball through hole.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the transmission assembly further includes a motor gear set for driving the first transmission gear to rotate.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] 1. The timing guide rail has at least two layers arranged from top to bottom. Each layer's timing slot contains timing balls that represent only the current layer's time units. The reading from each layer's timing slot indicates the current time. A conveying component continuously supplies timing balls to the top-level timing slot at equal time differences. Specifically, the time difference corresponds to the unit time represented by the top-level timing balls. When the current layer's timing slot is full, an advancement guide slides advance one timing ball to the adjacent lower-level timing slot. This allows for adding one time unit to the adjacent lower layer after each time cycle in the current layer. For example, if one timing ball in the current layer represents a second, and one timing ball in the adjacent lower layer represents a minute, then after a 60-second time cycle in the current layer, one minute is added to the adjacent lower layer; or if one timing ball in the current layer represents a minute, and one timing ball in the adjacent lower layer represents an hour, then after a 60-minute time cycle in the current layer, one hour is added to the adjacent lower layer; or if one timing ball in the current layer represents a minute, and one timing ball in the adjacent lower layer represents 10 minutes, then after a 10-minute cycle in the current layer, 10 minutes are added to the next lower layer, and so on. This rolling ball clock has a reasonable structure and precise and reliable operation, which can effectively stimulate public interest in science and ultimately achieve the effect of enlightening science.

[0018] 2. The timing balls in the timing slot are constrained by a ball-stopping component, and the ball-stopping component is constrained by a release component. When the timing slot is full, the timing balls yaw into the advanced guide slot and collide with the release component, releasing the constraint on the ball-stopping component. This, in turn, releases the constraint on the timing balls by the ball-stopping component, allowing all timing balls to be released when the current timing slot is full. The mechanical constraint and release method for the timing balls ensures stable and reliable operation, avoiding problems such as misjudgment or misoperation caused by electrical control equipment failure.

[0019] 3. The timing ball is conveyed to the timing slot or the advanced guide slot through the ball-inlet guide groove. The end of the ball-inlet guide groove is adjacent to the beginning of the timing slot and the advanced guide slot, and the end of the ball-inlet guide groove is offset towards the beginning of the timing slot to preferentially guide the timing ball into the timing slot. After the timing slot is fully loaded, due to the obstruction of the last timing ball, the new timing ball collides with the last timing ball and is yawed into the advanced guide slot by the force. This yaw action relies on the mechanical cooperation between the ball-inlet guide groove and the timing slot and the advanced guide slot. The action is stable and reliable, avoiding problems such as misjudgment or misoperation caused by the failure of the electrical control equipment.

[0020] 4. The timing balls in the timing slot and the lowest advanced guide rail are retrieved through the return ball guide rail, thereby cyclically supplying timing balls to the transmission component through the return ball track, ensuring the sustainability of the rolling ball clock's timing operation.

[0021] 5. The release mechanism adopts the form of hooking the ball stop to the hanging post, which provides stable constraint on the ball stop and facilitates the release mechanism from the constraint on the ball stop and the reset of the constraint on the ball stop.

[0022] 6. The trip unit automatically resets, and the transmission component generates an upward driving action of the drive reset unit within a time cycle, thereby resetting the trip unit through the reset unit, ensuring that the trip unit can quickly reset and constrain the next timing ball after releasing all timing balls.

[0023] 7. A pressure tongue that rotates one revolution within a time period is set on the conveying component. The pressure tongue abuts against the convex tongue, pushing the double-section connecting rod to rotate, thereby driving the reset component to slide upward. By associating the upward sliding of the reset component with the conveying component, the stability and reliability of the reset process are ensured.

