DE2405667A1 - DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING TIME UNITS - Google Patents

Description

Device for displaying time units

The invention relates to a device for displaying Time units applicable in timepieces. And a time display in all directions over a range of 36o ° possible. The time display can therefore be viewed from any point on the side of the device seen and understood.

Such a device is characterized according to the invention by a plurality of display elements which are arranged at a distance from one another along an elongated reference element, each of which form a band-shaped display surface extending over an angle of 360 °, so that the display function of each point on the side of the device can be seen, and by twelve display elements in four mutually spaced apart Arrangement holding groups of three display elements each, so that each group has a three-hour interval and / or a quarter of an hour interval.

409833/0808

The invention can "be realized, for example, that an upright reference element in the form of a central and vertically aligned column runs the height of the entire device. Inside this pillar lighting elements and control circuits can be provided be known to those skilled in the art. Multiple display elements are spaced apart over the length of the column. The display elements are disk-shaped and can consist of translucent material that allows light rays to pass through from the center of each pane enables. Thus, an illumination can take place from the column to the outer edge of the panes, which extends over its circumference Form display surfaces running at an angle of 360 °. A time display of one or more of these display areas can be recognized from any observation point on the side of the device. The discs can be made of plastic, fiberglass or other suitable material.

The translucent display elements are expediently divided into four spaced-apart groups with three panes each; this distribution applies to an arrangement of twelve panes each, which are distributed along the column. Such arrangements can be repeated. In this ^"r else each slice can be a Einstundenintervall, and taking advantage of appropriate lighting effects each of the four groups can also be a quarter-hour interval from three slices. This arrangement and subdivision of the disks into groups makes it much easier to read the time shown by the display device, especially since one has got used to special and frequently used types of time display, especially when displaying 3-6-9-12 hours with special lighting.

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Embodiments of the invention are described in the following
described with reference to the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a time display device according to the invention,

2 shows a representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention,

3 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a movable and cylindrical housing is provided which releases the disks used to display the time,
a side view of three groups of panes,
each consisting of two discs,
a side view of three groups of panes,
whose respective disc has a concave Uinfangflache,

a perspective view of a hexagonal time display element,
a side view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 within a transparent, spherical housing,
until

Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but with different dimensions of the time display elements,

9 is a side view of an embodiment

the invention for displaying the time within a 24 hour period, and

10 shows a further embodiment of the invention to display the time within a 24-hour period.

Fig. 4th Fig. 5 Fig. 6th Fig. 7th Fig. 8a Fig. 8c

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With its own bore, the device according to the invention can provide a time display which can be seen from any observation point on the side of the device over a range of 30 °. At present, with most clocks, the observer not only has to be able to see the clock from a certain side ε. \ Ιε , but the dial itself must face the observer in order to enable reading. If the dial points in a different direction, the observer must go to an appropriate place in order to be able to read the time determine the time displayed with it, as the time display is radiated over a range of 360 ° in all directions thanks to its new and improved structure. In addition, the display elements are divided into groups, whereby the reading is made much easier, which is found to be particularly advantageous if one is familiar with the 3-6-9-12 hour arrangement of most currently available clocks.

In Fig. 1 there is a display device 12 according to the invention having an upright and elongated reference element 14. This has the shape of a hollow one Column in which an electrical control circuit and lighting devices are provided. These can be one or several of the display elements 16s. Illuminate progressively until I6i. The circuit can control devices of a known type, for example by cams or electrically operated counter devices, with which the respective lighting devices are progressively switched on.

The time display elements 16-a to I6-I are disk-shaped and are made of translucent material, for example

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"" D -

made of plastic or fiberglass, so that they let light rays through from their center, which are in the area of the column 14 can be generated. The unifacial surfaces of the panes form light exit surfaces over a range of 360 °, so that display areas are thereby realized. The peripheral surfaces of the panes can be seen from any observation point on the side of the device. Slots or openings can be provided in the column 14 in order to allow the light onto the panes and to guide their circumferential surfaces. The light comes first through the openings 18 (FIG. 6) into the disks which surround the column 14. By applying the translucent Disks 16-a to 16-1 can be marked twelve hours a day, in ^ üein the disks one after the other and are progressively illuminated, for example, from the uppermost disk 16-a to the lowermost disk 16-1. Through lighting the topmost disc 16-a marks the first hour. The illumination of the second disc 16-b then marks the second hour. The illumination of the third disc 16-c marks the third hour and so on to the twelfth disc 16-1, which marks the twelfth hour. Preferably, the disks are progressively from the Disk 16-a is illuminated up to disk 16-1, and all previously illuminated disks remain in this state, "whereby the time reading is facilitated. However, only one pane can be illuminated at a time, if so desired.

