GB1604498A

GB1604498A - Time counter

Info

Publication number: GB1604498A
Application number: GB25093/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Grasslin & Co Dieter
Current assignee: Grasslin & Co Dieter
Priority date: 1977-06-02
Filing date: 1978-05-31
Publication date: 1981-12-09
Also published as: CH621678B; CH621678GA3; FR2393375B1; IT7824066A0; IT1095026B; DE2812475C2; DE2812475A1; DE7808680U1; FR2393375A1

Abstract

The time meter has a housing (1) which contains a plug socket (3) on one side and a plug (4) on the opposite side. The time meter can consequently be inserted into any conventional mains plug socket and also allows the simple connection of the consumer to be controlled. Mounted preferably along one edge of the housing (1) is a timer in the form of a counter (5) which indicates the operating time. It is switched on, as required, via a switch (6) which can be designed as a ring, the connected consumer also being switched on at the same time. This time meter also makes it possible to measure consumers, in which it is not possible to install their own meter, the connection of the consumer to the time meter presupposing no specialised knowledge. <IMAGE>

Description

(54) TIME COUNTER (71) We, DIETER GRASSLIN & CO., a Swiss company, of St. Antoni, Switzerland, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a time counter with a time measuring device, a display and an actuation device which controls the time counter for determining the actual running or operation time of any mechanism driven by electrical energy.

In the field of such time counters, an operation device is particularly necessary which on the one hand determines sufficiently exactly the beginning and ending of a run the duration of which should be measured in time units and which corresponding switches in or out the time measuring device or the coresponding display and which on the other hand constitutes a time counter, particularly a unit which includes the time measuring device and the display. The requirements for installation, both mechanical and electrical, should be in this case negligibly small and the manipulation for installation as well as servicing should be simple, appropriate and straightforward even for unskilled personnel.

Known time counters, particularly so called hours of use counters which have a synchronous motor or a quartz oscillator or a mechanical clockwork as a time measuring element and which are provided with a digital or analog display with counterwheels or hands are because of their technical construction and make up predominantly appropriate for direct building in or construction in or on the plant to be measured, where in such a case the actuation device, an electrical switch or lever, is often part of that plant.

For these reasons in the case of many types of machinery, particularly in the consumer area. it is not simple to provide such a time counter or to install it. Rather consumer devices in which a measurement of the working time is desirable generally are relatively small so there is insufficient space for such a time counter to be included and, in many other cases, many of the devices whose running needs measurement are mobile while a so-called built-in counter could only be installed at a specific position. Also in many cases it is necessary in order to install an electrical time counter to provide contacts in the plant. Installing and rendering operational such a device would in such cases be undertaken basically by a skilled personnel.

According to the present invention there is provided a time counter with an electrically operated time measuring device having a display and with a first connection device for feed of electrical energy thereto comprising first and second connection means, a second connection device for connection to an electrical user comprising first and second connection means and an actuation device for operating the time measuring device, the time measuring device and the actuation device being arranged within a housing, and the circuit between the first and second connection means of both the connection devices being normally open, the actuation device being activated for operation of the time measuring device only when the first connection device is connected to the feed supply, the second connection device is connected to the electrical user and electrical current flows through the electrical user.

The time counter is particularly adapted for interconnection between the feed supply and electrical apparatus to determine the exact running time of the latter.

The time counter according to the invention is provided with an actuation device and also with connection devices which enable even unskilled personnel to install the time counter by hand and to measure the operational times of plant or users which are driven by electrical energy without any particular installation requirements and without difficulty.