[0024] 8. The timing ball is driven by alternating first and second transmission gears. This gear meshing method ensures a stable mechanical structure, accurate timing, and high reliability. Furthermore, the mechanical cooperation between the transmission gears and the positioning track further showcases the ingenuity of the mechanical structure, effectively stimulating public scientific interest and ultimately achieving the effect of inspiring scientific understanding. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball-blocking component releasing the timing ball in this invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball-blocking component constraining the timing ball in this invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ball-blocking component in this invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the release mechanism in this invention.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view structure of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a right-side cross-sectional view of the first transmission gear in this invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 10. Timing guide rail; 11. Goal guide groove; 12. Advanced guide groove; 13. Timing slot; 14. Advanced channel; 20. Timing ball; 30. Ball stopper; 31. Stop bar; 32. Hanging post; 40. Release mechanism; 41. Hook; 42. Release push rod; 50. Transmission assembly; 51. Motor gear set; 52. First transmission gear; 521. Upper ball through hole; 522. Pressure tongue; 53. Positioning rail; 54. Second transmission gear; 541. Transmission fork; 60. Ball return guide rail; 70. Reset mechanism; 71. Double-section connecting rod; 711. Protruding tongue; 80. Main support; 81. Slide groove; 90. Return ball guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] For ease of understanding, the specific structure and operation of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0039] The specific structure of this invention is as follows: Figure 1-11 As shown, its main structure includes a timing guide rail 10, which is configured as at least two layers distributed from top to bottom. Each layer of the timing guide rail 10 is provided with a timing slot 13, which is used to store a number of timing balls 20 to indicate the number of time units of the current layer.

[0040] Specifically, by changing the number of layers of the timing guide 10 or the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in different timing slots 13, and by changing both the number of layers of the timing guide 10 and the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in different timing slots 13, the timing method of this rolling ball clock can be implemented in the following ways:

[0041] In Example 1, the timing rail 10 has three layers arranged from top to bottom. The maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the top layer timing slot 13 is nine, the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the middle layer timing slot 13 is five, and the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the bottom layer timing slot 13 is eleven. In this case, the number of timing balls 20 in the top layer timing slot 13 represents the units digit of the current minute, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle layer timing slot 13 represents the tens digit of the current minute, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottom layer timing slot 13 represents the hour in a twelve-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the top layer timing slot 13 is eight, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle layer timing slot 13 is three, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottom layer timing slot 13 is four hours and thirty-eight minutes.

[0042] Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the bottommost timing slot 13 is twenty-three. The number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 represents the hour of the current time in the 24-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the topmost timing slot 13 is eight, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle timing slot 13 is three, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 is fourteen, then the current time is 14:38.

[0043] In Example 3, the timing rail 10 has three layers arranged from top to bottom. The maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the top layer timing slot 13 is 59, the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the middle layer timing slot 13 is 59, and the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the bottom layer timing slot 13 is 11. In this case, the number of timing balls 20 in the top layer timing slot 13 represents the seconds of the current time, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle layer timing slot 13 represents the minutes of the current time, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottom layer timing slot 13 represents the hours of the current time in a twelve-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the top layer timing slot 13 is eight, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle layer timing slot 13 is three, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottom layer timing slot 13 is four, then the current time is 4:03:08.

[0044] Example 4 differs from Example 3 in that the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the bottommost timing slot 13 is twenty-three. The number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 represents the hour of the current time in the 24-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the topmost timing slot 13 is eight, the number of timing balls 20 in the middle timing slot 13 is three, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 is fourteen, then the current time is 14 hours, 3 minutes, and 8 seconds.

[0045] In Example 5, the timing guide 10 has four layers arranged from top to bottom. The maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the topmost timing slot 13 is fifty-nine, the maximum number in the second layer is nine, the maximum number in the third layer is five, and the maximum number in the bottommost layer is eleven. In this case, the number of timing balls 20 in the topmost slot 13 represents the seconds of the current time, the number in the second layer represents the units digit of the minutes, the number in the third layer represents the tens digit of the minutes, and the number in the bottommost slot represents the hours in a twelve-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the topmost timing slot 13 is eight, the number of timing balls 20 in the second timing slot 13 is three, the number of timing balls 20 in the third timing slot 13 is four, and the number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 is four, then the current time is 4:43 and 8 seconds.

