Running-ball clock

摘要

The invention relates to a running-ball clock for a metal ball having a power supply device which conveys the metal ball to the original start height again after every run, and having a driven time indicating mechanism which counts the ball runs. It is proposed according to the invention that, in order to achieve a particularly high motion accuracy, the running-ball track be constructed symmetrically with respect to the vertical and consist of two subsections which rise on both sides of a lowest point and whose high ends are ball running direction reversal points. At least one mechanical, electromechanical or electronic sensor to detect the running ball in a counting manner is provided on the length of the running-ball track. The sensor is indirectly or directly connected to the time indicating mechanism in order to control said mechanism. At least one subsection of the running-ball track is constructed as an energy storage device in the form of a controlled electromagnet which can be switched on and off and acts directly or indirectly on the balls.