TIME-MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising an electro-optical converter device with at least one electro-optical converter, an opto-electric converter device, a first signal path which leads into the opto-electric converter device via a first waveguide, a second signal path which leads into the opto-electric converter device directly or via a second waveguide, a control device, and a useful-signal generating device. The first signal path and the second signal path are designed such that the propagation time of the first clocked light signal in the first signal path and the propagation time of the second clocked light signal in the second signal path differ from each other.

Claims

1. A timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising: an electro-optical converter device having at least one electro-optical converter, an opto-electric converter device, a first signal path which leads into the opto-electric converter device via a first waveguide, a second signal path which leads into the opto-electric converter device directly or via a second waveguide, a control device, and a useful-signal generating device, wherein: the electro-optical converter device is configured for feeding a first clocked light signal into the first waveguide and a second clocked light signal into the second signal path, the opto-electric converter device is configured for generating a first electrical signal based on the first clocked light signal, and a second electrical signal based on the second clocked light signal, the first signal path and the second signal path are configured such that a transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first signal path and the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second signal path are different from one another, the control device is configured to generate a control signal based on the phase difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and to actuate the electro-optical converter device, for generating the two light signals, by means of the control signal, the useful-signal generating device is configured for generating a useful signal that clocks the time, based on a frequency of the control signal, and the timepiece comprises a clock display device for displaying the time based on the useful signal.

2. The timepiece of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a phase comparator, a loop filter for integration of an output signal of the phase comparator, and an oscillator which can be actuated by an output signal of the loop filter.

3. The timepiece of claim 2, wherein the actuatable oscillator is a voltage-controlled oscillator or comprises an adjustable piezoelectric oscillating crystal having a trimmer capacitor.

4. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein the control device is implemented as hardware and/or software.

5. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein the electro-optical converter device comprises a single electro-optical converter which is configured for generating a clocked light signal, and an optical splitter which is configured for splitting the clocked light signal into the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal.

6. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein the electro-optical converter is a first electro-optical converter and the electro-optical converter device comprises a second electro-optical converter, wherein the first electro-optical converter is configured for generating a first clocked light signal and the second electro-optical converter is configured for generating a second clocked light signal.

7. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein the opto-electric converter device comprises a single opto-electric converter for generating a superimposition signal formed of the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal, and a signal splitter which is configured for generating the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal from a superimposition signal.

8. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein: the opto-electric converter device comprises a first opto-electric converter and second opto-electric converter, wherein the first signal path comprises the first opto-electric converter and the second signal path comprises the second opto-electric converter, and the first opto-electric converter is configured for generating the first electrical signal based on the first clocked light signal, and the second opto-electric converter is configured for generating the second electrical signal based on the second clocked light signal.

9. The timepiece of claim 8, wherein the first opto-electric converter is configured identically to the second opto-electric converter.

10. The timepiece of of claim 1, wherein the second waveguide is shorter than the first waveguide.

11. The timepiece of claim 10, wherein the first waveguide and the second waveguide are configured in such a way that: a transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide and a transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide, at a predetermined temperature, are different from one another, and a change in the transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide in the case of a predetermined temperature deviation from the predetermined temperature is the same as a change in the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide in the case of the same predetermined temperature deviation.

12. The timepiece of claim 11, wherein the first waveguide and the second waveguide differ in terms of the material through which light can stream, and/or the length, and/or the cross-sectional design.

13. The timepiece of of claim 7, wherein a reflector is arranged at a reflector end of the first waveguide, by means of which reflector the first clocked light signal can be reflected back into the first waveguide, and wherein the first signal path is configured such that the reflected first clocked light signal can be outcoupled into the opto-electric converter of the first signal path at an infeed end of the first waveguide.

14. The timepiece of claim 13, wherein the first signal path comprises an optical splitter at the infeed end of the first waveguide, which splitter is configured for outcoupling the reflected first clocked light signal into the first opto-electric converter.

15. The timepiece of claim 14, wherein the optical splitter comprises a partially transparent mirror or a fiber splitter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or functionally identical components are denoted by the same reference characters in each case. In the drawings:

[0074] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of a time-measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0075] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic view of a region of the time-measuring device according to the first embodiment,

[0076] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a phase comparator of the time-measuring device according to the first embodiment,

[0077] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the phase comparator from FIG. 3,

[0078] FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0079] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0080] FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0081] FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

[0082] FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention,

[0083] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention,

[0084] FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention,

[0085] FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and

[0086] FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic view of a region of a time-measuring device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] In the following, a time-measuring device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0088] As is clear from FIG. 1, the time-measuring device 100 is configured as a timepiece, in particular, a watch, and thus comprises two connections 140 for a wristband 160. However, it is also possible for the time-measuring device 100 to be a wall clock, a floor clock, a table clock, or a clock of another type.

