EP1126334A1 - Linear time display - Google Patents

Linear time display Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1126334A1
EP1126334A1 EP00810139A EP00810139A EP1126334A1 EP 1126334 A1 EP1126334 A1 EP 1126334A1 EP 00810139 A EP00810139 A EP 00810139A EP 00810139 A EP00810139 A EP 00810139A EP 1126334 A1 EP1126334 A1 EP 1126334A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spiral
time display
display device
linear time
hours
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00810139A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Grégoire Du Pasquier
François De Marignac
Christophe Pidoux
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Individual
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Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP00810139A priority Critical patent/EP1126334A1/en
Priority to AU2001232169A priority patent/AU2001232169A1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2001/000220 priority patent/WO2001061422A1/en
Priority to EP01904257A priority patent/EP1297388A1/en
Publication of EP1126334A1 publication Critical patent/EP1126334A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/20—Indicating by numbered bands, drums, discs, or sheets
    • G04B19/21—Drums

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for displaying the hour linearly.
  • the time display has been the subject of many variations, whether from the classic two-hand clock up to digital crystal display liquids.
  • linear display is meant a device indicating the time on a scale linear, as opposed to a circular indication.
  • Such clocks are known in the state of the art, using a cylinder rotating to display the time.
  • a cylinder rotating to display the time.
  • a second line, mounted on a second cylinder and concentric the first is used to display the minutes.
  • All these variants invariably use a cylinder rotating in front of a window.
  • the object of the present invention is to eliminate the cylinder on which builds on the different variants mentioned and also delete the window display.
  • a time display device comprising rotary drive means, a rotating assembly driven by these means and a fixed benchmark.
  • This rotating assembly is composed of at least an elongated three-dimensional spiral whose starting point is vertically aligned with the end point.
  • the fixed mark consists of a graduated line, the intersection of this line with the spiral defining the hour.
  • this spiral extends over the height of the display device and its outside path crosses the graduated mark.
  • the rotation of the spiral causes the point of intersection to visually move down or down high according to the direction of rotation of the spiral.
  • This spiral performs a complete revolution, i.e. the point of start is aligned with the end point. Therefore, at the end of a revolution, the top as the bottom of the spiral are aligned with the mark and the cycle resumes without interruption.
  • the spiral is made in one piece and in the form of a "slide".
  • the outer edge of the slide forms the line crossing the fixed mark.
  • This spiral is typically carried out over 24 hours. Nevertheless, it it is possible to choose a 12 hour rotation.
  • a toothed disc can advantageously be added, disc whose axis is integral of the benchmark.
  • a lug mounted on one end of the spiral drives the toothed disc and advances it of a tooth.
  • the angular sector covered makes it possible to vary the display of AM to PM according to the English designation.
  • the spiral it is produced by a set of needles mounted perpendicularly on its axis and the succession forms a spiral staircase.
  • the tip of these needles forms a dotted line which, using the fixed vertical marker, makes it possible to display the time.
  • These hands occasionally display the hours or minutes when crossing with the graduated vertical mark.
  • This embodiment allows new decorative forms such as the illumination of the ends of the needles by an LED or by an optical fiber. This allows purely decorative color games or be used for transmit the information "before noon” or "after noon” for a spiral performing a 12 hour rotation.
  • the rotating assembly comprises two spirals, each developing on a semicircle. Full rotation takes place over 24 hours and the graduation of the fixed mark takes place over 12 hours.
  • the two spirals are of different colors in order to differentiate the slice 0 to 12 of section 12 at 24h.
  • the whole can advantageously be integrated in a decorative box, of preferably transparent.
  • the means are composed of a rotating magnetic element which causes, by magnetic coupling, a metal part of the spiral. This is made possible by mounting the spiral between two tips with low loss mechanical.
  • FIG. 1 a spiral produced according to the invention is illustrated. It is composed of an axis 1 as well as a multitude of needles 2 connected to axis 1 and extending perpendicular thereto.
  • the needles 2 are of the same length and are offset angularly and vertically to describe a complete circle while moving on the axis.
  • the upper needle 2a and lower 2b of the spiral are superimposed in plan, this spiral describing a development of 360 degrees.
  • the fixed mark 3 only includes the graduation for the hour. Depending on the size of the marker, it may also include a finer graduation, for example to indicate quarter-hours.

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for providing linear display of time, comprising a spiral driven by the rotating movement of the clock. The outer edge of the spiral is urged to intersect a fixed mark (3), said intersection between the mark and the spiral indicating time. In another embodiment, the device comprises a spiral (1) consisting of multiple hands (2) whereof the tips can comprise decorative elements.

Description

La présente invention concerne une méthode et un dispositif pour l'affichage de l'heure linéairement.The present invention relates to a method and a device for displaying the hour linearly.

