EP1882995B1 - Clock timer with electronic display device - Google Patents

Clock timer with electronic display device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1882995B1
EP1882995B1 EP07014769A EP07014769A EP1882995B1 EP 1882995 B1 EP1882995 B1 EP 1882995B1 EP 07014769 A EP07014769 A EP 07014769A EP 07014769 A EP07014769 A EP 07014769A EP 1882995 B1 EP1882995 B1 EP 1882995B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
timer switch
time
switch according
timer
control means
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EP07014769A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1882995A2 (en
EP1882995A3 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Böhnke
Gregor Ehrenberg
Andreas Picken
Gregor Tebrake
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Legrand GmbH
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Legrand GmbH
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Publication of EP1882995A3 publication Critical patent/EP1882995A3/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G9/00Visual time or date indication means
    • G04G9/0082Visual time or date indication means by building-up characters using a combination of indicating elements and by selecting desired characters out of a number of characters or by selecting indicating elements the positions of which represents the time, i.e. combinations of G04G9/02 and G04G9/08
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G15/00Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
    • G04G15/006Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals for operating at a number of different times

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a programmable timer with an electronic display means and with a control means for driving the display means, wherein the control means is adapted and arranged to display the display means for displaying a program, the time, a switching state, a time scale and / or other.
  • temporal resolution of the illustrated program may be sufficient for one heating system, it may be useful for other applications to have a higher resolution of the representation of the program. These are applications, for example conceivable in which a resolution of the program representation in one minute, five minute or ten minute increments is desired.
  • the invention has the object, a timer of the type mentioned in such a way that a greater resolution of the program representation is possible. This is particularly advantageous in a programming mode in which the timer can be programmed by a user.
  • the time scale at least in the programming mode, comprises a time segment of less than 24 hours, preferably of one to three hours, more preferably a time segment of approximately 2 hours to be displayed.
  • the fact that the time scale and thus also the programming is not completely from 0 to 24 hours, but a time portion of the time scale of less than 24 hours, can be achieved with the same size of the display means a higher resolution of the program presentation. This significantly increases the readability and recognizability of details of the program presentation.
  • the presentation of the programming awakens the impression of an analog timer with a viewer.
  • a timer according to the invention advantageously has a memory in which the program of the timer can be stored.
  • the switching states of one or more outputs of the timer are given, which are taken during the execution of the program in a continuous operation mode of the timer.
  • the times for switching state switching are indicated by one or more channels which are executed during execution of the program.
  • the programmable period of time for which the switching states or the switching states are defined in the program can have a length of one day or one week. It can therefore be a daily or weekly timer.
  • the control means of the timer can be suitable and arranged to change the time period to be displayed.
  • the change of the start time and the end time may be made stepwise preferably in 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes or in one hour increments. If the display of the time scale and thus also the programming step by step up or down, ie moved to later or earlier, results in a viewer the impression of a rotating program roll, as he is used to from an analog timer.
  • a timer according to the invention can be designed so that the control means is suitable and arranged to change the length of the time segment to be displayed, which corresponds to a change in the resolution of the time scale or the representation of the programming.
  • the control means of a timer may further be arranged and adapted to control the display means for display so that the time scale is displayed in the programming mode of the timer.
  • the time scale or the time period to be displayed on the time scale is displayed at least in the programming mode of the timer.
  • the time portion of the time scale is also displayed in a continuous mode of operation of the timer. Particularly advantageous can be switched back and forth between a program overview in 24-hour format or 7-day format and the representation of the time section of the time scale.
  • the control means of a timer according to the invention is advantageously set up so that the display means is actuated for display, in order to represent the programming of the timer for this period of time adjacent to the time segment of the time scale to be displayed.
  • the programming is then advantageously marked by highlighting segments of the display means, the markings or highlights being the times to which an output of the timer is switched on.
  • the control means of a timer can be arranged so that it controls the display means for displaying a time period of one day or one week to be displayed in an idle state in the continuous operation mode of the timer.
  • This idle state can be taken by the timer, for example, if no user input occurs within a predetermined period.
  • the resolution of the representation of the time period to be displayed can in such a case in seven columns to 24 lines for the seven day of the week or the 24 hours of a day.
  • the programming of the timer can then be displayed in the columns or rows. A user has the opportunity in the idle state of the timer at a glance to gain a rough overview of the programming of the timer.
  • the control means may further be adapted and arranged to control the display means to highlight a point corresponding to a particular time on the time scale and marking that particular time.
  • This item may be either the current time or the time for which programming can currently be set in programming mode d. H. for which the switching states are currently programmable (programming time). This time can also be displayed in numerical form by means of the display means, for which purpose the display means is controlled accordingly by the control means.
  • the highlighted point can mark the middle of the time period to be displayed.
  • control means of a timer may be suitable and arranged to change the currently programmable time (programming time). It may also be possible to change the current time with the control means.
  • a first switch of a timer may be arranged to stepwise change the programming time or current time, in cooperation with the control means, preferably one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes or one hour.
  • the control means may further be suitable and arranged to control the display means for displaying a pointer for displaying a day of the week.
  • the pointer may, for example, wander at the edge of the display of the display means and point to corresponding markings on a housing top side of the timer.
  • the specific time d. H.
  • the current time or the programming time beyond midnight can be displayed or marked with the pointer depending on the direction of the change of the previous day or the following day.
  • a timer according to the invention may further comprise a second switch suitable and arranged in cooperation with the control means during programming of the timer, ie in the programming mode, for setting the times when an output of the timer is turned on and the times at which an output of the timer is turned off, to be moved in opposite directions.
  • the directions may be parallel to the directions in which the preferably bar-shaped program segments extend in the display.
  • the first switch and the second switch are preferably combined in one switch.
  • the switch may then be a five-way switch.
  • the timer can be advantageously designed as suits G- or distributor installation timer. Such a timer can then have a width of one module. If a larger display is required, a larger module width can be selected.
  • the invention and in Fig. 1 shown programmable timer has a housing 1, on which an input 2 for connecting the timer with a power supply and an output 3 are provided for connection to a load.
  • the output 3 to the load can be switched.
  • a window is provided, in which a display means 4 is inserted.
  • this display means 4 various information for example on the current switching state, the current time and the program of the timer are displayed for a user.
  • the illustrated programmable timer is a weekly timer. At the edge of the front of the housing 1 to the window or to the display means 4 out numbers or a time scale are printed or engraved, the meaning will be explained later in more detail.
  • a multifunction 5-way switch (rocker switch) is provided on the front side, via which the timer can be programmed.
  • the numbers from 1 to 7 at the edge above the window denote the seven weekdays of a week.
  • the 0 to 24 scale on the right side of the display means 4 stands for the 24 hours of a day.
  • the display means is preferably a 20-column, 36-line dot matrix display. Depending on the control of the display means, various points of the dot matrix display are activated and marked. For this purpose, an unillustrated control means is provided.
  • control means controls the display means 4 of the timer as follows ( Fig. 1 ):
  • the upper twenty-four lines of the display means 4 are used to display the switching program with which the timer is programmed.
  • An area below this area displays the current time.
  • the lower part of the display shows the current switching status at output 3 of the timer.
  • Each day of the week has two columns of pixels assigned to it. These columns are arranged side by side spaced apart by an empty column. The columns extend below the introduced at the top of the display in the front of the housing 1 digits. Thus, the first two columns extend below the number one, which stands for the first day of the week (Monday). Accordingly, the last two columns extend below the seven, which stands for the seventh day of the week, Sunday.
  • the fields in the double columns assigned to the weekdays are marked or not. If output 3 is to be switched on at the time indicated by the scale on the right side of the display means, then the corresponding pixels are marked. For example, in the present case the programming is such that on Monday morning between six and eight o'clock the output 3 of the timer is switched on. On Tuesday, for example, output 3 is switched off between eight and four o'clock.
  • a flashing pixel 6 indicates the current day of the week and the current time. The selected display in continuous mode allows a user to quickly grasp the programming of the timer.
  • the resolution in the continuous mode display is one hour. However, since a programming of the timer with a higher resolution is possible, the programmer is changed to another display mode, as described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 is explained in more detail.
  • time to be programmed is displayed in the lower part of the display.
  • a time scale 7 is shown by the display means 4 from top to bottom.
  • the time scale 7 is a time period of two hours, twenty minutes again.
  • the time scale 7 is provided with numbers 8, which indicate the times.
  • a pointer formed by two pixels 12 is provided at the top of the display, through which the Weekday whose time window is programmed.
  • an advertisement like the one in Fig. 4 To recognize is a programming for 13:55 clock for the fourth day of the week, that is possible for every Thursday.
  • the right four columns of the display next to the time scale 7 are provided to represent the programming. If four pixels are highlighted there in one line, this marks the switching on of the output 3 of the timer for this time. In Fig. 5 it is shown that the output of the timer is switched on at 13.55 o'clock. At 2:00 pm output 3 is switched off again.
  • a flashing reference pixel 10 forms as a scale reference point the respective programming time 9 on the quasi-analog time scale 7 from.
  • the flashing reference point 10 is arranged approximately invariably on the time scale 7 in the center, whereas the time scale 7 can shift with respect to the scale reference point, as long as the programming time 9 is changed. This makes it possible to always see an overview about one hour before and one hour after the programming time.
  • the multi-function switch 5 is moved up or down, depending on the direction in which the programming time 9 is to be changed.
  • the change of the programming time 9 can be carried out analogously to the resolution of the time scale 7 in 5-minute increments. However, it is also possible that a higher, but also a lower resolution for the progression of the programming time 9 is selected.
  • the weekday hand 12 will jump to the previous day or the following depending on the direction of the change.
  • the multi-function switch 5 If, in the programming mode, the multi-function switch 5 is brought into its right position and held, then starting from this point in time all program segments 11 are marked to the right of the scale reference point ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ), which corresponds to switching on the output 3 of the timer at the appropriate times. At the same time, the marking becomes a stepwise progression of the programming time 9, and a corresponding displacement of the time scale 7 reached. If the multi-function switch 5 is brought into its left position, a possible marking of the program segments 11 to the right of the scale reference point 10 is canceled. If the multi-function switch 5 is held in its left-hand position, all markings of program segments 11 to the right of the scale reference point 10 are continuously switched off and the programming time 9 progresses from this point onwards, with the time scale 7 simultaneously shifting upward stepwise.
  • each movement of the multi-function switch 5 to its right position causes a marking of the program segments 11 right next to the time scale 7 in the amount of the scale reference point 10 and the forwarding of the digital time display 9 and a program guide consisting of the time scale 7 and the program segments 11 by preferably five Minutes or one pixel.
  • the time and the program guide are continuously counted up or down by five-minute increments, with the program segments 11 being marked at the height of the flashing scale reference point 10 at each step.
  • the weekday indicator 12 jumps to the following day of the week and the scale inscription 8 indicates the change from 24 to 1 or from 23:00 to 0:00. In this way, a whole week can be programmed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Indexing, Searching, Synchronizing, And The Amount Of Synchronization Travel Of Record Carriers (AREA)