[0089] The time-measuring device 100 further comprises a clock housing 110 and timepiece glass 150 arranged therein, a dial plate 120, a handwheel 170, and three hands 130 for displaying the hours, minutes and seconds. The hands 130 are parts of a mechanical clock display device 106 for displaying the time.

[0090] Furthermore, the time-measuring device 100 comprises a timing generator assembly 101, a clockwork 105, and a drive device 104 for driving the clockwork 105. The drive device 104 is in particular configured as a stepper motor. The clockwork 105 is connected to the mechanical clock display device 106 such that the hands 130 of the clock display device 106 are moved. In particular, the clockwork 105 comprises at least an hour wheel, a minute wheel and a second wheel, which are each connected to one of the hands 130.

[0091] The timing generator assembly 101 is configured to determine a frequency that is relevant for the clocking of the time-measuring device 100. Part of the timing generator assembly 101 is a useful-signal generating device 103 which is configured for generating a useful signal that clocks the time, based on a frequency of the control signal. For this purpose, the useful-signal generating device 103 can comprise a pulse counter. If the control signal is an analogue signal, in the case of the useful-signal generating device 103 a device for converting the analogue control signal into a digital (pulse-like) signal can be provided.

[0092] The drive device 104 is actuated based on the useful signal, in order to move the clockwork 105.

[0093] It is visible from FIG. 2 that the time-measuring device 100 further comprises an electro-optical converter device 1, an opto-electric converter device 2, a first signal path 3, a second signal path 4, and a control device (control unit) 5. These components are parts of the timing generator assembly 101 and form an oscillation system 102. In this embodiment, the opto-electric converter device 2 comprises a first opto-electric converter 21 and second opto-electric converter 22. The first opto-electric converter 21 and/or the second opto-electric converter 22 can each comprise a photodiode.

[0094] The first signal path 3 comprises a waveguide (first waveguide) 61 and leads from the electro-optical converter device 1, via the waveguide 61, to the opto-electric converter device 2. As a result, the first signal path 3 comprises the first opto-electric converter 21, in addition to the waveguide 61. The second signal path 4 leads from the electro-optical converter device 1 to the opto-electric converter device 2, and thus comprises the second opto-electric converter 22. Therefore, the first signal path 3 and the second signal path 4 each comprise the opto-electric converter device 2, in part.

[0095] The electro-optical converter device 1 is configured for feeding a first clocked light signal into the first signal path 3, in particular into the waveguide 61, and a second clocked light signal into the second signal path 4. For this purpose, the electro-optical converter device 1 comprises a single electro-optical converter 10 and an optical splitter 13. The electro-optical converter 10, which can in particular comprise a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode, is configured to generate a clocked light signal. In this case, the optical splitter 13 is configured for splitting the clocked light signal, which can be generated by the electro-optical converter 10, into the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal.

[0096] The opto-electric converter device 2 can generate a first electrical signal based on the first clocked light signal, and a second electrical signal based on the second clocked light signal. In particular, the first opto-electric converter 21 is configured for generating the first electrical signal, and the second opto-electric converter 22 is configured for generating the second electrical signal.

[0097] The first opto-electric converter 21 and the second opto-electric converter 22 are advantageously configured identically. In other words, the two opto-electric converters 21, 22 are structurally identical, such that a signal delay caused by the first opto-electric converter 21 is the same as a signal delay caused by the second opto-electric converter 22. In this case, the second opto-electric converter 22 is arranged directly after the electro-optical converter device 1, in particular directly after the optical splitter 13. In particular, the second opto-electric converter 22 is directly connected to the optical splitter 13. It is noted at this point that, in this embodiment, for reasons of illustration, the direct connection between the second opto-electric converter 22 and the optical splitter 13 is shown by a line.

[0098] Therefore, the first signal path 3 and the second signal path 4 are configured such that a transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first signal path 3 and the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second signal path 4 are different from one another. In particular, on account of the structurally identical opto-electric converters 21, 22, the transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first signal path 3 differs from the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second signal path 4 only by the transit time of the first clocked light signal in the waveguide 61.

[0099] However, it is also possible, according to a modification of the first embodiment, for the first opto-electric converter 21 and the second opto-electric converter 22 to be configured differently, and/or for the electro-optical converter 10 to be connected to the second opto-electric converter 22 via a waveguide. In the latter case, the waveguide is part of the second signal path 4. In this case, the waveguide of the second signal path 4 is shorter, in particular much shorter, than the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3. In this case, the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3 is preferably at least 10 times, preferably at least 30 times, longer than the waveguide of the second signal path 4. In this embodiment, the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3 can be referred to as a first waveguide, and the waveguide of the second signal path 4 can be referred to as a second waveguide.