L'affichage de l'heure a fait l'objet de nombreuses variantes, que ce soit de la classique horloge à deux aiguilles jusqu'à l'affichage numérique à cristaux liquides.The time display has been the subject of many variations, whether from the classic two-hand clock up to digital crystal display liquids.

Par affichage linéaire, on entend un dispositif indiquant l'heure sur une échelle linéaire, par opposition à une indication circulaire.By linear display is meant a device indicating the time on a scale linear, as opposed to a circular indication.

De telles horloges sont connues dans l'état de la technique, utilisant un cylindre en rotation pour l'affichage de l'heure. Nous trouvons un tel dispositif dans le document US 3'587'222, décrivant un affichage qui. est assuré par une fenêtre graduée derrière laquelle tourne un cylindre. Sur ce cylindre est tracée une ligne hélicoïdale dont l'intersection avec la fenêtre permet de déterminer l'heure. Une deuxième ligne, montée sur un deuxième cylindre et concentrique au premier, sert à l'affichage des minutes.Such clocks are known in the state of the art, using a cylinder rotating to display the time. We find such a device in the document US 3,587,222, describing a display which. is provided by a window graduated behind which a cylinder turns. On this cylinder is drawn a helical line whose intersection with the window makes it possible to determine time. A second line, mounted on a second cylinder and concentric the first is used to display the minutes.

L'utilisation de cylindres pour les heures et les minutes est également décrite dans le document US 4'092'823. L'affichage des heures est assuré par un premier cylindre dont la partie sous la ligne hélicoïdale est ombrée pour donner l'effet d'une progression d'une bande en fonction du temps.The use of cylinders for hours and minutes is also described. in document US 4,092,823. The hours are displayed by a first cylinder whose part under the helical line is shaded to give the effect of a band advancing over time.

Toutes ces variantes utilisent invariablement un cylindre tournant devant une fenêtre. Le but de la présente invention est de supprimer le cylindre sur lequel s'appuie les différentes variantes citées et de supprimer également la fenêtre d'affichage.All these variants invariably use a cylinder rotating in front of a window. The object of the present invention is to eliminate the cylinder on which builds on the different variants mentioned and also delete the window display.

Ce but est atteint par un dispositif d'affichage de l'heure comprenant des moyens d'entraínement rotatifs, un ensemble en rotation entraíné par ces moyens et un repère fixe. Cet ensemble en rotation est composé d'au moins une spirale tridimensionnelle allongée dont le point de départ est verticalement aligné sur le point d'arrivée. Le repère fixe est composé d'une ligne graduée, l'intersection de cette ligne avec la spirale définissant l'heure. This object is achieved by a time display device comprising rotary drive means, a rotating assembly driven by these means and a fixed benchmark. This rotating assembly is composed of at least an elongated three-dimensional spiral whose starting point is vertically aligned with the end point. The fixed mark consists of a graduated line, the intersection of this line with the spiral defining the hour.

Selon l'invention, cette spirale se déploie sur la hauteur du dispositif d'affichage et son chemin extérieur croise le repère gradué. La rotation de la spirale provoque le déplacement visuel du point d'intersection vers le bas ou vers le haut selon le sens de rotation de la spirale.According to the invention, this spiral extends over the height of the display device and its outside path crosses the graduated mark. The rotation of the spiral causes the point of intersection to visually move down or down high according to the direction of rotation of the spiral.

Cette spirale effectue une révolution complète c'est-à-dire que le point de départ est aligné sur le point d'arrivée. De ce fait, lors de la fin d'une révolution, le haut comme le bas de la spirale se trouvent alignés sur le repère et le cycle reprend sans interruption.This spiral performs a complete revolution, i.e. the point of start is aligned with the end point. Therefore, at the end of a revolution, the top as the bottom of the spiral are aligned with the mark and the cycle resumes without interruption.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, la spirale est réalisée d'une seule pièce et à la forme d'un "toboggan". La tranche extérieure du toboggan forme la ligne croisant le repère fixe.According to a first embodiment, the spiral is made in one piece and in the form of a "slide". The outer edge of the slide forms the line crossing the fixed mark.

La rotation de cette spirale s'effectue typiquement sur 24 heures. Néanmoins, il est possible que l'on choisisse une rotation de 12 heures. Dans ce cas, un disque denté peut avantageusement être ajouté, disque dont l'axe est solidaire du repère. A chaque rotation complète de la spirale des heures, un ergot monté sur une des extrémités de la spirale entraíne le disque denté et le fait avancer d'une dent. Le secteur angulaire parcouru permet de faire varier l'affichage de AM à PM selon la désignation anglaise.The rotation of this spiral is typically carried out over 24 hours. Nevertheless, it it is possible to choose a 12 hour rotation. In this case, a toothed disc can advantageously be added, disc whose axis is integral of the benchmark. At each complete rotation of the hour spiral, a lug mounted on one end of the spiral drives the toothed disc and advances it of a tooth. The angular sector covered makes it possible to vary the display of AM to PM according to the English designation.

