Tower clock and methods for its operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a tower clock (1) comprising - a time display unit (2) with a dial (3) and at least two hands, - a stepper motor (4) which is connected to the first pointer (Z1) via a first clock shaft (W1), - an accelerometer configured as a 2D accelerometer or as a 3D accelerometer (5) which is attached to the first pointer (Z1) or to the first clock shaft (W1), - a reading unit (6) for reading the accelerometer (5), and - a control computer (7) coupled to the reading unit (6) and to the stepper motor (4), which is configured to receive a time signal (ZS), to receive a pointer position signal (PS) read by the reading unit (6) from the accelerometer (5) and to control the stepper motor (4) depending on the time signal (ZS) and the pointer position signal (PS). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the tower clock (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tower clock and a method for operating the tower clock.

[0002] Tower clocks are a well-known type of clock. Such clocks have a dial, an hour hand, and a minute hand. The hands are connected to a clockwork mechanism and are moved by it.

[0003] CN 1 09 164 696 A describes a method for positioning a clock hand, a timing method, corresponding equipment, and a readable storage medium. The clock hand positioning method comprises sensing an initial angle of an accelerometer, sensing a current angle of the accelerometer, and calculating a position of the clock hand according to the current angle and the initial angle of the accelerometer. The current angle of the accelerometer corresponds to the angle of the accelerometer when an hour hand points to the preset position. The timing method comprises the clock hand positioning method and further includes determining a time difference between the time indicated by the clock hand's position and the standard time, and driving the clock hand to point to the standard time according to this time difference.

[0004] A clock is known from DE 41 19 369 A1. A drive mechanism is arranged in a hand to rotate the hand relative to an axis that carries the hand. The time is displayed in this way.

[0005] CN 1 069 132 A describes an electronic clock consisting of a clock case, two or three stepper motors, a drive mechanism, hands, and a control circuit. The drive mechanism comprises a worm gear and a worm wheel. Each hand is driven separately by its own motor and drive mechanism. The worm gear is manufactured by winding steel wire onto the worm shaft. A remote control box for the control circuit and the clock are separate; one remote control box can control one or more clocks. A curtain winder is included to prevent incorrect time display in the event of a malfunction. Control is achieved via a single-chip microprocessor, and the hand position is detected by a Hall sensor.

[0006] A tower clock with automatic calibration is known from CN 1 09 116 715 A. A central support is fixed in the symmetrical center of the tower. An upper part of the central support is fixed to four gear units. An output shaft of each motor is fitted with a sprocket, suspended by a chain and a pulley, and fixed to an input worm gear of each gear unit. An output shaft of each gear unit consists of an hour hand shaft tube and a minute hand shaft tube, which are sheathed together. A minute hand and an hour hand are arranged externally on the respective output shaft. Operation of the motor is controlled via a main control panel. The calibration time is set using a code-division mobile phone for seniors. The surface time of the clock is calibrated via the reeds of the minute and hour hands.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a tower clock that is improved compared to the prior art and a method for operating the tower clock that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by a tower clock with the features of claim 1 and a method for operating the tower clock with the features of claim 11.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A tower clock has a time-display unit with a dial and at least two hands. For example, the first hand is a minute hand and the second hand is an hour hand. Alternatively, the time-display unit has, for example, three hands. The first hand is then a second hand, the second hand is the minute hand, and the third hand is the hour hand.

[0011] The term "tower clock" refers specifically to a stationary clock, particularly one permanently installed in a building, such as a tower (e.g., a church tower or clock tower), or at a train station or other building. The term "tower clock" specifically refers to a large clock, especially one intended for public viewing and visible from a great distance.

[0012] The tower clock also features a stepper motor connected to the first hand via a first clock shaft. The first clock shaft is rigidly connected to the first hand. The clock face and first hand are, in particular, parallel. The hand shaft and first hand are, in particular, orthogonal. The hand shaft and clock face are, in particular, orthogonal.

[0013] The tower clock also features an accelerometer, designed as a 2D or 3D accelerometer, which is attached to the first hand or to a part mechanically connected directly to the first hand, preferably in a rotationally fixed manner, for example, to the first clock shaft or a gear. In particular, it is attached in such a way that the accelerometer can determine the respective angular position of the first hand via the Earth's gravitational field. The accelerometer is specifically designed as a passive RFID sensor transponder. This accelerometer makes it possible to determine the position of the first hand using a reference to the Earth's acceleration due to gravity, g, of 9.81 m / s². 2to determine its orientation, and in particular its tilt or angular position, in two or three dimensions, i.e., in the axial directions of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate system. Since the accelerometer is attached to the first hand or the first clock shaft, the orientation of the first hand, and thus its actual position, can also be determined.

[0014] The 2D accelerometer has, in particular, two, especially static, accelerometer units arranged at a 90° angle to each other, each measuring the acceleration. The 3D accelerometer has, in particular, three, especially static, accelerometer units arranged at a 90° angle to each other, each measuring the acceleration. It is specifically provided that, in each quadrant of the pointer's rotation, the accelerometer unit exhibiting the steepest change in acceleration measurement, i.e., at the zero crossing of the sine function, is used for measuring the inclination and thus for determining the pointer's position.

[0015] The tower clock further features a reading unit designed, configured, and arranged for reading, in particular contactless, the accelerometer. The reading unit is specifically designed as an RFID reading unit for reading the accelerometer, which is configured as an RFID sensor transponder. The reading unit is arranged such that it is always within reading range of the accelerometer, i.e., in every position of the accelerometer. The reading unit is, in particular, fixed in place. If several accelerometers are read by the same reading unit, the reading unit is arranged such that it is always within reading range of each accelerometer, i.e., in every position of the respective accelerometer.