Abstract

The timer has an electronic display unit (4), and a control unit for controlling the display unit, such that the display unit displays a program, time, on-state, and time scale. The time scale includes a period of less than 24 hours e.g. 2, 5 hours. The control unit changes start time and end time of the period of the time scale, during the unchanged length of the period of the time scale.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine programmierbare Zeitschaltuhr mit einem elektronischen Anzeigemittel und mit einem Steuermittel zum Ansteuern des Anzeigemittels, wobei das Steuermittel geeignet und eingerichtet ist, das Anzeigemittel zur Darstellung eines Programms, der Uhrzeit, eines Schaltzustands, einer Zeitskala und/oder Anderem darzustellen.The invention relates to a programmable timer with an electronic display means and with a control means for driving the display means, wherein the control means is adapted and arranged to display the display means for displaying a program, the time, a switching state, a time scale and / or other.

Aus den Druckschriften mit den Veröffentlichungsnummern EP 0 119 312 A2 und DE 34 38 196 A1 sind programmierbare Zeitschaltuhren der eingangs genannten Art zur Steuerung von Heizungsregelsystemen bekannt. Derartige Zeitschaltuhren werden in Heizungsanlagen eingesetzt, um die Betriebszeiten der Heizung zu steuern. In den Druckschriften sind Varianten dargestellt, bei denen das Programm, welches die Zeitschaltuhr und somit die gesamte Heizungsanlage durchläuft, für den gesamten Tag oder für alle sieben Tage einer Woche dargestellt ist. Dabei sind Zeitskalen vorgesehen, neben denen Segmente (Programmsegmente) der Anzeige hervorgehoben sind für den Fall, dass zu dieser Zeit die Heizungsanlage eingeschaltet sein soll. Soll kein Betrieb der Heizungsanlage erfolgen, bleiben diese Programmsegmente unsichtbar.From the publications with the publication numbers EP 0 119 312 A2 and DE 34 38 196 A1 are programmable timers of the type mentioned for controlling heating control systems known. Such timers are used in heating systems to control the operating times of the heater. In the publications variants are shown, in which the program, which runs through the timer and thus the entire heating system, for the entire day or for all seven days of a week is shown. In this case, time scales are provided, in addition to which segments (program segments) of the display are highlighted in the event that the heating system should be switched on at this time. If no operation of the heating system, these program segments remain invisible.

