Lever escapement mechanism for timer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a lever escapement mechanism for a timer, and relates to the field of lever escapement mechanisms. The escapement fork comprises an escapement wheel and an escapement fork, the escapement fork comprises a fork body, the top of the fork body is provided with a first half body, the escapement fork is divided into the first half body and the second half body through the arrangement of the escapement fork, the first half body and the second half body, and the first half body and the second half body are connected in an inserting mode through an inserting plate and an inserting groove. Due to the design, when the insertion body part, namely the second half body or the connecting part of the insertion body part and the first half body, of the pallet is abraded, a user does not need to replace the whole pallet, and only the abraded second half body needs to be replaced, so that the maintenance cost is remarkably reduced, and the service life of the pallet is prolonged. And the problems of precision and stability of the timer, which are possibly caused by matching difference between a newly replaced part and other parts of the original mechanism, are greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lever escapement mechanisms, specifically a lever escapement mechanism for a timer. Background Technology

[0002] The lever escapement is the core component of a mechanical watch, responsible for precisely controlling the energy transfer and time display of the timepiece. It consists of three parts: the escape wheel, the escape fork, and the double discs. The escape wheel transmits energy from the mainspring barrel, while the escape fork is a small parallelepiped made of jewels. Its two ends, the feed and release plates, contact the tips of the escape wheel's teeth to transfer energy. The double discs are fixed to the balance shaft and cooperate with the slots of the escape fork to transmit the movement of the escape fork to the balance wheel. In terms of working principle, when the escape wheel rotates, its teeth contact the feed plates of the escape fork, locking the main drive chain of the watch. As the balance wheel oscillates, the disc pins collide with the slots of the escape fork, providing kinetic energy to the escape fork, causing it to rotate around the fork shaft and drive the balance wheel to continue oscillating. At the same time, the tips of the escape wheel's teeth slide out from the feed plates and contact the release plates, preparing for the next escape cycle. Through the continuous interaction between the escape wheel and the escape fork, the lever escapement achieves precise energy transfer and accurate time measurement.

[0003] Because the escape fork in the lever escapement mechanism used in timers is generally a one-piece structure, the fork's insert will wear down due to repeated collisions with the limit pin. When maintenance and replacement are required, the entire escape fork needs to be replaced. However, this increases maintenance costs because only the insert is worn, while other parts remain intact. In addition, frequent replacement of the entire escape fork may affect the accuracy and stability of the timer, as there may be slight differences in fit between the new escape fork and other components of the original mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a lever escapement mechanism for a timer to solve the technical problem that the integrated escapement fork structure requires complete replacement when the insert part is worn, resulting in high maintenance costs and potentially affecting the accuracy and stability of the timer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a lever escapement mechanism for a timer, comprising an escape wheel and an escape fork, wherein the escape fork comprises a fork body, a first half is provided at the top of the fork body, a slot is provided at the top of the first half, a second half is provided above the first half, and an insert plate is provided at the bottom of the second half, the insert plate being inserted into the slot.

[0006] The first half and the insert plate are provided with fixing screw holes, and fixing mechanisms are provided in the fixing screw holes.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the escapement fork is designed as a split first half and second half, which are connected by a plug-in plate and slot, making it easy to disassemble and replace worn parts and reducing maintenance costs.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixing mechanism includes a fixing bolt, which is screwed into a fixing screw hole.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the first and second halves of the escapement fork are fixedly connected together by a fixing mechanism, ensuring the stability and reliability of the escapement fork during operation.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer surface of the fixing bolt is provided with a hexagonal hole, and the hexagonal hole is provided with a chamfer.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer surface of the fixing bolt is provided with hexagonal holes and chamfers, which facilitates rotation and tightening with a hexagonal wrench, and improves the convenience of installation and disassembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the top of the second half is provided with a fork head, and the top two sides of the fork head are provided with spikes.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the top of the second half is provided with a fork and a pin. The fork interacts with the escape wheel to realize the escape action; the pin enhances the contact stability and durability between the fork and the escape wheel.