[0016] The use of RFID technology, i.e., the accelerometer designed as an RFID sensor transponder and the RFID reading unit, enables wireless and contactless reading of the accelerometer and, in particular, a small design of the accelerometer so that it can be attached to the first hand or the first clock shaft.

[0017] The accelerometer of this RFID sensor transponder is specifically designed as a MEMS accelerometer. MEMS stands for microsystem or microelectromechanical system. This is a miniaturized device, assembly, or component whose components have extremely small dimensions in the range of 1 µm and interact as a system.

[0018] Furthermore, the tower clock features a control computer coupled to the reading unit and the stepper motor. This control computer is configured to receive a time signal, to receive a pointer position signal from the accelerometer read by the reading unit, and to control the stepper motor based on the time signal and the pointer position signal. The reading unit is connected to the control computer, in particular via a cable, specifically a data transmission cable and a power supply cable, for data transmission and power supply to the reading unit.

[0019] The time signal used can be, for example, the time from an internal quartz clock of the control computer, a time signal from the DCF77 time signal transmitter, the internet time or the time reference of a GPS satellite.

[0020] The pointer position signal from the accelerometer includes, in particular, information regarding the current pointer position of the first pointer, specifically in the form of acceleration values ​​in two or three dimensions resulting from the effect of gravity on the accelerometer, or in the form of corresponding sensor values. It is specifically intended that the control computer determines the actual pointer position from this pointer position signal. The stepper motor is then controlled by the control computer based on the time signal and the actual pointer position determined using the pointer position signal, if this actual pointer position deviates from a pointer position corresponding to the time signal, at least if this deviation exceeds a predefined limit.

[0021] The accelerometer designed as a passive RFID sensor transponder and the reading unit designed as an RFID reading unit operate, for example, in the high frequency range, or RF range for short, especially at 13.56 MHz, or in the ultra-high frequency range, or UHF range for short, especially at 900 MHz.

[0022] If the accelerometer, configured as a passive RFID sensor transponder, and the RFID reader unit are designed for the RF range, this enables, for example, reading the accelerometer by the reader unit at a distance of up to 5 m from the accelerometer. The accelerometer, configured as a passive RFID sensor transponder, is then, particularly including its antenna(s), elongated and has, for example, a length of 17 cm. This accelerometer is, for example, attached to the first hand, with its longitudinal extension running parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first hand. Alternatively, this accelerometer is, for example, attached to the first clock shaft, with its longitudinal extension running in the axial direction of the first clock shaft.Due to its long range and the resulting large distance between the accelerometer and the reading unit, the reading unit does not need to be in the immediate vicinity of the accelerometer, and therefore, if the accelerometer is positioned on the first hand, it also does not need to be in the immediate vicinity of the first hand. This ensures that even when the first hand, which is often very large on tower clocks, rotates, and even when the accelerometer is mounted on the first hand, reliable reading of the accelerometer data is always possible using the stationary reading unit.

[0023] If the accelerometer, designed as a passive RFID sensor transponder, and the reading unit, designed as an RFID reading unit, are configured for the UHF range, this enables, for example, reading the accelerometer by the reading unit up to a distance of 5 cm between the reading unit and the accelerometer. The accelerometer can advantageously be particularly small. It is then, for example, attached to the first clock shaft or to another part mechanically connected directly to the first hand, preferably in a rotationally fixed manner, particularly to a part that does not change its distance from the stationary reading unit, so that the accelerometer also does not change its distance from the reading unit, or only changes it slightly through the rotation of this part, and thus always remains within this distance from the reading unit.This ensures that the accelerometer can be reliably read at any time using the stationary reading unit.

[0024] In an inventive method for operating the tower clock, it is therefore particularly provided that the pointer position signal is read out at predetermined time intervals of, for example, 30 seconds, from which an actual pointer position is determined, particularly in the control computer, the determined actual pointer position is compared, particularly in the control computer, with a pointer position corresponding to the time signal, if the deviation of the determined actual pointer position from the pointer position corresponding to the time signal exceeds a predetermined limit, a number of steps of the stepper motor corresponding to the deviation is calculated, particularly by the control computer, and the stepper motor is controlled, particularly by the control computer, to execute the calculated number of steps.

[0025] The tower clock described here therefore does not have a conventional clockwork mechanism, i.e., neither a conventional mechanical clockwork nor a conventional electric clockwork, for example a quartz clockwork, but rather the adjustment of the hands, in particular the first hand and in particular via this the adjustment of the second hand and, if present, the third hand, is carried out only by means of the stepper motor, by the control of which by means of the control computer depending on the time signal and on the actual hand position determined by means of the hand position signal.

[0026] The solution according to the invention enables the monitoring of the actual position of the first hand by means of an accelerometer. For example, such an accelerometer is also attached to the second hand or to a second clock shaft rigidly connected to the second hand. If the clock display unit has three hands, such an accelerometer is also attached to the third hand or to a third clock shaft rigidly connected to the third hand. The multiple accelerometers, particularly if they are each designed as RFID sensor transponders, can be read by the same reading unit, especially an RFID reading unit. Thus, it is advantageous that only one common reading unit is required even with multiple accelerometers.The determination of the actual pointer position is then carried out for the second pointer, which is equipped with an accelerometer, and, if present and equipped with an accelerometer, also for the third pointer, in the same way as for the first pointer.

[0027] The position of each hand can change due to external influences, such as wind loads, deformations, or mechanical aging of drives and gears. Furthermore, when universal joints are used in the drive train, the so-called universal joint error occurs, which can also lead to systematic time display errors. This is not currently detected, and therefore there is a risk that the actual position of each hand will deviate from its intended position, resulting in an incorrect time being displayed.

[0028] The term "cardan joint error" refers to the uneven transmission of rotational speed at a universal joint during a 360° rotation. For example, when a driveshaft rotates 360°, cardan joint errors occur at the universal joints. This describes uneven transmission of rotational speed. During a complete rotation, the outgoing shaft rotates twice faster and twice slower, but the total rotational speed is equal to that of the incoming shaft at the universal joint. The greater the flexion of the universal joint, the greater the difference in rotational speed between the incoming and outgoing shafts.