[0100] The control device 5 is configured, based on a phase difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, to generate the above-mentioned control signal, on the basis of the frequency of which control signal the useful signal can be generated by the useful-signal generating device 103, and to control the electro-optical converter device 1, for generating the two light signals, by means of said useful signal.

[0101] It is in particular provided that two light signals (first and second light signal) having the same frequency and without any phase shift, are generated in the electro-optical converter device 1, for the two signal paths 3, 4, based on the control signal. The two light signals differ by a phase shift only by the different transit times in the two signal paths 3, 4.

[0102] For this purpose, the control device 5 comprises a phase comparator 50, a loop filter 51 for integration of an output signal of the phase comparator 50, and an oscillator 52 which can be actuated by an output signal of the loop filter 51.

[0103] The phase comparator 50 has a first input 501 and a second input 502. The first input 501 is configured to receive the first electrical signal, wherein the second input 502 is configured to receive the second electrical signal. For this purpose, the first input 501 is connected to the first opto-electric converter 21, and the second input 502 is connected to the second opto-electric converter 22. The phase comparator 50 is configured to compare a phase of the first electrical signal and a phase of the second electrical signal with one another, and to output the phase difference resulting therebetween as the output signal. The exact design and the mode of operation of the phase comparator 50 will be explained in more detail later, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0104] The loop filter 51 is advantageously formed as an integrator, which is configured to integrate the output signal of the phase comparator 50 and to convert this into a DC voltage. Alternatively, an RC element or an arrangement consisting of a charge pump and a capacitor can be used as the loop filter 51. The greater the difference between the time duration of the incoming first electrical signal and the time duration of the incoming second electrical signal, the higher the DC voltage that is produced by the loop filter 51 for the following actuatable oscillator 52.

[0105] The actuatable oscillator 52 is configured as a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). Alternatively, it is possible for the actuatable oscillator 52 to comprise an adjustable piezoelectric oscillating crystal having a trimmer capacitor. In this case, the trimmer capacitor can in particular be configured as a capacity diode. Preferably a tourmaline crystal can be used as the piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0106] The output signal of the actuatable oscillator 52 corresponds to or is at least based on the control signal, by means of which the electro-optical converter device 1, in particular the electro-optical converter 10, is controllable.

[0107] Depending on the use or embodiment of the time-measuring device 100, the control device 5 can be implemented as hardware and/or software. That is to say that the components of the control device 5 are implemented exclusively as software or hardware, or that the control device 5 is configured as a combination of hardware and software.

[0108] For supply of power to the electro-optical converter device 1, the control device 5, the useful-signal generating device 103 and the drive device 104, the time-measuring device 100 comprises a power supply device.

[0109] The power supply device can comprise at least one battery. The at least one battery can preferably be charged by an energy-harvesting device, which preferably comprises at least one thermogenerator and/or at least solar cell.

[0110] By means of the electro-optical converter device 1, the first signal path 3, the second signal path 4, the opto-electric converter device 2 and the control device 5, which is in signal connection with the electro-optical converter device 1, a control loop, in particular a phase-locked loop, is formed. That is to say that the above-mentioned oscillation system 102 is configured as a control loop, in particular as a phase-locked loop.

[0111] The control loop can engage the frequency of the control signal at which the electro-optical converter 10 is clocked, and thus freeze the frequency of the oscillation system 102 to a constant value. In particular, the control loop makes it possible to engage the output signal of the actuatable oscillator 52 to an input signal of the phase comparator 50, and thus guarantees a constant, always identical frequency of the oscillation system 102, which serves as a starting point for the clocking of the time-measuring device 100.

[0112] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the phase comparator 50, from which its exact design follows. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the phase comparator 50.

[0113] It is clear from FIG. 3 that the phase comparator 50 comprises the first input 501, the second input 502, a first, in particular clock edge-controlled, D flip-flop (DFF) 53, and a second, in particular clock edge-controlled, D flip-flop (DFF) 54, and an AND gate 55.

[0114] The first D flip-flop 53 comprises a D-input (setting input) 531, a Q-output 534, a reset input 533 (reset), and a non-negated clocking input 532. Correspondingly, the second D flip-flop 54 comprises a D-input (setting input) 541, a Q-output 544, a reset input 543 (reset), and a non-negated clocking input 542. The clocking inputs 532, 542 each react only to a positive (rising) signal edge.