[0014] Furthermore, fork plates are installed on both sides of the outer surface of the fork body, and the fork plates are mirror-image arranged along the central axis of the fork body.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, fork pads are installed on both sides of the outer surface of the fork body, and the fork pads are mirrored along the central axis of the fork body. This symmetrical design makes the escape fork uniformly stressed during operation, improving the accuracy and stability of the timer.

[0016] Furthermore, the escape wheel includes a wheel body, and the outer side of the wheel body is provided with teeth.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the interaction between the wheel teeth and the pallet of the escapement fork realizes the transfer of energy and the escapement action, which is one of the key components of the lever escapement mechanism.

[0018] Furthermore, the gear teeth are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple gear teeth are arranged in a circular array at equal intervals.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the escape wheel can interact evenly with the pallet of the escape fork during rotation, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the timer.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages:

[0021] This invention divides the escapement fork into a first half and a second half, which are connected by a plate and a slot and secured by a fixing mechanism. This design allows the user to replace only the worn second half of the escapement fork when wear occurs, without replacing the entire escapement fork. This improvement not only significantly reduces maintenance costs but also greatly reduces the potential timer accuracy and stability issues caused by differences in fit between the new component and other parts of the original mechanism. It effectively solves many technical problems caused by the need to replace the entire escapement fork when the plate wears out in traditional one-piece escapement fork structures. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the formal cross-sectional three-dimensional structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0025] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point B.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Escape wheel; 101. Wheel body; 102. Wheel tooth; 2. Escape fork; 201. Fork body; 202. First half; 203. Fork head; 204. Fork tip; 205. Fork shoe; 206. Second half; 207. Insert plate; 208. Fixing screw hole; 209. Slot; 3. Fixing mechanism; 301. Fixing bolt; 302. Hexagonal hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] A lever escapement mechanism for a timer, such as Figures 1-4As shown, the escapement includes an escape wheel 1 and an escape fork 2. The escape fork includes a fork body 201, with a first half 202 at the top of the fork body 201. A slot 209 is formed at the top of the first half 202, and a second half 206 is positioned above the first half 202. A plate 207 is positioned at the bottom of the second half 206, and the plate 207 is inserted into the slot 209. Both the first half 202 and the plate 207 have fixing screw holes 208, and a fixing mechanism 3 is installed within the fixing screw holes 208. Through the designed structure of the escape wheel 1 and escape fork 2, where the escape fork includes the fork body 201, the first half 202, and the second half 206, and the plate 207 at the bottom of the second half 206 is inserted into the slot 209 at the top of the first half 202, a modular design of the escape fork is achieved. This design facilitates quick replacement when the escape fork is worn, without needing to replace the entire escape fork, greatly reducing maintenance costs and time. Meanwhile, the fixing screw holes 208 on the first half 202 and the insert plate 207 cooperate with the fixing mechanism 3 to ensure the stability and reliability of the escapement fork during operation.

[0029] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 The fixing mechanism 3 includes a fixing bolt 301, which is screwed into a fixing screw hole 208. This screwing connection provides a secure and adjustable connection. This design not only ensures a tight connection between the first half 202 and the second half 206 of the escapement fork, but also allows for fine-tuning of the escapement fork's performance by adjusting the tightness of the fixing bolt 301 when necessary, thus improving the accuracy and adjustability of the timer.

[0030] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 The outer surface of the fixing bolt 301 is provided with a hexagonal hole 302, and the hexagonal hole 302 is chamfered. The design of the hexagonal hole 302 on the outer surface of the fixing bolt 301, combined with the inner chamfer, makes the installation and disassembly process more convenient. The hexagonal hole 302 provides sufficient contact area, making it easy to rotate using standard tools, while the chamfer design reduces the resistance when the bolt is inserted into the threaded hole, improving assembly efficiency and reducing the risk of damage to the bolt or threaded hole due to improper operation.

[0031] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 The second half 206 has a fork 203 at its top, and pins 204 on both sides of the top of the fork 203. The fork 203 at the top of the second half 206 and the pins 204 on both sides enhance the interaction between the escape fork and the escape wheel 1. The design of the fork 203 makes the escapement action smoother, while the pins 204 provide additional support and guidance, reducing friction and wear during the escapement process and extending the service life of the escape mechanism.

