SE533990C2 - Microprocessor controlled timer and regulation of mains connection using such a timer - Google Patents

Description

533 990 An ongoing problem with engine heaters is that sockets at workplaces, when the user himself does not pay for electricity, and are used with too long switch-on times, ie. switch-on times of the engine heater that are longer than what is needed to reach the desired temperature.

The reason for this can have many different causes / explanations. One explanation is that a user simply lacks a time-limiting device, meaning that the engine heater is active from the time it is plugged in until it is removed regardless of actual need. It is known that many motorists plug in the engine heater in connection with parking on arrival, despite knowing the unnecessary consumption that results. One reason for this can of course be that the user has a long walkway between the parking lot and the workplace or that there is no time during the working day to go away and plug in the engine heater.

This first-mentioned cause can be substantially eliminated by having some form of time limit for the connection, either centrally arranged or at the user's contact device. Even in such circumstances, however, there are overdrafts, for example due to the motorist making an incorrect setting or incorrect assessment of the activation time of the engine heater when parking the vehicle, in order to achieve the desired temperature as close to the time of need as possible. One explanation for incorrect assessment may be that there is a change of weather during the day. If it is very cold in the morning but then quickly thaws, it is obvious that the user sets a premature activation time, in case the user assumes the same harsh weather throughout the day. In the same way, it is the case if the user guards himself against harsher weather during the day, ie when overheating occurs if the temperature stands or instead increases. Thus, there are many explanations and reasons why an excess of electrical energy occurs when using engine heaters, which is of course undesirable from many aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least minimize the above-mentioned problems, which are achieved by means of a microprocessor-controlled timer arranged to control mains connection comprising a temperature sensor which is characterized in that said temperature sensor is arranged to register ambient temperature. and that said timer comprises a control device, which is arranged to activate an electrical network connection in dependence on the temperature specified by the temperature sensor. 20 25 30 35 533 990 Thanks to the heating, it is possible to limit the consumption of electricity to an amount corresponding to what is required to obtain a desired temperature when heating an engine of a motor vehicle. In this way, energy and costs are saved without having to sacrifice the comfort of having a heated engine or passenger compartment at start-up.

The description exemplifies the invention of the use for winding up an engine of a passenger car by means of an engine heater, but it should be understood that the invention can be used for all types of vehicles equipped with engine heaters powered by electricity. Coupe heaters are also included in the concept.

According to a further aspect of the invention, said control device comprises a time control means which can be set to switch off the power supply at a predetermined stop time. As a result, no electricity is consumed as the motor is fully heated. By said time control means being arranged to calculate based on from said time control means a time window in which said time window comprises the time immediately before the predetermined stop time, it is ensured that the motor is fully heated at the set stop time. By the said calculation taking place continuously and by the timer activating the mains connection at a time corresponding to the beginning of the said calculated time window, the advantage is achieved that the timer can continuously adjust for temperature changes and thereby regulate the power consumption so that a minimal electricity consumption is obtained. pre-heated car.

According to another aspect of the invention, the timer must be placed on a suspension device adjacent to an electrical outlet so that unwanted load on the electrical outlet can be avoided. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that owners of dangerous engine heater poles can achieve the benefits of a regulated outlet of electricity at the same time as the user of the timer achieves the same comfort as before, ie. heated car on departure. Preferably, the suspension device is provided with a unit which generates a magnetic field and the timer comprises a magnetic field sensor which shields the magnetic field in the suspension device.

By the magnetic field sensor sending a signal to the milcoprocessor, which via a relay regulates the power supply to a female contact of said timer to which the engine heater cable is connected, it is ensured that the timer is placed correctly for the female contact to become live. A correct placement of the timer on the suspension device is important from an electrical safety point of view.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, said timer comprises a position sensor which shields if the female contact of the timer is directed substantially vertically downwards. 20 25 30 533 990 The position sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor, which via a relay regulates the power supply to the hourly female contact to which the engine heater cable is connected, ensuring that the female contact is not live unless the female contact is directed substantially vertically downwards. This means that i.a. that you eliminate the risk that the timer is live if it is placed so that there is a risk of irrigation of moisture. Furthermore, it is ensured that the female connector is not live if e.g. a child is tempted to try to plug something else into the timer when it is connected to an electrical outlet, as the handling will probably mean that the timer is turned up so that the female contact will not be substantially directed vertically downwards.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it is an advantage, e.g. from the point of view of theft security, that the use of said timer requires some form of identification, preferably in the form of a personal pin code. Furthermore, the employer or the owner of the timer can ensure that no one other than authorized individuals can use the timer.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for heating an engine of a motor vehicle. By said method, the steps comprise: a) detecting a time (S1), ie. stop time when said engine is desired to be heated, b) detect a temperature (T) in the environment in which the vehicle is located 1, c) calculate a time window (ta fi v) based on the prevailing temperature, ie. the time required to warm up the engine, d) based on said stop time and said time window, calculate a start time for switching on electricity (S0) to an engine heater of said motor vehicle, e) at said time for switching on electricity provide an engine heater of said vehicles with electricity, an efficient way of regulating the consumption of electricity when using engine heaters is obtained and unnecessary consumption of electricity can be avoided or at least minimized. The purpose of the invention is to enable a cost-effective solution to regulate the extraction of electricity from existing engine heater poles, while at the same time ensuring the car owner who uses the engine heater pole a fully heated car on departure. This 533 990 is made possible by the use of an inventive timer for regulating the withdrawal of electricity from an engine heater pole.