[0029] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention offers the realization of a tower clock that ensures an accurate time display at all times with very little effort, in particular with very little mechanical effort, since no large, complicated, maintenance-intensive and difficult-to-maintain mechanical clockworks are required, which are also expensive to maintain.

[0030] In the solution according to the invention, the pointer position is determined by means of an accelerometer based on a gravitational tilt measurement. By comparing this determined pointer position with the time signal, it is determined whether the pointer position corresponds to the time signal or not. If the pointer position determined by the accelerometer deviates from the pointer position corresponding to the time signal, the stepper motor is controlled by the control computer to adjust the pointer position, at least if the deviation exceeds the predefined limit. This continues until the pointer position newly determined by the accelerometer corresponds to the pointer position corresponding to the time signal or the deviation is within the predefined limit.

[0031] Low energy consumption is achieved through clocked control. The actuation cycle, i.e., the time interval, for checking the pointer position using the accelerometer and for any necessary readjustment by controlling the stepper motor, is advantageously freely programmable. For example, the actuation cycle, i.e., the time interval, is 30 seconds if the first pointer is the minute hand; that is, its position is checked every 30 seconds as described and readjusted if necessary by controlling the stepper motor.

[0032] The limit, i.e. the permissible deviation of the pointer position determined by means of the accelerometer from the pointer position according to the time of the time signal, is advantageously freely programmable.

[0033] The use of the stepper motor enables targeted, calculable correction control via the equation for calculating the stepper motor's steps.

[0034] Advantageously, a basic routine for self-calibration of the accelerometer is provided for each 360° pointer rotation. The reference signal is the acceleration due to gravity of 9.81 m / s². 2 This compensates in particular for aging of the accelerometer and a temperature-dependent transfer function.

[0035] The solution according to the invention also enables the tower clock to be switched from summer time to winter time and vice versa in a particularly simple manner. By determining the actual positions of the minute and hour hands using an accelerometer, the setting process carried out by the stepper motor can be controlled.

[0036] In one embodiment, the tower clock has a mechanical converter through which the stepper motor is connected to the first clock shaft.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tower clock has a universal joint between the first clock shaft and an output shaft of the stepper motor or the mechanical converter. The universal joint is connected on one side to the first clock shaft and on the other side to the output shaft of the stepper motor or the mechanical converter.

[0038] In one embodiment, the reading unit has a through-hole for the first clock shaft and is arranged coaxially to the first clock shaft, with the through-hole having a larger diameter than the first clock shaft passing through it. This design of the reading unit is optimized for mounting in the area of ​​the first clock shaft. By making the diameter of the through-hole larger than the diameter of the first clock shaft, friction between the rotating first clock shaft and the stationary reading unit is avoided.

[0039] In one embodiment, the accelerometer is elongated and / or arranged in an elongated housing and positioned on the first hand. Elongated means, in particular, that its length is greater, especially much greater, particularly by a multiple, than its width and / or diameter. This is a structural form of the accelerometer for optimal mounting on standard clock hands. For example, the accelerometer and / or its housing has a length of 2 cm to 15 cm. The RFID sensor transponder is, for example, a UHF RFID sensor transponder with a dipole antenna at half or quarter wavelength with respect to the wavelength of the radio signal, in particular the hand position signal.

[0040] In one embodiment, the accelerometer is round and / or arranged in a round sensor housing and mounted coaxially to the first clock shaft. This is a structural form of the accelerometer for optimal mounting on the first clock shaft, which is rigidly connected to the first hand.

[0041] In one embodiment, the mechanical converter is connected to the second hand via a second clock shaft, with the first and second clock shafts being coupled to each other within the mechanical converter via a gear mechanism. In this embodiment, only the first hand, for example the minute hand, is directly adjusted by the stepper motor. The second hand, for example the hour hand, is then adjusted along with the first hand.

[0042] If the clock display unit has three hands, the mechanical converter is advantageously connected to the second hand via the second clock shaft and to the third hand via the third clock shaft, with the first, second, and third clock shafts being coupled to each other within the mechanical converter via the gear train. In this embodiment, only the first hand, for example, the second hand, is directly adjusted by the stepper motor. The second and third hands, for example, the minute and hour hands, are then adjusted along with the first hand.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mechanical converter is designed as a distributor through which the stepper motor is connected to a further first pointer of at least one further clock display unit, or to further first pointsers of several further clock display units, via one or more further first clock shafts. This embodiment is intended, for example, for tower clocks that have a clock display unit on two, three, or four sides of a structure, in particular a tower. In this embodiment, all first points are then moved by the same stepper motor. It can be provided, for example, that the acceleration sensor or acceleration sensors are arranged only on the first pointer or on the points of one of the clock display units, or on the first pointer or on the points of several or all clock display units.Since it can be assumed that the influences described above, which can lead to changed hand positions, are the same for all time display units of such a tower clock with multiple time display units, equipping the first hand or the hands of one of the time display units with accelerometers is sufficient.

[0044] As an alternative to this solution, if several clock displays are installed on a structure, particularly a tower, it can be provided that each clock display belongs to its own separate tower clock, designed as described here. However, it can be provided that at least the control computer is then used for all these individual tower clocks. That is, the control computer for these tower clocks is then the same. The tower clocks then each have their own stepper motor and their own accelerometer, or several accelerometers.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control computer is connected via a data transmission network to a time signal generator (NTP server) and / or to an operator server of the tower clock's operator. In the digital age, this solution enables practical and simple remote maintenance through its network capability.

