1. Power source: Gravitational potential energy The core power of a tower usually comes from one or more heavy weights.
These weights are suspended from a high place by chains or ropes.
When the weight is lifted (usually by a manual or mechanical winding device), it stores gravitational potential energy.
This weight (or a set of weights) is the source of energy for the entire system to operate. One of the weights is dedicated to driving the timekeeping system, and another (or more) is dedicated to driving the bell striking system.
2. Energy control and timing: The escapement mechanism Although the bell system is directly driven by the bell weight, the time of the bell is precisely controlled by the time system of the bell.
The walking system itself is also driven by a weight and connected to the escapement through a set of precision gear trains.
The escapement mechanism (usually including the escapement wheel, escapement fork and pendulum) is the heart of the whole clock. Its function is to convert the force of the continuous falling of the heavy hammer into rhythmic and intermittent pulse power.
The isochronism (constant period of swing) of a pendulum (or pendulum) is the key to accurate timing. Galileo discovered this principle.
3. Generation of the Bell striking instruction: Time wheel/program wheel A special disc, called time wheel, program wheel or control cam, is installed on the gear path that drives the bell striking.
The wheel is fitted with pins or raised profiles at the time when the bell is to be rung as required (e.g., an hour, a half hour, a quarter hour, or a sequence of specific melodies).
As the gear system turns (that is, over time), this time wheel also rotates precisely in sync.
4. Trigger and Release: The pin or cam profile on the timing wheel periodically contacts a trigger lever (or release lever, lift lever).
When the pin touches the lever, it lifts or moves the lever.
This lever action releases a key locking device (such as a pawl or clip).
5. Energy conversion: The actuator is struck to release the locking device, so that the bell weight, which was "stuck" or "stored" in the original state, can start to fall under the action of gravity.
The falling hammer pulls a striking rod (or striking arm, bell hammer arm) through a chain or rope.
The end of the striking arm is fixed to a hammer (usually a metal ball wrapped in leather or hardwood to protect the body of the bell).
The hammer swings rapidly under the pull of the falling weight, striking either the tongue (a tongue-like object fixed inside the bell) or directly against the inner wall of the bell (depending on the design of the bell).
6. Reset and cycle After a strike is completed, the hammer and striking arm swing back to their initial position under the action of their own inertia or auxiliary springs.
At the same time, the lever trigger will reset under the action of the spring.
After the bell is lowered by a heavy hammer, it needs to be lifted again (strung) to store the energy needed for the next bell.
The time wheel continues to turn, waiting for the next pin or cam profile to trigger the lever again and start the next striking cycle.
