Timer

Abstract

Timer comprising a housing, a device for emitting a signal, an electrical power source, an electronic control, and a plurality of operating elements, each arranged at a fixed position on the housing, wherein each of the operating elements is assigned a defined time duration, and the electronic control is configured to start the timer for the time duration assigned to that operating element after one of the operating elements has been actuated, so that a user can select the desired time duration and start the timer by a single actuation operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a timer comprising a housing, a device for emitting a signal, an electrical energy source, an electronic control and a plurality of operating elements, each of which is arranged at a fixed position on the housing.

[0002] Timers, also known as short-term timers or egg timers, are used to signal the elapse of a usually short period of time by means of an alarm signal. The user sets the desired duration and then starts the timer. Once the time has elapsed, the alarm sounds.

[0003] For a timer, it's crucial that it's easy and intuitive to use, for example, when cooking or baking in the kitchen while juggling various utensils and ensuring the time is precise. Other applications are also common, such as timing exercise routines or playing games. In all these situations, setting the timer should be as simple as possible, and accidentally setting an unwanted time should be avoided.

[0004] Document US 2017 / 0115639 A1 describes an electronic timer in the shape of a dodecahedron. The timer's duration is set by orienting the timer so that the side corresponding to the desired duration faces upwards. The timer signals the elapsed time by emitting tones or a voice message.

[0005] Document US 2014 / 0361638 A1 describes a timer that plugs directly into a wall socket. The timer duration is selected by repeatedly pressing a control and displayed on a digital display.

[0006] A timer, described in US publication 7,522,477 B1, is known for monitoring several regular processes simultaneously, such as breastfeeding a baby and changing diapers. Each process has a digital display showing the time elapsed since the corresponding button was last pressed.

[0007] From US patent application 2003 / 0060310 A1, a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known, which can be used to track the timing of basketball games and calculate scores. By pressing different buttons, predefined times of, for example, 5 s, 10 s, or 15 s can be selected, and a corresponding timer can be started simultaneously. The device has an LED display that shows the remaining time.

[0008] Based on this, the invention aims to create a timer that can be operated intuitively and reliably even under time pressure or in hectic situations.

[0009] The problem is solved by the timer according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the timer are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The timer has a housing, a device for emitting a signal, an electronic control, and a variety of operating elements, each arranged at a fixed position on the housing, with each of the operating elements being assigned a defined time duration, and the electronic control being configured to start the timer for the time duration assigned to that operating element after one of the operating elements has been actuated, so that a user can select the desired time duration and start the timer with a single actuation operation.

[0011] By assigning a specific time duration to each control, the timer's operation is significantly simplified. A single press simultaneously sets the desired duration and starts the timer. This allows for reliable operation even under time pressure or in hectic situations. To enable single-press activation, the timer can remain in a standby mode. This eliminates the need to switch the timer on or wake it from standby mode before starting, as is the case with many conventional devices that are constantly in standby mode. An audible signal ensures that the user is notified when the timer has expired. This is particularly helpful, for example, when preparing a dish, reminding the user to begin the next cooking step.

[0012] In the invention, each of the control elements has a marking indicating the defined time duration assigned to that control element. This marking enables intuitive operation without the need for an additional assignment rule that tells the operator which button corresponds to which time duration.

[0013] In the invention, the marking has a highlighted state and a non-highlighted state. In the highlighted state, a control element can be easily distinguished from other control elements whose markings are in the non-highlighted state. The highlighted state can be implemented, for example, by means of a switchable backlight. It can be used, in particular, to make recently used control elements visible to a user, thus preventing, for example, confusion. Furthermore, a highlighted state allows the user to be made particularly aware of a specific control element.

[0014] In the invention, the control unit is designed to highlight the indicator corresponding to the remaining time after the timer has been started. By highlighting the indicator corresponding to the currently remaining time, the operator can immediately see how much of the desired duration remains until the timer expires and emits the signal.

[0015] In one configuration, the control system is designed to highlight, after the timer has expired, the indicator corresponding to the time elapsed since the timer ended. This makes it easy to see how much time has passed since the user should have performed an action signaled by the timer's end signal. Particularly when monitoring baking or cooking processes, this can help, for example, to assess whether a dish or preparation is still safe to eat.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control system is designed to highlight the indicator by rapidly switching between the highlighted and unhighlighted states. This flashing makes the indicator particularly noticeable. This increased emphasis can be used, for example, to highlight the time elapsed since the timer expired. This particularly enhances the effectiveness of the signal that alerts the operator to the elapsed time.

