Timer with an audio generator

Abstract

Timer comprising a sound generator, at least one sound-stimulating element, a drive and a disk moved by it, wherein the moving disk has at least one detent surface for temporarily holding the at least one sound-stimulating element in position, wherein the timer has at least one deflection element relative to which the disk moves, such that the deflection element exerts a force on the at least one sound-stimulating element at a certain time, which sets the sound-stimulating element in motion towards the sound generator and finally causes it to sound.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a timer with a sound generator according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many areas where time measurement, especially interval time measurement, using common timekeeping devices such as clocks, stopwatches, alarms, egg timers, or mobile phone functions is not practical. Instead, in various fields, the ticking of a timer, a disruptive alarm, distractions from technical devices, or even radiation from electrical appliances are actively avoided. This is the case, for example, in meditation, workshops, sports (e.g., yoga, breathing exercises, interval training), therapy (e.g., occupational therapy, teaching children about time), and even when measuring the steeping time of tea or similar preparations.

[0003] Accordingly, the desire for interval timers with minimal distracting features and / or a pleasant feel and / or a pleasant alarm sound is widespread. UNDERLYING TASK

[0004] Therefore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a simple way to perform interval time measurements in a minimally disruptive manner. THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0005] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by a timer having the features of claim 1.

[0006] This proposal describes a timer with a sound generator, comprising at least one sound-generating element, a drive mechanism, and a rotating disc. The drive mechanism can be an electromechanical or fully electronic clockwork, an electric stepper motor, or similar device. A quartz clockwork is preferred. It is generally preferred that the drive mechanism does not produce a ticking or other disturbing noise, as is the case, for example, with most mechanical wind-up clocks. The rotating disc is preferably a rotating circular disc, but can also be designed differently, for example, as a linearly moving rectangle or the like.

[0007] The timer according to the invention is characterized in that the moving disc has at least one detent surface for temporarily holding the at least one sound-generating element in position – ideally against gravity. This sound-generating element is preferably a sphere. To make it more difficult to circumvent this patent, it should be noted that the sound-generating element could also be designed differently, for example as a pre-tensioned clapper, which is spring-loaded like a mousetrap and strikes a sound generator when triggered. However, the sphere solution, with its harmonious sound and intuitive operation, is clearly preferred. Furthermore, the timer has at least one deflection mechanism with which the disc moves relative to itself.This movement occurs in such a way that the deflecting mechanism exerts a force – be it a mechanical force, a magnetic force, or something similar – on at least one sound-generating element at a specific point in time. This sets the sound-generating element in motion towards the sound source, ultimately causing it to produce a sound.

[0008] Depending on the speed of the disc's movement, the sound-stimulating element is thus deflected from its position in the resting surface by the deflection device after a defined period of time and moved towards the sound generator, preferably by gravity, so that at this defined time a sound is emitted which indicates the end of the determined interval after the sound-stimulating element has interacted with the sound generator, preferably by directly striking the sound generator.

[0009] In this way, a clear signal for the end of an interval can be given in a simple, mechanical and non-disruptive manner.

[0010] This results in a visual representation and a haptic interaction over time, especially with intervals.

[0011] The mechanical sound generation results in a more pleasant alarm tone. Furthermore, the timer can be easily turned forwards and backwards or adjusted. It is particularly suitable for blind or visually impaired people, as it is operated entirely by touch. OPTIONAL FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the timer consists of a profiled disc with at least one raised detent surface for metastable holding of a sound-generating element. This detent surface, mentioned above, thus easily holds the sound-generating element in its upper position while "waiting" for deflection by the deflection mechanism. The metastable state generally describes a system that remains stable under minor disturbances but becomes unstable under major disturbances, preferably transitioning to another (stable or again metastable) state. Furthermore, the profiled disc has at least one rolling or sliding surface over which the sound-generating element can move on its own to a lower position following the force exerted on it by the deflection mechanism, where it interacts with the sound generator.The deflection of the deflecting mechanism thus provides sufficient force to set the sound-generating element in motion and overcome the metastable state in the upper position; however, minor vibrations or other disturbances should preferably not be able to trigger this movement. The aforementioned "interaction with the sound generator" preferably describes the mechanical striking of a bell, singing bowl, or similar object, or the activation of an electrical or electronic sound generator.

[0013] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the at least one sound-stimulating element is a rolling body, preferably a sphere, preferably made of metal, ceramic, stone, or wood, wherein the rolling body is ideally driven solely by gravity on its path from the metastable position towards the sound source. This allows for the simple and cost-effective provision of a freely rolling, sound-stimulating element. Moreover, the volume and sound upon contact with the sound source can be easily influenced by the weight and material of the rolling body.

