DEVICE FOR REPRESENTING A UNIT OF TIME

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display of a device and a method for displaying a unit of time, wherein the display of the unit of time consists of changing fractional segments rotating in the same direction around a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular discs are optically distinguishable from one another, as well as a clock with this display. definition

[0002] The term "helical" is used to describe the technical function of the interlocking display elements. This means that something moves in a spiral shape. This can occur in a right- or left-handed curve. It is a very common pattern in natural forms such as snail shells or in the DNA molecule. A helix is ​​a spiral, cylindrical spiral, or helical path. A helix is ​​a curve that winds around the surface of a cylinder with a constant pitch. In this case, the surface is imaginary, and the distance to this surface, preferably measured from the circumferential surface to the surface, is always constant. State of the art

[0003] Time-displaying elements, such as a clock face, have an hour hand, a minute hand, and often a second hand as well. The current time can usually be read from such time-displaying devices to the nearest second. The drive mechanism can be either mechanical and / or electronic. A typical clock face is divided into at least four, preferably twelve, equal sections, which are distributed radially around a central axis of rotation of the clock. The beginning and end of a section are often marked by a dial marker, which can be, for example, a line, a dot, or in another suitable form and is often applied to the clock face, preferably printed on it. The dial markers are often accompanied by numbers indicating the respective full hour.The twelve hour markers are often further subdivided into five equal sections, resulting in 60 evenly spaced sections on the dial, allowing for precise reading of the minutes and seconds. The hands are positioned above the dial and rotate around a common axis in such a way that the dial displays the current hour (hour hand), minute (minute hand), and second (second hand).

[0004] The hour hand is positioned above the dial in a plane above the plane of the static dial and rotates 360° clockwise (right-handed, as viewed from above) around a common axis every twelve hours. In a subsequent plane is the minute hand, which rotates 360° around the common axis every hour. Following the minute hand in a further plane is the second hand, which rotates 360° around the common axis every minute.

[0005] Furthermore, there are clocks that deviate from these very traditional representations. These types of clocks convey aesthetic values ​​in addition to telling the time. For this purpose, times or time ranges are represented in words or colors, resulting in a completely different representation from the traditional clock, yet the time can still be determined, at least approximately.

[0006] A number of inventions, such as publication CH 534379, US 2006104160 as well as US 4939708, GB 2376089, US 6683821, DE 3731872, have set themselves the task of changing the appearance of the aforementioned "pointer clock" by using, instead of one or more pointer elements, a helix-shaped, optically contrasting pair of discs with a common center point and provided with a radial slot.Starting from the 12 o'clock position as the respective scale reference point, the initially rearmost disc rotates clockwise over time, moving completely in front of the disc that initially overlaps it through the radial slot of the latter. The resulting visible circular segment, formed by the exit portion at the 12 o'clock position and the visible radial slot of the moving disc, cumulatively displays the progression of the currently shown variable value, thus providing a more intuitive estimate of the displayed time "at a glance" compared to a conventional analog clock. For 12-hour clocks, it is proposed to differentiate between day and night hours by means of an alternating overlay of the hour discs in a 12-hour cycle. For example, the lighter disc could represent the 12 "day hours" and the darker disc the 12 "night hours" of a 24-hour day, or the 12-hour cycle could be fixed at the 6 o'clock position.To indicate the 8 o'clock position in order to reflect the light progression of a 24-hour day as realistically as possible.

[0007] From CH 707 531 A2, a time display method and a clock are known that use hour numeral symbols for time indication. The method relates to a time display method that uses hour numeral symbols to indicate the time, and to a clock. The 24 hours are displayed alternately and continuously at a fixed time using specific hour numeral symbols. The clock consists of a lower cover plate, a printed circuit board, an opaque plate, a transparent plate, a pointer center, a glass plate, and an upper cover plate. The lower cover plate has a chamber in which the printed circuit board is mounted. Twelve LEDs are arranged in a ring on one surface of the printed circuit board.The opaque plate, the transparent plate, the center pointer, and the glass plate are mounted on the circuit board in that order. The top and bottom plates are then combined to assemble the clock. Twelve hour numeral symbols are arranged in a ring on the opaque plate to form the numerals on the clock face. LEDs shine light onto the surface of the transparent plate to illuminate the hour numeral symbols. This assembly allows the clock to be used with a dynamic time display.

