How does this Karakuri (外記カラクリ) works?

[Andi B.]

Hello,
I would like to understand below type of matchlock mechanism - especially how the locking part works.
Which edge of the rocker catch locks the match holder and how does it move when unlocking/pulling the trigger and the match holder moves?

And also how does it rotate back, when the match holder is cocked again?
(How does this mechanism looks from the sides or top?)

Can someone please enlighten me?

 

[Brian]

Can't put it together in my head easily, but I suspect in hand I would be able to assemble it quickly. I think the circled part goes in edge-on....in other words, 90 degrees to the way we see it now. May be that way up, or it may be upside down. The curved part would be the part that the back of the match holder bears against when cocking, and the projection would lock into the notch on the match holder. The spring for that part is riveted to the plate, the circular spring is for the match holder. Hard to explain, and only a theory. But all looks workable.

[Andi B.]

Thanks Brian,

I could figure out all parts, and how they should be assembled.

Yes, the circled part can rotate, there is pressure by a riveted leaf spring on one side, pressure on the outside from the match holder and it is locked by the trigger part.

(Sorry for the confusion: the big outside leaf spring is missing in the initial picture - the circular spring is for the trigger part) 

But how it moves in action is not clear. Maybe I have to simulate it with a cardboard model...

Some side viewes might help....

 

All parts (image from www):

 

 

[Brian]

Found online..

 

[Brian]

Not directly related, but an interesting thread for anyone repairing one.
https://www.muzzlelo...ma-matchlock.162819/

[Andi B.]

Thanks for your efforts, Brian!

Below thats a different type of lock but a view from this side >>> would make it easier to understand, how this disc part is located in the mechanism.

 

 

 

[Brian]

Not really following you. The pics I posted are the same as your mechanism. The coil spring goes where they show it, on the square shaft.
Your circled sear fits in like you can see in the pic, acts as the release. The tail hook goes into one of the holes....looks like yours has multiple to set the tension differently.
The spring for the sear is shown on your pic. Looks like the trigger moves the bar forward and backwards just a fraction to release the sear.

[Andi B.]

I think there are two types of release: no.1 with the sear mounted directly to the shaft (parallel to the base plate / bigger coil spring) and no.2 with an outer leaf spring and this mysterious 90° mounted sear reaching through the base plate and locking the match holder arm.

 

However - it's fascinating what these guys invented...

[Andi B.]

I found a top view of the one I'm interested in - but it's a bit blurry...

 

[Brian]

Your spring goes here.

 

 

 

[Andi B.]

4 minutes ago, Brian said:

Your spring goes here.

yes, thanks.

It's really hard to explain in words.

Everything is clear except how this below part actually works: which edge is locking which part and how far does it move etc. Only from pictures without seeing the real thing in motion it's a little challenging... 🧐🤔

 

[Brian]

You can work it out from this pic...there is only one way it can go in that shows the part you are seeing. It moves only 2-4mm I expect.

[Peter Bleed]

Andi and Brian.

I have appreciated this discussion - even if I am to sure that I have followed it all. I think discussions like this may depend of bright individuals, BUT they are easiest to follow when real  parts and objects can be observed. Thanks for you presentations! I also have not had very much experience with this lock style. The world is a complex place!

Peter

[Andi B.]

I think I figured it out with some styrofoam and rubber bands... 

 

I'll try to explain:
This moving part has two "fingers" which come in contact with the match holder and a notch for the trigger.
If the match holder is cocked, the disk is locked by the trigger and the holder is locked by the "top" finger.
By pulling the trigger, the disk can rotate a bit and releases the match holder, because the first finger moves inside the base plate. Bang! 💥
By manually moving the match holder back in the cocked position for the next shot, the second finger will be grabbed and the "disk" rotates back, the trigger locks it again and the first finger locks the match holder again.

 

Here is a little video of my attempt:
http://www.zatoichi....B/matchlock-test.mp4

 

According  to my web research this special matchlock type is called Gaki Karakuri / 外記カラクリ and has been invented by a guy named Inoue Kyujuro Masatsugu (~early 17th century).

[Brian]

Wonder where @Bugyotsuji has been?

[Peter Bleed]

Andi.,

Thank you very much. Your explanatory approach is very good. I have rarely looked "inside" of the teppo I have ended up with, but the system we are discussing here strikes me as rathe rare. Is that the case?

Peter