[0017] In one design, the controls are touch-sensitive. Such controls can be purchased inexpensively and in high quality. Furthermore, they allow for greater design freedom, as they can be integrated into other components without disrupting the visual design. The absence of mechanically moving parts also ensures high reliability.

[0018] In another design, the controls are located on the front of the housing. This arrangement helps to make operation as simple as possible. Regardless of the selected time duration, the timer does not need to be turned over. Furthermore, the placement of all controls on one front contributes to a clean and modern visual appearance.

[0019] In one embodiment, the front panel is a touchscreen with a fixed division into areas, each corresponding to a control element. The touchscreen can, for example, consist of a glass panel bonded to a layer whose capacitance changes can be evaluated by a dedicated controller to determine the position of a touch on the glass panel. The use of a touchscreen with a fixed division offers the particular advantage of reducing the number of components and thus the costs, without compromising usability. The fixed divisions allow the operator to immediately see which time period can be selected at which point, without necessarily having to read the labels. This would not be possible with a simple touchscreen.

[0020] Typically, when used in a smartphone, for example, these devices are characterized by the display of various context-dependent controls in different locations. While this increases the flexibility of the smartphone, it does not contribute to the intuitive usability according to the invention. Furthermore, the modern aesthetics of the casing, in particular, can be enhanced by using a touch-sensitive screen.

[0021] After further refinement, the housing is cuboid in shape and features a glass front, side panels that form a frame around the front, and a back panel. This design allows for a slim profile and an attractive appearance. For example, it makes it possible to offer various finishes and materials for the housing without having to alter the controls, which can be located on the glass panel. Furthermore, this shape allows the timer to be easily stored, for example, in drawers.

[0022] In a further refinement, the side panels and / or the back are made of metal, particularly aluminum. The design of the side panels and back offers flexibility in the timer's overall appearance. Furthermore, metal provides reliable protection for the items inside the housing and ensures a secure fit for the front panel. Aluminum is particularly suitable because it is easy to machine, relatively lightweight, and yet offers high strength compared to plastics.

[0023] In a further refinement, the controls feature capacitive, touch-sensitive sensors arranged beneath a front panel. The main advantage of such sensors is that they allow for a smooth front panel surface and eliminate the need for moving parts. Furthermore, they are readily available as high-quality components and are characterized by low power consumption. They also provide reliable touch detection for operating the controls.

[0024] In another embodiment, the control element features an opaque front with a backlit recess. Using a backlit recess allows for a smooth surface on the control elements or the front panel behind which they are located. Furthermore, it makes it possible to position a light source inside the housing, thus protecting it from external influences. The shape of the recess can correspond to the marking of the associated time period, ensuring that the displayed digit or number is immediately legible, even in the dark.

[0025] In one embodiment, the controls are arranged in a predefined sequence within a grid, with the sequence corresponding to defined time durations. The grid arrangement of the controls primarily serves to ensure intuitive operation. A control can be located based on its position within the grid, without having to read its labels. The grid layout can vary. It can be divided into straight rows and columns, but spirals or waves are also possible.

[0026] In one configuration, the grid is square and has five by five fields. A square grid arrangement is particularly easy to understand and thus serves to support the intuitive and simple operation of the timer. Furthermore, limiting the number of controls to a total of twenty-five ensures usability and prevents the user from being overwhelmed. This also allows for a wide range of individual time durations to be covered.

[0027] In one configuration, the defined durations of the first fifteen fields are spaced one time unit apart, while the defined durations of the last ten fields are spaced five time units apart. Specifically, the shortest duration is assigned to the upper left field, and the longest to the lower right field. This results in very simple and intuitive operation, especially when using a square grid. Furthermore, using two different time intervals between the fields accommodates the operator's need to fine-tune shorter durations. For example, the first fifteen controls could be assigned durations from zero to fourteen minutes (or seconds). With five-minute intervals, the remaining ten fields in this example are used to represent durations from fifteen to sixty minutes (or seconds).