Der Nachteil der in den beiden Druckschriften dargestellten Zeitschaltuhren ist, dass eine höhere Auflösung der Darstellung des Programms nicht möglich ist. Jedem Programmsegment ist die Zeit von einer Stunde zugeordnet, eine andere, höhere Auflösung ist nicht möglich, da dies zu übermäßig großen Anzeigemitteln führte.The disadvantage of the timers shown in the two publications is that a higher resolution of the representation of the program is not possible. Each program segment is assigned the time of one hour, another, higher resolution is not possible, as this led to excessively large display means.

Während die zeitliche Auflösung des dargestellten Programms für eine Heizungsanlage ausreichend sein mag, kann es für andere Anwendungen sinnvoll sein, eine höhere Auflösung der Darstellung des Programms zu haben. Es sind beispielsweise Anwendungen denkbar, bei denen eine Auflösung der Programmdarstellung in eine Minute-, fünf Minuten- oder zehn Minuten-Schritten gewünscht ist.While the temporal resolution of the illustrated program may be sufficient for one heating system, it may be useful for other applications to have a higher resolution of the representation of the program. These are applications, for example conceivable in which a resolution of the program representation in one minute, five minute or ten minute increments is desired.

Programmierbare elektronische Zeitschaltuhren mit einer derartig großen Auflösung der Programmdarstellung mittels einer Zeitskala und der Zeitskala zugeordneten Programmsegmenten sind bisher nicht möglich. Allerdings kann eine höhere Auflösung der Darstellung des Programms bei analogen Zeitschaltuhren erreicht werden.Programmable electronic timers with such a large resolution of the program representation by means of a time scale and the time scale associated program segments are not yet possible. However, a higher resolution of the representation of the program can be achieved with analog timers.

Vor dem Hintergrund der Nachteile von den bisher bekannten elektronischen programmierbaren Zeitschaltuhren liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zeitschaltuhr der eingangs genannten Art so weiterzubilden, dass eine größere Auflösung der Programmdarstellung möglich ist. Dieses ist insbesondere in einem Programmiermodus, in dem die Zeitschaltuhr von einem Benutzer programmiert werden kann, vorteilhaft.Against the background of the disadvantages of the previously known electronic programmable timers, the invention has the object, a timer of the type mentioned in such a way that a greater resolution of the program representation is possible. This is particularly advantageous in a programming mode in which the timer can be programmed by a user.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die Zeitskala zumindest in dem Programmiermodus einen darzustellenden Zeitabschnitt von weniger als 24 Stunden, vorzugsweise von ein bis drei Stunden, besonders vorzugsweise einen darzustellenden Zeitabschnitt von ca. 2 Stunden umfasst. Dadurch, dass man die Zeitskala und somit auch die Programmierung nicht vollständig von 0 bis 24 Stunden, sondern einen Zeitabschnitt der Zeitskala von weniger als 24 Stunden darstellt, kann bei gleicher Größe des Anzeigemittels eine höhere Auflösung der Programmdarstellung erreicht werden. Dieses erhöht die Lesbarkeit und Erkennbarkeit von Details der Programmdarstellung deutlich. Außerdem wird durch die Darstellung der Programmierung bei einem Betrachter der Eindruck einer analogen Zeitschaltuhr geweckt. Auch bei analogen Zeitschaltuhren werden nur Ausschnitte der Zeitskala in einem Fenster des Gehäuses einer Zeitschaltuhr sichtbar, sofern die Achse der Programmwalze parallel zur Frontseite der Schaltuhr verläuft und die Anordnung der Zeitskala auf der umlaufenden Programmwalze erfolgt. Die erfindungsgemäße Darstellung der Zeitskala nach Art einer analogen Schaltuhr erleichtert manchem Benutzer den Umstieg auf die digitale Zeitschalttechnik.The object is achieved according to the invention in that the time scale, at least in the programming mode, comprises a time segment of less than 24 hours, preferably of one to three hours, more preferably a time segment of approximately 2 hours to be displayed. The fact that the time scale and thus also the programming is not completely from 0 to 24 hours, but a time portion of the time scale of less than 24 hours, can be achieved with the same size of the display means a higher resolution of the program presentation. This significantly increases the readability and recognizability of details of the program presentation. In addition, the presentation of the programming awakens the impression of an analog timer with a viewer. Even with analog timers only sections of the time scale are visible in a window of the housing of a timer, provided the axis the program roller runs parallel to the front of the timer and the arrangement of the time scale on the rotating program roller takes place. The inventive representation of the time scale in the manner of an analog time switch makes it easier for many users to switch to digital timing technology.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Zeitschaltuhr weist vorteilhaft einen Speicher auf, in der das Programm der Zeitschaltuhr gespeichert sein kann. In dem Programm sind die Schaltzustände von einem oder mehreren Ausgängen der Zeitschaltuhr angegeben, die während der Ausführung des Programms in einem Dauerbetriebsmodus der Zeitschaltuhr eingenommen werden. Außerdem sind die Zeiten für die Wechsel der Schaltzustände von einem oder mehreren Kanälen angegeben, die während der Ausführung des Programms ausgeführt werden.A timer according to the invention advantageously has a memory in which the program of the timer can be stored. In the program, the switching states of one or more outputs of the timer are given, which are taken during the execution of the program in a continuous operation mode of the timer. In addition, the times for switching state switching are indicated by one or more channels which are executed during execution of the program.

Der programmierbare Zeitabschnitt, für welchen in dem Programm die Schaltzustände bzw. die Wechsel der Schaltzustände festgelegt sind, kann eine Länge von einem Tag oder einer Woche haben. Es kann sich also um eine Tages- oder Wochenschaltuhr handeln.The programmable period of time for which the switching states or the switching states are defined in the program can have a length of one day or one week. It can therefore be a daily or weekly timer.

Gemäß der Erfindung kann das Steuermittel der Zeitschaltuhr geeignet und eingerichtet sein, den darzustellenden Zeitabschnitt zu ändern. Es ist dabei insbesondere möglich, dass bei unveränderter Länge des darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts ein Anfangszeitpunkt und ein Endzeitpunkt des darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts geändert wird. Die Änderung des Anfangszeitpunktes und des Endzeitpunktes kann schrittweise vorzugsweise in 5, 10, 15, 20 oder 30 Minuten oder in eine Stunde-Schritten erfolgen. Wird die Darstellung der Zeitskala und damit auch der Programmierung schrittweise nach oben oder unten, d. h. nach später oder früher verschoben, ergibt sich bei einem Betrachter der Eindruck einer umlaufenden Programmwalze, wie er ihn von einer analogen Zeitschaltuhr gewohnt ist.According to the invention, the control means of the timer can be suitable and arranged to change the time period to be displayed. In this case, it is possible in particular for an initial time and an end time of the time segment to be displayed to be changed while the length of the time segment to be displayed is unchanged. The change of the start time and the end time may be made stepwise preferably in 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes or in one hour increments. If the display of the time scale and thus also the programming step by step up or down, ie moved to later or earlier, results in a viewer the impression of a rotating program roll, as he is used to from an analog timer.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Zeitschaltuhr kann so ausgestaltet sein, dass das Steuermittel geeignet und eingerichtet ist, die Länge des darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts zu ändern, was einer Veränderung der Auflösung der Zeitskala beziehungsweise der Darstellung der Programmierung entspricht.A timer according to the invention can be designed so that the control means is suitable and arranged to change the length of the time segment to be displayed, which corresponds to a change in the resolution of the time scale or the representation of the programming.