In addition to displaying an hour within a specified time interval, the discs can also be used to display of five minute intervals can be exploited by using flashing lights within the column 14. Vfenn the Panes 16-a to 16-c are lit, the third hour is displayed, for example. Uenn the disc

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16-e flickers, a point in time is displayed which is at 25 minutes past the third hour.

The flickering of the disk 16-e indicates a full one Five-minute step, and time can have a fourth, the somewhere between 25 and 29 minutes after the full one Hour is.

If it is desired to display smaller time elements, additional disks 20-a to 20-e can be provided on the column 14, which indicate intervals of one minute for each period of five minutes, as indicated by a flickering disk 16-a to 16- 1 marked; will. In the event that, for example, the disks 16-a to 16-c are illuminated and the disk 16-e flickers, the time when the disk 20-a lights up at the same time is 3:26. If the disk 20-b also lights up, so the time is 3:27 a.m., etc.

In addition to being able to display in all directions, results from the use of illuminated discs in a device many other advantages according to the invention, for example the possibility of reading from a much larger one Distance than a normal watch of comparable size. When practically all discs 16-a to 16-1 light up, you can immediately see that the time of day is late. Of course, reverse lighting can also be used can be used, through which the discs initially light up and a late hour is indicated by it is that all lamps of the discs are switched off. Furthermore, the time of the first hour can go through the lowest Disk 16-1 are displayed, so that, starting from this disk, the other disks then progressively in an upward direction are illuminated along the column 14.

409833/0808

Another advantage of the Kriinding is the arrangement of disks 16-a to 16-1 in four groups of three disks each within any number of twelve Disks along the column 14. This arrangement facilitates the reading of the time, especially by those who the reading of arrangements is common, which show the usual way the 3-6-9-12-hour division of the dial. Ilicht then only identify the disks 16-a to 1o-c Three-hour intervals, but the discs are also used to Display of five-minute intervals, with a quarter-hour interval is easy to achieve.

The display device according to the invention can be of many different types Have embodiments. Fig. 1 shows the arrangement of the disks 16-a to 16-1 in the form of a ball. Through this could represent the "earth time". Fig. 2 shows a division of the disks in a conical arrangement. It should be noted that the smaller disks 20-a to 20-e also have the shape of a cone, that of the distribution the disks 16-a to 16-1 can be adapted. Fig.8a Figure 3 shows a cylindrical disk assembly that is easier to read from a distance. The in Fig. 8b and 8c disks have the contour of an hourglass.

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the disks in a cylindrical configuration similar to Fig. 8a, and a hollow, cylindrical one Housing 22 can be pushed over the discs, with this arrangement the cylinder 22 can always go further displaced relative to the disks in the longitudinal direction of the column 14 v / ground, whereby the disks 16-a through 16-1 are exposed one after the other. The identification of the discs is with this arrangement not dependent on internal lighting. If the cylinder is moved in the vertical direction,

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For example, in the direction of the arrow A shown, a Schc-ibs is released at the respective point in time (including half slices as shown), and the time ε: αζ \ χζβίρ: οα.

4 shows a group of three disks 24, 25 and 26, each consisting of two layers. These three disks correspond, for example, to the disks io-a to 16-C already described. The slices facilitate the display of a half hour interval and also a five minute interval with a single slice. The upper layer 24a of the disk Zk represents, for example, a one- hour interval and shows the time 1 o'clock. The lower layer 24b of the wafer 24 shows the first Fünfninuteninterve.ll after that date, and what longitudinally continues the column 14, v, ^r ie it already for the discs 16-a to 16-1 has been described. The layers of each disc can be colored differently to facilitate identification. Furthermore, the layers can also be illuminated with different intensities.