[0032] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 Fork pads 205 are mounted on both sides of the outer surface of the fork body 201, and the fork pads 205 are mirror images of the central axis of the fork body 201. This symmetrical design makes the escapement fork more evenly stressed. As the direct contact surface of the escapement wheel 1 teeth, the symmetrical arrangement of the fork pads 205 reduces uneven wear caused by uneven stress, and improves the stability and durability of the escapement mechanism.

[0033] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 The escape wheel 1 includes a wheel body 101, with teeth 102 arranged on the outer side of the wheel body 101. This structure, comprising the wheel body 101 and the outer teeth 102, allows the escape wheel to stably interact with the pallet 205 of the escape fork during rotation. The wheel body 101 provides sufficient rigidity and support, while the design of the teeth 102 ensures efficient energy transfer and accurate execution of the escapement action.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 The escape wheel 1 has multiple teeth 102 arranged in a circular array at equal intervals. This design ensures that the escape wheel 1 makes uniform contact with the pallet 205 of the escape fork during rotation. The equidistant arrangement of the teeth 102 reduces the impact and vibration caused by uneven tooth spacing, improving the stability and accuracy of the timer. At the same time, the multiple teeth 102 design also enhances the durability and reliability of the escape wheel.

[0035] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: First, the first half 202 and the second half 206 of the escapement fork are connected by inserting a plate 207 into a slot 209. Ensure that the plate 207 is accurately inserted into the slot 209 to achieve a stable connection. Install fixing bolts 301 in the fixing screw holes 208 on the first half 202 and the plate 207. Rotate the fixing bolts 301 to screw them into the fixing screw holes 208, thereby further reinforcing the connection between the first half 202 and the second half 206. Install the escapement fork 2 into the corresponding position of the timer, ensuring that the fork head 203 and the fork tip 204 are correctly aligned with the escape wheel 1 and other related components. Install the escape wheel 1 into the timer's gear train, ensuring that the gear teeth 102 and the pallet 205 of the escapement fork 2 can interact normally.

[0036] As the timer starts, the escape wheel 1 begins to rotate under the drive of the mainspring energy. The gear teeth 102 sequentially contact the pallets 205 of the escape fork 2, transferring energy to the escape fork 2 through the lever principle. After receiving energy, the escape fork 2 first "captures" the escape wheel 1, temporarily stopping its rotation, and then "releases" the escape wheel 1 through the potential energy of the balance wheel and hairspring system, allowing it to continue rotating. At the same time, it retrieves a certain amount of energy from the main drive chain to maintain the operation of the balance wheel and hairspring system.

[0037] After prolonged operation, if the second half 206 of the escapement fork 2 or its connection with the first half 202 becomes worn, the first half 202 and the second half 206 can be separated by removing the fixing bolt 301. The worn second half 206 can be replaced separately without replacing the entire escapement fork 2. After reinstalling the new second half 206, it can be fixedly connected to the first half 202 by the fixing bolt 301 to restore the normal operation of the timer.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. A lever escapement mechanism for a timer, characterized in that: The system includes an escape wheel (1) and an escape fork (2). The escape fork includes a fork body (201), a first half (202) is provided on the top of the fork body (201), a slot (209) is provided on the top of the first half (202), a second half (206) is provided above the first half (202), and an insert plate (207) is provided at the bottom of the second half (206). The insert plate (207) is inserted into the slot (209). The first half (202) and the insert plate (207) are both provided with fixing screw holes (208), and fixing mechanisms (3) are provided in the fixing screw holes (208).

2. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing mechanism (3) includes a fixing bolt (301), which is screwed into a fixing screw hole (208).

3. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the fixing bolt (301) is provided with a hexagonal hole (302), and the hexagonal hole (302) is provided with a chamfer.

4. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second half (206) is provided with a fork head (203) at the top, and the fork head (203) is provided with pins (204) on both sides of the top.

5. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Fork pads (205) are installed on both sides of the outer surface of the fork body (201), and the fork pads (205) are mirrored along the central axis of the fork body (201).

6. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The escape wheel (1) includes a wheel body (101), and the outer side of the wheel body (101) is provided with teeth (102).

7. The lever escapement mechanism for a timer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gear teeth (102) are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple gear teeth (102) are arranged in a ring array at equal intervals.

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