Device for displaying a unit of time

Abstract

The invention relates to a time-indicating method consisting at least of a time-indicating means for the hours and an additional time-indicating means for the minutes, wherein the time-indicating means are indicating elements with a bearing point, and the bearing point of each time-indicating means is arranged on a common axis. According to the invention, an additional display element (2, 3, 4) is rotatably arranged on the common virtual axis (5), and each display element (2, 3, 4) has a slot (2s, 3s, 4s) extending from the outer circumference U to the bearing point (2l, 3l, 4l) such that the slots rotate one below the other and independently of one another, wherein one, two, or three display elements (2, 3, 4) are moved in an alternating manner via a setting device.

Description

[0001] Device and method for displaying a time unit and a clock with this device as a display

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a display of a device and method for displaying a time unit, wherein the display of the time unit consists of changing segments of circular discs rotating in the same direction around a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular discs are optically different from one another, as well as a clock with this display.

[0004] definition

[0005] The term "helical" is used to describe the technical function of the interacting display elements. This should be understood as follows: Helical 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 DNA molecules. A helix is ​​a screw line, cylindrical spiral, or helix. A helix is ​​a curve that winds around the surface of a cylinder at a constant pitch. In this case, the surface is imaginary, and the distance to this surface is always constant, preferably measured from the circumferential surface to the surface. State of the art

[0006] Time display elements, such as a clock face, have an hour hand, a minute hand, and often also a second hand. The current time can usually be read off such time display devices to the 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 rotational axis of the clock. The beginning or end of a section is often marked by a clock face marker, which can be, for example, line-shaped, dot-shaped, or in another suitable form and is often applied to the clock face, preferably printed on it. The clock face markers are often assigned numbers which indicate the respective full hour.The twelve hour markers are often further divided into five equal sections, giving the dial 60 evenly spaced sections for precisely reading the minutes and seconds. The hands are arranged across the dial and rotate around a common axis in such a way that the dial serves to indicate the current hour with the hour indicator, the current minute with the minute indicator, and the current second with the second indicator.

[0007] The hour indicator is positioned above the dial in a plane above the plane of the static dial and rotates 360° clockwise (clockwise, viewed from above) around a common axis of rotation every twelve hours. The minute indicator is positioned in a subsequent plane and rotates 360° around the common axis of rotation every hour. The minute indicator is followed in a further plane by the second indicator, which rotates 360° around the common axis of rotation every minute.

[0008] Clocks are also known that deviate from these very traditional representations. These types of clocks convey aesthetic value in addition to telling the time. Times or time ranges are represented in words or colors, resulting in a completely different representation from the traditional clock, yet still allowing the time to be determined, at least approximately.

[0009] A number of inventions, such as the 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 above-described "hand clock" by using a helical, optically contrasting pair of discs with a common center and provided with a radial slot instead of one or more hand elements.Starting from the 12 o'clock position as the respective scale reference point, the initially rear disc moves by means of a rotating movement in a clockwise direction as a function of time, completely in front of the initially superimposed disc through its radial slit, whereby the circular segment sector that becomes visible, formed from the exit point at the 12 o'clock position and the visible radial slit of the disc moving forward, shows the course of the respective variable value displayed cumulatively and thus, compared to the familiar clock with points, with a greater intuitive estimation of the displayed time "at a glance". It is proposed that for 12-hour clocks, a distinction be made between day and night hours by means of an alternating overlay of the hour discs in a 12-hour rhythm, for example by the lighter disc showing the 12 "day hours" and the darker one the 12 "night hours" of a 24-hour day, or by the 12-hour rhythm being fixed at the 6 o'clock or 6 o'clock positions.8 o'clock position in order to reflect the light pattern of a 24-hour day as realistically as possible.