[0115] A high level is present at the D-input 531 of the first D flip-flop 53. The first input 501 of the phase comparator 50 is connected to the clocking input 532 of the first D flip-flop 53 and a first input 551 of the AND gate 55, wherein the second input 502 of the phase comparator 50 is connected to the clocking input 542 of the second D flip-flop 54 and a second input 552 of the AND gate 55. The reset input 533 of the first D flip-flop 53 and the reset input 543 of the second D flip-flop 54 are connected to an output 553 of the AND gate 55. The Q-output 534 of the first D flip-flop 53 is connected to the Q-output 544 of the second D flip-flop 54 by means of a subtractor 56. In particular, the described connections are direct connections, i.e., without connection of a further component between the respectively interconnected components.

[0116] The designation REF in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3 stands for reference signal, which corresponds to the first electrical signal. The designation VCO stands for voltage-controlled oscillator and indicates a VCO signal which corresponds to the second electrical signal. The designation PD stands for phase difference and corresponds to the output signal of the phase comparator 50. Reset indicates a reset signal, wherein up stands for an up signal, and down stands for a down signal. The up signal corresponds to an output signal of the first D flip-flop 53, and the down signal corresponds to an output signal of the second D flip-flop 54.

[0117] The mode of operation of the phase comparator 50 will be explained in the following, with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 4.

[0118] In the case of the first rising edge of the VCO signal (second electrical signal), the second (lower) D flip-flop 54 assumes the high level at the D-input 541 and sets the Q-output 544 of the second D flip-flop 54 to the high level. As a result, the down signal is high (arrow 201).

[0119] Following the delay time of the light through the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3, the rising edge appears at the first input 501 of the phase comparator 50, which is also referred to as REF input, and the first (upper) D flip-flop 53 also assumes the high level from the D-input 531 and sets the up signal at the Q-output 534 to high (arrow 202).

[0120] In contrast to a conventional phase comparator 50, in which a reset of the flip-flop takes place when both output signals of the flip-flop are at high level, the reset of the first D flip-flop 53 and of the second D flip-flop 54 takes place, in the case of the phase comparator 50 according to FIG. 3, when both input signals of the phase comparator 50, i.e., the VCO signal and the REF signal, are high. However, the VCO signal is at low level again before the rising edge of the REF signal arrives at the phase comparator 50.

[0121] For this reason, the reset of the two D flip-flops 53, 54 takes place only after the next edge of the VCO signal, when this is again at high level. At this point in time, the REF signal is also still high, and a reset signal is generated (arrow 203).

[0122] The down signal (arrow 204) and the up signal (arrow 205) are reset by the reset signal. The first down pulse is longer than the up pulse, as a result of which an incorrect signal on one occasion reaches the loop filter 51 that follows the phase comparator 50. However, owing to the large time constant of the control, a single incorrect pulse is of no consequence.

[0123] Due to the amended resetting, a rising edge follows next at the first input 501 (REF input) of the phase comparator 50, as a result of which the up signal is high (arrow 206).

[0124] A following rising edge of the VCO signal also sets the down signal briefly to high level (arrow 207). Since now both the REF signal and the VCO signal, i.e., both inputs of the AND gate 55, are high (arrow 208), a reset signal appears at the output 553 of the AND gate 55, and both the down signal (arrow 209) and the up signal (arrow 210) are reset.

[0125] The up signal is at high level for longer than the down signal, as a result of which the frequency of the actuatable oscillator 52 is increased. This is repeated in the following cycles in the same way, until the actuatable oscillator 52 engages at the desired frequency.

[0126] The described circuitry guarantees temporal sorting, without problem, of the incoming electrical signals which can be generated by the two opto-electric converters 21, 22, specifically the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. Thus, the phase comparator 50 allows for engagement of the control loop at the self-generated frequency. In particular, the described circuitry of the phase comparator 50 is advantageous in the case where, at the beginning (after switching on), a period T=1/f of the VCO signal is greater than the transit time of the first electrical signal in the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3. If, at the beginning (after switching on), a period T=1/f of the VCO signal is not greater than the transit time of the first electrical signal in the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3, a conventional phase comparator can also be used for the phase comparator 50.

[0127] The proposed time-measuring device 100, configured as a timepiece, in particular has the advantage that the oscillation system 102 is freed of the delays by the electronics components, and the frequency of the oscillation system 102, which is relevant for the clocking of the time-measuring device 100, depends in principle, in particular exclusively, on the duration of the travel of the first clocked light signal through the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3, or on the light speed in the waveguide 61 of the first signal path 3 and on the length of the waveguide 61.

[0128] FIG. 5 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0129] The time-measuring device 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the time-measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment by the following design of the oscillation system 102:

[0130] In this case, the first signal path 3 comprises a first waveguide 61, and the second signal path 4 comprises a second waveguide 62. That is to say that the electro-optical converter device 1 is connected to the first opto-electric converter 21 via the first waveguide 61, and to the second opto-electric converter 22 via the second waveguide 62. In particular, in contrast to the time-measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment, in which there is a direct connection between the optical splitter 13 of the electro-optical converter device 1 and the second opto-electric converter 22, the second opto-electric converter 22 is connected to the optical splitter 13 of the electro-optical converter device 1 via the second waveguide 62. The first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 can in particular extend in parallel with one another.