[0046] The described solution enables the detection of the pointer position, i.e., the pointer position, on the tower clock by means of the acceleration sensor on the first pointer or by means of the acceleration sensors on the points. This allows for automatic, contactless reading of the pointer position, i.e., the pointer position.

[0047] The described detection of the pointer position, particularly of the first pointer, using the accelerometer can, as an alternative to the tower clock solution described here, also be used, for example, on pointer instruments, especially to automatically and contactlessly read their analog pointer display and thereby, for example, a physical quantity measured by the pointer instrument, particularly digitally. For this purpose, it is only necessary that the pointer instrument is stationary, i.e., permanently installed, and that the accelerometer is attached to the pointer or to the pointer shaft permanently connected to the pointer in the manner described above, and that the reading unit for reading the accelerometer is provided.For example, the control computer connected to the reading unit can then determine the pointer position in the manner described, based on the acceleration values ​​recorded by the accelerometer (resulting from gravitational acceleration), and from this, calculate the corresponding value of the measured physical quantity. Depending on the determined pointer position and / or the corresponding value of the measured physical quantity, the control computer can then initiate predefined actions, such as controlling a system or issuing a warning.

[0048] In the described solution, both with regard to the tower clock and the pointer instrument, the main consideration is to compensate for the Earth's gravity and thus the acceleration due to gravity g of 9.81 m / s². 2to be used as a reference value, especially with preferably vertically oriented dials. The dial should be vertical, in particular, if the accelerometer is designed as a 2D accelerometer.

[0049] Essential to the described solution is that the accelerometer is mechanically fixed directly to the pointer, or to a directly coupled clock shaft or pointer shaft, or to another part directly connected to the pointer, particularly in a rotationally fixed manner, and is read wirelessly by means of the reading unit. Reading the accelerometer means, in particular, that the pointer position signal, including in particular an acceleration vector or, in the case of a vertically oriented dial, at least two acceleration components (i.e., at least the acceleration values ​​measured by the two accelerometer units), and, for example, additionally a sensor ID (i.e., a sensor identification of the accelerometer), are transmitted from the accelerometer to the reading unit. The sensor ID is particularly important when multiple accelerometers are read by the same reading unit.

[0050] In the described solution, the time is set as a correction parameter, not synchronously as with conventional clockwork mechanisms, but rather based on the difference between the actual time (as measured by the time signal) and the determined, current hand position. This eliminates all other influencing factors or disturbances.

[0051] Deviations in the sensor characteristic curve, for example over time or with temperature, are advantageously compensated for by a self-calibration procedure. This requires that the accelerometer completes at least one 180° rotation in the constant Earth's gravitational field, and that the gravitational constant at the respective point on Earth can then be used as a calibration reference. For this purpose, it is necessary to determine the maximum and minimum acceleration of the respective accelerometer, in particular the respective accelerometer unit of the accelerometer, during one rotation and to program the resulting calibration value into the accelerometer, in particular into the respective accelerometer unit of the accelerometer, or, for example, into the overall system of the tower clock, the reading unit, or the control computer.

[0052] It is specifically intended that what was described above regarding the first pointer, particularly concerning the determination of the pointer position using the accelerometer, also applies to the second pointer and, if present, to the third pointer. By applying the RFID anti-collision principle and unique pointer identification—that is, the unique identification of the accelerometer assigned to each pointer—all accelerometers can be read with the same RFID reader.

[0053] As already mentioned, in the solution described here, the time is set as a correction parameter, i.e. not time-synchronized as in the state of the art, but from the difference between the real time according to the time signal and the determined pointer position according to the pointer position signal.

[0054] Advantageously, the entire control of this asynchronous clock is achieved using a control computer, particularly a programmable one, especially in the form of a controller. The control computer runs continuously, i.e., permanently, for the duration of the clock's operation. It executes a program corresponding to the described solution, which in particular implements the procedure for operating the tower clock.

[0055] In this procedure for operating the tower clock, after the control computer is started, standard operating system setups are executed, and in particular, the time synchronization of the control computer is performed, which serves as the reference time (real time), i.e., as the time signal. This time can be an internal quartz clock of the control computer, the DCF77 time signal transmitter, internet time, or the time reference of a GPS satellite.

[0056] If this is successful, the data from the accelerometer is advantageously read out, and the respective hand position in degrees, hours, minutes, or seconds is calculated and compared with the real time, i.e., the time according to the time signal. If a difference arises, the number of steps forward or backward of the stepper motor is calculated from this difference, in particular according to a gear ratio of the clock mechanism located in the mechanical converter and the angular step size of the stepper motor. The gear ratio and angular step size are advantageously adjustable parameters of the program. This allows the program to be applied variably to different hardware components of tower clocks.

[0057] The accelerometer reading and stepper motor control are performed repeatedly until the predefined limit is reached. This limit is determined primarily by the resolution of the pointer position on the dial. The higher the dial resolution, the lower the limit should be, as deviations are more noticeable with a higher resolution than with a lower dial resolution.

[0058] This limit is advantageously a selectable parameter of the program. Ideally, the controller reaches this limit using a program loop. That is, the deviation of the actual pointer position from the pointer position that should be present according to the time signal, and the resulting steps of the stepper motor, are advantageously calculated such that the pointer position after the stepper motor has been activated and the calculated steps have been executed lies within the limit.

[0059] Advantageously, the actual pointer position is then determined again, and its deviation from the pointer position expected according to the time signal is checked again. If the actual pointer position is outside the limit, the required steps of the stepper motor are recalculated, and the stepper motor is controlled accordingly to execute the calculated steps. This is advantageously repeated until the actual pointer position is within the specified limit. Ideally, however, this is already the case after the first pointer adjustment by the stepper motor, so that no repetitions are necessary.