Das Steuermittel einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltuhr kann ferner eingerichtet und geeignet sein, das Anzeigemittel zur Darstellung so anzusteuern, dass die Zeitskala im Programmiermodus der Zeitschaltuhr angezeigt wird. Oftmals ist es erwünscht, dass in einem Dauerbetriebsmodus die gesamte Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr über einen Tag oder über sieben Tage auf einem Blick zumindest ansatzweise erkennbar ist. Wegen der geringen Auflösung ist diese Darstellung jedoch für eine Programmierung einer Zeitschaltuhr, die in fünf oder zehn Minutenschritten schalten kann, nicht zweckdienlich. Daher ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Zeitskala beziehungsweise der darzustellende Zeitabschnitt der Zeitskala zumindest in dem Programmiermodus der Zeitschaltuhr angezeigt wird. Ebenso ist es natürlich möglich, dass der Zeitabschnitt der Zeitskala auch in einem Dauerbetriebsmodus der Zeitschaltuhr dargestellt wird. Besonders vorteilhaft kann zwischen einer Programmübersicht im 24-Stunden-Format beziehungsweise 7- Tage-Format und der Darstellung des Zeitabschnitts der Zeitskala hin- und hergeschaltet werden.The control means of a timer according to the invention may further be arranged and adapted to control the display means for display so that the time scale is displayed in the programming mode of the timer. Often it is desirable that in a continuous mode, the entire programming of the timer over a day or over seven days at a glance is at least partially recognizable. However, because of the low resolution, this representation is not useful for programming a timer, which can switch in five or ten minute increments. Therefore, it is advantageous if the time scale or the time period to be displayed on the time scale is displayed at least in the programming mode of the timer. Likewise, it is of course possible that the time portion of the time scale is also displayed in a continuous mode of operation of the timer. Particularly advantageous can be switched back and forth between a program overview in 24-hour format or 7-day format and the representation of the time section of the time scale.

Das Steuermittel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zeitschaltuhr ist vorteilhaft so eingerichtet, dass das Anzeigemittel zur Darstellung angesteuert wird, um benachbart zu dem darzustellenden Zeitabschnitt der Zeitskala die Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr für diesen Zeitabschnitt darzustellen. Die Programmierung wird dann vorteilhaft durch Hervorhebungen von Segmenten des Anzeigemittels markiert, wobei die Markierungen beziehungsweise Hervorhebungen die Zeiten kennzeichnen, zu denen ein Ausgang der Zeitschaltuhr eingeschaltet ist.The control means of a timer according to the invention is advantageously set up so that the display means is actuated for display, in order to represent the programming of the timer for this period of time adjacent to the time segment of the time scale to be displayed. The programming is then advantageously marked by highlighting segments of the display means, the markings or highlights being the times to which an output of the timer is switched on.

Das Steuermittel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zeitschaltuhr kann so eingerichtet sein, dass es in einem Ruhezustand im Dauerbetriebsmodus der Zeitschaltuhr das Anzeigemittel zur Darstellung eines darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts von einem Tag oder einer Woche ansteuert. Dieser Ruhezustand kann von der Zeitschaltuhr beispielsweise eingenommen werden, wenn innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitraums keine Benutzereingabe erfolgt. Die Auflösung der Darstellung des darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts kann in einem solchen Fall in sieben Spalten zu 24 Zeilen für die sieben Tag der Woche bzw. die 24 Stunden eines Tages erfolgen. In den Spalten bzw. Zeilen kann dann die Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr dargestellt werden. Ein Benutzer hat so die Möglichkeit im Ruhezustand der Zeitschaltuhr auf einen Blick einen groben Überblick über die Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr zu gewinnen.The control means of a timer according to the invention can be arranged so that it controls the display means for displaying a time period of one day or one week to be displayed in an idle state in the continuous operation mode of the timer. This idle state can be taken by the timer, for example, if no user input occurs within a predetermined period. The resolution of the representation of the time period to be displayed can in such a case in seven columns to 24 lines for the seven day of the week or the 24 hours of a day. The programming of the timer can then be displayed in the columns or rows. A user has the opportunity in the idle state of the timer at a glance to gain a rough overview of the programming of the timer.

Das Steuermittel kann ferner geeignet und eingerichtet sein, das Anzeigemittel so anzusteuern, dass ein Punkt hervorgehoben wird, der einer bestimmten Zeit auf der Zeitskala entspricht und diese bestimmte Zeit markiert. Bei diesem Punkt kann es sich zum einen um die aktuelle Uhrzeit oder aber um die Uhrzeit handeln, für die im Programmiermodus derzeit eine Programmierung eingestellt werden kann d. h. für die momentan die Schaltzustände programmierbar sind (Programmierzeit). Diese Zeit kann auch in Ziffernform mittels des Anzeigemittels angezeigt werden, wozu das Anzeigemittel entsprechend von dem Steuermittel angesteuert wird.The control means may further be adapted and arranged to control the display means to highlight a point corresponding to a particular time on the time scale and marking that particular time. This item may be either the current time or the time for which programming can currently be set in programming mode d. H. for which the switching states are currently programmable (programming time). This time can also be displayed in numerical form by means of the display means, for which purpose the display means is controlled accordingly by the control means.

Der hervorgehobene Punkt kann die Mitte des darzustellenden Zeitabschnitts markieren.The highlighted point can mark the middle of the time period to be displayed.

Das Steuermittel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zeitschaltuhr kann geeignet und eingerichtet sein, die momentan programmierbare Zeit (Programmierzeit) zu ändern. Ebenso kann es möglich sein, mit dem Steuermittel die aktuelle Uhrzeit zu ändern.The control means of a timer according to the invention may be suitable and arranged to change the currently programmable time (programming time). It may also be possible to change the current time with the control means.

Ein erster Schalter einer erfindungsgemäßen Zeitschaltuhr kann dafür vorgesehen sein, in Zusammenwirkung mit dem Steuermittel die Programmierzeit oder die aktuelle Zeit vorzugsweise um eine, fünf, zehn, fünfzehn, zwanzig oder dreißig Minuten oder eine Stunde schrittweise zu ändern.A first switch of a timer according to the invention may be arranged to stepwise change the programming time or current time, in cooperation with the control means, preferably one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes or one hour.