[0008] A design clock with a semi-circular dial is known from DE 20 2014 007 551 U1. It is characterized by its semi-circular hour dial, to which two opposing hour hands are attached. These hands move at a speed of one revolution every 24 hours. During the first 12 hours, one hand is visible, while the other is hidden behind a partition. During the following 12 hours, the order is reversed, and the entire cycle repeats every 24 hours. The minute hand is always visible and moves at a speed of one revolution per hour.

[0009] From DE 10 2015 007 866 A1, a time display device is known which comprises at least one static display element arranged in a first plane, one display element arranged rotating in a second plane, and one display element arranged rotating in a third plane, wherein the first to third planes are arranged parallel to each other and consecutively, and wherein the display elements are designed alternately as pointers and dials, and wherein the rotating display elements rotate relative to each other about a common pivot point or axis of rotation such that the display element performs a dual function.

[0010] From EP 0 209 335 A2, a clock is known which has a static dial with twelve markers. Furthermore, a dynamic dial with 60 markers is provided, which rotates around a common axis with an hour hand and a minute hand. The hour hand is mechanically fixed to the dynamic dial and rotates 360° within twelve hours. The minute hand rotates 390° around the common axis in one hour. A second hand is also mentioned, which rotates 360.5° around the common axis in one minute. Thus, the hour hand rotates synchronously with the static dial, and the minute hand rotates synchronously with the hour hand and the dynamic dial to which it is fixed.

[0011] The second hand also rotates synchronously with the hour hand and the dial that is firmly connected to it.

[0012] From US Patent 2006-0104160 A1, an optical display device is known which comprises two disks, each disk having a radial slot to form a surface whose plane is helically shaped, the disks being arranged one above the other and within each other and lying in mutually parallel helical planes. Each disk is independently rotatable about a common axis by means of a drive mechanism suitable for selectively rotating either one or the other of the disks, whereby, when viewed from the axis, the disks display overlapping, visually contrasting segments that have an area or position representative of the relative rotational positions of the disks and represent a value of a parameter to be displayed by the device.

[0013] The mechanical analog display of clocks according to DE 196 02 574 A1 shows the time with two changing segments of sectors that complement each other to form a full circle or ring. The sectors are the visible portions of two nested, coaxially oriented helical surfaces that rotate alternately through 360 degrees. The non-visible portions of the helical surfaces are connected at their lower ends to drive shafts, with one helical surface having one more turn than the other. The different angular dimensions of the helical surfaces ensure a drive shaft arrangement similar to that of conventional analog clocks, thus simplifying the technical implementation. A combination of two pairs of helical surfaces for the separate display of hours and minutes is also presented.

[0014] In DE 2015 446 A, a device for displaying an angular position corresponding to a time is described in that it consists of at least one pair of circular ring discs, both of which are slotted and helically wound into one another, extend at least over 360° and are rotatably mounted relative to each other on a stationary housing part, and have guides for axial guidance, and that an adjusting element engages one of the discs to move it, while at the same time the other disc is held in its position by means of a locking mechanism. Disadvantages of the state of the art

[0015] The previously known methods of displaying time are generally limited to a minute indicator and are coupled in such a way that the discs replace the hands known from the prior art. Driving the individual discs necessitates a very complex mechanism. This mechanism is so extensive that a simple and flat design, as desired for a wall clock, for example, is not feasible.

[0016] Furthermore, the designs are very complex, which also makes production very expensive. Object of the invention

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide a time display method that can easily display both the current time and the time remaining until the next full hour, while also taking into account a flat, compact design. Solution to the task

[0018] The solution to the problem is provided by the features of claim 1. Advantages of the invention

[0019] The viewer and user can see at a glance the time as well as the ratio of elapsed time to future time for one (1) hour segment. The device and method are characterized by the interaction of three display elements in the form of circular discs that interact with each other. These allow the actual time and the remaining time until the next full hour to be read simultaneously in a very interesting and impressive way. The device departs from the conventional representation in which the 60 minutes of an hour are always represented by starting at "12 o'clock" and a 360-degree rotation, 6 degrees per minute. A characteristic feature of the invention is that the hour, starting from the full hour (for example, 8 o'clock or 3 p.m.), always originates from this position of the segment of the circular disc that indicates the hour.