Fig. 5 shows a group 28 of three disks 30, the concave Circumferential surface egg have to have better light reflection if the observation takes place at different angles relative to the plane of the disk. Alternatively a stronger light reflection can also be achieved in that the edges of the panes are convex.

6 shows a disk 32 which, instead of a circular one, has a hexagonal shape. This shape forms several defined Surface elements or flattened areas 34 over the circumferential ■ angle of 360 °. It can also be irregular shaped disc edges may be provided.

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FIg. 7 Shows a configuration of the disks v. ^R Y shown in Fig. 2, the geseilte device is, however, enclosed by a spherical transparent housing and 3C of plastic, glass or a similar material to a deposition of dust and dirt to avoid ö.en slices.

Figures 9 and 10 show time display devices. for a period of 24 hours, with eight groups 33 each having three disks spaced apart from one another in an upright column 14a. The group 40 of five smaller disks in the lower area of the SMuIe 14a is used to display the steps of one minute each. The arrangement shown in FIG. 9 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, it is formed from two groups, each of which corresponds to a group of the disks i6-a to 16-1 (FIG. 2). This arrangement makes it easier to display the time when the total time of day is divided into two halves of twelve hours each.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 10 is such that groups 42 of three slices each are progressive and even decreasing diameter are provided. ICine such Arrangement is suitable for a time reading in which full 24-hour intervals are provided and recorded, For example, in the case of military organizations, where the time with 1s is within a 24-hour interval is specified, for example in the form 3:00 p.m. For this At a specific time, the top five groups 42 each consisting of three disks light up, the top disk in the top one The group will flicker and the top pane of the group for the I-minute display will light up.

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Claims (13)

Claims 1. / Device for displaying time units, characterized by several nit spacing from one another along one elongated reference elements (14) 'arranged display element e (16), each one over a l / inkel of 360 ° running taridföri-aigo display area "form so that their an 2; ei cc functions from every point on the side of the device (12) is recognizable, and by twelve display elements (16) in four mutually spaced groups of three display elements (16) holding Arrangement so that each group identifies a three hour interval and / or a quarter hour interval. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display elements (16) are disc-shaped and made of translucent Hatsrial so that their peripheral surfaces Form display areas "that light up when illuminated from the reference element (14). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the peripheral surfaces of at least some display elements (30) have a concave contour. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that at least some display elements (24, 25, 26) made of Schei- S.U. S. ben are formed, differ ^{in each case in the} axial direction of superimposed layers. 5. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that at least some of the display elements (32) have the shape of a 409833/0808 . BAD ORIGINAL j Polygons have, making their university flutes from several rectilinear surface elements (34) are formed. 6. Vorrichtimg according to claim 2, characterized in that the disc-shaped display element © (16) from a JCnde of Bezugselomcnts (14) to its lutte a progressively increasing diameter and d.er iiitte to the other end of the · reference element (14) have a progressively decreasing diameter so that they form the contour of a sphere. 7. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the disc-shaped display elements (i6) over their entire Distribution have a progressively increasing diameter. 8. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the display element (16) from one end of the reference element (14) up to its middle a progressively decreasing one Diameter and from the center to the other end of the reference element (14) a progressively increasing diameter have so that they overall form the contour of an hourglass. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two groups of twelve display elements (38) each, which are distributed on the reference element (14a) are, by dividing each group into four subgroups (38) of three display elements and by an arrangement on the reference element (14a) that enables the two groups to be distinguished a time display in a 24-hour interval. 409833/0803
■ ORIGINAL BATHROOM Z 1 10. The device still claim 9 * characterized in that that the distinguishable arrangement by two in matching VJeise each forming a beveled contour Gruppsn is realized, whereby the Anseigee-leiaente (33) of each group have a progressively decreasing diameter in a corresponding direction. 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a spherical housing (36). 12. Vorrichtimg according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at one end of the reference element (14) a further group of display elements (20) is arranged, one opposite to the first-mentioned Display elements (16) have a much smaller diameter and display groove intervals. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an opaque, cylindrical housing (22), in the longitudinal axis of which the reference element (14) is arranged and which is relative to the Display elements is movable. A09833 / 0808 ORIGINAL BATHROOM Blank page