[0060] This process is repeated at predetermined, preferably adjustable, time intervals, for example, every 30 seconds. This time interval is sufficient for tower clocks to achieve an acceptable level of timekeeping accuracy, especially if the clock has no second hand, but only a minute and hour hand. This time interval also results in energy savings. The described solution is therefore very energy efficient. The stepper motor, as the most energy-intensive component, is advantageously operated at a duty cycle of approximately 1:50 to 1:100.

[0061] All measured and manipulated variables, i.e., in particular the steps performed by the stepper motor as well as the determined pointer position signals and / or the pointer positions derived therefrom, are advantageously stored in a non-volatile data memory and are thus available for data analysis, especially for the self-calibration routine of the accelerometer. The accelerometer advantageously provides a simple means of entering calibration constants.

[0062] In order to avoid the need for expensively calibrated acceleration sensors, a self-calibration routine is performed, particularly as part of the procedure for operating the tower clock. This routine is carried out continuously, especially cyclically, during operation of the tower clock and / or during initial installation.

[0063] During initial installation, the program calls a self-calibration function that first performs at least a 360° rotation of the first hand or the respective hand to determine the maximum and minimum accelerations. From these accelerations, the calibration constants for the respective accelerometer, and especially for its accelerometer units, are derived. Once this process is complete and meaningful values ​​have been determined, normal clock operation can begin.

[0064] The advantage is that this calibration routine can be performed again with each revolution of the hand during normal clock operation, without having to perform a special 360° rotation of the hand again, as all measured values ​​for determining the maximum and minimum accelerations during, for example, an hourly revolution of the minute hand, as described above, are available in the data memory.

[0065] This procedure also ensures that temperature influences on the accelerometer are automatically compensated. It can be assumed that large temperature fluctuations on tower clocks occur over a period of less than one hour. Experience has shown that the calibration values ​​from the minute hand measurement can also be applied to the hour hand accelerometer when using the same accelerometers from the same production batch.

[0066] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0067] It shows: Fig. 1 schematically an embodiment of a tower clock, Fig. 2 schematically another embodiment, Fig. 3 schematically another embodiment, Fig. 4 schematically represents a possible arrangement of an accelerometer and a reading unit, Fig. 5 schematically shows another possible arrangement of the accelerometer and the reading unit, Fig. 6 schematically a program flow diagram of a procedure for operating the tower clock, and Fig. 7 schematically shows a program flowchart for sensor self-calibration.

[0068] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0069] Based on the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. In the following, a tower clock 1 and a procedure for its operation are described.

[0070] The tower clock 1 has a time display unit 2 with a dial 3 and at least two hands. In the examples shown, only the first hand Z1 is depicted, which is in particular a minute hand. The second hand, which is not shown, is in particular an hour hand.

[0071] The tower clock 1 further features a stepper motor 4, which is connected to the first hand Z1 via a first clock shaft W1. The first clock shaft W1 is fixedly connected to the first hand Z1. The stepper motor 4 is located in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 not shown.

[0072] The tower clock 1 also features an accelerometer 5, configured as a 2D accelerometer or as a 3D accelerometer, which is attached to the first hand Z1, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 shown as an example, or attached to the first clock shaft W1, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown as examples.

[0073] The accelerometer 5 is designed as a passive RFID sensor transponder. This accelerometer 5 enables measurement via a reference to the acceleration due to gravity g of 9.81 m / s². 2 to determine its orientation, i.e., in particular its inclination or angular position, in two or three dimensions, i.e., in the axial directions of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate system. Since the accelerometer 5 is attached to the first pointer Z1 or to the first clock shaft W1, the orientation of the first pointer Z1 and thus its actual position can also be determined.

[0074] The tower clock 1 further comprises a reading unit 6 for contactless reading of the accelerometer 5. The reading unit 6 is designed as an RFID reading unit for reading the accelerometer 5, which is configured as an RFID sensor transponder. The reading unit 6 is arranged such that it is always within reading range of the accelerometer 5, i.e., in every position of the accelerometer 5. The reading unit 6 is, in particular, fixed in place.

[0075] Furthermore, the tower clock 1 has a control computer 7 coupled to the reading unit 6 and the stepper motor 4 (only shown in Fig. 1), which is configured to receive a time signal ZS, to receive a pointer position signal PS read by the reading unit 6 from the accelerometer 5, and to control the stepper motor 4 depending on the time signal ZS and the pointer position signal PS. The reading unit 6 is configured in particular via an exemplary in Fig. Cable 8 shown is connected to the control computer 7.

[0076] The pointer position signal PS of the accelerometer 5 contains, in particular, information regarding the current pointer position of the first pointer Z1, specifically in the form of acceleration values ​​in two or three dimensions resulting from the effect of gravity on the accelerometer 5, or in the form of corresponding sensor values. It is specifically intended that the control computer 7 determines the actual pointer position from this pointer position signal PS. The stepper motor 4 is then controlled by the control computer 7 depending on the time signal ZS and the actual pointer position determined by means of the pointer position signal PS, if this actual pointer position deviates from a pointer position corresponding to the time signal ZS, at least if this deviation exceeds a predefined limit.

[0077] In a method for operating the tower clock 1, it is therefore provided in particular that the pointer position signal PS is read out at predetermined time intervals of, for example, 30 seconds, an actual pointer position is determined from this in the control computer 7, the determined actual pointer position is compared in the control computer 7 with a pointer position corresponding to the time signal ZS, if the deviation of the determined actual pointer position from the pointer position corresponding to the time signal ZS exceeds a predetermined limit, the control computer 7 calculates a number of steps of the stepper motor 4 corresponding to the deviation, and the stepper motor 4 is controlled by the control computer 7 to execute the calculated number of steps.

[0078] Advantageously, a basic self-calibration routine SK of the accelerometer 5 is provided for each 360° pointer rotation. The reference signal is the acceleration due to gravity g of 9.81 m / s². 2 This compensates in particular for aging of the accelerometer 5 and a temperature-dependent transfer function.