[0131] The first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 are configured in such a way that a transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide 61 and a transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide 62, at a predetermined temperature, are different from one another.

[0132] Furthermore, the first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 are configured such that a change in the transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide 61 in the case of a predetermined temperature deviation from the predetermined temperature is the same as a change in the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide 62 in the case of the same predetermined temperature deviation. This means that, for example in the case of an increase of the transit time of the first clocked light signal by n nanoseconds on account of a temperature change, the second waveguide 62 is configured such that the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide 62 is also increased by n nanoseconds, in the case of the same temperature change.

[0133] In order to achieve this, the first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 can differ in terms of the material through which light can stream, and/or the length, and/or the cross-sectional design. In this case, the second waveguide 62 is shorter than the first waveguide 61. In this case, the first waveguide 61 is preferably at least 10 times, preferably at least 30 times, longer than the waveguide of the second waveguide 62.

[0134] In particular, the first waveguide 61 can be configured as a hollow-core fiber, wherein the second waveguide 62 can be configured as a solid-core fiber. In this case, in particular the second waveguide 62 can be a monomodal fiber or a multimode fiber. In this case, a ratio of the expansion coefficient of the first waveguide 61 to the expansion coefficient of the second waveguide 62 can be between 1:30 and 1:4, in particular 1:16.

[0135] The time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece according to the second embodiment in particular has the advantage that a temperature change of the first waveguide 61, which brings about a change in the original length and the refractive index of the first waveguide 61, can be compensated. In particular, for this purpose a temperature sensor and readjustment of the frequency specification for the pulse counter of the useful-signal generating device 103 can be omitted, as a result of which possible measurement inaccuracies can be eliminated.

[0136] FIG. 6 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0137] The time-measuring device 100 according to the third embodiment differs from the time-measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment by the following design of the oscillation system 102:

[0138] In this case, the electro-optical converter device 1 comprises a first electro-optical converter 11 and second electro-optical converter 12. The first electro-optical converter 11 is configured for generating a first clocked light signal and the second electro-optical converter 12 is configured for generating a second clocked light signal. The first electro-optical converter 11 can be configured as a semiconductor laser or light-emitting diode. The same also applies for the second electro-optical converter 12. In contrast to the first embodiment, on account of the two mentioned electro-optical converters 11, 12 being provided, the electro-optical converter device 1 does not comprise an optical splitter.

[0139] In particular, the first electro-optical converter 11 is configured to feed the first clocked light signal into a first signal path 3, wherein the second electro-optical converter 12 is configured to feed the second clocked light signal into a second signal path 4. The first signal path 3 contains the first waveguide 61. The second signal path 4 comprises a second waveguide 62 which connects the second electro-optical converter 12 to the second opto-electric converter 22. Since this design does not involve temperature compensation, but rather only the elimination of the process duration of the electronic components, the second waveguide 62 is not essential. The second signal path 4 can also directly connect the second electro-optical converter 12 to the second opto-electric converter 22.

[0140] In this embodiment of the time-measuring device 100, both the first electro-optical converter 11 and the second electro-optical converter 12 are controlled by means of the control signal, which can be generated by the control device 5.

[0141] As already described, providing two electro-optical converters makes it possible to omit an optical splitter, which enables simplification of the design of the oscillation system 102 and thus a reduction in the outlay for producing the overall time-measuring device 100. Furthermore, the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal can be easily generated independently of one another.

[0142] FIG. 7 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0143] The time-measuring device 100 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the time-measuring device 100 according to the third embodiment by the following design of the oscillation system 102:

[0144] The first signal path 3 comprises the first waveguide 61, and the second signal path 4 comprises the second waveguide 62. The first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 are configured in such a way that, on the one hand, a transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide 61 and a transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide 62, at a predetermined temperature, are different from one another, and that, on the other hand, the first waveguide 61 and the second waveguide 62 are configured such that a change in the transit time of the first clocked light signal in the first waveguide 61 in the case of a predetermined temperature deviation from the predetermined temperature is the same as a change in the transit time of the second clocked light signal in the second waveguide 62 in the case of the same predetermined temperature deviation.

[0145] For this purpose, the material through which light can stream, and/or the length, and/or the cross-sectional design of the first waveguide 61 and/or of the second waveguide 62 can be selected accordingly. In this case, the second waveguide 62 is shorter than the first waveguide 61. In this case, the first waveguide 61 is preferably at least 3 times, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at least 30 times, longer than the waveguide of the second waveguide 62.