Afin d'animer la tranche extérieure à la spirale, il est possible d'y placer un conduit lumineux dont la couleur peut varier selon les besoins.In order to animate the outer edge of the spiral, it is possible to place a light pipe, the color of which can vary as required.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de la spirale, elle est réalisée par un ensemble de aiguilles montées perpendiculairement sur son axe et dont la succession forme une spirale en escalier. L'extrémité de ces aiguilles forme un tracé pointillé qui, à l'aide du repère vertical fixe, permet d'afficher l'heure. Ces aiguilles affichent ponctuellement les heures ou les minutes lors de leur croisement avec le repère vertical gradué.According to another embodiment of the spiral, it is produced by a set of needles mounted perpendicularly on its axis and the succession forms a spiral staircase. The tip of these needles forms a dotted line which, using the fixed vertical marker, makes it possible to display the time. These hands occasionally display the hours or minutes when crossing with the graduated vertical mark.

Cette forme d'exécution permet des formes décoratives inédites telles que l'illumination des extrémités des aiguilles par une LED ou par une fibre optique. Ceci permet des jeux de couleur purement décoratifs ou être utilisé pour transmettre l'information "avant midi" ou "après midi" pour une spirale effectuant une rotation sur 12 heures.This embodiment allows new decorative forms such as the illumination of the ends of the needles by an LED or by an optical fiber. This allows purely decorative color games or be used for transmit the information "before noon" or "after noon" for a spiral performing a 12 hour rotation.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'ensemble en rotation comprend deux spirales, chacune se développant sur un demi cercle. La rotation complète s'effectue sur 24 heures et la graduation du repère fixe se fait sur 12 heures. Les deux spirales sont de couleurs différentes afin de différencier la tranche 0 à 12 de la tranche 12 à 24h.According to a variant of the invention, the rotating assembly comprises two spirals, each developing on a semicircle. Full rotation takes place over 24 hours and the graduation of the fixed mark takes place over 12 hours. The two spirals are of different colors in order to differentiate the slice 0 to 12 of section 12 at 24h.

Le tout peut être avantageusement intégré dans un boítier décoratif, de préférence transparent. Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens d'entraínement sont composés d'un élément magnétique en rotation qui entraíne, par couplage magnétique, une partie métallique de la spirale. Ceci est rendu possible par un montage de la spirale entre deux pointes à faible perte mécanique.The whole can advantageously be integrated in a decorative box, of preferably transparent. According to one embodiment, the means are composed of a rotating magnetic element which causes, by magnetic coupling, a metal part of the spiral. this is made possible by mounting the spiral between two tips with low loss mechanical.

L'invention sera mieux comprise grâce à la description détaillée qui va suivre et qui se réfère aux dessins annexés qui sont donnés à titre d'exemple nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente une spirale tridimensionnelle composée d'une multitude d'aguilles selon l'invention;
  • La figure 2 représente cette même spirale en perspective avec son repère gradué.
The invention will be better understood thanks to the detailed description which follows and which refers to the appended drawings which are given by way of non-limiting example, in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a three-dimensional spiral composed of a multitude of needles according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 shows this same spiral in perspective with its graduated mark.

Sur la figure 1, une spirale réalisée selon l'invention est illustrée. Elle est composée d'un axe 1 ainsi qu'une multitude d'aiguilles 2 reliées à l'axe 1 et s'étendant perpendiculairement à celui-ci. Les aiguilles 2 sont de mêmes longueurs et sont décalées angulairement et verticalement pour décrire un cercle complet tout en se déplaçant sur l'axe. Selon cet exemple, l'aiguille supérieure 2a et inférieure 2b de la spirale sont superposées en plan, cette spirale décrivant un développement de 360 degrés. In FIG. 1, a spiral produced according to the invention is illustrated. It is composed of an axis 1 as well as a multitude of needles 2 connected to axis 1 and extending perpendicular thereto. The needles 2 are of the same length and are offset angularly and vertically to describe a complete circle while moving on the axis. According to this example, the upper needle 2a and lower 2b of the spiral are superimposed in plan, this spiral describing a development of 360 degrees.

Sur la figure 2, cette même spirale est ici représentée en perspective. On voit distinctement la forme du toboggan qui est composé par une succession d'aiguilles. Un repère gradué 3 permet de référencer l'ensemble.In Figure 2, this same spiral is shown here in perspective. We can clearly see the shape of the slide which is made up of a succession of needles. A graduated mark 3 makes it possible to reference the assembly.