[0010] CH 707 531 A2 discloses a time display method and a clock using hour numeral symbols to display the time. The method relates to a time display method using hour numeral symbols to display the time, and to a clock. With this time display method, 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 circuit board, an opaque plate, a transparent plate, a hand center, a glass plate, and an upper cover plate. The lower cover plate is formed with a chamber in which the circuit board is installed. Twelve LED lights are arranged in a ring-shaped manner on a surface of the circuit board.The opaque plate, the transparent plate, the center of the hand, and the glass plate are mounted on the circuit board in this order. The upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are then combined to assemble the clock. Twelve hour numeral symbols are formed in a ring on the opaque plate as the numerals on the clock face. LED lights radiate light onto the surface of the transparent plate to illuminate the hour numeral symbols. This structure enables the clock to be realized with a dynamic time display method.

[0011] DE 20 2014 007 551 Ul discloses a designer clock with a semicircular dial. It is characterized by a semicircular hour dial, to which two opposing hour hands are attached, each moving at a rate of one revolution per 24 hours. This hand is visible for the first 12 hours, while the other hand is hidden behind a partition. For the following 12 hours, it is reversed again, thus repeating the entire cycle every 24 hours, with the minute hand always visible and moving at a rate of one revolution per hour.

[0012] 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 to rotate in a second plane and one display element arranged to rotate in a third plane, wherein the first to third planes are arranged parallel to one another and one after the other and wherein the display elements are alternately designed as hands and dials and wherein the rotating display elements rotate relative to one another about a common pivot point or a common axis of rotation such that the display element performs a dual function.

[0013] EP 0 209 335 A2 discloses a watch having a static dial with twelve dial markings. Furthermore, a dynamic dial with 60 dial markings is provided, which rotates around a common axis of rotation with an hour 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 of rotation in one hour. Furthermore, a second hand is mentioned, which rotates 360.5° around the common axis of rotation 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, which is fixedly connected to it. The second hand also rotates synchronously with the hour hand and the dial, which is fixedly connected to it.

[0014] From US 2006-0104160 A1, an optical display device is known which comprises two discs, each disc having a radial slot to thereby form a surface whose plane is helical, the discs being arranged one above and inside each other and lying in mutually parallel helical planes. Each disc is independently rotatable about a common axis by drive means suitable for selectively rotating one or the other of the discs, whereby the discs, when viewed from the axis, display overlapping, visually contrasting segments having a range or position representative of the relative rotational positions of the discs and representing a value of a parameter to be displayed by the device.

[0015] The mechanical analog clock display according to DE 196 02 574 A1 displays the time with two changing portions of sectors that complement each other to form a full circle or annulus. The sectors are the visible portions of two nested, co-directional spiral surfaces that alternately rotate coaxially through 360 degrees. The invisible portions of the spiral surfaces are each connected at the lower end to a drive shaft, with one spiral surface having one more turn than the other. The different angular dimensions of the spiral surfaces ensure an arrangement of the drive shafts similar to that of conventional analog clocks, thus facilitating simple technical implementation. A combination of two pairs of spiral surfaces for the separate display of hours and minutes is also presented.

[0016] In DE 2015 446 A, a device for displaying an angular position corresponding to a time is represented in that it consists of at least one pair of circular ring discs, the two circular discs of which are slotted and wound helically into each other, extend over at least 360° and are mounted on a stationary housing part so that they can rotate relative to each other, and have guides for axial guidance, and that an adjusting member acts on one of the discs to drive it, while at the same time the other disc is held in its position by means of a locking device.

[0017] Disadvantages of the state of the art

[0018] The time displays known from the state of the art are generally limited to a minute display and are coupled in such a way that the discs represent a replacement for the hands known from the state of the art. Driving the individual discs requires a very complex mechanism. This mechanism is very extensive, so a simple and flat design, as desired for a wall clock, for example, is not feasible.

[0019] In addition, the designs are very complex, which also makes production very expensive.

[0020] Object of the invention

[0021] The object of the invention is to provide a time display method with which both the current time and the time remaining until the next full hour can be displayed in a simple manner, while at the same time taking into account a flat, compact design.