[0046] In Example 6, unlike Example 5, the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the bottommost timing slot 13 is twenty-three. The number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 represents the hour of the current time in the 24-hour clock system. For example, if the topmost timing slot 13 contains eight timing balls 20, the second timing slot 13 contains three timing balls 20, the third timing slot 13 contains four timing balls 20, and the bottommost timing slot 13 contains fourteen timing balls 20, then the current time is 14 hours, 43 minutes, and 8 seconds.

[0047] In Example 7, the timing rail 10 has two layers arranged from top to bottom. The upper timing slot 13 holds a maximum of 59 timing balls 20, while the lower timing slot 13 holds a maximum of 11 timing balls 20. In this case, the number of timing balls 20 in the upper timing slot 13 represents the minutes of the current time, and the number of timing balls 20 in the lower timing slot 13 represents the hours of the current time in a 12-hour clock system. For example, if the upper timing slot 13 contains eight timing balls 20 and the lower timing slot 13 contains four timing balls 20, the current time is 4:08.

[0048] In Example 8, unlike Example 7, the maximum number of timing balls 20 stored in the lower timing slot 13 is twenty-three. The number of timing balls 20 in the bottommost timing slot 13 represents the hour of the current time in the 24-hour clock system. For example, if the number of timing balls 20 in the upper timing slot 13 is eight and the number of timing balls 20 in the lower timing slot 13 is fourteen, then the current time is 14:08.

[0049] In addition, in specific implementation, counting scales can be evenly distributed on the timing guide rail 10 along the length of the timing slot 13. The corresponding scale numbers correspond to the number of timing balls 20 in the timing slot 13, so as to quickly determine the number of timing balls 20 in the timing slot 13 based on the scale numbers corresponding to the last timing ball 20.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, each layer of timing guide rail 10 is provided with an advanced guide groove 12. After the current layer timing groove 13 is full, the timing ball 20 veers towards the advanced guide groove 12 and is transported to the adjacent lower layer timing groove 13 through the advanced channel 14. After that, the current layer timing groove 13 releases all the timing balls 20. The rolling ball clock also includes a transmission component 50 that continuously supplies timing balls 20 to the uppermost timing groove 13 at equal time differences.

[0051] Taking Example 1 as an example, the timing process of this rolling ball clock is as follows: the timing ball 20 is continuously transported to the uppermost timing slot 13 by the transmission component 50 with equal time differences. This time difference corresponds to the time unit of the timing ball 20 in the uppermost timing slot 13, such as one minute in Example 1 and one second in Example 5. Assuming the current time is 0:00, the transmission component 50 transports one timing ball 20 to the uppermost timing slot 13 every minute, thus adding one timing ball 20 to the uppermost timing slot 13 every minute. When the uppermost timing slot 13 is full, it means that the current time is 0:09. After another minute, the transmission component 50 transports another timing ball 20 to the timing slot 13. At this time, the timing ball 20 deflects towards the advanced guide 12 and is transported to the adjacent lower timing slot 13 through the advanced channel 14, and all the timing balls 20 are released from the uppermost timing slot 13. At this time, there is no timing ball 20 in the top timing slot 13, one timing ball 20 in the middle timing slot 13, and no timing ball 20 in the bottom timing slot 13. According to the timing representation method of Embodiment 1, the current time is: 0:10. Similarly, the above process is repeated until the top and middle timing slots 13 are full, which indicates that the current time is: 0:59. Then, one minute later, the transmission component 50 delivers another timing ball 20 to the uppermost timing slot 13. At this time, the timing ball 20 yaws and is delivered to the middle timing slot 13 via the advancement channel 14. Since the middle timing slot 13 is also full, the timing ball 20 yaws again and is delivered to the lowermost timing slot 13 via the advancement channel 14. At this time, the uppermost timing slot 13 and the middle timing slot 13 release all the timing balls 20. The distribution of timing balls 20 in different timing slots 13 is as follows: there are no timing balls 20 in the uppermost and middle timing slots 13, and there is one timing ball 20 in the lowermost timing slot 13, which means that the current time is 1 hour and 0 minutes. Similarly, the above process is repeated until the top, middle, and bottom timing slots 13 are all full, indicating the current time is 11:59. One minute later, the conveying component 50 sends another timing ball 20 to the top timing slot 13. At this point, since all timing slots 13 are full, the timing ball 20 continues to yaw and roll downwards, and all timing slots 13 release all timing balls 20, leaving no timing balls 20 in any of the timing slots 13. This completes one cycle of the twelve-hour clock. This rolling ball clock has a reasonable structure and precise and reliable operation, effectively stimulating public scientific interest and ultimately achieving the effect of enlightening science.