[0028] In one embodiment, the control system is designed to change the assigned time durations between seconds, minutes, and / or hours by pressing certain operating elements in a specific sequence or for a specific time. This expands the timer's functionality.

[0029] In another configuration, the signal output device is a sound source and / or a light source. For example, the signal output device can be implemented using a loudspeaker or an LED light. Acoustic output is particularly useful for various tasks where the timer is not within the operator's field of vision. An optical signal output device, on the other hand, has the advantage of allowing the timer to be used in environments where interference is undesirable, such as in a library. A combined use of acoustic and optical signals is also conceivable and increases the signal's perceptibility.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the control system is designed to deactivate the timer by pressing specific controls in a particular sequence or for a specific duration. This functionality allows the timer to be deactivated without requiring any additional controls. This can involve, for example, switching off the signal or disabling the controls themselves. By using the controls as described above, it is then possible to put the control system and its controls into a sleep mode to reduce energy consumption. This further reduces energy consumption. Reactivation is only possible by pressing the corresponding controls again. Regardless of the specific sequences of functions that may be implemented, it is possible to operate these functions without any additional controls.

[0031] In another embodiment, the timer has an electrical power source integrated into the housing. This makes the timer portable and flexible in its application.

[0032] In another embodiment, the electrical energy source is a rechargeable battery connected to a charging socket and / or photovoltaic cell mounted on the housing. Various methods are conceivable for charging the battery. The use of standardized charging sockets is particularly advantageous because it allows for simple design, cost-effective manufacturing, and high reliability and functionality. Typical standardized charging sockets are based on the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard and can be configured according to any USB type. USB Type-C is particularly suitable due to its widespread availability, including compatible chargers. However, operating the timer independently through the integration of a photovoltaic cell is also a possible implementation. Such a design can be combined with a charging socket and / or other external power supply options, such as...charging via induction.

[0033] In another version, the housing features water- and dust-resistant sealing elements. These are installed at all gaps between the housing and other components, such as the touchscreen. They are typically implemented using inexpensive sealing lips or flat gaskets. The use of these sealing elements makes it difficult for water or dust to penetrate, thus protecting the timer. This is particularly beneficial in the kitchen, as accidental spills of water on the timer will not damage it. Furthermore, the sealing elements allow for outdoor use and anywhere else where electronic devices are exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

[0034] In another embodiment, a magnet is attached to the housing, which serves to attach the timer to magnetic surfaces. Typically, a permanent magnet is integrated into the inside of the back wall of the housing. This magnet makes it possible to attach the timer, for example, to a range hood. Alternatively or additionally, a magnet can be located on the underside of the housing, allowing the timer to be attached, for example, to a metal shelf.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the timer from the front; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the timer from the rear Fig. 1 from the rear; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the timer from Fig. 1 from the side.

[0036] Fig. 1The diagram shows the timer from the front. It can be seen that the front consists of a front panel 10 on which the controls 12 are arranged. The arrangement of the controls corresponds to a square grid with five by five fields. The grid order runs from top left to bottom right in rows and columns.

[0037] It can also be seen that the time durations assigned to the controls have different time intervals. The first fifteen controls are each spaced one time unit apart, while the last ten controls are each spaced five time units apart.

[0038] Furthermore, the labeling of the controls is designed to correspond to time durations, thus enabling easy identification. A time duration is also defined for zero time units, which exactly corresponds to the elapsed time. Once the time duration has expired, this label changes to a highlighted state, clearly indicating to the operator that the time has elapsed. This signal is reinforced by the rapid switching between highlighted and unhighlighted states (flashing of the label).

[0039] The side walls 14 of the timer's housing 16 form a frame around the front panel 10. It can be seen that the square grid design is also incorporated into the design of the housing 16. The front panel 10 is flat. This is possible through the use of touch-sensitive, capacitive sensors for the controls 12 located beneath the front panel 10, or alternatively, by designing the front panel 10 as a touch-sensitive screen.

[0040] In the example shown, the front panel 10 is made of glass. The marking of the control elements 12 is achieved by a backlit recess in an opaque coating of the front panel 10, the shape of which forms the respective number. This design is made possible by using coated glass that has a transparent coating or no coating at the backlit areas. Fig. 1It also illustrates that the timer has a cuboid shape.