[0022] Solution to the task

[0023] The solution to the problem is provided by the features of claim 1. Advantages of the invention

[0024] The observer and user can see the time at a glance as well as the relationship between past and future time for one (1) hour segment. The device and method are characterized by the interplay of three display elements in the form of circular discs that interact with one another. These can be used to easily read the actual time and the time remaining until the next full hour in a very interesting and impressive way. The device departs from the usual representation that the 60 minutes of an hour are always represented by the beginning of "12 o'clock" and a 360 degree rotation, 6 degrees per minute. A characteristic of the invention is that the hour begins from the full time (for example 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.) and always starts from this position of the segment of the circular disc that represents the hour.

[0025] Three visually distinguishable circular disks are provided, each with a bearing point. In addition, these circular disks each have a radially pronounced slot that extends from the circumferential side to the bearing point. A first and a second circular disk are placed on top of each other in such a way that the respective radial slot is congruent to the other slot. The third circular disk is inserted vertically with its slot into the slot of the first and second circular disks and then arranged flat. This means that the third circular disk covers the first and second circular disks on both flat sides. This means that the circular disks are interlaced with each other and form a helical structure with a common axis, but each circular disk can still rotate freely around its own bearing point.By rotating the discs differently, the function of each disc changes hourly. Initially, the first disc is assigned to display the minutes, and the second to display the hours. The third disc represents the time remaining until the next full hour and remains stationary.

[0026] After a 360 degree rotation of the first circular disc, this changes to display the remaining time, the third circular disc becomes the display for the hour and moves 30 degrees clockwise and the second circular disc now becomes the display for the minutes, starting from the position in which the third circular disc has taken the position for that hour.

[0027] After another 360 degree rotation of the second circular disc, it changes to display the remaining time, the first circular disc becomes the hour display and the third circular disc becomes the minute display.

[0028] After each full rotation, the circular disc indicating the remaining time rotates a further 30 degrees, forming a narrow segment between the slits. This segment indicates the position of the current hour. On a clock that displays the actual time, this segment takes the position of the current full hours, such as 2 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 a.m., 8 p.m., etc.

[0029] From this position, the respective circular disc facing the viewer begins its 360-degree rotation and indicates the minutes. This circular disc forms a segment representing the elapsed time. At the same time, the remaining time is displayed between this circular disc and the stationary disc. Therefore, the time is best read when the respective circular discs are designed differently and are at least visually distinguishable from one another.

[0030] As a drive unit for the respective circular disks, advantageous solutions are proposed in which each circular disk is assigned to a drive disk, such that the drive disk is connected 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.

[0031] A total of three drive disks are provided. The drive disk itself is a flat structure that is rotationally symmetrical and has a bearing point. A common axle is also provided, with the respective bearing point of the circular disk resting on the axle.

[0032] A first version is designed as follows:

[0033] The third drive pulley has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which surface 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 the distance between the surface and the third drive pulley is smaller than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive pulley. Part 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. In contrast to the distance between the surface of the second drive pulley and the bearing point, this surface is at an even smaller distance. This first drive pulley slides on part of the surface of the second drive pulley.The free ends of the respective drive pulleys lie in a common plane so that they can form the mounting points for the respective circular discs.

[0034] To enable these drive pulleys to be driven by one or more servomotors, drive sleeves are provided, each of which is arranged inside the other and connected to the drive pulleys. These drive sleeves are arranged centrally on or around the axis and are rotatable in such a way that drive means can be attached directly or indirectly in the area of ​​the free end of the respective drive sleeve, namely on the side facing away from the drive pulley. These drive means, such as a drive wheel, a gear, or even a belt, can each be coupled to a servomotor. Each drive sleeve has a separate servomotor.

[0035] The respective servomotors are driven by a control unit. The control unit is preferably software-controlled, so that the circular discs are first calibrated and thus positioned, and then the time is set based on the time signal. Alternatively, the time can simply run, allowing the viewer to see how much time has passed or remains (timer function).

[0036] A second version is designed as follows:

[0037] 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 the distance between the surface and the third drive pulley is smaller 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. In addition, the first drive pulley offers a bearing option for the second drive pulley on its inside. This bearing option can, for example, be a tongue and groove connection, with the tongue being able to slide in the groove.Since the inside of the second drive pulley is also mounted on the outside of the first drive pulley, and a bearing option is also provided to allow sliding, the second drive pulley can be similar to the first drive pulley and 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 attachment points. This surface is even closer to the bearing point than the surface of the second drive pulley. All three drive pulleys are freely rotatable about their bearing point and thus about their axis.