[0052] Specifically, the working principle of how the timing ball 20 yaws towards the advanced guide slot 12 after the timing slot 13 is full, and how the timing slot 13 releases all the timing balls 20 thereafter, will be explained below.

[0053] Regarding how the timing ball 20 yaws towards the advanced guide slot 12, such as Figure 2 As shown, the timing guide rail 10 is provided with a ball-in guide groove 11. The timing ball 20 is conveyed to the timing slot 13 or the advanced guide groove 12 through the ball-in guide groove 11. The end of the ball-in guide groove 11 is adjacent to the starting end of the timing slot 13 and the advanced guide groove 12, so as to ensure that the ball-in guide groove 11 can guide the timing ball 20 into the timing slot 13 and the advanced guide groove 12 respectively. Since the end of the ball-in guide groove 11 is offset towards the starting end of the timing slot 13, the timing ball 20 is preferentially guided into the timing slot 13. After the timing slot 13 is full, due to the obstruction of the last timing ball 20, the new timing ball 20 collides with the last timing ball 20 and is yawed into the advanced guide groove 12. Thus, after the timing slot 13 is full, the timing ball 20 yaws into the advanced guide groove 12. In addition, the upper advanced guide channel 12 is connected to the adjacent lower ball-scoring guide channel 11 through the advanced channel 14. The advanced guide channel 12 guides the timing ball 20 into the lower ball-scoring guide channel 11, and then transports it to the lower timing slot 13 through the lower ball-scoring guide channel 11.

[0054] Furthermore, the yaw of the timing ball 20 towards the advanced guide groove 12 can also be implemented in other ways. For example, an electric transfer mechanism can be provided at the end of the ball guide groove 11 to transfer the timing ball 20 towards the timing groove 13 or the advanced guide groove 12. Additionally, a monitoring mechanism for monitoring the number of timing balls 20 within the timing groove 13 is provided at the timing groove 13. The monitoring mechanism is a sensor, which can be a pressure sensor to monitor the number of timing balls 20 within the timing groove 13 based on the weight of different numbers of timing balls 20. Alternatively, the sensor can be an image sensor or similar device to directly monitor the number of timing balls 20 using an image method. Of course, the monitoring of the number of timing balls 20 can also employ other timing methods known in the prior art, such as a counter. When the number of timing balls 20 within the timing groove 13 reaches a preset value, the monitoring mechanism transmits this information to a controller, which then controls the electric transfer mechanism to transfer the timing balls 20 towards the advanced guide groove 12.