Das Steuermittel kann ferner geeignet und eingerichtet sein, das Anzeigemittel zum Darstellen eines Zeigers zum Anzeigen eines Wochentages anzusteuern. Der Zeiger kann beispielsweise am Rand der Anzeige des Anzeigemittels wandern und auf entsprechende Markierungen auf einer Gehäuseoberseite der Zeitschaltuhr weisen. Bei einem Wechsel der bestimmten Zeit, d. h. insbesondere der aktuellen Zeit oder der Programmierzeit über Mitternacht hinaus kann mit dem Zeiger je nach Richtung des Wechsels der vorgehende Tag oder der nachfolgende Tag angezeigt oder markiert werden.The control means may further be suitable and arranged to control the display means for displaying a pointer for displaying a day of the week. The pointer may, for example, wander at the edge of the display of the display means and point to corresponding markings on a housing top side of the timer. When changing the specific time, d. H. In particular, the current time or the programming time beyond midnight can be displayed or marked with the pointer depending on the direction of the change of the previous day or the following day.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Zeitschaltuhr kann ferner einen zweiten Schalter umfassen, der geeignet und eingerichtet ist in Zusammenwirkung mit dem Steuermittel während der Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr, d. h. im Programmiermodus, zum Festlegen der Zeiten, zu denen ein Ausgang der Zeitschaltuhr eingeschaltet ist, und der Zeiten, zu denen ein Ausgang der Zeitschaltuhr ausgeschaltet ist, in entgegengesetzte Richtungen bewegt zu werden. Die Richtungen können dabei parallel zu den Richtungen liegen, in denen sich die vorzugsweise balkenförmigen Programmsegmente in der Anzeige erstrecken. Mit der Bewegung des zweiten Schalters in die ein oder die andere Richtung könnte gleichzeitig die Programmierzeit schrittweise um eine, fünf, zehn, fünfzehn, zwanzig oder dreißig Minuten oder eine Stunde geändert werden. Außerdem kann gleichzeitig der darzustellende Zeitabschnitt der Zeitskala um den gleichen Betrag verschoben werden. Sofern der zweiten Schalter längere Zeit betätigt bleibt, können auch mehrer Schritte hintereinander ausgeführt werden. Die Schritte können bei längerer Betätigung auch beschleunigt ausgeführt werden.A timer according to the invention may further comprise a second switch suitable and arranged in cooperation with the control means during programming of the timer, ie in the programming mode, for setting the times when an output of the timer is turned on and the times at which an output of the timer is turned off, to be moved in opposite directions. The directions may be parallel to the directions in which the preferably bar-shaped program segments extend in the display. With the movement of the second switch in one direction or the other could simultaneously programming time be changed gradually at one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes or one hour. In addition, at the same time the time period to be displayed on the time scale can be shifted by the same amount. If the second switch remains activated for a longer period of time, several steps can also be carried out in succession. The steps can also be carried out accelerated with a longer operation.

Der erste Schalter und der zweiten Schalter sind vorzugsweise in einem Schalter zusammengefasst. Bei dem Schalter kann es sich dann um einen Fünf-Wege-Schalter handeln.The first switch and the second switch are preferably combined in one switch. The switch may then be a five-way switch.

Die Zeitschaltuhr kann vorteilhaft als Schaltschrank- beziehungsweise Verteilereinbauzeitschaltuhr ausgebildet sein. Eine solche Zeitschaltuhr kann dann eine Breite von einem Modul haben. Ist ein größeres Display gewünscht, kann eine größere Modulbreite gewählt werden.The timer can be advantageously designed as Schaltschrank- or distributor installation timer. Such a timer can then have a width of one module. If a larger display is required, a larger module width can be selected.

Eine programmierbare Zeitschaltuhr der erfindungsgemäßen Art ist anhand der Zeichnungen näher beschrieben. Darin zeigt

Fig. 1
eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Zeitschaltuhr im Dauerbetriebsmodus,
Fig. 2
eine erste Ansicht der Zeitschaltuhr im Programmiermodus,
Fig. 3
eine zweite Ansicht der Zeitschaltuhr im Programmiermodus und
Fig. 4 bis 6
die Veränderung der Darstellung durch das Anzeigemittel während eines Programmiervorgangs.
A programmable timer of the type according to the invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows
Fig. 1
a top view of a timer according to the invention in the continuous mode,
Fig. 2
a first view of the timer in programming mode,
Fig. 3
a second view of the timer in programming mode and
4 to 6
the change in presentation by the display means during a program operation.

Die erfindungsgemäße und in Fig. 1 dargestellte programmierbare Zeitschaltuhr weist ein Gehäuse 1 auf, an dem ein Eingang 2 zur Verbindung der Zeitschaltuhr mit einem Stromnetz und ein Ausgang 3 zur Verbindung mit einer Last vorgesehen sind. Der Ausgang 3 zur Last kann geschaltet werden.The invention and in Fig. 1 shown programmable timer has a housing 1, on which an input 2 for connecting the timer with a power supply and an output 3 are provided for connection to a load. The output 3 to the load can be switched.

In der Vorderseite des Gehäuses 1 ist ein Fenster vorgesehen, in welches ein Anzeigemittel 4 eingesetzt ist. Über dieses Anzeigemittel 4 werden für einen Benutzer verschiedene Informationen zum Beispiel über den derzeitigen Schaltzustand, die aktuelle Uhrzeit und das Programm der Zeitschaltuhr dargestellt.In the front of the housing 1, a window is provided, in which a display means 4 is inserted. About this display means 4 various information for example on the current switching state, the current time and the program of the timer are displayed for a user.

Bei der dargestellten programmierbaren Zeitschaltuhr handelt es sich um eine Wochenzeitschaltuhr. Am Rand der Vorderseite des Gehäuses 1 zum Fenster beziehungsweise zum Anzeigemittel 4 hin sind Zahlen beziehungsweise eine Zeitskala aufgedruckt oder eingraviert, deren Bedeutung später noch näher erläutert wird.The illustrated programmable timer is a weekly timer. At the edge of the front of the housing 1 to the window or to the display means 4 out numbers or a time scale are printed or engraved, the meaning will be explained later in more detail.

Unterhalb des Fensters ist auf der Vorderseite ein Multifunktions-5-Wege-Schalter (Wippdrucktaster) vorgesehen, über welchen die Zeitschaltuhr programmiert werden kann.Below the window, a multifunction 5-way switch (rocker switch) is provided on the front side, via which the timer can be programmed.

