Improvements in components of clockwork and like mechanisms and processes for their manufacture

Abstract

Abstract A permanently lubricated component of a clockwork mechanism comprises a tightly adhering non-sticky coating on at least the parts subjected to friction, the coating containing an inorganic salt dry lubricant mixed with a synthetic polymer material and having a thickness of up to 1 micron. The inorganic dry salt lubricants which may be used are inorganic salts (other than molybdenum disulphide) which are lubricants and are insoluble or only very difficultly soluble in water, e.g. lead iodide, mercury iodide, silver iodide and silver sulphate. The synthetic polymer may be as described in Specification 864,531. Plasticizers, graphite, molybdenum disulphide and cellulose derivatives may be included in the coating materials, which may be applied as aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions, e.g. by dipping. After drying, the coatings may be baked or sintered, preferably under high pressure in an autoclave. In an example, cleaned clock main springs are immersed in a bath of an aqueous dispersion of lead iodide and polytetrafluoroaethylene, the bath being subjected to ultrasonic vibration. After 30 minutes the springs are withdrawn, excess suspension is removed, and they are dried at slightly elevated temperature.

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