[0038] 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 function of the drive pulleys is guaranteed immediately after production.

[0039] To ensure that the circular discs can be driven by the drive pulleys and that they also intertwine helically and assume different positions in plan view, the circular discs are to be attached to at least one mounting point on the respective drive pulley. This can be done using an adhesive connection or a removable connection, such as a Velcro or magnetic connection.

[0040] To couple each circular disk to the drive disk, a connecting element is provided on one side of the slot in the respective circular disk. Advantageously, these are connected integrally to the circular disk. The connection is selected such that the circular disk can be rotated about its axis by "tightening" it using the connecting element. When viewed from above, the connecting elements are arranged at a radial distance from one another. A particularly advantageous embodiment is that the connecting element of the respective 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 the free end of the connecting element to the receiving point of the respective drive disk.

[0041] Since the circular discs represent a circle, the connecting element is adapted to the shape of the circular disc. When viewed from above, the connecting element has a partial segment of a circle and a radius corresponding to the radius from the respective mounting point 32, 33, 34 to axis 5.

[0042] The respective drive pulleys are each driven by servo motors.

[0043] To ensure a very compact and simple design, the use of so-called torque motors is recommended. These have different diameters. They are mounted on the underside, on the side facing away from the circular disks. The respective torque motors are preferably nested, so that the outermost, largest actuator motor drives the first, outermost drive disk. The actuator motor is also limited to the mass of the respective drive disk, so that the additional 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.

[0044] Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description, the drawings and the claims. Drawings

[0045] They show:

[0046] Fig. 1 A spatial view of an arrangement of three circular discs to represent a time;

[0047] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the three circular discs in individual representation;

[0048] Fig. 3 [AB] a schematic representation of the merging of the respective circular discs in several steps;

[0049] Fig. 4 [AG] a representation of the different positions of the circular discs interlocking in a helical manner to represent a time in plan view;

[0050] Fig. 5 [AH] a representation of the different positions of the circular discs interlocking in a helical manner to represent a time, in contrast to Fig. 4 in a spatial side view;

[0051] Fig. 6 is a section through the drive disks for driving circular disks [not shown in the drawing] according to a first embodiment;

[0052] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the display of a device for representing a time unit together with the drive discs and the circular discs, wherein the circular discs are folded away for better visibility of the function; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the drive discs for driving

[0053] [not shown in the drawing] circular discs according to a second embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 9 shows a section through the drive pulleys according to Fig. 8 along a section line IX-IX;

[0055] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the display of a device for representing a time unit together with the drive discs and the circular discs, wherein the circular discs are folded away for better visibility of the function.

[0056] Description of an embodiment

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of the principle of the time display method. To display the time, three planar circular disks 2, 3, 4 are provided which are coupled to one another. These planar circular disks are driven by at least one drive element - not shown in detail in Fig. 1. The planar circular disks 2, 3, 4 each have a bearing point 21, 31, 41 and are arranged relative to one another such that they are mounted on a common imaginary axis 5 for rotation about this axis 5 at this bearing point 21, 31, 41 and each can be rotated 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 21, 31, 41.The circular disks 2, 3, 4 are designed to be flexible in the area of ​​the slot 2s, 3s, 4s, such that the circular disks 2, 3, 4 can be interlocked to form a helical structure, as shown in an overall view in Fig. 1. The three circular disks 2, 3, 4 are shown schematically in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, they are circular and each have the slot 2s, 3s, 4s, which extends from the outer circumference U to the respective bearing point 21, 31, 41. The circular disks 2, 3, 4 are graphically labeled differently for this embodiment in order to better represent the corresponding functions. To implement this method, it is recommended that the respective circular disks 2, 3, 4 be different, since these have different meanings depending on their position, making it easier for the observer to determine these meanings.