[0014] In some cases it is advantageous to use different rollers simultaneously, for example one or more lightweight rollers, e.g. made of plastic, which each produce only a quieter intermediate tone after being triggered, e.g. every quarter of an hour, and at least one further, heavier roller is used to produce a louder tone, e.g. every hour or at the end of the set time period.

[0015] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the moving disc, in the form of a profiled disc, has a guiding track – preferably in the form of a groove – that influences the direction of movement of the sound-generating element after it has been displaced from its metastable position by the deflection mechanism, wherein the influence preferably occurs over the entire or substantially the entire length between the edge of the metastable position and the sound generator. In this way, the path of the sound-generating element can be easily guided and directed from its upper position to achieve a desired rolling and sound behavior. The grooves are designed, at least along their track, such that the balls produce no or only negligible noise as they roll.For this purpose, it is particularly preferred if the roller track material has a correspondingly high internal damping (typically with a loss factor of 0.2 or higher) and / or a low modulus of elasticity (typically up to 1500 MPa). It is therefore preferred that the channel material be at least partially made of felt, cork, velvet, velour, or plastic, for example, silicone, a polyurethane with a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90, silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, or EVA foam.

[0016] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the channel is U-shaped or, better yet, V-shaped, and preferably becomes narrower and / or deeper towards the sound source. This easily prevents the sound-generating element from being deflected into the adjacent channel by the impact of the impact on the sound source, thus avoiding unwanted sound effects or obstructions because the next sound-generating element in the adjacent channel cannot trigger an unimpeded sound event.

[0017] Another preferred embodiment consists in the slope of the channel, the sound-generating element, and the sound source being coordinated such that the sound-generating element experiences a rebound upon impact with the sound source and / or subsequently a downward force of gravity, which moves it away from the sound source and preferably keeps it there. This is because a mechanical bell or equivalent sound source can only ring freely if the clapper or sound-generating element lifts off immediately after striking the bell; otherwise, the bell is dampened, and the sound is not as desired. This can be ensured in a simple manner in this way.

[0018] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the groove has a second resting surface designed and positioned to capture and retain the sound-generating element after its initial interaction with the sound generator. Compared to the upper first resting surface, this second resting surface is preferably located lower and ensures in a simple manner that the sound-generating element does not run back down the groove after the recoil from contact with the sound generator and thereby unintentionally interact with the sound generator again. Preferably, only one defined impact is executed. The state in the second resting surface is, analogous to the first resting surface, a metastable state, whereby the aim here is not to deflect the sound-generating element again with a deflection mechanism, but rather to keep it there until it is manually returned to the initial position of the first resting surface.It is preferred that the second resting surface is located so far away from the sound generator that another ball can roll down towards the sound generator undisturbed on an adjacent groove.

[0019] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the moving disk is a circular disk, preferably having several grooves arranged on it in a star or spiral pattern. This allows the necessary grooves to be easily incorporated into the disk, making the disk easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the deflection element is formed by at least one cam against which a sound-stimulating element, when in a metastable position – preferably in the position on the first detent surface – runs during the movement of the disk and is then forced out of this metastable position. In this way, a defined deflection and a defined start of the movement of the sound-stimulating element can be ensured in a simple manner.

[0021] Further modes of operation, advantages and design possibilities result from the figure-based description of the exemplary embodiment. LIST OF FIGURES

[0022] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the timer according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. Figure 2 The preferred embodiment of the timer according to the invention is shown in a top view. Figure 3The preferred embodiment of the timer according to the invention is shown from below. Figure 4 Figure 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the timer according to the invention in side view. PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0023] The timer 1 according to the invention preferably comprises a point-symmetric moving disk 5, in the center of which a sound generator 2 is located. This sound generator 2 is preferably a bell or a singing bowl. The disk 5 is preferably a circular profile disk. The disk 5 also preferably has several point-symmetric grooves 9 that extend radially towards the center. The grooves 9 generally have a slope from radially outside to radially inside, with the exception of the first resting surface 6a and the second resting surface 6b. Preferably, a first resting surface 6a is provided at the radially outer end of each groove 9, which serves as the rest position and starting position for the respective sound-generating element 3. The second resting surface 6b is preferably located around the lowest point of the groove 9; preferably at approximately 2 / 3 of the distance of the groove 9 to the center of the disk 5.If a sound-stimulating element 3 is guided from the rest position in the first resting surface 6a onto the groove, it rolls down in the groove over the rolling surface 8, touches the sound generator 2, receives a push away from the sound generator 2 and then rolls out into the resting surface 6b, which is lower than the end of the groove 9, which touches the sound generator 2.

[0024] A sphere is preferably provided as the sound-generating element 3. Various spheres can preferably be provided in the grooves 9 on the entire timer 1 in order to measure different intervals – for example, for different people – or to generate intermediate signals (e.g., after every 5 minutes) and an end signal (e.g., after 15 minutes).