[0020] Three visually distinct circular disks are provided, each with a bearing point. These disks also each have a radially pronounced slot extending from the circumferential side to the bearing point. A first and a second disk are placed one on top of the other such that their respective radial slots are congruent. The third disk is inserted perpendicularly with its slot into the slots of the first and second disks and then positioned flat. This causes the third disk to overlap the first and second disks on its two flat sides. As a result, the disks are interlocked flatly, forming a helical structure with a common axis, yet each disk can still rotate freely around its own bearing point.By rotating the circular disks differently, the function of each disk changes hourly.

[0021] Initially, the first disc displays the minutes and the second disc displays the hour. The third disc represents the remaining time until the next hour and remains stationary.

[0022] After a 360-degree rotation of the first circular disc, it switches to displaying the remaining time, the third circular disc becomes the display for the hour and moves 30 degrees in the direction of a clockwise rotation, and the second circular disc now displays the minutes, starting from the position in which the third circular disc has taken the position for that hour.

[0023] After another 360-degree rotation of the second circular disc, it switches to displaying the remaining time, the first circular disc displays the hour, and the third circular disc displays the minutes.

[0024] After each full rotation, the disc indicating the remaining time turns 30 degrees further, forming a narrow segment between the slots. This segment indicates the position of the respective hour. On a clock that displays the actual time, this segment corresponds to the position of each full hour, such as 2 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 a.m., 8 p.m., etc.

[0025] From this position, the disc facing the viewer begins its 360-degree rotation, displaying the minutes. This disc represents a segment of the elapsed time. Simultaneously, the remaining time up to the hour is displayed between this disc and the stationary disc.

[0026] Therefore, the time can best be read when the respective circular discs are designed differently and are at least visually distinguishable from one another.

[0027] Advantageously, solutions are proposed as drive units for the respective circular disks in which each circular disk is assigned to a drive disk, such that the drive disk provides a connection to the circular disk and rotates this circular disk around the axis or bearing point of the circular disk. Thus, each circular disk is assigned to a drive disk.

[0028] A total of three drive discs are provided. The drive disc itself is a flat, rotationally symmetrical structure with a bearing point. A common axis is also provided, with each disc's bearing point resting on this axis.

[0029] A first embodiment is designed as follows: The third drive pulley has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which has one or more mounting points at its respective free end. The second drive pulley is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, but this distance is smaller than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive pulley. A portion of the surface of the second drive pulley slides on the third drive pulley. The first drive pulley has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which also has one or more mounting points. This surface is positioned even closer to the bearing point than the surface of the second drive pulley. This first drive pulley slides on a portion of the surface of the second drive pulley.

[0030] The free ends of the respective drive discs lie in a common plane, so that they can form the mounting points for the respective circular discs.

[0031] To enable these drive pulleys to be driven by one or more actuators, drive sleeves are provided, each arranged inside the other and connected to the drive pulleys. These drive sleeves are rotatably mounted centrally on or around the axis and are designed such that drive elements can be attached directly or indirectly to the free end of each drive sleeve, namely on the side facing away from the drive pulley. These drive elements, such as a drive wheel, a gear, or a belt, can be coupled to an actuator. Each drive sleeve has its own separate actuator.

[0032] The individual servo motors are driven by a control unit. This control unit is preferably software-controlled, such that the circular discs are first calibrated and thus positioned, and then the time is set based on the time signal. Alternatively, only the time can run, allowing the viewer to see how much time has elapsed or remains (timer function).

[0033] A second embodiment is designed as follows: The third drive pulley has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which has one or more mounting points at its respective free end. The second drive pulley is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, but this distance is less than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive pulley. The second drive pulley is arranged in the same plane as the first drive pulley. Furthermore, the first drive pulley provides a bearing option for the second drive pulley on its inner surface. This bearing option can, for example, be a tongue-and-groove connection, in which the tongue can slide in the groove.Since the inner surface of the second drive pulley is also supported on the outer surface of the first drive pulley, and a bearing arrangement is provided to allow sliding, the second drive pulley can be positioned identically to the first and third drive pulleys. The first drive pulley has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which also has one or more mounting points. This surface is positioned at an even smaller distance than the surface of the second drive pulley from the bearing point. All three drive pulleys are freely rotatable about their bearing point and thus about their axis.

