DE102007035740B4 - Clock - Google Patents

Abstract

Clock with at least one time line (1) with variable course, one of the time line displaced associated marker (8) and a clock control (3) for displacing the mark (8) along the time line, wherein the marking on a traction means (15) of a traction mechanism is arranged, in which the traction means (15) via a selectable arrangement of rotatably mounted rollers (21, 22) is guided on a substrate, wherein at least one roller (21, 22) of the traction mechanism is connected to an electric drive motor (19), which is connected to the clock control (3), and in which in the connected to the electric drive motor (19) roller (21, 22), a sensor is arranged, which detects the passage of the mark and with the clock control for the drive motor (19) is connected, the travel time fluctuations of the traction means (15) compensates.

Description

The invention relates to a clock.

Clocks are used in particular to determine the time of day and the date. Analog clocks have a pointer that travels along a scale with timestamps. Digital clocks display the time numerically using a display. Analog and digital watches are available in various mechanical, electrical and electronic versions. A special form is the light-signal clock. This displays the time through countable, discrete individual elements that must be interpreted digitally. Examples of this are the linear clock in Kassel and the function-identical light-signal clock at the Rheinturm in Düsseldorf.

In known watches the course of the time track and the pointer is given.

The DE 37 18 835 A1 describes a clock with a scale carrier for the time scale of the time scale. The clock has instead of a dial a string of numbers, the scale carrier is formed by a free-ending or annular closed scale strand. Within this designed as a hollow profile scale strand control or transport means are provided for the indicator, so it can be dispensed with a central pointer bearing. The scale strand may be articulated or flexible.

The FR 2 726 099 A1 describes a watch having a fixed base defining a linear time line having a first outer end and a second outer end. The pointer is movable along the time line. For this purpose, a traction mechanism is present, which is driven by an electric drive motor. The electric drive motor is controlled by an electronic control device which is connected to a timer. When the pointer reaches the second outer end of the time line, this detects a detector and the controller controls the motor at increased speed in the reverse direction to move the pointer back to the origin of the web.

The WO 00/77580 A1 describes a watch similar to the above, which has a traction mechanism that moves a pointer along a linear path. Also in this clock, the movement of the pointer is limited by a stop and a switch off the engine. When the pointer has reached the end of the path, it must be returned to its original position.

The DE 1 906 981 U1 describes a clock with a linear scale. Bands with markings are guided over rollers along the linear scale to move the markers along the linear scale.

The US 4,022,015 discloses a timepiece with multiple traction drives that move hands along linear time lines.

The US 5 640 372 describes a clock that has two Zugmittelgetriebe in a column, each having a lower roller and an upper roller and a belt guided over it. The one band is with one hand for minutes and the other band is connected with a hand for hours. The lower roller is each connected to a drive mechanism. Each volume is associated with a weight. The one drive mechanism shifts the minute display in one hour from the top to the bottom of the trajectory. The other drive mechanism shifts the hour display from the top to the bottom of the lane in 24 hours. The sensor detects reaching the lower tail. Then the drive mechanism is decoupled and the weight pulls the respective pointer upwards. When the pointer has reached the top, the weight reaches the bottom of the web and this is detected by the sensor. Then, the drive mechanism is turned on again to move the indicator down.

In the above-described watches, the traction mechanism always has a rigidly predetermined arrangement.

Based on this, the present invention seeks to provide a clock with selectable arrangement of the time track available.

The object is achieved by a clock with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the clock are specified in the subclaims.

The clock according to the invention has at least one time course with a variable course, a time shift displaced associated marker and a clock control for moving the mark along the time line, wherein the mark is arranged on a traction means of a traction mechanism, wherein the traction means rotatably mounted on a selectable arrangement Rolls is guided on a substrate, wherein at least one roller of the traction mechanism is connected to an electric drive motor, which is connected to the clock control, and in which in the connected to the electric drive motor role, a sensor is arranged, the passage of the marking determination and is connected to the clock control for the drive motor, which compensates for transit time variations of the traction means.