The actuation device is activated for operation of the time measuring device only when the first connection device is connected to the feed supply, the second connection device is connected to the electrical user and electrical current flows through the electrical user. Such an actuation device may be constituted by a current transformer or a bimetal lic strip or an electronic transformer which only permits current to flow to the time measuring device when a predetermined minimum current flows from the connection of a user.Thus, with the time counter according to the invention, the activation device is automatically working in dependence on a flowing current particularly with the use ofan electromagnetic, or an electronic transformer or a thermally operated switch which on the flow ofa certain minimum current sets the time counter and its display workings In such a time counter with a time measuring device, a display and actuation device in one housing, the connection device for feed of electrical energy and that for the connection of any sort of electrical user can be constructed as a plug or as a socket respectively. In this for feed of energy a plug can be provided and for connection to a user a socket can be provided. The plug and the socket can in this case be provided especially directly on the housing of such a time counter and if necessary constitute a unit with the housing.In such a case the plug can be arranged coaxially to the socket. In another suitable construction a plug for connection to electrical energy feed and a socket for connection of the electrical user are connected via cables to the time measuring device and activation device in the housing. However, any other appropriate technically feasible arrangement of plug and socket relative to one another and relative to the housing of a time counter can be provided as well as the display and actuation device there.

The time counter according to the invention advantageously may require only simple and unskilled handling for its installation and also it has an automatically working actuation device in dependence on a flowing current particularly with the use of an electromagnetic or an electronic transformer or a thermally operated switch which on the flow of a certain minimum current sets the time counter and its display working. Further the time counter may be of simple and clear construction, particularly when a plug and a socket are arranged coaxially to one another directly in the housing of the time counter. Furthermore simple and clear reading of the display is advantageous, particularly with number wheel-type counters. The time counter according to the invention may be manufactured relatively cheaply.

The invention is further illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a time counter according to the invention with a plug and socket arranged coaxially to one another; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a time counter according to the invention in an embodiment in a cable; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug with a time countefaccording to the invention built in; / Figure 4 a schematic circuit diagram for a time,counter according to the invention within electrical contact arrangement as an achation device of the time counter:: Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram for a time counter according to the invention with an electromagnetic transformer as an actuation device of the time counter: Figure 6 is a schematic circuit diagram for a time counter according to the invention with an electromagnetic/electronic transformer as actuation device of the time counter Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram for a time counter according to the invention with thermally operated switch as actuation device for the time counter, and Figure 8 is a schematic circuit diagram for a time counter according to the invention with a semiconductor field plate as an actuation device of the time counter.

The time counter illustrated in Figure 1 is essentially characterised by a housing I with a front face 2 which is practically square into which can be let directly and at the intersection of the two diagonals a socket 3 for connection to a corresponding plug of the user apparatus to be driven. Provided coaxially to socket 3 on the rear side of the housing is a plug 4 for feed of electrical energy thereto, directly on the housing 1.

A display shown in the drawing as a number wheel display is denoted 5 which can preferably be arranged in space in the region of an edge of the housing 1. An electric switch 6 is illustrated by which it is arranged esepcially that the time counter can be brought into a so-called holding function so that on plugging in of a user or quite generally of some sort of plant the time counter starts the measurement of the operation time. By means of switch 6 the driven unit can be switched on or off together with the time counter. A functioning display lamp is denoted 7.

Such an embodiment of a time counter enables even an unskilled person to exercise simple monitoring of the running or operation times of any particular piece of equipment such as e.g. a washing machine, room heating devices, a deepfreeze, a refrigerator, a television or a cooker to name only a few applications, without special arrangements being required on these goods. A time counter according to Figure 1 can be inserted by means of plug 4 into any socket and the user then connects the device in question with its own plug into the socket 3 of the time counter so that the time counter according to the invention lies in series between the energy feed and the device using the energy.

In Figure 2 the time counter according to the invention is shown provided in a connection cable wherein its housing 1 can have any appropriate shaping. The display is indicated at 5. The ends of the connection cable 8 are provided on one hand with a plug 4 and on the other hand with a coupling type socket 3.

In a further embodiment of the invention it can however be provided that the time counter according to Figure 3 is built directly into a plug 4 and that apparatus is connected via a cable 9 to the plug. A number wheel display is likewise denoted 5 in Figure 3.