[0058] In a first step, as shown in Fig. 2, preferably three identical circular discs, namely the first circular disc 2, the second circular disc 3 and the third circular disc 4, are to be produced. These circular discs 2, 3, 4 are flat in nature. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is a circular disc which is flat in design. Furthermore, it is inherently flexible and at least partially bendable. Starting from its outer circumference and extending to a central point, each of the circular discs 2, 3, 4 has a slot 2s, 3s, 4s. The free ends 6 in the region of this slot 2s, 3s, 4s are such that they can be moved out of an almost common plane with very little effort. This means that in the display state, the respective end faces in the region of the slot of the circular discs are offset from one another. This is illustrated in the perspective in Fig. 1. The respective base of the slot, i.e.The point at which the slot ends is also a bearing point 21, 31, 41 for the respective circular disc 2, 3, 4.

[0059] For merging, as shown in Fig. 3[A], the second and third circular disks 3, 4 are brought together centrally and flatly, such that the respective slots 3s, 4s lie one above the other. The second and third circular disks 3, 4 are then inserted with the 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 interlaced. 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 one another. The respective bearing points 21, 31, 41 of the circular disks lie on a common imaginary axis formed by the interlacing, as denoted by the reference numeral 5 in Fig. 1.The circular disks rotate around this imaginary axis 5 and are connected to each other in a helical shape due to the entanglement, as can also be seen in the perspective view in Fig. 1 and in the top view in Fig. 3 [B].

[0060] If the circular discs 2, 3, and 4 are interlaced, they must be positioned such that the respective slots are very close together, fan-like, as shown in Fig. 3 [B]. This places the third circular disc 4 in the first position, the first circular disc 2 in the second position, and the second circular disc 3 in the third position, as seen from above.

[0061] During the first hour, the third circular disc 4 displays the 60-minute cycle, the first display element 2 displays the hourly cycle, and the second circular disc 3 serves to show the relationship between the elapsed time and the remaining time within one hour. An example is shown in Fig. 4.

[0062] In Fig. 4[A] the time is shown between a time segment of 12:00 and 13:00 or 1:00. The first circular disc 2 shows the hour, here 12h. It does not move within this time segment 12:00-13:00. The second circular disc 3 shows the time remaining until the next full hour. This also remains stationary within the time segment 12:00-13:00 and does not rotate. The second circular disc 3 is covered by the rotating third circular disc 4, which represents the minutes. This rotates 360 degrees in 60 minutes, comparable to the minute hand of a conventional clock in a direction of rotation arrow 7 around the bearing point 41 of the third circular disc 4. As a result, the third circular disc 4 covers the second circular disc 3 the further the hour progresses.

[0063] With the second circular disc 3 completely overlapped, all three circular discs move 30 degrees clockwise (Fig. 4[B]). The first circular disc 2 is thereby moved with its slot to 1:00 and 13:00, respectively. The second circular disc and the third circular discs 3, 4 now move out of this slot, such that the second circular disc 3 is moved with its slot to the 1:00 position, thus indicating the full hour.

[0064] This step is shown in Fig. 4 [C] with the reference 13:15. The first circular disc 2 now changes from the hour indicator to the minute indicator and indicates the elapsed minutes starting from the full hour, starting from the position 1:00 or 13:00. The first circular disc 2 overlaps the third circular disc 4 as its rotation time increases. The movement of the first circular disc 2 occurs 360 degrees in the direction of the rotation arrow 7 in one hour. The remaining circular discs 3, 4 do not move during the hourly cycle in this time window from 13:00 to 14:00.

[0065] With the third circular disc 4 completely covered, all three circular discs 2, 3, and 4 move 30 degrees clockwise (Fig. 4 [D]). This step moves the second circular disc 3 from the position 1:00 to 2:00. In Fig. 4 [E], this position is marked 14:00.