[0034] Preferably, the three drive pulleys can be easily manufactured using additive manufacturing (3D printing). This advantageously eliminates assembly and the need for additional components. The drive pulleys function immediately after manufacturing.

[0035] To enable the circular discs to be driven by the drive discs, and to allow them to helically interlock and assume different positions when viewed from above, the circular discs are to be attached to at least one mounting point on the respective drive disc. This attachment can be achieved, for example, by adhesive bonding or a releasable connection such as hook-and-loop or magnetic fastening.

[0036] A connecting element is provided for coupling each circular disk to the drive disk. This element is located on one side of the slot of the respective circular disk. Advantageously, these elements are integrally connected to the circular disk. The connection is designed such that the circular disk can be rotated around its axis by "tapping" the connecting element.

[0037] The connecting elements are arranged radially apart from each other when viewed from above on the circular disks. A particularly advantageous embodiment consists in the fact that the connecting element of each circular disk extends from one side of the slot to which it is hinged, across the slot, against the direction of rotation, and is attached with its free end to the mounting point of the respective drive disk.

[0038] Since the circular disks represent a circle, the connecting element is adapted to the shape of the circular disk. In plan view, the connecting element has a segment of a circle and a radius corresponding to the radius from the respective recording point 32, 33, 34 to axis 5.

[0039] Each drive disc is driven by a servo motor.

[0040] To ensure a very compact and simple design, it is proposed to use so-called torque motors. These have different diameters. They are arranged on the underside, the side facing away from the circular disks. The individual torque motors are preferably nested inside one another, such that the outermost, largest actuator drives the first, outermost drive disk. The actuator is also limited to the mass of the respective drive disk, such that the next torque motor fits inside the first torque motor and drives the second drive disk. The same applies to the third torque motor, which drives the third drive disk.

[0041] Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description, drawings and claims. Drawings

[0042] They show: Fig. 1 A spatial view of an arrangement of three circular disks for representing a time; Fig. 2 A schematic view of the three circular disks in individual view; Fig. 3 [AB] A schematic representation of the joining of the respective circular disks in several steps; Fig. 4 [AG] A representation of the different positions of the interlocking circular disks in a helical pattern to represent a time in plan view; Fig. 5 [AH] A representation of the different positions of the interlocking circular disks in a helical pattern to represent a time, in contrast to Fig. 4in a spatial side view; Fig. 6 a section through the drive pulleys for driving [not shown in the drawing] circular discs according to a first embodiment; Fig. 7 a top view of the first embodiment of a display device for showing a unit of time together with the drive pulleys and the circular discs, the circular discs being folded away for better visibility of the function; Fig. 8 a top view of the drive pulleys for driving [not shown in the drawing] circular discs according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 a section through the drive pulleys according to Fig. 8 along a section line IX-IX; Fig. 10 a top view of the first embodiment of a device for displaying a unit of time together with the drive discs and the circular discs, wherein the circular discs are folded away for better visibility of the function. Description of an exemplary embodiment

[0043] In Fig. 1 A spatial view of the principle of the time display method is schematically represented. To display a time, three planar circular disks 2, 3, 4 are provided, which are coupled to each other. These planar circular disks are driven by at least one drive element - in Fig. 1not shown in detail - driven. The planar circular disks 2, 3, 4 each have a bearing point 2l, 3l, 4l and are arranged relative to each other such that they are rotatably mounted on a common imaginary axis 5 about this axis 5 at this bearing point 2l, 3l, 4l and each is rotatable about the axis 5 independently of the other circular disk. In addition, each of the planar circular disks 2, 3, 4 has a slot 2s, 3s, 4s extending from the outer circumference of the circular disk to the bearing point 2l, 3l, 4l. The circular disks 2, 3, 4 are flexibly designed in the region of the slot 2s, 3s, 4s such that the circular disks 2, 3, 4 can be interlocked with each other, so that together they form a helical structure, as shown in Fig. 1 is presented in an overall view.