[0055] After the timing ball 20 yaws towards the advanced guide slot 12, how should the timing slot 13 release all the timing balls 20? Figure 2 The timing slot 13 is constrained within the timing ball 20 by the ball-stopping member 30. A release member 40 is provided on the advanced guide groove 12 to maintain the constraint state of the ball-stopping member 30. When the timing slot 13 is full, the timing ball 20 veers towards the advanced guide groove 12. When the timing ball 20 slides in the advanced guide groove 12 and collides with the release member 40, the release member 40 releases the constraint state of the ball-stopping member 30 on the timing ball 20 and releases all the timing balls 20. Afterwards, the ball-stopping member 30 and the release member 40 reset, enabling the ball to be retrieved and released in the timing slot 13 for the next round.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the ball stop 30 and the release element 40 are both pivotally mounted on the timing guide rail 10, and both pivots are horizontally arranged and perpendicular to the length direction of the timing slot 13 and the advanced guide slot 12, respectively. Figure 8 As shown, the release element 40 includes a release push rod 42 that collides with the timing ball 20 and drives the release element 40 to rotate. The release element 40 also includes a hook 41 for hooking the stop ball 30 and preventing the stop ball 30 from rotating; as Figure 7 As shown, the ball stop 30 includes a stop bar 31 for restraining the rolling of the timing ball 20, and the ball stop 30 also includes a hook 32 that is hooked by the hook 41 to prevent the ball stop 30 from rotating. Under normal conditions, as... Figure 6 As shown, the hook 41 hooks onto the post 32 on the ball stopper 30, thereby restricting the rotation of the ball stopper 30. This allows the stop bar 31 on the ball stopper 30 to restrain the timing ball 20 within the timing slot 13. When the release member 40 rotates due to the impact of the timing ball 20, as... Figure 5 As shown, the hook 41 rotates to release the constraint on the hanging post 32, so that the ball stop 30 rotates under the gravity of the timing ball 20, thereby releasing all the timing balls 20.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ball clock also includes a reset member 70 that pushes the ball stopper 30 to reset. The interval between the transmission component 50 conveying two timing balls 20 to the timing slot 13 is one time cycle. The transmission component 50 generates a driving action to drive the reset member 70 to reset within one time cycle. Thus, after all the timing balls 20 are released from the timing slot 13, the ball stopper 30 can automatically reset within one time cycle. In addition, the tripping member 40 automatically resets under its own gravity, constraining the rotation of the ball stopper 30 again. Finally, the ball stopper 30 is constrained for one cycle before the timing balls 20 are conveyed to the timing slot 13.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the timing guide rail 10, the ball receiving guide rail 60, and the conveying assembly 50 are all fixed on the main support 80. The main support 80 is provided with a groove 81 for positioning the sliding direction of the reset component 70. A double-section connecting rod 71 is hinged to the main support 80. One end of the double-section connecting rod 71 is rotatably engaged with the main support 80, and the other end of the double-section connecting rod 71 is fixed with a protruding tongue 711. The conveying assembly 50 is provided with a pressure tongue 522 that rotates once within a time period. The pressure tongue 522 abuts against the protruding tongue 711, which drives the double-section connecting rod 71 to rotate and pushes the reset component 70 to produce an upward sliding action. In a specific implementation, the reset component 70 can be a vertically distributed long bar, and the side wall of the long bar has several horizontally distributed support rods. The support rods are located below the hanging post 32 of each layer of ball blocking component 30, so that when the reset component 70 slides upward, it can drive multiple ball blocking components 30 to reset.

[0059] Of course, once the timing slot 13 is full, the timing balls 20 yaw towards the advanced guide slot 12. Afterward, the timing slot 13 can release all the timing balls 20 using other implementation methods. For example, an inductive switch can be provided on the advanced guide slot 12, and the ball-blocking component 30 can be electrically controlled. The inductive switch senses the timing balls 20 within the advanced guide slot 12, drives the ball-blocking component 30 to rotate, and then resets after a delay until all the timing balls 20 are released.