According to the invention a clock is provided for the first time, in which the course of the time course is changeable. The respective current time is indicated by the marking. The change of the time is represented by a change of location of the marking. The marking is displaceable along the time line, regardless of their respective course. For this purpose, the marking can be carried out (eg as a bar) so that it covers different possible courses of the time course from the beginning or the displacement of the marking is changed according to the course of the time track or the course of the time track follows the changeable course of the marking. The time line may in particular be a straight or curved line. It can be shaped in any way and / or arranged in space, so z. B. perpendicular, horizontal, inclined, curved, spiral, entwined or otherwise. The marking may be, for example, by a body, one or more light sources or sources of heat (eg the light or heat source is a mark or the mark is formed by the radiation of the light or heat source) or by one or more vibrating or due to others Properties tactile bodies are realized. The mark can have any shape, so z. For example, a point or a circle or a square or a triangle or a dash, or a line or an arrow. It can have more or less large dimensions, depending on the desired accuracy and simplicity of the time reading. The timepiece according to the invention emphasizes the linear nature of time by allowing an open time path on which the marker moves in a constant direction. At the same time, the watch highlights the punctual character of the present moment. Behind the markings, the past is constantly increasing, and the future is constantly diminishing before marking. The transformation of the future into the present and of the present in the past can be experienced by looking at the wandering mark. The length of the time line can correspond to any period of time, ie z. 1 hour or 12 hours or 24 hours or one month or 1 year or 100 years. Also, the time line may be contiguous and consist of several disjoint sections. It can be distributed over one or more rooms.

According to one embodiment, the time line is present on a flexible body. According to a further embodiment, the flexible body is elongated. By deforming the flexible body of the course of the time course is changeable. According to one embodiment, the flexible body is a flexible body. According to another embodiment, the flexible body is a chain pivotally interconnected sections. The flexible body can have a solid cross section. The flexible body is for example a rod, beam, a rail, a board, a beam or an arrow. According to one embodiment, it is a hollow body. According to a further embodiment, the hollow body is a flexible hose or a flexible tube. The flexible body may also be part of any object.

According to one embodiment, the marking is at least one electric light source. For example, the electric light source is displaceable along the time path.

Further, the invention includes embodiments in which the time slot is closed or closable in a loop.

The marking is arranged on a traction mechanism of a traction mechanism transmission guided over at least one rotatably mounted roller. The traction means are for example a belt, V-belt, rope, rope, tape, cable or chain. The course of the time track can be varied by selecting the diameters of the at least one roller and the number of rollers or by designing the rail track. The traction means is guided over a plurality of rotatably mounted rollers. According to one embodiment, the traction mechanism has a selectable arrangement of rotatably mounted rollers on a substrate (eg a wall).

According to another embodiment, the marking of an illuminated slot in a traction means of a traction mechanism is formed. The traction means are, for example, a belt, V-belt or a chain.

According to another embodiment, the time line is assigned a scale. The scale is arranged, for example, on the elongated body in which electrical light sources or a traction means is present. The scale can also be arranged on a window of a housing which houses a traction mechanism. Further, it may be attached to the walls of a room illuminated by the means for projecting. According to a further embodiment, the scale is assigned time information, for example countable, discrete individual elements and / or numerical time information.

According to a further embodiment, the clock comprises at least one carrier of at least one symbol, which is attachable to selectable positions of the time track. The symbols can be used, for example, for marking appointments. They are embodied, for example, as clip-on carriers which can be fixed to an elongated body.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:

1 a clock with a time course in the form of a tube with electrical light sources arranged therein in a roughly schematic view;

2a -D sections of a clock according to 1 with different embodiments of the marker in enlarged views;

3a -F different arrangements of a clock according to 1 in a rough schematic view;

4 a section of the clock according to 1 with an infected carrier of a symbol in a roughly schematic view;

5 a clock with a traction means in a hollow body in an enlarged partial view;

6 the same clock in overall view;

7 Drive part of the same clock in an enlarged longitudinal section;

8a -F different arrangements of the clock according to 5 to 7 in a rough schematic view;

9 a section of the clock according to 5 to 7 with clip on a symbol in enlarged view;

10 a clock with traction mechanism in side view;

11a -K different arrangements of a clock with traction mechanism according to 10 ;

12 a clock with traction mechanism with associated times and carriers of symbols in side view;

13 the same clock in an enlarged partial view;