[0044] In the Fig. 2The three circular disks 2, 3, 4 are shown schematically. In this embodiment, they are circular and each has a slot 2s, 3s, 4s extending from the outer circumference U to the respective bearing point 2l, 3l, 4l. The circular disks 2, 3, 4 are graphically labeled differently in this embodiment to better illustrate their respective functions. For the implementation of this method, it is recommended that the respective circular disks 2, 3, 4 be distinguished, as they take on different meanings depending on their position, making it easier for the viewer to determine these meanings.

[0045] As a first step, as in Fig. 2 As shown, preferably three identical circular disks are to be produced, namely the first circular disk 2, the second circular disk 3, and the third circular disk 4. These circular disks 2, 3, 4 are planar. In the case of the Fig. 2The illustrated embodiment is a circular disk with a flat surface. It is also inherently flexible and at least partially bendable. Extending from its outer circumference to a central point, each of the disks 2, 3, 4 has a slot 2s, 3s, 4s. The free ends 6 in the area of ​​this slot 2s, 3s, 4s are such that they can be moved out of an almost common plane with very little force. This means that, in the displayed state, the respective end faces of the disks are offset from each other in the area of ​​the slot. This is visible in the perspective view. Fig. 1 This clarifies that the respective base of the slot, i.e., the point where the slot ends, is simultaneously a bearing point 2l, 3l, 4l for the respective circular disk 2, 3, 4.

[0046] For a merger, as it occurs in Fig. 3[A]As shown, the second and third circular disks 3, 4 are brought together centrally and flat against each other, such that their respective slots 3s, 4s lie one above the other. The second and third circular disks 3, 4 are then inserted with their common slot 3s, 4s into the slot 2s of the first circular disk 2, preferably in a vertical position, until the circular disks 2, 3, 4 are completely interlocked. In a further step, the second and third circular disks 3, 4 are placed in the plane of the first circular disk 2, so that the respective circular disks 2, 3, 4 are arranged parallel to each other. The respective bearing points 2l, 3l, 4l of the circular disks lie on a common imaginary axis formed by the interlocking, as shown in Fig. 1is marked with the reference symbol 5. The circular disks rotate around this imaginary axis 5 and are helically connected to each other due to the entanglement, as can also be seen in the perspective view in Fig. 1 and in top view in Fig. 3 [B] can be seen.

[0047] If the circular disks 2, 3, 4 are interlocked, they are to be positioned so that the respective slots are fanned out very close together, as shown in Fig. 3 [B] This is shown. As a result, the third circular disk 4 from the top is positioned in first place, the first circular disk 2 in second place, and the second circular disk 3 in third place.

[0048] In the first hour, the third disc 4 displays the 60-minute cycle, the first display element 2 the hour cycle, and the second disc 3 serves to show the ratio of elapsed time to the time remaining within an hour. An example is shown in Fig. 4 depicted.

[0049] In Fig. 4[A]The time is displayed within a time segment of 12:00 and 13:00, or 1:00. The first disc, 2, indicates the hour, in this case 12:00. It does not move within this time segment of 12:00-13:00. The second disc, 3, indicates the time remaining until the next hour. This disc also remains stationary within the 12:00-13:00 time segment and does not rotate. The second disc, 3, is covered by the rotating third disc, 4, which represents the minutes. This third disc rotates 360 degrees every 60 minutes, similar to the minute hand of a conventional clock, in a direction of rotation 7 around the pivot point 4l of the third disc, 4. As the hour progresses, the third disc, 4, gradually covers the second disc, 3.

[0050] With the complete overlap of the second circular disk 3, all three circular disks move 30 degrees clockwise ( Fig. 4[B]The first disc 2 is thereby moved with its slot to 1:00 or 13:00. The second disc and the third disc 3, 4 now move out of this slot, such that the second disc 3 moves with its slot to the 1:00 position and thus indicates the full hour.

[0051] This step is in Fig. 4 [C] The indicator 13:15 is shown. The first disc 2 now changes from hour indicator to minute indicator and displays the elapsed minutes from the full hour, starting from the position 1:00 or 13:00. As it rotates, the first disc 2 overlaps the third disc 4. The movement of the first disc 2 completes 360 degrees in the direction of arrow 7 within one hour. The remaining discs 3 and 4 do not move during the hourly cycle in the time window 13:00-14:00.