[0060] In addition, the rolling ball clock also includes a ball-retrieving guide rail 60 for supplying timing balls 20 to the transmission component 50. The lowest progressive guide groove 12 is connected to the ball-retrieving guide rail 60 through the progressive channel 14. After all the timing balls 20 in the timing groove 13 are released, they are retrieved to the ball-retrieving guide rail 60 through the return guide rail 90. Thus, all the timing balls 20 released from the progressive guide groove 12 and the timing groove 13 are retrieved through the ball-retrieving guide rail 60. The circulation of timing balls 20 between the timing guide rail 10 and the ball-retrieving guide rail 60 ensures the timekeeping sustainability of the rolling ball clock.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the conveying assembly 50 includes a first transmission gear 52 and a second transmission gear 54, both with horizontally distributed and meshing axes. Positioning rails 53 are spaced apart at the front ends of the first transmission gear 52 and the second transmission gear 54 to form a ball-feeding channel for the movement of the timing ball 20 between the first transmission gear 52 and the second transmission gear 54 and the positioning rails 53. An upper ball through-hole 521 is eccentrically provided on the first transmission gear 52, which receives the timing ball 20 and feeds it into the ball-feeding channel, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the diameter of the upper ball through-hole 521 increases sequentially along its axis towards the ball delivery channel. This allows the timing ball 20 to enter the upper ball through-hole 521, where the inclined inner wall of the hole exerts a pushing force towards the ball delivery channel, thus confining the timing ball 20 within the channel. At this time, the motor gear set 51 drives the first transmission gear 52 to rotate, which in turn pushes the timing ball 20 upwards. Once the timing ball 20 has reached a specific position, the second transmission gear 54 is equipped with a transmission fork 541 that takes over from the upper ball through-hole 521 in pushing the timing ball 20 upwards. The transmission fork 541 further pushes the timing ball 20 upwards within the ball delivery channel, ultimately delivering it to the timing guide rail 10, completing the timing ball 20 delivery process. This gear-driven delivery method effectively ensures the stability of the delivery and guarantees the accuracy of the upward delivery time of one timing ball 20.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pressure tongue 522 can be eccentrically fixed on the output shaft of the first transmission gear 52 or the second transmission gear 54 and the motor gear set 51, depending on the installation position requirements.

[0063] Of course, the conveying component 50 can also adopt other implementation methods, such as existing structures that can achieve lifting and lowering, such as chain conveying mechanism, screw slider mechanism or hydraulic cylinder conveying mechanism. By setting a receiving tray on each mechanism to hold only one timing ball 20, the timing ball 20 can be continuously conveyed upward at equal time intervals.

[0064] Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, but also includes the same or similar structures that can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0066] The technologies, shapes, and structures not described in detail in this invention are all known technologies.

Claims

1. A rolling ball clock, characterized in that, The clock includes a timing guide (10) arranged at an angle, which is configured as at least two layers arranged from top to bottom. Each layer of the timing guide (10) is provided with a timing slot (13) and an advancement guide (12). The timing slot (13) is used to store a number of timing balls (20) to indicate the number of time units in the current layer. After the current layer timing slot (13) is full, the timing balls (20) veer towards the advancement guide (12) and are transported to the adjacent lower layer timing slot (13) through the advancement channel (14). After that, the current layer timing slot (13) releases all the timing balls (20). The rolling ball clock also includes a conveying component (50) that continuously supplies timing balls (20) to the uppermost timing slot (13) at the same time difference.

2. A rolling ball clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The timing slot (13) constrains the timing ball (20) within the timing slot (13) through the ball stopper (30). The advanced guide groove (12) is provided with a release member (40) to maintain the constrained state of the ball stopper (30). When the timing ball (20) slides in the advanced guide groove (12) and collides with the release member (40), the constrained state of the ball stopper (30) on the timing ball (20) is released and all timing balls (20) are released. After that, the ball stopper (30) and the release member (40) are reset.