14 the same clock in a vertical section through a roll;

15 a clock with traction mechanism and assigned Zugmittel scale in partial view;

16 the same clock in a vertical section through a roll;

17 the same clock with associated times and carriers of symbols in side view;

18 a clock with traction mechanism in a housing with a ground glass in a perspective X-ray image;

19 a clock with rail vehicle in a housing with a ground glass in a perspective X-ray image;

20 Watch according to 17 and 18 in front view;

21 Watch according to 17 or 18 in a vertical section through the housing;

22 Watch according to 17 and 18 in a vertical section through another embodiment of the housing;

23 Clock with a projection device in a room in a perspective side view;

24 the same clock in a bottom view;

25 a clock with nut and rotatable threaded rod in a housing with a ground glass in a perspective x-ray image,

26 a wristwatch with a plurality of electric light sources and a scale on the circumference in a perspective side view;

27 a wristwatch with a stationary portion and a rotatable portion in a perspective side view and in an enlarged partial view.

In the following explanation of various embodiments, matching or functionally identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals. Watches according to the invention are only in the 10 to 17 shown. The remaining embodiments show no timepieces according to the invention and serve only for a better understanding of the technical background of the invention.

According to 1 a watch has a time course in the form of a flexible hose 1 with a plurality of electrical light sources arranged one behind the other 2 (eg LED). An electronic clock control 3 is via power cord 4 and plugs 5 with an electrical outlet 6 connected. The electric clock control 3 is about another cable 7 with the electric light sources 2 connected. The clock control 3 controls the sequential switching on of the electric light sources 2 , whereby always a further light source is switched on. The switched light sources 2 thus form a marker 8th in the form of a column or sequence of points of light that lengthens over time.

According to 2a is the mark 8th formed by a flowing point of light, by a large number of side by side electric light sources 2 or can be formed by a single light source with selectively controllable light point.

According to 2 B is the mark 8th from individual discrete light sources 2 formed, which are individually controlled.

According to 2c is the mark 8th formed by a fluently growing column of light through a plurality of juxtaposed light sources 2 or by a single light source 2 may be formed, are controlled by the sections of any length.

In 2d is again the execution of 1 with a jumping column of markers 8th shown.

2 additionally shows a scale arranged on the jacket of each hose 9 with numerical times.

According to 3 can make a clock according to 1 respectively. 2 be brought into any shape. Optionally, the watch is fastened in a desired shape to a wall by means of fasteners, for example by means of clamps nailed to a wall or fixed to a wall by means of fixing plugs, or by means of clips fixed on a magnetic board or pin board.

According to 4 becomes a clock of the kind described above with additional symbol carrier 10 which marks an appointment. The symbol carrier 10 points at one end of a pen 11 a clip-like, clip-on clip 12 and at another end of the pen 11 a carrier plate 13 with a printed symbol 14 on. Other obvious symbols (eg telephone for telephoning or theater for a theater visit) can also be applied.

According to 5 to 7 a watch includes a hose 1 with a traction means arranged therein 15 , z. As a rope, rope, tape or cable. The traction device 15 carries a striking mark 8th which can also be an electric light source. The traction device 15 is through two pressed gears 16 . 17 passed through, which in a cylindrical housing 18 are stored between the two ends of the hose 1 is arranged. The housing includes an electric motor 19 that the gear 16 drives, so that the traction means 15 is extended and the gear 17 starts to rotate. A cable 20 is led to the power supply and control of the electric motor from this away to an electric clock control, not shown.

The hose is with a 24-hour scale 9 Mistake. The traction device 15 gets through the gears 16 . 17 driven so that the mark 8th in exactly 24 hours completely through the hose 1 is pulled through.

It is also possible to make this mechanical watch as an open tube, wherein the traction means 15 at the end of the hose 1 shown time period in a quick movement to the beginning of the tube 1 is withdrawn. The traction device 15 Optionally, it can be unwound or unwound from a roll carried by the electric motor 19 is driven.

8th shows various arrangements of the clock according to 5 to 7 ,

According to 9 can also watch according to 5 and 7 Symbol carrier 10 be assigned detachably.