[0052] With the complete overlap of the third circular disk 4, all three circular disks 2, 3, 4 move 30 degrees clockwise ( Fig. 4 [D] This step moves the second circular disk 3 from position 1:00 to 2:00. Fig. 4 [E] This position is marked 14:00.

[0053] In a further step, the second and third circular discs 3 and 4 move out of the slot, such that the third circular disc 4 assumes the position 2:00 or 14:00, thus taking over the hour display. Previously, the third circular disc 4 showed the time remaining until the hour. Now it has switched to displaying the hour and remains stationary for the next 60 minutes. Furthermore, the second circular disc 3 moves out of the slot. It now displays the actual minutes within the hour. It rotates 360 degrees in the direction of rotation arrow 7 over 60 minutes. In doing so, it increasingly covers the first, now stationary, circular disc 2, which displays the time remaining until the hour. Fig. 4 [E] ). In Fig. 4 [E] The time is shown between 14:00 and 15:00 or 2:00 and 3:00.

[0054] With the complete overlap of the first circular disk 2, all three circular disks 2, 3, 4 move 30 degrees clockwise, as shown in Fig. 4 [F]The first circular disk 2 is thereby moved with its slot to 3:00. The third circular disk 4 now moves out of this slot in such a way that it covers the second circular disk 3.

[0055] In Fig. 4 [G] The time is displayed between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM. The first circular disc 2 now becomes the hour indicator and positions itself at 3:00 PM or 3:00 AM, respectively. The third circular disc 4 then changes from the hour indicator to the minute indicator and rotates 360 degrees in one hour in the direction of the rotation arrow 7. It covers the second circular disc 3 in the process.

[0056] As in Fig. 4 [G] As shown, the processes repeat themselves every three hours.

[0057] In the Fig. 5[AH] shows different positions of the circular disks 3, 4, 5. Viewed from above, the third circular disk 4 occupies the lowest position, the second circular disk 3 the middle position, and the first circular disk the highest and thus the first position. The figures show the rotational movement of the first circular disk 2, such that after one complete rotation of the first circular disk 2, it reaches the middle position ( Fig. 5 [H]) and the third circular disk 4 in the top position. This representation makes it clear that the bottom circular disk (in the Fig. 5 [AD]) represents the minutes and reaches the top position through the rotation in the direction of arrow 7. Once this position is reached, as in Fig. 5 [E]As shown, all circular discs 2, 3, 4 rotate 30 degrees in the direction of arrow 7. The middle circular disc, here the first circular disc 2, is then moved into position to display the hour ( Fig. 5 [G] ), whereupon the circular disc for the minutes (second circular disc 3, the lowest circular disc) begins the minute display starting from the hour position ( Fig. 5 [H] ).

[0058] In Figs. 6 and 7 A first embodiment of a display 1 is shown. Fig. 6 differs from Fig. 7 because in Fig. 6 No circular disks 2, 3, 4 are shown for the sake of simplicity in the illustration.

[0059] Display 1 has three drive discs 12, 13, and 14. The third drive disc 14 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point (axis 5), which has one or more mounting points 34 at its respective free end. The second drive disc 13 is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, but this distance is less than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive disc. Part of the surface of the second drive disc 13 slides on the third drive disc 14. The second drive disc 13 also has mounting points 33 at its free end. The first drive disc 12 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which also has one or more mounting points 32. This surface has an even smaller distance from the bearing point than the surface of the second drive disc.This first drive disc 12 slides on part of the surface of the second drive disc 13.

[0060] The free ends of the respective drive discs 12, 13, 14 lie in a common plane, so that they can form the mounting points 32, 33, 34 for the respective circular discs 2, 3, 4.

[0061] To enable these drive discs 12, 13, 14 to be driven by one or more actuators (not shown in the drawings), drive sleeves 22, 23, 24 are provided, each arranged inside the other and connected to the respective drive discs 12, 13, 14. These drive sleeves 22, 23, 24 are rotatably arranged centrally on or about the axis 5 and such that drive means 42, 43, 44 can be attached directly or indirectly to the free end of each drive sleeve (arrow 25), namely on the side facing away from the drive disc. These drive means 42, 43, 44, such as a drive wheel or a gear (in Fig. 6 (As indicated) or a belt can be coupled to a drive element, for example an actuator. Each drive sleeve has a separate drive element.