The electrical circuit construction of a time counter according to the invention can be effected in relatively differing forms corresponding to the particular application. Thus for an embodiment of a time counter constructed as illustrated in Figure 1 an electrical contact arrangement is provided as an actuation device which, as Figure 4 shows, can comprise an electrical contact 10 on current path 12 which lies in series with a synchronous motor drive as a time measuring element for a time counter which lies parallel to the socket 3. Contact 10 is however only first closed when something is connected by the insertion of a plug in socket 3. The time counter of Figure 4 also comprises a manually controllable electrical switch 6 which lies in series with the current path 12.

Figure 5 shows an alternative technical circuit construction of an actuation device for the control of a time counter. In that case the actuation device consists of an electromagnetic transformer 11, particularly a socalled current transformer with at least one primary inductance 13 e.g. lying in series with the current path 12. The other current path may also contain an inductance 13' for a transformer 16 as shown in dotted lines.

The time measuring device which is characterised by the symbol 15 can be fed either directly via a secondary winding 14 or another control switch can be brought to function as indicated in dotted lines which in turn puts a time measuring device 15' into action as soon as with such an arrangement a particular minimum current flows through the connection to a user in inductances 13, 13' when the feed of energy comes via a plug 4 and connection to apparatus to be driven is via a socket 3.

The particular minimum current flow through the connection to the apparatus in socket 3 in the secondary winding 14 can also be processed via a similar arrangement with an electromagnetic transformer or electronically to control the time measuring device. as is shown in Figure 6. There an optoelectronic switching arrangement 17 is controlled particularly by a control signal from the secondary of transformer 13 which in its turn controls a current circuit of a time measuring device 15, as soon as a particular minimum current flows in the primary inductance 13 of a transformer 11. In that case it is naturally also possible to start the time measuring device 15 dependent upon a minimum current via another semiconductor switch.

In Figure 7 a circuit arrangement is shown in which on the flow of a current in current path 12, generated by connection of apparatus to socket 3, a thermally activated switch 18 is caused to close which controls a time counter 15.

Furthermore Figure 8 shows a circuit arrangement with a so-called semiconductor field plate 19 in at least one circuit 12 which generates a so-called Hall voltage in dependence on the current flowing in circuit 12 at terminals 20 and 21, with which a time counter can be controlled.

In a modification of the general idea underlying the invention it can also be provided that in particular an embodiment of the time counter can be provided with an electromagnetic converter as an operation device in such a way that the electromagnetic transformer feeds a so-called Ferraris rotor and a display coupled thereto and accordingly as well as the running or operation time of a device which needs to be measured also the power requirement of the device is measured and can be displayed. In place of a Ferraris rotor another system for power measurement can be provided.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:--- I. Time counter with an electrically operated time measuring device having a display and with a first connection device for feed of electrical energy thereto comprising first and second connection means, a second connection device for connection to an electrical user comprising first and second connection means and an actuation device for operating the time measuring device, the time measuring device and the actuation device being arranged within a housing, and the circuit between the first and second connection means of both the connection devices being normally open, the actuation device being activated for operation of the time measuring device only when the first connection device is connected to the feed supply, the second connection device is connected to the electrical user, and electrical current flows through the electrical user.

2. Time counter according to claim 1 wherein the actuation device is constituted by an electromagnetic transformer and control of the time counter takes place directly via the transformer.

3. Time counter according to claim I wherein the actuation device is constituted by a thermally operated switch.

4. Time counter according to claim I

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Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

energy feed and the device using the energy.

In Figure 2 the time counter according to the invention is shown provided in a connection cable wherein its housing 1 can have any appropriate shaping. The display is indicated at 5. The ends of the connection cable 8 are provided on one hand with a plug 4 and on the other hand with a coupling type socket 3.

In a further embodiment of the invention it can however be provided that the time counter according to Figure 3 is built directly into a plug 4 and that apparatus is connected via a cable 9 to the plug. A number wheel display is likewise denoted 5 in Figure 3.

The electrical circuit construction of a time counter according to the invention can be effected in relatively differing forms corresponding to the particular application. Thus for an embodiment of a time counter constructed as illustrated in Figure 1 an electrical contact arrangement is provided as an actuation device which, as Figure 4 shows, can comprise an electrical contact 10 on current path 12 which lies in series with a synchronous motor drive as a time measuring element for a time counter which lies parallel to the socket 3. Contact 10 is however only first closed when something is connected by the insertion of a plug in socket 3. The time counter of Figure 4 also comprises a manually controllable electrical switch 6 which lies in series with the current path 12.

