Clock spring

Power Spring / Clockwork Spring

Mainspring (Power Spring / Clockwork Spring) is a spiral torsion spring used to store and release mechanical energy, commonly found in devices requiring continuous mechanical power output. Below is a detailed introduction to mainsprings:

1. Basic Structure & Working Principle

• Structure: Made of a high-elasticity metal strip (typically special steel) coiled into a spiral shape, with the inner end fixed to a central shaft and the outer end connected to a housing or gear.
• Working Principle:
• Winding: External force (manual or mechanical) twists the central shaft, tightening the spring and storing elastic potential energy.
• Energy Release: The spring gradually unwinds, driving mechanical movement (e.g., clock hands, toy wheels) via a gear system.

2. Key Applications

• Horology (Clockmaking): Powers mechanical watches and wall clocks (replacing batteries).
• Toys & Models: Wind-up toy cars, robots, etc.
• Household Appliances: Vintage gramophones, automatic cord retractors (e.g., vacuum cleaners, hairdryers).
• Industrial Equipment: Certain safety mechanisms, spring clutches.
• Automotive: Pretensioning mechanisms in seatbelt retractors.

3. Types of Mainsprings

• Constant Force Spring:Provides consistent output force (e.g., tape measure springs).
• Variable Force Spring:Output force varies with winding tension (e.g., traditional watch mainsprings).

4. Pros & Cons

• Advantages:
• No external power required; simple and reliable structure.
• Ideal for compact, portable devices.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited energy storage; requires periodic winding.
• Long-term use may cause metal fatigue (breaking or reduced elasticity).

5. Common Issues & Maintenance

• Mainspring Breakage: Caused by material aging or overwinding; requires replacement.
• Insufficient Lubrication: Increases friction, affecting power output (requires specialized clock oil).
• Uneven Power Delivery: High-end watches use mechanisms like the “fusée and chain” to stabilize output.

Shuangyuan produce this kind of spring with

Thickness 0.2mm~0.4mm, width 10mm~30mm, length according to customer requirements

 

         

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                       Clock spring                                                     Clock spring