[0062] The respective drive mechanisms are powered by a control unit. This control unit is preferably software-controlled, such that the circular discs are first calibrated and thus positioned, and then the time is set based on the time signal. Alternatively, only the time can run, allowing the viewer to see how much time has elapsed or remains (timer function).

[0063] In the Figs. 8 and 9 A second embodiment of display 1 is shown.

[0064] The third drive disc 14 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point (axis 5), which has one or more mounting points 34. The second drive disc 13 is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, the distance of which, however, is less than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive disc 14. Mounting points 33 are also provided for the second drive disc 13. The second drive disc 13 is arranged in the same plane as the third drive disc 14. Furthermore, the third drive disc 14 provides a bearing option 14L on its inner surface for the second drive disc 13. This bearing option 14L can, for example, be a tongue-and-groove connection, whereby the tongue can slide in the groove.Since the inner surface of the second drive disc 13 is also supported on the outer surface of the first drive disc 12, and a bearing option 13L is provided to allow sliding, the second drive disc 13 can slide within the first drive disc 12 and relative to the third drive disc 14. The first drive disc 12 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which also has one or more mounting points 32. This surface is positioned at an even smaller distance than the surface of the second drive disc 13 from the bearing point. All three drive discs 12, 13, 14 are freely rotatable about their bearing point and thus about their axis, since the first drive disc 12 is also provided with both a first bearing option 13L and a second bearing option 12L.

[0065] The respective drive discs are connected by drive elements 42, 43, 44, as in Fig. 9 shown, each powered.

[0066] To ensure a very compact and simple design, so-called torque motors are proposed as drive elements 42, 43, 44. These have different diameters. They are arranged on the underside, the side facing away from the drive discs 12, 13, 14. The respective torque motors are preferably nested inside one another, such that the outermost, largest actuator drives the first, outermost drive disc. The actuator is also limited to the mass of the respective drive disc, such that the next torque motor fits inside the first torque motor and drives the second drive disc. The same applies to the third torque motor, which drives the third drive disc.

[0067] To enable the circular disks 2, 3, 4 to be driven by the drive disks 12, 13, 14, and to allow them to helically interlock and assume different positions in plan view, the circular disks 2, 3, 4 are to be attached to at least one mounting point 32, 33, 34 of the respective drive disk 12, 13, 14. A connecting element 52, 53, 54 is provided for coupling each circular disk 2, 3, 4 to the drive disk 12, 13, 14. This connecting element is arranged on one side of the slot 2s, 3s, 4s of the respective circular disk 12, 13, 14. The connecting elements 52, 53, 54 are, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 10The circular disks 2, 3, 4 are shown in a top view and arranged at a radial distance from each other. The special embodiment consists in the fact that the connecting element 52, 53, 54 of the respective circular disk 2, 3, 4 extends from one side of the slot 2s, 3s, 4s, to which it is hinged, across the slot against the direction of rotation (opposite the direction of arrow 7) and is attached with its free end to the receiving point 32, 33, 34 of the respective drive disk 12, 13, 14.

[0068] Since the circular disks 2, 3, 4 represent a circle, the connecting element 52, 53, 54 is adapted to the shape of the circular disk 12, 13, 14. In plan view, the connecting element 52, 53, 54 has a partial segment of a circle and a radius corresponding to the radius from the respective recording point 32, 33, 34 to axis 5.

[0069] The present display 1, 1' consists of three very simply designed circular disks, which are mounted together on a single axis for rotation, independent of each other. A radial slot extending to the bearing point allows the disks to interlock, creating a helical structure. Without being permanently connected, the disks twist over each other due to their own rotation. Thus, each disk alternates its function every hour between displaying the hour, the minutes, and the remaining time until the hour. Therefore, the described device and method can be used as a clock to display the actual time. The previously described control system for the drive mechanism can preferably convert a receiver's input of a time signal into a corresponding positioning movement.