Figure 5 shows an alternative technical circuit construction of an actuation device for the control of a time counter. In that case the actuation device consists of an electromagnetic transformer 11, particularly a socalled current transformer with at least one primary inductance 13 e.g. lying in series with the current path 12. The other current path may also contain an inductance 13' for a transformer 16 as shown in dotted lines.

The time measuring device which is characterised by the symbol 15 can be fed either directly via a secondary winding 14 or another control switch can be brought to function as indicated in dotted lines which in turn puts a time measuring device 15' into action as soon as with such an arrangement a particular minimum current flows through the connection to a user in inductances 13, 13' when the feed of energy comes via a plug 4 and connection to apparatus to be driven is via a socket 3.

The particular minimum current flow through the connection to the apparatus in socket 3 in the secondary winding 14 can also be processed via a similar arrangement with an electromagnetic transformer or electronically to control the time measuring device. as is shown in Figure 6. There an optoelectronic switching arrangement 17 is controlled particularly by a control signal from the secondary of transformer 13 which in its turn controls a current circuit of a time measuring device 15, as soon as a particular minimum current flows in the primary inductance 13 of a transformer 11. In that case it is naturally also possible to start the time measuring device 15 dependent upon a minimum current via another semiconductor switch.

In Figure 7 a circuit arrangement is shown in which on the flow of a current in current path 12, generated by connection of apparatus to socket 3, a thermally activated switch 18 is caused to close which controls a time counter 15.

Furthermore Figure 8 shows a circuit arrangement with a so-called semiconductor field plate 19 in at least one circuit 12 which generates a so-called Hall voltage in dependence on the current flowing in circuit 12 at terminals 20 and 21, with which a time counter can be controlled.

In a modification of the general idea underlying the invention it can also be provided that in particular an embodiment of the time counter can be provided with an electromagnetic converter as an operation device in such a way that the electromagnetic transformer feeds a so-called Ferraris rotor and a display coupled thereto and accordingly as well as the running or operation time of a device which needs to be measured also the power requirement of the device is measured and can be displayed. In place of a Ferraris rotor another system for power measurement can be provided.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:--- I. Time counter with an electrically operated time measuring device having a display and with a first connection device for feed of electrical energy thereto comprising first and second connection means, a second connection device for connection to an electrical user comprising first and second connection means and an actuation device for operating the time measuring device, the time measuring device and the actuation device being arranged within a housing, and the circuit between the first and second connection means of both the connection devices being normally open, the actuation device being activated for operation of the time measuring device only when the first connection device is connected to the feed supply, the second connection device is connected to the electrical user, and electrical current flows through the electrical user.
2. Time counter according to claim 1 wherein the actuation device is constituted by an electromagnetic transformer and control of the time counter takes place directly via the transformer.
3. Time counter according to claim I wherein the actuation device is constituted by a thermally operated switch.
4. Time counter according to claim I

wherein the actuation device is constituted by a semiconductor field plate.
5. Time counter according to claim 1 wherein the actuation device is constituted by an electromagnetic transformer and control of the time counter takes place directly via an electromagnetic contact circuit or via an electronic circuit arrangement.
6. Time counter according to claim 5 wherein an optoelectronic circuit arrangement is used.
7. Time counter according to claim 1 wherein the actuation device is constituted by an electrical contact arrangement.
8. Time counter according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection devices are constructed as a plug and as a socket and the plug and the socket are provided directly on the housing.
9. Time counter according to claim 8 wherein, on the housing, the plug is arranged coaxially to the socket.
10. Time counter according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a plug for connection to electrical energy feed and a socket for connection of the electrical user are connected via cables to the time measuring device and actuation device in the housing.
11. Time counter substantially as illustrated in and described with reference to the accompanying drawings.