[0079] The tower clock 1, for example, has a mechanical converter 9, via which the stepper motor 4 is connected to the first clock shaft W1, as shown in the following examples. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown.

[0080] The tower clock 1 can have a cardan joint 10 between the first clock shaft W1 and an output shaft of the stepper motor 4 or the mechanical converter 9, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3 shown.

[0081] As exemplified in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the reading unit 6 can have a through-hole 11 for the first clock shaft W1 and be arranged coaxially to the first clock shaft W1, wherein the through-hole 11 has a larger diameter than the first clock shaft W1 which is passed through the through-hole 11. This is a structural form of the reading unit 6 for optimal mounting in the area of ​​the first clock shaft W1.

[0082] As exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the accelerometer 5 can be elongated and / or arranged in an elongated housing and positioned on the first hand Z1. This is a structural form of the accelerometer 5 for optimal mounting on standard hands of tower clocks 1. For example, the accelerometer 5 and / or its housing has a length of 2 cm to 15 cm. The RFID sensor transponder is, for example, a UHF RFID sensor transponder with a dipole antenna at half or quarter wavelength with respect to the wavelength of the radio signal, in particular the hand position signal PS.

[0083] As exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the accelerometer 5 can alternatively be round and / or arranged in a round sensor housing and attached coaxially to the first clock shaft W1. This is a structural form of the accelerometer 5 for optimal mounting on the first clock shaft W1, which is rigidly connected to the first hand Z1.

[0084] In one embodiment, the mechanical converter 9 is connected to the second hand via a second clock shaft, wherein the first clock shaft W1 and the second clock shaft in the mechanical converter 9 are coupled to each other via a gear mechanism. In this embodiment, only the first hand Z1, for example the minute hand, is directly adjusted by the stepper motor 4. The second hand, for example the hour hand, is then adjusted by the adjustment of the first hand Z1.

[0085] If the clock display unit 2 has three hands, the mechanical converter 9 is advantageously connected to the second hand via the second clock shaft and to the third hand via the third clock shaft, wherein the first clock shaft W1, the second clock shaft, and the third clock shaft are coupled to each other in the mechanical converter 9 via the gear train. In this embodiment, only the first hand Z1, for example, the second hand, is directly adjusted by the stepper motor 4. The second and third hands, for example, the minute and hour hands, are then adjusted along with the first hand Z1.

[0086] For example, the control computer 7 is connected via a data transmission network to a time signal generator (NTP server) and / or to an operator server, in Fig. 1 schematically indicated by a network output 12 on the control computer 7. In the age of digitalization, this solution enables practical and simple remote maintenance through network capability.

[0087] Deviations in the sensor characteristic curve, for example over the long term or due to temperature, are advantageously compensated by a self-calibration procedure. This requires that the accelerometer 5 completes at least one 180° rotation in the constant Earth's gravitational field, and that the gravitational constant at the respective point on Earth can then be used as a calibration reference. For this purpose, it is necessary to determine the maximum and minimum acceleration of the respective accelerometer 5, in particular the respective accelerometer unit of the accelerometer 5, during one revolution, and to program the resulting calibration value into the accelerometer 5, in particular into the respective accelerometer unit of the accelerometer 5, or, for example, into the overall system of the tower clock, or into the reading unit 6, or into the control computer 7.

[0088] It is specifically intended that what was described above regarding the first pointer Z1, particularly concerning the determination of the pointer position using the accelerometer 5, also applies to the second pointer and, if present, to the third pointer as well. By applying the RFID anti-collision principle and unique pointer identification, i.e., the unique identification of the accelerometer 5 assigned to each pointer, all accelerometers 5 can be read with the same RFID reader.

[0089] Advantageously, the entire control of this asynchronous clock is achieved using the control computer 7, which is particularly programmable and in particular in the form of a controller. The control computer 7 runs continuously, i.e., permanently, for the duration of the clock's operation. It executes a program corresponding to the described solution, which in particular implements the procedure for operating the tower clock 1.

[0090] In this procedure for operating the tower clock 1, after the start of the control computer 7, standard operating system setups are executed, and in particular, the time synchronization of the control computer 7 is also performed, which serves as the reference time (real time), i.e., as the time signal ZS. This time can be an internal quartz clock of the control computer 7, the DCF77 time signal transmitter, internet time, or the time reference of a GPS satellite.

[0091] If this is successful, the data from the accelerometer 5 are advantageously read out, and the respective pointer position in degrees, hours, minutes, or seconds is calculated and compared with real time, i.e., with the time according to the time signal ZS. If a difference arises, the number of steps of the stepper motor 4 forward or backward is calculated from this difference, in particular according to a gear ratio of the clock mechanism, which is arranged in the mechanical converter 9, and the angular step size of the stepper motor 4. The gear ratio and angular step size are advantageously adjustable parameters of the program. They thus allow the variable application of the program to different hardware components of tower clocks 1.

[0092] The reading of the accelerometer 5 and the control of the stepper motor 4 are performed as often and as long as necessary until the predefined limit is reached. This limit is determined, in particular, by the respective resolution of the pointer position on the dial 3.

[0093] This limit is advantageously a selectable parameter of the program. Ideally, the controller reaches this limit using a program loop. That is, the deviation of the actual pointer position from the pointer position that should be present according to the time signal ZS, and the resulting steps of the stepper motor 4, are advantageously calculated such that the actual pointer position after the stepper motor 4 has been activated and the calculated steps have been executed lies within the limit.

[0094] Advantageously, the actual pointer position is then determined again, and its deviation from the pointer position that should be present according to the time signal ZS is checked again. If the actual pointer position is outside the limit, the required steps of stepper motor 4 are recalculated, and stepper motor 4 is controlled accordingly to execute the calculated steps. This is advantageously repeated until the actual pointer position is within the specified limit. Ideally, however, this is already the case after the first pointer adjustment using stepper motor 4, so that no repetitions are necessary.