[0041] Fig. 2 Figure 18 shows the rear of the timer. This features a charging port 20, which in this example is a USB Type-C port. Otherwise, the rear of the timer has no other features, ensuring a clean and uncluttered design. It is also evident that the housing 16 has no gaps or similar defects on the back. The rear panel 18 and the side panels 14 are manufactured from a single piece. This increases stability and prevents the ingress of moisture and / or dust. Furthermore, it is apparent that the side panels 14 are short compared to the dimensions of the front and rear. This results in a slim design.

[0042] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the timer from the side. The multi-layered structure of the timer is visible. The housing 16 is stepped and accommodates the other components located inside. The front panel 10 is located on the front and is flush with the side walls 14 of the housing 16. The charging port 20 is located on the back. Beneath the front panel 10 is a circuit board 22, which contains the electronic control unit. This unit is designed to start the timer in response to the operation of the control elements. The control unit also manages changing the indicator of a control element 10 from the unhighlighted state to the highlighted state, as well as changing the time durations.

[0043] LEDs 24 are arranged on circuit board 22, illuminating the control elements 12. Touch-sensitive sensors (not shown) are integrated into circuit board 22 in the area of ​​the LEDs 24, enabling the operation of the control elements 12. It can also be seen that the charging socket 20 is directly connected to circuit board 22. The electronic components are supplied with electrical energy via an electrical connection (not shown), which is provided by the accumulator 26.

[0044] A magnet 28 is arranged on the back of the housing 16, and another magnet is arranged on the underside of the housing 16. Both enable easy attachment of the timer to or on a metallic surface. List of reference symbols

[0045] 10 Front panel 12 Control element 14 Side panel 16 Housing 18 Back of housing 20 Charging socket 22 Circuit board 24 LED 26 Battery 28 Magnet

Claims

1. A timer comprising a housing (16), a device for emitting a signal, an electrical energy source, an electronic controller and a plurality of operating elements (12) respectively arranged at a fixed position on the housing (16), wherein a defined time period is assigned to each of the operating elements (12) and the electronic controller is configured to start the timer after actuation of one of the operating elements (12) for the time period assigned to said operating element (12), so that a user can select the desired time period and start the timer by a single actuation operation, wherein each of the operating elements (12) comprises an indicator which indicates the defined time period assigned to said operating element (12), characterized in that the indicator has a highlighted state and a non-highlighted state and the controller is configured to highlight, after the starting of the timer, the indicator which corresponds to the remaining time.

2. A timer according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller is configured to highlight, after the time has elapsed, the indicator which corresponds to the time elapsed since the timer expired.

3. A timer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller is configured to perform the highlighting of the indicator by rapidly switching between the highlighted state and the non-highlighted state.

4. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating elements (12) are touch-sensitive and / or are arranged on a front side of the housing (16).

5. A timer according to claim 4, characterized in that the front side is a touch-sensitive screen which has a fixed division into regions which each correspond to an operating element.

6. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (16) is cuboid, comprises a front side made of glass, side walls (14) which form a frame around the front side, and a rear side, wherein in particular the side walls (14) and / or the rear side (18) consist of metal, in particular of aluminum.

7. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operating elements (12) comprise capacitive, touch-sensitive sensors arranged under a front plate (10).

8. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the operating element (12) comprises an opaque front with a backlit cutout.

9. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating elements are arranged in a predetermined sequence in a grid, wherein the sequence corresponds to the defined time periods, wherein the grid is in particular square and comprises five by five fields.

10. A timer according to claim 9, characterized in that the defined time periods of the first fifteen fields have intervals of one time unit, the defined time periods of the last ten fields have intervals of five time units.

11. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the controller is configured to switch the assigned time periods between seconds and / or minutes and / or hours or to switch off the timer by actuating specific operating elements (12) in a specific sequence or for a specific time.

12. A timer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the device for emitting a signal is a sound source and / or a light source.

13. A timer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the timer comprises an electrical energy source arranged in the housing (16), in particular an accumulator (26), which is connected to a charging socket (20) and / or photovoltaic cell mounted on the housing.

14. A timer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) features water- and dust-repellent sealing elements and / or that a magnet (28) is arranged on the housing (16), which serves for attaching the timer to magnetic walls.

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