[0025] The moving disk 5 is driven by a drive 4 and is preferably mounted on the drive 4. The drive 4 is, for example, mounted on the minute axis of a clockwork mechanism that functions as the drive 4. In this case, the disk 5 rotates 360° once per hour. The disk 5 and the drive 4 are preferably mounted in a housing 10. At the upper edge of the housing 10, which at least partially surrounds the disk 5, there is a deflection element 7 in the form of a cam that projects just above the disk 5. The shape of the deflection element 5 is such that, when the disk 5 rotates, it forces a sound-generating element 3 out of its rest position in the first detent surface 6a, causing the disk 5 to be forced onto the rolling surface 8 of the groove 9 and roll downwards; preferably such that the sound-generating element 3 receives enough energy from gravity to overcome the second detent surface 6b.

[0026] The disc 5 can preferably also be rotated freely manually. This allows the rotation and thus the distance of the sound-generating elements 3 from the deflection element 7 to be determined, and thus the end of the timer to be set manually.

[0027] The timer is available in various sizes and shapes. Besides the standard version for personal use (approx. 20cm diameter), larger versions are more common, for example, for yoga or meditation centers. These can have a diameter of 1m or even more and a correspondingly greater height.

[0028] The housing with the deflection mechanism and the sound-stimulating elements are preferably available in various versions, optimized for the respective application. For example, markings on the housing can simplify the setting of specific times. For workshops, sound-stimulating elements in different colors are preferred for individual participants.

[0029] Discs with different ball tracks are preferred. The sound generator can also vary in size, shape, and sound.

[0030] Variants are also planned in which the sound-stimulating elements run on a ring around only one ball track in the middle, into which they are then guided by the deflection mechanism.

[0031] It is also conceivable to offer different clockwork or drive cycles, so that the disc rotates, for example, once every 12 hours instead of once per hour. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0032] 1 Timer 2 Sound generator 3 Sound-stimulating element 4 Drive 5 Moving disc 6a First detent surface 6b Second detent surface 7 Deflection element 8 Roller surface 9 Gutter 10 Housing

Claims

1. Timer (1) with a sound generator (2), at least one sound-stimulating element (3), a drive (4) and a disc (5) moved by it, characterized by the fact that the moving disc (5) has at least one detent surface (6a) for temporarily holding in position the at least one sound-stimulating element (3), wherein the timer (1) has at least one deflection element (7) relative to which the disc (5) moves, such that the deflection element (7) exerts a force on the at least one sound-stimulating element (3) at a certain time, which sets the sound-stimulating element (3) in motion towards the sound generator (2) and finally causes it to sound.

2. Timer (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the factthe moving disc (5) is a profiled disc which is profiled in such a way that it has at least one resting surface (6a) formed in an elevated position for metastable holding of a sound-stimulating element (3) and a rolling surface (8) or sliding surface over which the sound-stimulating element can move by itself into a lower position as a result of the force exerted on it by the deflection organ (7) in which it interacts with the sound generator (2).

3. Timer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the at least one sound-stimulating element (3) is a rolling body and preferably a sphere, preferably made of metal or stone, wherein the rolling body is ideally driven solely by gravity on its path following the metastable position towards the sound generator (2).

4. Timer (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by the fact thatthe moving disc (5) in the form of a profile disc has a guiding raceway - preferably in the form of a groove (9) - which influences the direction of movement of the sound-stimulating element (3) which has been pushed out of its metastable position by the deflection organ (7), wherein the influence preferably takes place substantially over the entire length between the edge of the metastable position and the sound generator (2).

5. Timer (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the channel (9) is a U- or preferably V-shaped channel which preferably becomes narrower and / or deeper in the direction towards the sound generator (2).

6. Timer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe gradient of the channel (9), the sound-stimulating element (3) and the sound generator (2) are coordinated in such a way that the sound-stimulating element (3) experiences a rebound impact and / or a force down the slope when it hits the sound generator (2), which moves it away from the sound generator (2).

7. Timer (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the groove (9) has a second resting surface (6b) which is designed and arranged in such a way that it catches and holds the sound-stimulating element (3) after its first interaction with the sound generator (2).

8. Timer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the moving disk (5) is a circular disk which preferably has several grooves (9) arranged on it in a star shape or spiral shape.

9. Timer (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thatthe sound generator (2) is positioned in the center or the center of the moving disk (5), preferably in the form of a circular disk, and is ideally formed by a mechanical bell which is struck by the impact of a sound-stimulating element (3), preferably in the form of a rolling body, wherein the mechanical bell preferably forms a bowl open at the top.

10. Timer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the deflection organ (7) is formed by at least one cam against which a sound-stimulating element (3), when it is in a metastable position, runs during the movement of the disk (5) and is then pushed out of its metastable position.

11. Timer (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the moving disk (5) is a circular disk and the deflection element (7) extends in a radially inward direction in the form of at least one cam.

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