Die am Rand oberhalb des Fensters angebrachten Ziffern von 1 bis 7 bezeichnen die sieben Wochentage einer Woche. Die am Rand rechts des Anzeigemittels 4 angebrachte Skala von 0 bis 24 stehen für die 24 Stunden eines Tages.The numbers from 1 to 7 at the edge above the window denote the seven weekdays of a week. The 0 to 24 scale on the right side of the display means 4 stands for the 24 hours of a day.

Das Anzeigemittel ist vorzugsweise eine Punktmatrixanzeige mit 20 Spalten und 36 Zeilen. Je nach Ansteuerung des Anzeigemittels werden verschiedene Punkte der Punktmatrixanzeige angesteuert und markiert. Dazu ist ein nicht dargestelltes Steuermittel vorgesehen.The display means is preferably a 20-column, 36-line dot matrix display. Depending on the control of the display means, various points of the dot matrix display are activated and marked. For this purpose, an unillustrated control means is provided.

Im Dauerbetriebsmodus steuert das Steuermittel das Anzeigemittel 4 der Zeitschaltuhr folgendermaßen an (Fig. 1):In the continuous mode, the control means controls the display means 4 of the timer as follows ( Fig. 1 ):

Die oberen vierundzwanzig Zeilen des Anzeigemittels 4 dienen der Anzeige des Schaltprogramms, mit welchem die Zeitschaltuhr programmiert ist. In einem Bereich unterhalb dieses Bereichs wird die aktuelle Uhrzeit angezeigt. Im unteren Teil der Anzeige wird der aktuelle Schaltzustand am Ausgang 3 der Zeitschaltuhr angezeigt.The upper twenty-four lines of the display means 4 are used to display the switching program with which the timer is programmed. An area below this area displays the current time. The lower part of the display shows the current switching status at output 3 of the timer.

Die Anzeige des Programms erfolgt folgendermaßen: Jedem Wochentag sind zwei Spalten der Bildpunkte zugeordnet. Diese Spalten sind nebeneinander beabstandet durch eine Leerspalte angeordnet. Die Spalten erstrecken sich dabei unterhalb der an der Oberseite der Anzeige in die Vorderseite des Gehäuses 1 eingebrachten Ziffern. So erstrecken sich die ersten beiden Spalten unterhalb der Ziffer eins, die für den ersten Tag der Woche (Montag) steht. Entsprechend erstrecken sich die letzten beiden Spalten unter der sieben, die für den siebten Tag der Woche, also den Sonntag steht.The program is displayed as follows: Each day of the week has two columns of pixels assigned to it. These columns are arranged side by side spaced apart by an empty column. The columns extend below the introduced at the top of the display in the front of the housing 1 digits. Thus, the first two columns extend below the number one, which stands for the first day of the week (Monday). Accordingly, the last two columns extend below the seven, which stands for the seventh day of the week, Sunday.

In Abhängigkeit von der Programmierung sind die Felder in den den Wochentagen zugeordneten Doppelspalten markiert oder nicht. Soll zu der durch die Skala auf der rechten Seite des Anzeigemittels gekennzeichneten Uhrzeit der Ausgang 3 eingeschaltet sein, dann sind die entsprechenden Bildpunkte markiert. Beispielsweise ist die Programmierung im vorliegenden Fall so gestaltet, dass am Montag Morgen zwischen sechs und acht Uhr der Ausgang 3 der Zeitschaltuhr eingeschaltet ist. Am Dienstag ist beispielsweise der Ausgang 3 zwischen acht und vierzehn Uhr ausgeschaltet. Ein blinkender Bildpunkt 6 zeigt den aktuellen Wochentag und die aktuelle Uhrzeit an. Durch die gewählte Darstellung im Dauerbetriebsmodus kann ein Benutzer durch einen schnellen Blick die Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr erfassen.Depending on the programming, the fields in the double columns assigned to the weekdays are marked or not. If output 3 is to be switched on at the time indicated by the scale on the right side of the display means, then the corresponding pixels are marked. For example, in the present case the programming is such that on Monday morning between six and eight o'clock the output 3 of the timer is switched on. On Tuesday, for example, output 3 is switched off between eight and four o'clock. A flashing pixel 6 indicates the current day of the week and the current time. The selected display in continuous mode allows a user to quickly grasp the programming of the timer.

Die Auflösung in der Darstellung des Dauerbetriebsmodus beträgt eine Stunde. Da jedoch eine Programmierung der Zeitschaltuhr mit größerer Auflösung möglich ist, wird zum Programmieren der Zeitschaltuhr zu einer anderen Darstellungsart gewechselt, wie sie nachstehend anhand der Figuren 2 bis 6 näher erläutert wird.The resolution in the continuous mode display is one hour. However, since a programming of the timer with a higher resolution is possible, the programmer is changed to another display mode, as described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 is explained in more detail.

Im Programmiermodus wird zum einen im unteren Bereich der Anzeige die zu programmierende Zeit angezeigt. Zusätzlich wird durch das Anzeigemittel 4 von oben nach unten eine Zeitskala 7 dargestellt. Die Zeitskala 7 gibt dabei einen Zeitabschnitt von zwei Stunden, zwanzig Minuten wieder. Die Zeitskala 7 ist mit Ziffern 8 versehen, welche die Uhrzeiten angeben.In programming mode, the time to be programmed is displayed in the lower part of the display. In addition, a time scale 7 is shown by the display means 4 from top to bottom. The time scale 7 is a time period of two hours, twenty minutes again. The time scale 7 is provided with numbers 8, which indicate the times.

Oberhalb der Zeitskala 7 ist am oberen Rand der Anzeige ein durch zwei Bildpunkte gebildeter Zeiger 12 vorgesehen, durch welchen der Wochentag markiert wird, dessen Zeitfenster programmiert wird. So wird zum Beispiel bei einer Anzeige wie sie in Fig. 4 zu erkennen ist eine Programmierung für 13.55 Uhr für den vierten Wochentag, d. h. für jeden Donnerstag möglich.Above the time scale 7, a pointer formed by two pixels 12 is provided at the top of the display, through which the Weekday whose time window is programmed. For example, an advertisement like the one in Fig. 4 To recognize is a programming for 13:55 clock for the fourth day of the week, that is possible for every Thursday.

Die rechten vier Spalten der Anzeige neben der Zeitskala 7 sind zur Darstellung der Programmierung vorgesehen. Erscheinen dort in einer Zeile vier Bildpunkte hervorgehoben, markiert dies das Einschalten des Ausgangs 3 der Zeitschaltuhr für diesen Zeitpunkt. In Fig. 5 ist dargestellt, dass der Ausgang der Zeitschaltuhr um 13.55 Uhr eingeschaltet wird. Um 14.00 Uhr wird der Ausgang 3 wieder ausgeschaltet.The right four columns of the display next to the time scale 7 are provided to represent the programming. If four pixels are highlighted there in one line, this marks the switching on of the output 3 of the timer for this time. In Fig. 5 it is shown that the output of the timer is switched on at 13.55 o'clock. At 2:00 pm output 3 is switched off again.