3. A rolling ball clock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The timing guide rail (10) is provided with a ball-in guide groove (11). The timing ball (20) is transported to the timing slot (13) or the advanced guide groove (12) through the ball-in guide groove (11). The end of the ball-in guide groove (11) is adjacent to the starting end of the timing slot (13) and the advanced guide groove (12). The end of the ball-in guide groove (11) is offset towards the starting end of the timing slot (13) so that the timing ball (20) is preferentially guided into the timing slot (13). After the timing slot (13) is fully loaded, due to the obstruction of the last timing ball (20), the new timing ball (20) collides with the last timing ball (20) and is deflected into the advanced guide groove (12) by force.

4. A rolling ball clock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The timing guide rail (10) is arranged in a spiral shape. The upper progressive guide groove (12) is connected to the adjacent lower ball-collecting guide groove (11) through the progressive channel (14). The rolling ball clock also includes a ball-receiving guide rail (60) for supplying timing balls (20) to the transmission component (50). The lowest progressive guide groove (12) is connected to the ball-receiving guide rail (60) through the progressive channel (14). After all the timing balls (20) in the timing groove (13) are released, they are retrieved to the ball-receiving guide rail (60) through the return guide rail (90).

5. A rolling ball clock according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The ball stop (30) and the release member (40) are both axially coupled on the timing guide rail (10), and the two rotating shafts are arranged horizontally and perpendicular to the length direction of the timing slot (13) and the advanced guide slot (12), respectively. The release member (40) includes a release push rod (42) that collides with the timing ball (20) and drives the release member (40) to rotate. The release member (40) also includes a hook (41) for hooking the ball stop (30) and preventing the ball stop (30) from rotating. The ball stop (30) includes a stop bar (31) for restraining the rolling of the timing ball (20). The ball stop (30) also includes a hanging post (32) that is hooked by the hook (41) to prevent the ball stop (30) from rotating.

6. A rolling ball clock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ball clock also includes a reset member (70) that pushes the ball stop (30) to reset. The interval between the transmission component (50) conveying two timing balls (20) to the timing slot (13) is one time cycle. The transmission component (50) generates a driving action to drive the reset member (70) to reset within one time cycle. The tripping member (40) is automatically reset by its own gravity.

7. A rolling ball clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The timing guide rail (10), the ball receiving guide rail (60), and the conveying assembly (50) are all fixed on the main support (80). The main support (80) is provided with a sliding groove (81) for positioning the sliding direction of the reset component (70). A double-section connecting rod (71) is hinged on the main support (80). One end of the double-section connecting rod (71) is rotatably engaged with the main support (80), and the other end of the double-section connecting rod (71) is fixed with a protruding tongue (711). The conveying assembly (50) is provided with a pressure tongue (522) that rotates once within a time period. The pressure tongue (522) abuts against the protruding tongue (711) to drive the double-section connecting rod (71) and push the reset component (70) to produce a sliding action.

8. A rolling ball clock according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The conveying assembly (50) includes a first transmission gear (52) and a second transmission gear (54) whose axes are horizontally distributed and mesh with each other. The front ends of the first transmission gear (52) and the second transmission gear (54) are provided with positioning rails (53) at intervals to form a ball feeding channel for the movement of the timing ball (20) between the first transmission gear (52), the second transmission gear (54) and the positioning rails (53). The first transmission gear (52) is provided with an upper ball through hole (521) eccentrically. The upper ball through hole (521) is used to receive the timing ball (20) and send the timing ball (20) into the ball feeding channel, and push the timing ball (20) upward. The second transmission gear (54) is provided with a transmission fork (541) that takes over the upper ball through hole (521) to push the timing ball (20) upward. The transmission fork (541) conveys the timing ball (20) to the timing guide rail (10).

9. A rolling ball clock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The diameter of the upper ball through hole (521) increases sequentially along its axis toward the ball delivery channel, so as to constrain the timing ball (20) in the ball delivery channel through the inclined inner wall of the upper ball through hole (521).

10. A rolling ball clock according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (50) also includes a motor gear set (51) for driving the first transmission gear (52) to rotate.

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