[0146] In particular, the first waveguide 61 can be configured as a hollow-core fiber, wherein the second waveguide 62 can be configured as a solid-core fiber, in particular as a monomodal fiber or multimode fiber. In this case, a ratio of the expansion coefficient of the first waveguide 61 to the expansion coefficient of the second waveguide 62 can be between 1:30 and 1:4, in particular 1:16.

[0147] The time-measuring device 100 according to the fourth embodiment has the advantage that a temperature change of the first waveguide 61, which brings about a change in the original length and a refractive index of the first waveguide 61, can be compensated. In particular, for this purpose a temperature sensor can be omitted, as a result of which possible measurement inaccuracies can be eliminated.

[0148] FIG. 8 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0149] The time-measuring device 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from that according to the third or fourth embodiment essentially by the design of the oscillation system 102, in particular the region thereof that comprises the first signal path 3.

[0150] As can be seen from FIG. 8, the electro-optical converter device 1 comprises, in addition to the first electro-optical converter 11, a lens 14, which is arranged after the first electro-optical converter 11, in a direction from the first electro-optical converter 11 to the first waveguide 61. The lens 14 is in particular configured as a convex lens, and serves to refract the light, which is emitted from the first electro-optical converter 11 in different directions, in such a way that the light rays are collimated after the lens 14. In other words, the lens 14 is configured to collimate divergent light of the first electro-optical converter 11. In FIG. 8, the lens 14 is shown as a single lens element. However, it is also possible for the lens 14 to be configured as an optical system comprising at least two lens elements.

[0151] An optical splitter 6 is arranged at a first end of the first waveguide 61, which, within the context of the invention, is referred to as the infeed end 611. In particular, the optical splitter 6 is positioned between the first waveguide 61 and the lens 14. In this case, the optical splitter 6 is configured as a fiber splitter.

[0152] A reflector 7 is arranged at a second end of the first waveguide 61, which, within the context of the invention, is referred to as the reflector end 612. Light which is fed into the first waveguide 61 and the infeed end 611 and emerges from the first waveguide 61 at the reflector end 612 can be reflected back into the first waveguide 61 by the reflector 7.

[0153] For this purpose, in particular a concave mirror can be used as the reflector 7. In this case, the concave mirror is configured to re-collimate divergent light emerging from the first waveguide 61. In particular, the concave mirror can be a spherical concave mirror. However, it is also possible for the reflector 7 to be a different type of mirror, which is suitable in particular for reflecting back the light beam emerging from the reflector end 612.

[0154] In this embodiment, the first signal path 3 comprises the first waveguide 61, the optical splitter 6, the reflector 7, and the first opto-electric converter 21.

[0155] In the direction from the first electro-optical converter 11 to the first waveguide 61, in particular to the infeed end 611 of the first waveguide 61, the optical splitter 6 is configured so as to allow the first light signal to pass through, wherein in the direction from the first waveguide 61, in particular from the reflector end 612 of the first waveguide 61, to the first electro-optical converter 11, the optical splitter 6 is configured to outcouple the reflected first light signal 6 into the first opto-electric converter 21.

[0156] During operation of the time-measuring device 100, the first electro-optical converter 11 feeds the first clocked light signal into the first waveguide 61, via the lens 14 and the optical splitter 6. The first light signal is reflected back by the reflector 7, at the reflector end 612, into the first waveguide 61, and outcoupled into the first opto-electric converter 21 by means of the optical splitter 6. That is to say that the optical splitter 6 per se acts for the reflected first clocked light signal, i.e., when the light in the first waveguide 61 streams in the direction from the reflector 7 to the optical splitter 6.

[0157] The first opto-electric converter 21 converts the first light signal into the first electrical signal, which then, as already described above, is transferred to the phase comparator 50 of the control device 5, in particular to the first input 501 of the phase comparator 50.

[0158] The time-measuring device 100 according to the fifth embodiment provides the advantage that, in this case, the light path, i.e., the path that the first clocked light signal travels in the first waveguide 61, is twice the length of the first waveguide 61. Thus, the light path of the first light signal can double, while the length of the first waveguide 61 remains the same, which enables increased accuracy of the clocking of the time-measuring device 100. Alternatively, the length of the first waveguide 61 can halve, while the light path of the first light signal remains the same, which saves space in the time-measuring device 100 and halves the investment in the first waveguide 61, i.e., requires less outlay.

[0159] FIG. 9 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0160] The time-measuring device 100 according to the sixth embodiment differs from that according to the fifth embodiment essentially in the design of the first electro-optical converter 11.

[0161] In this case, the first electro-optical converter 11 is configured as a pigtail semiconductor laser or pigtail light-emitting diode. As a result, in the case of the time-measuring device 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the lens 14, which is provided in the time-measuring device 100 according to the fifth embodiment, can be omitted.