[0070] The described method of the interaction of circular disks to represent a unit of time is characterized by the display of the time unit consisting of changing segments of physical or virtual circular disks rotating in the same direction around a common axis, together forming a full circle, and the circular disks being visually distinguishable from one another. The device departs from the conventional representation in which the 60 minutes of an hour are always represented by starting at "12 o'clock" and a 360-degree rotation, 6 degrees per minute. A characteristic feature of the invention is that the hour, starting from the full time (for example, 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.), always originates from the position of the segment of the circular disk that represents the hour. Reference symbol list Device for displaying a unit of time

[0071] 1 First embodiment of a display 1' Second embodiment of a display 2 First display element 3 Second display element 4 Third display element 5 Virtual axis 6 Outer circumference 7 Rotation arrow 12. First drive pulley 13. Second drive pulley 14. Third drive pulley 22 first drive sleeve 23 second drive sleeve 24 third drive sleeve 32 first recording point 33 second recording point 34 third recording point 42 first means of propulsion 43 second means of propulsion 44 third means of propulsion 52 Connection element 53 Connection element 54 Connection element 2l,3l,4l storage point 12L, 13L, 14L storage option 2s,3s,4s slot

Claims

1. Display of a device for indicating a unit of time, wherein the display for the unit of time consists of varying fractional segments of circular discs rotating in the same direction inside one other in a direction of rotation about a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular discs differ optically from one another, wherein a. three circular discs (2, 3, 4) with in each case one bearing point (21, 31, 41) are provided, b. the three circular discs (2, 3, 4) have substantially the same radius, c. each of the three circular discs (2, 3, 4) has a slit (2s, 3s, 4s) that extends from its outer circumference U to the bearing point (21, 31, 41), d. the three circular discs (2, 3, 4) are inserted helically into one another via the respective slits (2s, 3s, 4s) and come to bear areally on one another and are rotatable about the common axis (5) independently of one another, such that they are interlinked with a single helical extension, wherein the three circular discs (2, 3, 4) are, at least indirectly, individually drivable and controllable in each case.

2. Display according to Claim 1, characterized in that a. three drive discs (12, 13, 14) are provided, b. each drive disc (12, 13, 14) rotates about the axis (5) c. each drive disc (12, 13, 14) has at least one receiving point (32, 33, 34), d. drive disc (12, 13, 14) and receiving points (32, 33, 34) are arranged in a plane, e. each drive disc (12, 13, 14) is drivable via a drive element (42, 43, 44), wherein the drive element (42, 43, 44) is controllable, f. wherein each circular disc (2, 3, 4) is coupled to another drive disc (12, 13, 14), g. the coupling of the circular disc (2, 3, 4) to the drive disc (12, 13, 14) is provided via a connecting element (52, 53, 54) which is arranged on the one side of the slit (2s, 3s, 4s), and h. the connecting elements (52, 53, 54) are arranged at a radial distance from one another in a plan view of the circular discs (2, 3, 4).

3. Display according to Claim 2, characterized in that the connecting element (52, 53, 54) for the respective circular disc (2, 3, 4) extends from the one side of the slit (2s, 3s, 4s), on which it is articulated, across the slit (2s, 3s, 4s) counter to the direction of rotation (arrow 7) and is fastened at its free end to the receiving point of the respective drive disc (12, 13, 14).

4. Display according to Claim 3, characterized in that the connecting element (52, 53, 54), in plan view, has a partial segment of a circle and has the radius corresponding to the radius from the respective receiving point (32, 33, 34) to the axis.

5. Display according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the drive discs (12, 13, 14) are rotatable clockwise.

6. Display according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the drive discs (12, 13, 14) are connected to drive sleeves (22, 23, 24), and the drive sleeves (22, 23, 24) are guided inside one another in such a way as to be arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis (5), and each drive sleeve (22, 23, 24) is coupled at least indirectly to a drive means (42, 43, 44).

7. Display according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the drive discs (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a plane and, by way of guide elements, are coupled to one another so as to be rotatable about the axis.

8. Display according to Claim 7, characterized in that the guide elements are tongue-and-groove connections, wherein the tongue is arranged in a slidable manner in the groove.

9. Display according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each drive disc (12, 13, 14) is directly drivable by way of a drive means (42, 43, 44).

10. Display according to Claim 9, characterized in that the drive means (42, 43, 44) are torque motors and these have different diameters so as to be insertable into one another.