[0095] This process is repeated at predetermined, preferably adjustable, time intervals, for example, every 30 seconds. This time interval is sufficient for tower clocks 1 to achieve an acceptable accuracy of time display, especially if the tower clock 1 does not have a second hand, but only a minute and hour hand. This time interval allows for energy savings. The described solution is therefore very energy-efficient. The stepper motor 4, as the most energy-intensive component, is advantageously operated at a duty cycle of approximately 1:50 to 1:100.

[0096] All measured and manipulated variables, i.e., in particular the steps performed by the stepper motor 4 as well as the determined pointer position signals PS and / or the pointer positions determined therefrom, are advantageously stored in a non-volatile data memory and are thus available for data analysis, in particular for the self-calibration routine SK of the accelerometer 5. The accelerometer 5 advantageously has a simple way of entering calibration constants.

[0097] In order to avoid having to use expensively calibrated acceleration sensors 5, a self-calibration routine SK is performed, for example, as part of the procedure for operating the tower clock 1, which is carried out continuously, especially cyclically, during the operation of the tower clock 1 and / or during initial installation.

[0098] During initial installation, for example, the program calls a self-calibration function that first performs at least a 360° rotation of the first hand Z1 or the respective hand to determine the maximum and minimum accelerations. From these accelerations, the calibration constants for the respective accelerometer 5, and in particular for its accelerometer units, are derived. Once this process is complete and meaningful values ​​have been determined, normal clock operation can begin.

[0099] The advantage is that this calibration routine can be performed again with each revolution of the hand during normal clock operation, without having to perform a special 360° rotation of the hand again, as all measured values ​​for determining the maximum and minimum accelerations during, for example, an hourly revolution of the minute hand, as described above, are available in the data memory.

[0100] This procedure also ensures that temperature influences on the accelerometer 5 are automatically compensated. It can be assumed that large temperature fluctuations on tower clocks 1 occur more slowly than one hour. Experience has shown that the calibration values ​​from the measurement in the minute hand can also be applied to the accelerometer 5 of the hour hand when using identical accelerometers 5 from the same production series.

[0101] The following is based on the program flowchart according to Fig. 6 describes the process of one embodiment of the method for operating the tower clock 1.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, after a process start VS, the control computer 7 is started in a first process step VS1.

[0103] In a second procedure step VS2, the system state and time synchronization of the control computer 7 are tested. If problems are detected, indicated by the reference symbol n for no, this second procedure step VS2 is repeated.

[0104] If everything is OK, indicated by the reference symbol j for yes, the acceleration sensor 5 is read out using the reading unit 6 in a third process step VS3. If the acceleration sensor 5 cannot be read out, indicated by the reference symbol n, the third process step VS3 is repeated.

[0105] If the acceleration sensor 5, marked with the reference numeral j, has been read out, in a fourth process step VS4, the number of steps that the stepper motor 4 must execute is calculated on the basis of the actual pointer position determined from the read-out pointer position signal PS and on the basis of the time signal ZS, so that the actual pointer position corresponds to the pointer position according to the time signal ZS or only deviates from it within the specified limit.

[0106] In a fifth process step VS5, the stepper motor 4 is controlled by the control computer 7 to execute the calculated number of steps.

[0107] The procedural steps VS1 to VS4 serve in particular to set the initial basic time of the displayed time of tower clock 1. The subsequent procedural steps VS5 to VS12 are then repeated at time intervals of, for example, 30 seconds to update the displayed time of tower clock 1.

[0108] In a sixth process step VS6, the acceleration sensor 5 is read out.

[0109] In a seventh process step VS7, the number of steps that the stepper motor 4 must execute is calculated based on the actual pointer position determined from the read-out pointer position signal PS and on the time signal ZS so that the actual pointer position matches the pointer position according to the time signal ZS or deviates from it only within the specified limit.

[0110] In an eighth process step, VS8, it is determined whether the predefined limit has already been reached, i.e., whether the actual pointer position is within the limit of the deviation from the pointer position according to the time signal ZS. If this is not the case, indicated by the reference symbol n, the process continues from the fifth process step, VS5, i.e., the stepper motor 4 is controlled by the control computer 7 to execute the calculated number of steps. If the predefined limit has already been reached, indicated by the reference symbol j, a timer is started for the specified time interval in a ninth process step, VS9.

[0111] In a tenth process step VS10, the actual values ​​present, in particular with regard to the pointer position signal PS and / or the actual pointer position and / or the deviation from the pointer position according to the time signal ZS and / or the number of steps taken by the stepper motor 4, are stored in the data memory.

[0112] In an eleventh process step, VS11, it is checked whether the next time interval has already been reached. If not, indicated by the reference numeral n, this check is performed again in the eleventh process step, VS11. If yes, indicated by the reference numeral j, the process continues from the sixth process step, VS6.

[0113] The specified limit for the deviation of the actual hand position from the hand position according to the time signal ZS is, for example, one degree, particularly for the first hand Z1, which is designed as a minute hand. This then corresponds to a deviation of 10 seconds.

[0114] The time interval is, for example, 30 seconds, as already mentioned.

[0115] The control computer time, i.e. the time used by the control computer 7, especially for the time signal ZS, corresponds in particular to real time.

[0116] Reading the accelerometer 5 means in particular determining the pointer inclination and thus the pointer position and thus calculating the actual minute position for the minute hand or the actual hour position for the hour hand.

[0117] The calculation of the steps of the stepper motor 4 serves to control the stepper motor 4 in a targeted manner to compensate for the actual pointer position, i.e. the determined currently actual pointer position according to the read pointer position signal PS, to real time, i.e. to the pointer position according to the time signal ZS.