[0162] FIG. 10 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0163] The time-measuring device 100 according to the seventh embodiment differs from that according to the fifth embodiment essentially by the design of the oscillation system 102, in particular the region thereof that comprises the first signal path 3.

[0164] In the case of the time-measuring device 100 according to the seventh embodiment, a feed lens 8 is attached directly on the infeed end 611 of the first waveguide 61. The feed lens 8 is configured to collimate light entering the first waveguide 61.

[0165] The optical splitter 6 is arranged between the feed lens 8 and the lens 14. In particular, the optical splitter 6 is configured as a partially transparent mirror and serves for outcoupling the reflected first clocked light signal into the first opto-electric converter 21. That is to say that, in the direction from the first waveguide 61, in particular to the infeed end 611 of the first waveguide 61, to the first electro-optical converter 11, the optical splitter 6 is configured to outcouple the reflected first clocked light signal into the first opto-electric converter 21. The outcoupling of the first clocked light signal reflected by the reflector 7 takes place in that said light signal is reflected by the partially transparent mirror to the first opto-electric converter 21. In the direction from the first electro-optical converter 11 to the first waveguide 61, in particular to the infeed end 611 of the first waveguide 61, the optical splitter 6 allows the first light signal, generated by the first electro-optical converter 11, to pass through.

[0166] During operation of the time-measuring device 100, the first light signal, which the first electro-optical converter 11 generates, is fed into the first waveguide 61, via the lens 14, the optical splitter 6 and the feed lens 8.

[0167] At the reflector end 612 of the first waveguide 61 the first light signal is reflected back by the reflector 7 into the first waveguide 61, and fed via the feed lens 8 and the optical splitter 6 into the first opto-electric converter 21. The first opto-electric converter 21 converts the first light signal into the electrical signal, which is then is conducted to the first input 501 of the phase comparator 50 of the control device 5.

[0168] FIG. 11 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0169] The time-measuring device 100 according to the eighth embodiment differs from that according to the seventh embodiment essentially in that in this case the opto-electric converter device 2 comprises a single electro-optical converter 10, and that the time-measuring device 100 comprises a single waveguide 61 and an optical splitter 13 for splitting the clocked light signal, generated by the electro-optical converter 10, into the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal. Furthermore, the optical splitter 13 is configured for outcoupling the first clocked light signal, reflected by the reflector 7, into the first opto-electric converter 21. That is to say that the optical splitter 13 has two functions, specifically a splitting function and an outcoupling function.

[0170] The optical splitter 13 is in particular configured as a partially transparent mirror and is arranged between the feed lens 8 and the lens 14. Furthermore, the second opto-electric converter 22 is arranged such that the portion of the light generated by the single electro-optical converter 10, which is reflected by the partially transparent mirror that serves as the optical splitter 13, is fed into the second opto-electric converter 22.

[0171] In this case, in the context of the invention, the optical splitter 13 can in particular be understood to be part of the electro-optical converter device 1 The light that is reflected at the partially transparent mirror and reaches the second opto-electric converter 22 corresponds to the second clocked light signal. The second signal path 4 thus comprises the second opto-electric converter 22. The first signal path 3 comprises the feed lens 8, the single waveguide 61, the reflector 7, the optical splitter 13, and the first opto-electric converter 21. The light which passes through the partially transparent mirror corresponds to the first clocked light signal.

[0172] FIG. 12 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a ninth embodiment of the invention.

[0173] The time-measuring device 100 comprises a single electro-optical converter 10 and an optical splitter 13, which form the electro-optical converter device 1, an opto-electric converter device 2 which comprises a single opto-electric converter 20 and a signal splitter 23, a single waveguide 61, a reflector 7, and a feed window 9.

[0174] The reflector 7 is arranged directly at a reflector end 612 of the waveguide 61, and is advantageously configured as a plane mirror. For this purpose, an end cap can advantageously be arranged directly on the reflector end 612 of the waveguide 61, the inner surface of which end cap, i.e., the surface of the end cap facing the reflector end 612 of the waveguide 61, is mirrored. This can make it possible that little or no light is lost after the reflection.

[0175] The feed window 9 is arranged directly at an infeed end 611 of the waveguide 61. An end cap, which is configured to let in light, can be used as the feed window 9. In this case, the optical splitter 13 is configured as a partially transparent mirror, in particular partially transparent concave mirror, and can be arranged after the electro-optical converter 10, in the direction from the electro-optical converter 10 to the waveguide 61. Thus, a first portion of the light which is emitted by the electro-optical converter 10 is reflected and collimated by the partially transparent concave mirror, and fed into the waveguide 61 via the feed window 9. The partially transparent concave mirror can also be referred to as semi-transparent focusing mirror. This portion of the light corresponds to the first clocked light signal. A second portion of the light which is emitted by the electro-optical converter 10 passes through the semi-transparent mirror and is fed into the opto-electric converter 20. The second portion of the light corresponds to the second clocked light signal. As can be seen from FIG. 12, a concave surface of the partially transparent concave mirror faces the electro-optical converter 10.