[0066] In a further step, the second and third

[0067] Circular discs 3, 4 are moved out of the slot in such a way that the third circular disc 4 takes up the position 2:00 or 14:00 and thus takes over the hour display. Previously, the third circular disc 4 showed the time remaining until the full hour. Now it has switched to the hour display and remains stationary for the next 60 minutes. Furthermore, the second circular disc 3 is moved out of the slot. It now shows the actual minutes in the hour. It rotates 360 degrees in the direction of arrow 7 every 60 minutes. In doing so, it increasingly covers the first now stationary circular disc 2, which shows the remaining time to the full hour (Fig. 4 [E]). In Fig. 4 [E] the time between 14:00 and 15:00 or 2:00 and 3:00 is shown.

[0068] With the first circular disc 2 completely covered, all three circular discs 2, 3, and 4 move 30 degrees clockwise, as shown in Fig. 4 [F]. The first circular disc 2 is thereby moved with its slot to 3:00. The third circular disc 4 now moves out of this slot, covering the second circular disc 3.

[0069] In Fig. 4 [G], the time is shown between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, or 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM. The first circular disc 2 now becomes the hour indicator and is positioned at 3:00 PM or 3:00 AM. The third circular disc 4 now changes from the hour indicator to the minute hand and rotates 360 degrees in one hour in the direction of the arrow 7. It overlaps the second circular disc 3.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 4 [G], the processes repeat every third hour.

[0071] Fig. 5 [AH] shows different positions of the circular discs 3, 4, 5. Seen in plan view, the third circular disc 4 occupies the lowest position, the second circular disc 3 the middle position and the first circular disc the topmost and thus the first position. The figures show the rotational movement of the first circular disc 2 such that after one complete rotation of the first circular disc 2, this reaches the middle position (Fig. 5 [H]) and the third circular disc 4 reaches the top position. This representation makes it clear that the circular disc at the bottom (in Fig. 5 [AD]) always represents the minutes and moves to the top position by rotating in the direction of arrow 7. Once this position is reached, as shown in Fig. 5 [E], all circular discs 2, 3, 4 rotate by 30 degrees in the direction of arrow 7.Then the middle circular disc, here the first circular disc 2, is brought into position to display the hour (Fig. 5 [G]), whereby the circular disc for the minutes (second circular disc 3, the lowest circular disc) then begins the minute display starting from the hour position (Fig. 5 [H]).

[0072] Figs. 6 and 7 show a first embodiment of a display 1. Fig. 6 differs from Fig. 7 in that no circular disks 2, 3, 4 are shown in Fig. 6 for reasons of simplification with respect to the illustration.

[0073] The display 1 has three drive pulleys 12, 13, 14. The third drive pulley 14 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point (axis 5), which surface has one or more receiving points 34 at its respective free end. The second drive pulley 13 is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, the distance being, however, smaller than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive pulley. Part of the surface of the second drive pulley 13 slides on the third drive pulley 14. The second drive pulley 13 also has receiving points 33 at its free end. The first drive pulley 12 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which also has one or more receiving points 32. In contrast to the distance between the surface of the second drive pulley and the bearing point, this surface has an even smaller distance.This first drive disk 12 slides on a part of the surface of the second drive disk 13. The free ends of the respective drive disks 12, 13, 14 lie in a common plane, so that they can form the receiving points 32, 33, 34 for the respective circular disks 2, 3, 4.

[0074] To enable these drive pulleys 12, 13, 14 to also be driven by one or more servomotors (not shown in the drawings), drive sleeves 22, 23, 24 are provided, each of which is arranged one inside the other and connected to the respective drive pulleys 12, 13, 14. These drive sleeves 22, 23, 24 are arranged centrally on or around the axis 5 and are rotatable in such a way that drive means 42, 43, 44 can be attached directly or indirectly in the area of ​​the free end of the respective drive sleeve (arrow 25), namely on the side facing away from the drive pulley. These drive means 42, 43, 44, such as a drive wheel or a gear (indicated in Fig. 6) or even a belt, can each be coupled to a drive means, for example a servomotor. Each drive sleeve has a separate drive means.

[0075] The respective drive units are driven by a control unit. The control unit is preferably software-controlled, so that the circular discs are first calibrated and thus positioned, and then the time is set based on the time signal. Alternatively, the time can simply run, allowing the viewer to see how much time has passed or remains (timer function).