Selon cet exemple, le repère fixe 3 comporte uniquement la graduation pour l'heure. Selon la grandeur du repère, il peut également comporter une graduation plus fine, par exemple pour indiquer les quarts d'heure.In this example, the fixed mark 3 only includes the graduation for the hour. Depending on the size of the marker, it may also include a finer graduation, for example to indicate quarter-hours.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution, il est possible de placer plusieurs repères pour indiquer l'heure selon des fuseaux horaires différents.According to another embodiment, it is possible to place several markers to indicate the time in different time zones.

Claims (10)

Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure comprenant des moyens d'entraínement rotatifs, un ensemble en rotation entraíné par lesdits moyens d'entraínement et une échelle graduée montée sur un support fixe, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble en rotation est composé d'au moins une spirale tridimensionnelle dont la tranche extérieure vient croiser l'échelle graduée montée sur un repère fixe.Linear time display device comprising means rotary drive, a rotating assembly driven by said means and a graduated scale mounted on a fixed support, characterized in that the rotating assembly is composed of at least one spiral three-dimensional whose outer edge crosses the graduated scale mounted on a fixed mark. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la spirale tridimensionnelle est composée d'un grand nombre de aiguilles s'étendant perpendiculairement à l'axe de ladite spirale.Linear time display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-dimensional spiral is made up of a large number of needles extending perpendicular to the axis of said spiral. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité des aiguilles comporte un élément lumineux dont la couleur peut varier.Linear time display device according to claim 2, characterized in that the end of the needles has a light element whose color may vary. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la couleur change à 0h et à 12h.Linear time display device according to claim 3, characterized in that the color changes at 0h and at 12h. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon les revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les deux extrémités de la spirale sont alignées verticalement.Linear time display device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two ends of the spiral are aligned vertically. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon les revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la rotation complète de la spirale s'effectue en 24 heures.Linear time display device according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the complete rotation of the spiral takes place in 24 hours. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon les revendications 1 et 5, caractérisé en ce que la rotation complète de la spirale s'effectue en 12 heures, et qu'il comprend un moyen pour indiquer "avant midi" et "après-midi".Linear time display device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the complete rotation of the spiral takes place in 12 hours, and that it includes means for indicating "before noon" and "afternoon". Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ce moyen comprend une roue dentée entraínée par la rotation de la spirale. Linear time display device according to claim 7, characterized in that this means comprises a toothed wheel driven by the rotation of the spiral. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon les revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble en rotation comprend deux spirales tridimensionnelles, chacune ayant des caractéristiques esthétiques distinctes.Linear time display device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotating assembly includes two spirals three-dimensional, each with distinct aesthetic characteristics. Dispositif d'affichage linéaire de l'heure selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la rotation de l'ensemble s'effectue sur 12 heures et que chaque spirale est de couleur différente.Linear time display device according to claim 9, characterized in that the rotation of the assembly takes place over 12 hours and that each spiral is of different color.
EP00810139A 2000-02-18 2000-02-18 Linear time display Withdrawn EP1126334A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00810139A EP1126334A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2000-02-18 Linear time display
AU2001232169A AU2001232169A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2001-02-19 Time display device
PCT/IB2001/000220 WO2001061422A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2001-02-19 Time display device
EP01904257A EP1297388A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2001-02-19 Time display device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00810139A EP1126334A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2000-02-18 Linear time display

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EP1126334A1 true EP1126334A1 (en) 2001-08-22

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EP00810139A Withdrawn EP1126334A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2000-02-18 Linear time display
EP01904257A Withdrawn EP1297388A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2001-02-19 Time display device

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EP01904257A Withdrawn EP1297388A1 (en) 2000-02-18 2001-02-19 Time display device

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2597541A2 (en) 2011-11-24 2013-05-29 Schneider Electric Industries SAS Method for managing the synchronisation of a distributed system for recording time-stamped events

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3587222A (en) 1969-06-20 1971-06-28 Robert Mestrovic Linear clock
GB1429784A (en) * 1972-04-11 1976-03-24 Horne R J Clock
US4092823A (en) 1975-02-10 1978-06-06 Sansho Co., Ltd. Timepiece having display cylinders
FR2776398A1 (en) * 1998-03-17 1999-09-24 Dominique Fritz World time decorative clock with graphic readout.

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3587222A (en) 1969-06-20 1971-06-28 Robert Mestrovic Linear clock
GB1429784A (en) * 1972-04-11 1976-03-24 Horne R J Clock
US4092823A (en) 1975-02-10 1978-06-06 Sansho Co., Ltd. Timepiece having display cylinders
FR2776398A1 (en) * 1998-03-17 1999-09-24 Dominique Fritz World time decorative clock with graphic readout.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2597541A2 (en) 2011-11-24 2013-05-29 Schneider Electric Industries SAS Method for managing the synchronisation of a distributed system for recording time-stamped events

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Publication number Publication date
AU2001232169A1 (en) 2001-08-27
WO2001061422A1 (en) 2001-08-23
EP1297388A1 (en) 2003-04-02

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