According to 10 includes another clock with a traction device 15 at least two roles 21 . 22 , The traction device 15 For example, a tape carries a colored mark at one point 8th representing the current time. A role 21 is assigned an electric motor. The engine, the traction means 15 and the role 21 are coordinated so that the mark 8th exactly 24 hours needed for a complete circulation of the total distance. In the driven role 21 For this purpose, there is an additional sensor that monitors the passage of the red marking 8th determines and is connected to an electronic clock control for the electric motor, which may have runtime variations of the traction means 15 balances.

The roles 21 . 22 can be mounted on a wall in any arrangement.

11 shows various variants a to j of this Zugmittelgetriebeuhr, with a driven roller 21 and one or more idle pulleys 22 . 22 ' etc. work. Variant j has only one driven roller 21 and no idler pulley. The traction device 15 hangs down easily.

According to 12 are the means of traction 15 Time indications, symbol carriers and other pins 23 or stickers 24 assigned.

According to 13 . 14 is in a powered role 21 an electric motor 19 integrated. A cable 20 is from the electric motor 19 led to an electronic clock control.

According to 15 is in addition to the driven roller 21 with the integrated electric motor 19 a fixed role 25 present on a scale band 26 is arranged, on which the time scale 9 is printed. A - not shown - another role 22 for the traction means 15 carries another fixed role 27 , about the scale band 26 is guided. If necessary, it is possible to do the roles 26 . 26 for the scale band 26 rotatable to make a time setting can. Here, the rotation by a storage of these roles 25 . 26 be restricted with increased friction.

17 shows an application of this clock.

According to 18 is in a housing 28 with a ground glass 29 on the front a traction device 15 arranged in the form of a flat band. The traction device 15 is about a powered roller 21 and about an idle role 22 guided. The driven roller is equipped with an electric motor 19 connected, which in turn is connected to an electronic clock control. The ribbon 15 carries a marker 8th in the form of a printed or punched bar or other symbol.

The ground glass 29 outside is a time scale 9 assigned. The time scale 9 for example, goes from 0 to 24 hours.

The mark 8th is moved within 24 hours over the entire time track, the beginning and end of the time scale 9 at the screen 29 are defined. Then the electric motor spins 19 the mark 8th in fast forward, so that the whole thing starts over again.

There is also a transparent clip 30 attachable to the ground glass. For this purpose, the housing has top and bottom guide grooves 31 . 32 on. The clip 30 For example, bears printed symbols or times to remind you of appointments. Furthermore, a blank version of the clip 30 possible, which can be labeled by the user himself.

The clip 30 can be variably over the entire time course in the rails 31 . 32 on the housing 28 pinch.

The execution of 19 differs from the above by the fact that instead of roles 21 . 22 with a band 15 a railroad track 33 with a mounted rail vehicle 34 is available. The rail vehicle 34 carries the mark 8th ,

The rail vehicle 34 has an electric motor 19 and is controlled by the electric watch control so that the rail vehicle 34 within 24 hours from the beginning to the end of the time scale 9 emotional. After that, it quickly becomes the beginning of the timescale 9 scaled back.

Any embodiments of the rail and the rail vehicle are possible, such as rails with rail vehicle arranged thereon or rails with rail vehicle hanging thereunder.

The housing 28 For example, it has a decreasing height in one direction (cf. 20 ). It is for example wholly or partly made of Plexiglas and / or aluminum (see. 21 . 22 ). The appointment clip is made of plastic, for example.

The clock according to 23 and 24 has a projector 35 for laser beams. The projector 35 produces in the example a beam-like laser beam 36 , The laser beam 36 is rotated 360 ° once within 24 hours. The projector 35 is on the ceiling 37 a space attached and projected the laser beam 36 at an acute angle down. As a result, the marker wanders 8th within hours the walls 38 along the room. The user can specify suitable times on the walls 38 of the room.

The execution of 25 differs from the versions according to 18 to 22 in that instead of the traction mechanism or the rail track with rail vehicle a threaded rod 39 rotatable in the housing 28 is stored. The threaded rod 39 is with the axis of an electric motor 40 on an end face of the housing 28 connected.

On the threaded rod 39 a mother sits 41 , which passes through an axially guided, parallel to the threaded rod guide rod 42 secured against twisting.