[0118] The actual values ​​stored in the data memory during the tenth process step VS10 can be used for the self-calibration routine SK of the accelerometer 5, as described above. In a twelfth process step VS12, the determined calibration values ​​are written to the accelerometer 5.

[0119] Fig.Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a self-calibration procedure, which is performed during the initial installation of an accelerometer 5 on the clock tower 1 and by which this accelerometer 5 is calibrated. This self-calibration procedure makes it possible to forgo the need for costly pre-calibrated accelerometers 5 and instead initially install uncalibrated accelerometers 5 on the clock tower 1, which are then subsequently calibrated using the self-calibration procedure.

[0120] After a calibration start KS, the control computer 7 is started in a first calibration step KS1.

[0121] In a second calibration step KS2, the accelerometer 5 is read by the reading unit 6, and it is checked whether the accelerometer 5 provides relevant values, in particular a relevant pointer position signal PS. If no, n, then the second calibration step KS2 is repeated. If yes, j, then the accelerometer 5 is read by the reading unit 6 in a third calibration step KS3. In a fourth calibration step KS4, an angular position of the accelerometer 5 is calculated based on the read values, in particular the read pointer position signal PS. In a fifth calibration step KS5, the actual values ​​are stored, in particular an acceleration in the x-direction and an acceleration in the y-direction of the two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate system and the calculated angular position.

[0122] In a sixth calibration step KS6, it is checked whether a full 360° rotation of the pointer with the accelerometer 5 has already been achieved. If no, n, in a seventh calibration step KS7, the stepper motor 4 is controlled by the control computer 7 to perform a predetermined number of steps, and then the self-calibration procedure continues from the third calibration step KS3. If yes, j, i.e., if it is determined in the sixth calibration step KS6 that a full 360° rotation of the pointer with the accelerometer 5 has already been achieved, the calibration values ​​are calculated in an eighth calibration step KS8, specifically from the minimum and maximum acceleration in the x-direction and from the minimum and maximum acceleration in the y-direction and the corresponding angular positions.

[0123] In a new calibration step KS9, the calculated calibration values ​​are written to the accelerometer 5. This advantageously results in calibration to ± 1g (g = acceleration due to gravity of 9.81 m / s²). 2 ).

[0124] In a tenth calibration step, KS10, the accelerometer 5 is read again by the reading unit 6, and it is checked whether the accelerometer 5 still provides relevant values ​​after calibration, in particular a relevant pointer position signal PS. This serves, in particular, to verify whether the accelerometer 5 was correctly programmed and whether it is functioning and can be used.

[0125] If this is not the case, indicated by the reference numeral n, the self-calibration procedure continues from the first calibration step KS1. Otherwise, i.e., if the reading of the accelerometer 5 and the verification that it provides relevant values ​​was successful, indicated by the reference numeral j, the end EK of the self-calibration procedure is reached. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Tower clock 2 Time display unit 3 Dial 4 stepper motor 5 Accelerometer 6 Reading Unit 7 control computers 8 cables 9 mechanical converter cardan joint 10 11 Implementation opening 12 Network output EK End yes KS Calibration Start KS1 to KS10 calibration step no PS Pointer position signal SK self-calibration VS Procedure Start VS1 to VS12 Procedure step W1 first wave of watches Z1 first pointer ZS time signal

Claims

[1] Tower clock (1), featuring - a time display unit (2) with a dial (3) and at least two hands, - a stepper motor (4) which is connected to the first pointer (Z1) via a first clock shaft (W1), - an accelerometer configured as a 2D accelerometer or as a 3D accelerometer (5) which is attached to the first pointer (Z1) or to a part mechanically directly connected to the first pointer (Z1), - a reading unit (6) for contactless reading of the accelerometer (5), and - a control computer (7) coupled to the reading unit (6) and to the stepper motor (4), which is configured to receive a time signal (ZS), to receive a pointer position signal (PS) read by the reading unit (6) from the accelerometer (5) and to control the stepper motor (4) depending on the time signal (ZS) and the pointer position signal (PS). [2] Tower clock (1) according to claim 1, comprising a mechanical converter (9) via which the stepper motor (4) is connected to the first clock shaft (W1). [3] Tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cardan joint (10) between the first clock shaft (W1) and an output shaft of the stepper motor (4) or the mechanical converter (9). [4] Tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reading unit (6) has a through-hole (11) for the first clock shaft (W1) and is arranged coaxially to the first clock shaft (W1), wherein the through-hole (11) has a larger diameter than the first clock shaft (W1) which is passed through the through-hole (11). [5] Tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration sensor (5) is elongated and / or arranged in an elongated housing and is arranged on the first pointer (Z1). [6] Tower clock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acceleration sensor (5) is round and / or arranged in a round sensor housing and is attached coaxially to the first clock shaft (W1) on the first clock shaft (W1). [7] Tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the reading unit (6) is coupled to the control computer (7) via a cable (8) for data transmission and electrical power supply. [8] Tower clock (1) according to claims 2 to 7, wherein the mechanical converter (9) is connected to the second hand via a second clock shaft, wherein the first clock shaft (W1) and the second clock shaft in the mechanical converter (9) are coupled to each other via a gear. [9] Tower clock (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the mechanical converter (9) is designed as a distributor, via which the stepper motor (4) is connected to a further first pointer of at least one further time display unit via a further first clock shaft. [10] Tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control computer (7) is connected to a time signal transmitter and / or to an operator server via a data transmission network. [11] Method for operating a tower clock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pointer position signal (PS) is read out at predetermined time intervals, an actual pointer position is determined therefrom, the determined actual pointer position is compared with a pointer position corresponding to the time signal (ZS), if the deviation of the determined actual pointer position from the pointer position corresponding to the time signal (ZS) exceeds a predetermined limit, a number of steps of the stepper motor (4) corresponding to the deviation is calculated and the stepper motor (4) is controlled to execute the calculated number of steps.

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