[0176] The first clocked light signal and the second light signal are acquired by the opto-electric converter 20 at different times, since the two light signals travel over paths of different lengths and are thus temporally offset. The opto-electric converter device 20 generates the first electrical signal based on the first clocked light signal, and the second electrical signal based on the second clocked light signal. The first electrical signal and the second electrical signal are also temporally offset signals. During operation of the time-measuring device 100, the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal form a superimposition signal. Thus, in other worse, the opto-electric converter 20 is configured to generate the superimposition signal formed from the first clocked light signal and the second clocked light signal.

[0177] However, in order to be able to distinguish the two electrical signals from one another, owing to the fact that both the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal are generated by the same opto-electric converter 20, the above-mentioned signal splitter 23 is provided. Specifically, the signal splitter 23 is configured to split the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal from one another or to hold them apart, such that said signals can be conducted to the control device 5, in particular to the first input 501 and the second input 502, respectively, of the phase comparator 50. In other words, the signal splitter 23 is configured for generating the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal from the superimposition signal.

[0178] In this case, the first signal path 3 comprises the waveguide 61, the reflector 7, the optical splitter 13 of the electro-optical converter device 1, the single opto-electric converter 20, and a first signal splitter signal path 231, wherein the second signal path 4 comprises the single opto-electric converter 20 and a second signal splitter signal path 232.

[0179] The time-measuring device 100 according to the ninth embodiment in particular has the advantage that only one single waveguide, one single electro-optical converter, and one single opto-electric converter are required.

[0180] FIG. 13 relates to a time-measuring device 100 configured as a timepiece, according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.

[0181] The time-measuring device 100 according to the tenth embodiment differs from that according to the ninth embodiment in that in this case the opto-electric converter device 2 comprises a first opto-electric converter 21 for generating the first electrical signal based on the first clocked light signal, and a second opto-electric converter 22 for generating the second electrical signal based on the second clocked light signal.

[0182] It is to be understood that the optical splitter 13, configured as a partially transparent mirror, in particular partially transparent concave mirror, is arranged relative to the single waveguide 61 in such a way that the portion of the light signal, generated by the single electro-optical converter 10, which is reflected by the partially transparent mirror and corresponds to the first clocked light signal is fed into the waveguide 61. As can be seen from FIG. 12, a concave surface of the partially transparent concave mirror faces the electro-optical converter 10. Furthermore, the partially transparent mirror, the first opto-electric converter 21 and the second opto-electric converter 22 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first clocked light signal reflected by the reflector 7 reaches the first opto-electric converter 21, and the portion of the light signal, generated by the single electro-optical converter 10, which passes through the partially transparent mirror and corresponds to the second clocked light signal, reaches the second opto-electric converter 22.

[0183] In order to prevent a portion of the first clocked light signal reaching the second opto-electric converter 22 and a portion of the second clocked light signal reaching the first opto-electric converter 21, a separator 24 is advantageously arranged between the first opto-electric converter 21 and the second opto-electric converter 22. The separator 24 can in particular be part of the opto-electric converter device 2. Advantageously, the separator 24 can be configured as a separating wall.

[0184] In this case, the first signal path 3 comprises the waveguide 61, the reflector 7, the optical splitter 13 of the electro-optical converter device 1, and the first opto-electric converter 21, wherein the second signal path 4 comprises the second opto-electric converter 22.

[0185] It is noted that, in the described embodiments, a concave mirror or a plane mirror, as described above, can be used as the reflector 7. In particular if the reflector 7 is configured as a plane mirror it is particularly advantageous for this to be arranged directly on the reflector end 612 of the first waveguide 61.

[0186] Although the time-measuring devices 100 according to the described embodiments are configured as timepieces, in particular watches, the present invention is also used in other fields of application. For example, the time-measuring devices 100 described above can be used, without the drive device 104, the clockwork 105 and the mechanical clock display device 106, in navigation devices. Instead, a time-measuring device 100 of this kind, also referred to within the context of the present invention as a navigation device time-measuring device, can preferably comprise an application-oriented unit. In particular, the application-oriented unit can be a position determination unit which is configured to determine a position of the navigation device based on the useful signal generated by the useful-signal generating device 103. The application-oriented unit can be implemented as software and/or hardware.

[0187] In addition to the above written description of the invention, for the supplementary disclosure thereof reference is hereby explicitly made to the illustrative representation of the invention in FIGS. 1 to 13.