At the mother 41 is a mark 8th fixed.

The electric motor 40 is controlled by a watch control or is part of the watch control. When the electric motor 40 turns, turns the threaded rod 39 with and the mother 41 with the mark 8th is in the longitudinal direction of the housing 28 emotional.

For the time display is the mother 40 with appropriate speed the time scale 9 moving along. After a certain period of time (eg 24 hours), it will be at a fast pace at the beginning of the timescale 9 moved back, what the threaded rod 39 is turned back with appropriate speed.

According to 26 A wristwatch has a flexible bracelet or a flexible or rigid bangle 43 , The bracelet and bangle are collectively referred to as "hoop". On the outside of the hoop 43 is at least one light source 2 arranged, which extends in the circumferential direction. It is an elongated light source 2 with selectively controllable segments or points of light or multiple juxtaposed light sources 2 , which can also be targeted.

In addition to the at least one light source 2 extends on the circumference of the outside of the hoop 43 a scale 9 ,

The switched-on segment of the light source 2 or the respectively switched on light source 2 forms a movable marker 8th , next to the on the scale 9 the time can be read.

In the Reif a Steuerufngselektronik not shown and a voltage source, not shown, is integrated to the at least one light source 2 head for.

According to a further embodiment, in addition to the light source 2 at least one more light source 2 ' parallel to the light source 2 in the circumferential direction of the bracelet 43 extends. This also includes selectively controllable segments or points of light 2 or several selectively controllable light sources 2 , The other light source 2 ' forms another displaceable marking 8th' that displays, for example, the minutes.

A round of mark 8th around the hoarfrost 43 can correspond to a period of 24 or 12 hours. A round of mark 8th' around the hoarfrost 43 equals 60 minutes.

At least one more parallel over the circumference of the hoop 43 extended light source can serve the display of seconds.

It is also possible that the at least one light source only over a part of the circumference of the hoop 43 which corresponds to a certain period of time (eg 24 hours or 12 hours).

In the example of 27 includes a hoop 43 a resting section 43 ' and a rotatable section 43 '' , The resting section 43 ' has on the outside a circumferential groove 44 into which the rotatable section 43 '' is used.

In the dormant section 43 ' are next to the rotatable section 43 '' a powered wheel 16 and a tracking bike 17 rotatably mounted, as in the enlarged detail view in 27 displayed. The wheels 16 . 17 are provided on the periphery with a toothing, with a toothing on the two sides of the rotatable section 43 '' comb. The driven wheel 16 is connected to an electric motor, not shown, in the hoop 43 is arranged. Furthermore, the frost includes 43 an electronic control and an electrical power source. The electric motor drives the wheel 16 so that the rotatable section 43 '' once in 24 hours around the dormant section 42 wandering. The time is at the position of a marker 8th on the rotating section 43 '' concerning the scale 43 ' read.

Claims (7)

Clock with at least one time line ( 1 ) with a variable course, one of the time track displaced associated marker ( 8th ) and a clock control ( 3 ) for shifting the marking ( 8th ) along the time course at which the marking on a traction means ( 15 ) is arranged a Zugmittelgetriebes, wherein the traction means ( 15 ) via a selectable arrangement of rotatably mounted rollers ( 21 . 22 ) is guided on a substrate, in which at least one roller ( 21 . 22 ) of the traction mechanism with an electric drive motor ( 19 ) connected to the clock control ( 3 ), and in which in the electric drive motor ( 19 ) connected role ( 21 . 22 ) is arranged a sensor which detects the passage of the mark and with the clock control for the drive motor ( 19 ), the propagation time fluctuations of the traction means ( 15 ) compensates. Clock according to Claim 1, in which the time interval is on a flexible body ( 1 ) is available. Clock according to claim 1 or 2, in which the marking comprises at least one electric light source ( 8th ). Clock according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the time interval ( 1 ) is closed or closable to a loop. Clock according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the time interval ( 1 ) a scale ( 9 ) assigned. Clock according to claim 5, wherein the scale ( 9 ) Are assigned times. Clock according to one of claims 1 to 6, the at least one selectable positions of the time course ( 1 ) mountable supports ( 10 ) comprises at least one symbol.

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