[0076] In Figs. 8 and 9 a second embodiment of a display 1' is shown.

[0077] The third drive pulley 14 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point (axis 5), which surface has one or more receiving points 34. The second drive pulley 13 is also rotationally symmetrical and has a circumferential surface at a distance from its bearing point, the distance being, however, smaller than the distance from the bearing point to the surface of the third drive pulley 14. In addition, receiving points 33 are also provided. The second drive pulley 13 is arranged in the same plane as the third drive pulley 14. In addition, the third drive pulley 14 offers a bearing option 14L for the second drive pulley 13 on its inner side. This bearing option 14L can, for example, be a tongue and groove connection, wherein the tongue can slide in the groove.Since the inside of the second drive pulley 13 is also mounted on the outside of the first drive pulley 12 and a bearing option 13L is also provided to enable sliding, the second drive pulley 13 can slide in the first drive pulley 12 and relative to the third drive pulley 14. The first drive pulley 12 has a circumferential surface at a distance from the bearing point, which surface also has one or more receiving points 32. In contrast to the distance between the surface of the second drive pulley 13 and the bearing point, this surface is even closer. All three drive pulleys 12, 13, 14 are freely rotatable about their bearing point and thus about the axis, since the first drive pulley 12 is also provided with both a first bearing option 13L and a second bearing option 12L.

[0078] The respective drive pulleys are driven by drive elements 42, 43, 44 as shown in Fig. 9.

[0079] To ensure a very compact and simple design, the use of so-called torque motors as drive elements 42, 43, and 44 is proposed. These have different diameters. They are arranged on the underside, on the side facing away from the drive disks 12, 13, and 14. The respective torque motors are preferably nested such that the outermost, largest servomotor drives the first, outermost drive disk. The servomotor is also limited to the mass of the respective drive disk, such that the additional 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.

[0080] In order for the circular disks 2, 3, 4 to be driven by the drive disks 12, 13, 14 and so that they also run helically into one another and assume different positions in plan view, the circular disks 2, 3, 4 are fastened to at least one mounting point 32, 33, 34 of the respective drive disk 12, 13, 14. For coupling the respective circular disk 2, 3, 4 with the drive disk 12, 13, 14, a connecting element 52, 53, 54 is provided, which is arranged on one side of the slot 2s, 3s, 4s of the respective circular disk 12, 13m 14. The connecting elements 52, 53, 54 are, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 10, arranged at a radial distance from one another in plan view of the circular disks 2, 3, 4.The special design consists in that the connecting element 52, 53, 54 of the respective circular disc 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 fastened with the free end of the connecting element 52, 53, 54 to the receiving point 32, 33, 34 of the respective drive disc 12, 13, 14.

[0081] Since the circular disks 2, 3, 4 form a circle, the connecting element 52, 53, 54 is adapted to the shape of the circular disk 12, 13, 14. The connecting element 52, 53, 54, when viewed from above, has a partial segment of a circle and has a radius that corresponds to the radius from the respective mounting point 32, 33, 34 to the axis 5.

[0082] The present display 1, 1 ' consists of three very simply designed

[0083] Circular discs that are mounted together on an axis for rotation and independently of one another. By forming a radial slot up to the bearing point, a helical structure can be achieved through interlocking. Without the individual circular discs actually being inextricably linked, each circular disc winds over the other due to their own rotation. In this way, the respective circular discs change their function every hour between displaying the hours, minutes, and remaining time up to the full 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 means can preferably convert a receiver for receiving a time signal into a corresponding actuating movement.