Ein blinkender Referenzbildpunkt 10 (siehe Fig. 2 bis 6) bildet als Skalenreferenzpunkt die jeweilige Programmierzeit 9 auf der quasi analogen Zeitskala 7 ab. Der blinkende Referenzpunkt 10 ist dazu etwa mittig unveränderlich auf der Zeitskala 7 angeordnet, wohingegen sich die Zeitskala 7 in Bezug auf den Skalenreferenzpunkt verschieben kann, sofern die Programmierzeit 9 geändert wird. Dadurch ist es möglich, dass man immer ca. eine Stunde vor und eine Stunde nach dem Programmierzeitpunkt im Überblick sieht.A flashing reference pixel 10 (see Fig. 2 to 6 ) forms as a scale reference point the respective programming time 9 on the quasi-analog time scale 7 from. For this purpose, the flashing reference point 10 is arranged approximately invariably on the time scale 7 in the center, whereas the time scale 7 can shift with respect to the scale reference point, as long as the programming time 9 is changed. This makes it possible to always see an overview about one hour before and one hour after the programming time.

Zum Fortschalten der Programmierzeit 9 wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 nach oben beziehungsweise nach unten bewegt, je nach dem in welche Richtung die Programmierzeit 9 geändert werden soll. Die Änderung der Programmierzeit 9 kann dabei analog zur Auflösung der Zeitskala 7 in 5-Minuten-Schritten erfolgen. Es ist jedoch ebenso möglich, dass eine höhere, aber auch eine geringere Auflösung zum Fortschreiten der Programmierzeit 9 gewählt ist.To advance the programming time 9, the multi-function switch 5 is moved up or down, depending on the direction in which the programming time 9 is to be changed. The change of the programming time 9 can be carried out analogously to the resolution of the time scale 7 in 5-minute increments. However, it is also possible that a higher, but also a lower resolution for the progression of the programming time 9 is selected.

Wird durch das Ändern der Programmierzeit 9 der Mitternachtszeitpunkt überschritten , springt der Zeiger 12 für den Wochentag abhängig von der Richtung der Änderung auf den vorausgehenden beziehungsweise den folgenden Tag.If the midnight time is exceeded by changing the programming time 9, the weekday hand 12 will jump to the previous day or the following depending on the direction of the change.

Ausgehend vom Dauerbetriebsmodus wird durch verschiedene Bewegungen des Multifunktionsschalters 5 in den Programmiermodus gewechselt. Es erscheint dann eine Ansicht wie in den Figuren 2 bis 6. Wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 kurzzeitig in seine obere Stellung gebracht, wird die Zeitskala um einen Bildpunkt nach oben verschoben. Dieses entspricht einer Verschiebung um fünf Minuten. Entsprechend wird die Zeitskala 7 um einen Bildpunkt nach unten verschoben, wenn der Multifunktionsschalter 5 kurzzeitig in seine untere Stellung gebracht wird. Wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 in der jeweiligen Stellung gehalten, dann wird die gesamte Zeitskala 7 und die daneben angeordneten Programmsegmente 11 entsprechend wiederholt schrittweise um jeweils einen Bildpunkt nach oben beziehungsweise unten verschoben, solange der Multifunktionsschalter 5 in der Stellung gehalten wird. Es ist dabei möglich, dass bei einer längeren Betätigungsdauer zum Beispiel von länger als fünf Sekunden die Geschwindigkeit der Verschiebung erhöht wird. Für den Betrachter entsteht dabei der virtuelle Eindruck einer sich drehenden Programmscheibe, wie er sie von einer analogen Zeitschaltuhr gewöhnt ist.Starting from the continuous mode of operation is changed by various movements of the multi-function switch 5 in the programming mode. It then appears a view as in the FIGS. 2 to 6 , If the multi-function switch 5 briefly brought into its upper position, the time scale is shifted by one pixel upwards. This corresponds to a shift of five minutes. Accordingly, the time scale 7 is shifted by one pixel down when the multi-function switch 5 is briefly brought to its lower position. If the multi-function switch 5 is held in the respective position, the entire time scale 7 and the program segments 11 arranged next to it are accordingly repeatedly incrementally shifted upwards or downwards by one pixel as long as the multi-function switch 5 is held in position. It is possible that with a longer operating time, for example, longer than five seconds, the speed of the shift is increased. For the viewer, this creates the virtual impression of a rotating program disc, as it is used to from an analog timer.

Wird im Programmiermodus der Multifunktionsschalter 5 in seine rechte Position gebracht und gehalten, dann werden ab diesem Zeitpunkt alle Programmsegmente 11 rechts neben dem Skalenreferenzpunkt fortlaufend markiert (Fig. 5 und 6), was einem Einschalten des Ausgangs 3 der Zeitschaltuhr zu den entsprechenden Zeiten entspricht. Gleichzeitig wird mit der Markierung ein schrittweises Fortschalten der Programmierzeit 9, und ein entsprechendes Verschieben der Zeitskala 7 erreicht. Wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 in seine linke Position gebracht, wird eine eventuelle Markierung der Programmsegmente 11 rechts neben den Skalenreferenzpunkt 10 aufgehoben. Wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 dabei in seiner linken Position gehalten, werden ab diesem Zeitpunkt alle Markierungen von Programmsegmenten 11 rechts neben dem Skalenreferenzpunkt 10 fortlaufend ausgeschaltet und die Programmierzeit 9 fortgeschaltet, wobei die Zeitskala 7 sich gleichzeitig schrittweise aufwärts verschiebt.If, in the programming mode, the multi-function switch 5 is brought into its right position and held, then starting from this point in time all program segments 11 are marked to the right of the scale reference point ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ), which corresponds to switching on the output 3 of the timer at the appropriate times. At the same time, the marking becomes a stepwise progression of the programming time 9, and a corresponding displacement of the time scale 7 reached. If the multi-function switch 5 is brought into its left position, a possible marking of the program segments 11 to the right of the scale reference point 10 is canceled. If the multi-function switch 5 is held in its left-hand position, all markings of program segments 11 to the right of the scale reference point 10 are continuously switched off and the programming time 9 progresses from this point onwards, with the time scale 7 simultaneously shifting upward stepwise.

Somit bewirkt im Programmiermodus jede Bewegung des Multifunktionsschalters 5 in seine rechte Position eine Markierung der Programmsegmente 11 rechts neben der Zeitskala 7 in Höhe des Skalenreferenzpunktes 10 und die Weiterschaltung der digitalen Zeitanzeige 9 sowie einer Programmübersicht bestehend aus der Zeitskala 7 und den Programmsegmenten 11 um vorzugsweise fünf Minuten beziehungsweise um einen Bildpunkt. Wird der Multifunktionsschalter 5 in dieser rechten Position gehalten, dann werden die Uhrzeit und die Programmübersicht fortlaufend um jeweils fünf Minutenschritte aufwärts gezählt beziehungsweise verschoben, wobei bei jedem Schritt die Programmsegmente 11 in der Höhe des blinkenden Skalenreferenzpunkts 10 markiert werden. Bei Erreichen des Mitternachtszeitpunktes springt der Wochentaganzeiger 12 auf den folgenden Wochentag und die Skalenbeschriftung 8 zeigt den Wechsel von 24 auf 1 oder von 23:00 auf 0:00 Uhr an. Auf diese Weise kann eine gesamte Woche programmiert werden.Thus, in the programming mode, each movement of the multi-function switch 5 to its right position causes a marking of the program segments 11 right next to the time scale 7 in the amount of the scale reference point 10 and the forwarding of the digital time display 9 and a program guide consisting of the time scale 7 and the program segments 11 by preferably five Minutes or one pixel. If the multi-function switch 5 is held in this right position, then the time and the program guide are continuously counted up or down by five-minute increments, with the program segments 11 being marked at the height of the flashing scale reference point 10 at each step. When the midnight time is reached, the weekday indicator 12 jumps to the following day of the week and the scale inscription 8 indicates the change from 24 to 1 or from 23:00 to 0:00. In this way, a whole week can be programmed.

Claims (32)

  1. Programmable timer switch having an electronic display means (4) and having a control means for actuating the display means, wherein the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) to present a programme, the time of day, a switching state, a timescale (7) and/or other,
    characterized in that
    the timescale (7) which can be presented by the display means comprises only a single presentable time period of less than 24 hours at least during programming of the timer switch, i.e. in a programming mode.
  2. Timer switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the timescale (7) comprises a presentable time period of between 1 and 3 hours, particularly of approximately 2 hours.
  3. Timer switch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the timer switch comprises a memory.
  4. Timer switch according to Claim 3, characterized in that the memory stores the programme for the timer switch.
  5. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the programme contains an indication of the switching states or the times at which switching states of one or more switchable outputs change, said switching states or times being adopted or executed during the execution of the programme, i.e. in a continuous mode of operation of the timer switch, and being able to be programmed in the programming mode of the timer switch.
  6. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the programme stores the switching states or the times at which the switching states change for a programmable time period of one day or one week.
  7. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for changing the presentable time period.
  8. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for changing a start time and an end time for the presentable time period for an unaltered length of the presentable time period.
  9. Timer switch according to Claim 8, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for changing the presentable time period such that the start time and the end time are altered in steps of preferably one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minute(s) or one hour.
  10. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for changing the length of the presentable time period.
  11. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) for presentation in order to display the timescale (7) in the programming mode of the timer switch.
  12. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) for presentation in order to display the timescale (7) in a continuous mode of operation.
  13. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) for presentation in order to present the programming of the timer switch for the presentable time period of the timescale (7) next to said time period.
  14. Timer switch according to Claim 13, characterized in that the programming can be presented by highlight elements which denote times at which an output of the timer switch is switched on.
  15. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) to present a presentable time period of one day or one week at least in a quiescent state of the continuous mode of operation.
  16. Timer switch according to Claim 15, characterized in that the resolution of the presentation of the presentable time period is provided in seven columns of 24 rows each for the seven days of the week and the 24 hours in a day.
  17. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means (4) in order to highlight a dot (6, 10) which marks a particular time on the timescale (7) or on a further timescale.
  18. Timer switch according to Claim 17, characterized in that in the continuous mode of operation the particular time is the current time of day.
  19. Timer switch according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the dot (10), in the programming mode, marks the time at which the switching states are currently programmable.
  20. Timer switch according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the dot (10) marks the middle of the presentable time period.
  21. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for changing the currently programmable time.
  22. Timer switch according to Claim 21, characterized in that the timer switch has a first switch (5) which is suitable and set up for interacting with the control means to change the currently programmable time in steps of preferably one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minute(s) or one hour.
  23. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means in order to display a particular time (9), particularly the particular time within the context of one of Claims 17 to 22, in digits.
  24. Timer switch according to Claim 19, characterized in that the current time can be changed with the first switch in interaction with the control means in steps of one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minutes or one hour.
  25. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for actuating the display means to present a pointer (12) for indicating a day of the week.
  26. Timer switch according to Claim 25, characterized in that the control means is suitable and set up for using the pointer to indicate the preceding or subsequent day of the week when a particular time is changed through midnight, depending on the direction of the change.
  27. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the timer switch has a second switch (5) which is suitable and set up for interacting with the control means in order to be moved in opposite directions during the programming of the timer switch for the purpose of stipulating the times at which an output of the timer switch is switched on and the times at which an output of the timer switch is switched off.
  28. Timer switch according to Claim 27, characterized in that at the same time as the second switch (5) is moved in one direction or in the other direction the currently programmable time can be altered with the second switch in steps of one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty minute(s) or one hour and the timescale can be displaced by the same amount.
  29. Timer switch according to Claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the first switch and the second switch are combined in one switch.
  30. Timer switch according to Claim 29, characterized in that the switch (5) is a five-way switch.
  31. Timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the timer switch is a cubicle-mounting timer switch.
  32. Timer switch according to Claim 31, characterized in that the timer switch has a width of one module.
EP07014769A 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Clock timer with electronic display device Not-in-force EP1882995B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202006011590U DE202006011590U1 (en) 2006-07-28 2006-07-28 Programmable clock timer for heating system, has control unit for controlling display unit, such that display unit displays program, time, on- state and time scale, which has period less than twenty four hours

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1882995A2 EP1882995A2 (en) 2008-01-30
EP1882995A3 EP1882995A3 (en) 2010-01-06
EP1882995B1 true EP1882995B1 (en) 2012-01-18

Family

ID=37085664

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07014769A Not-in-force EP1882995B1 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Clock timer with electronic display device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1882995B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE542170T1 (en)
DE (1) DE202006011590U1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3310344A1 (en) * 1983-03-22 1984-10-04 Viessmann Werke Kg, 3559 Allendorf DIGITAL TIMER
DE4210874C2 (en) * 1992-04-01 1997-04-10 Legrand Gmbh Electronic timer
DE9320245U1 (en) * 1993-01-19 1994-03-03 Suevia Uhrenfabrik GmbH, 71065 Sindelfingen Programming device for an electronic timer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE542170T1 (en) 2012-02-15
DE202006011590U1 (en) 2006-09-28
EP1882995A2 (en) 2008-01-30
EP1882995A3 (en) 2010-01-06

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