[0084] The described method of the interaction of the circular discs to represent a unit of time is characterized by the display of the time unit consisting of changing segments within mutually rotating physical or virtual circular discs in one direction of rotation around a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular discs are visually distinct from one another. In doing so, the device departs from the conventional representation, whereby the 60 minutes of an hour are always represented by the beginning of "12 o'clock" and a 360-degree rotation, 6 degrees per minute. A characteristic of the invention is that the hour, starting from the full hour (for example, 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.), always starts from this position of the segment of the circular disc that represents the hour. List of reference symbols

[0085] Device and method for displaying a time unit and a clock with this device as a display

[0086] 1 First embodiment of a display

[0087] 1 ' Second embodiment of a display

[0088] 2 first display element

[0089] 3 second display element

[0090] 4 third display element

[0091] 5 virtual axis

[0092] 6 Outer circumference

[0093] 7 Rotation arrow

[0094] 12 first drive pulley

[0095] 13 second drive pulley

[0096] 14 third drive pulley

[0097] 22 first drive sleeve

[0098] 23 second drive sleeve

[0099] 24 third drive sleeve

[0100] 32 first recording point

[0101] 33 second recording point

[0102] 34 third recording point

[0103] 42 first drive means 43 second drive means

[0104] 44 third propulsion means

[0105] 52 Connecting element 53 Connecting element

[0106] 54 Connection element

[0107] 21,31,41 bearing point

[0108] 12L, 13L, 14L storage option 2s, 3s, 4s slot

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. A device for displaying a unit of time, wherein the display of the unit of time consists of changing segments of circular disks rotating in the same direction about a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular disks are optically distinguishable from one another, characterized in that a. three circular disks (2, 3, 4) are provided, each with a bearing point (21, 31, 41), b. each circular disk (2, 3, 4) has a slot (2s, 3s, 4s) extending from its outer circumference U to the bearing point (21, 31, 41), c. the circular disks (2, 3, 4) are inserted helically into one another over the respective slots (2s, 3s, 4s) and come into contact with each other in a flat manner and are rotatable independently of one another about the common axis (5), wherein the circular disks (2, 3, 4) are at least indirectly driveable and controllable.

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 mounting point (32, 33, 34), d. the drive disc (12, 13, 14) and the mounting points (32, 33, 34) are arranged in one plane, e. each drive disc (12, 13, 14) can be driven via a drive element (42, 43, 44), wherein the drive element (42, 43, 44) is controllable. f. wherein each circular disk (2, 3, 4) is coupled to another drive disk (12, 13, 14), g. the coupling of the circular disk (2, 3, 4) to the drive disk (12, 13, 14) is provided via a connecting element (52, 53, 54) which is arranged on one side of the slot (2s, 3s, 4s), and h. the connecting elements (52, 53, 54) are arranged at a radial distance from each other when viewed from above the circular disks (2, 3, 4). Display according to claim 2, characterized in 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 articulated over the slot (2s, 3s, 4s) against the direction of rotation (arrow 7) and is attached with its free end to the receiving point of the respective drive disk (12, 13, 14).Display according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting element (52, 53, 54) has, in plan view, a partial segment of a circle and has a radius corresponding to the radius from the respective receiving point (32, 33, 34) to the axis. Display according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive discs (12, 13, 14) are rotatable in a clockwise direction. Display according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 into one another such that they are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis (5) and each. A drive sleeve (22, 23, 24) is at least indirectly coupled to a drive means (42, 43, 44). A display according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the drive discs (12, 13, 14) are arranged in a plane and are rotatably coupled to one another about the axis by guide elements. A display according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide elements are tongue-and-groove connections, wherein the spring is slidably arranged in the groove. A display according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each drive disc (12, 13, 14) can be directly driven by a drive means (42, 43, 44). A display according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive means (42, 43, 44) are torque motors and these have different diameters so that they can be inserted into one another. Use of the device according to claim 1 as a clock for displaying the actual time.Method of the interaction of circular disks for representing a unit of time, characterized by the display of the unit of time from changing fractional segments of three physical or virtual circular disks rotating in the same direction around a common axis, which together form a full circle, and the circular disks are optically distinguishable from each other, wherein a fractional segment of a circular disk indicates a full hour and starting from the position of this fractional segment indicating the hour. Another circular disc displays a 360-degree rotation for the indication of minutes, with the elapsed time in minutes after the displayed hour and the number of minutes remaining until the next hour being shown differently.

Images