The solution also means that holders of conventional engine heater poles can in a very simple and cost-effective way offer time and temperature-controlled extraction of electricity because only very limited adaptation or even no adaptation needs to be made to enable the use of an inventive timer at such an engine heater pole. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a timer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 shows the inside measurement of a timer according to the invention, Figs. Fig. 3 shows a parked car connected to a timer according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a timer suspended on a holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Fig. 1 shows a timer 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a view obliquely from the front. The timer comprises in its upper part a display 2, control buttons 3-6, and in its lower part a downwardly directed female contact 8 for connecting an engine heater via an engine heater cable. The timer is further enclosed by an outer protective cover 7 adapted for a one-handed grip around a central portion, which makes it user-friendly and easy to handle for both right- and left-handed people. Furthermore, the timer comprises a power cord 9 with a male connector 10 for connecting the timer to an electrical outlet. The power cord runs out through a hole in the back of the casing in the lower part of the timer, and here too it is an advantage if the hole in the casing through which the power cord runs is downward, preferably also sealed, to prevent the ingress of moisture and dirt. The upper part of the timer has a bracket ll arranged for hanging the timer on a suspension device. The display and the control buttons are placed under a sealing window, a so-called overlay 12 which protects against dirt, moisture and wear.

Said display 2 is preferably an LED display with a number of light segments, which makes it easy to read even in difficult lighting conditions. In close connection to the said display are control buttons 3-6, with the help of which the user controls the selection of preset stop time, selection of hours / minutes, ON / OFF function. Furthermore, with the control buttons 20 25 533 990 you can select which function (stop time, real-time clock or temperature display) is to be shown in the display.

Fig. 2 shows a timer 1 according to the invention where the front of the housing is removed and the components of the interior are exposed. At the lower part of the tire is the female connector 8 which is intended to connect a plug in. It is seen that said female connector is positioned so that it will be turned substantially vertically downwards when the timer is hung in its bracket 11 which protects the female connector from dirt and falling wet. Suitably, the female connector is provided with a tiltable lid and pet-protected.

The display 2, the control buttons 3-6 and a battery 19 are mounted on a first circuit board 13 attached within the housing 7 of the timer. Furthermore, the housing comprises a second circuit board 14 on which and a transformer 15, a position sensor 17 and an AC / DC converter for the electronics 18 are mounted, here schematically shown as a box. Furthermore, the housing comprises a relay 16, a temperature sensor 20 for sensing the ambient temperature, a magnetic field sensor 21 and a microprocessor 22 located on the underside of the first circuit board 13. Said microprocessor contains a battery-supported real-time clock which is used for the microprocessor software and receives its power from said battery. 19.

The microprocessor also controls the display 2, the relay 16 and decodes the imprints and sensors.

A user sets the said timer using the control buttons 3-6. In order for settings to be made, the timer must be connected to a power source. Real time and the desired stop time are adjustable, as temperature can only be observed in the display. By stopping time is meant the time in real time when the car is to be taken into use and it is desired to be heated. Several stop times, preferably at least three, can be preset in hours so that you can easily choose one of these times on arrival at the car park.

Upon arrival at the car park, hour 1 is connected to an electrical outlet, e.g. an electrical socket on an engine heater pole, via the power cord 9. The user connects the timer to the engine heater pole's electrical outlet, whereby the timer is switched on. Preferably, a login is then required in order to be able to activate the timer and make current settings, for example in the form of a personal code which is entered via the control folders. It is of course conceivable to use some other form of identification, e.g. electronic transponder, RFID. The operator can then select a preset stop time or set a new one and then select the new stop time. 20 30 533 990 The engine heater cable 17 (see fi g. 3) to the parked car is connected to the timer via the female connector 8. The timer is then hung up in its bracket 11 on a dedicated suspension device, most easily placed under the electrical cabinet on the pole itself. It is advantageous that the female contact 8 is directed substantially vertically downwards when it is used.

This achieves the advantage that the contact is protected from falling rain and moisture in the event that the car is parked in the open air. This advantage is achieved by the timer being intended to be suspended via its bracket 11. The engine heater cable 17 hangs downwards, which also helps to maintain said timer in a vertical position during use.

Suitably the suspension device comprises a unit which generates a magnetic field and the timer a corresponding magnetic field sensor 21. The magnetic field sensor senses the magnetic field when the timer is placed on the suspension device and sends a signal to the microprocessor 22 which in turn sets a relay 16 in a closed position. so that the female connector 8 can become live. It is realized that this is an advantage from a safety point of view because all handling of the timer, ie. setting of stop time etc. as well as connection of the engine heater cable, can take place without the female connector being live.

By placing the timer on a suspension device, an additional advantage is obtained in that the female contact in the engine heater pole is not subjected to any appreciable load. There are regulations that regulate how much distortion torque such contacts may be exposed to. In Sweden, the regulations from the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency state that the torque must not exceed 0.25 Nm. Another advantage is that the lid over the electrical sockets in the engine heater pole can be closed and locked, which is prescribed. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the timer becomes unusable without the suspension device, which reduces the tendency to steal.

As the timer is hung up correctly on the suspension device, the timer enters an active position. In the active mode, the timer can calculate a start time for switching on electricity to the engine heater based on the specified stop time S1 and the ambient temperature T (° C). A temperature sensor 20 will continuously measure the ambient temperature which is further recorded by a timing controller including the microprocessor 22.

The surroundings can be matched by, for example, a garage or an outdoor environment depending on the location of the car park. Based on the specified temperature and on the selected stop time, the time control means continuously calculates a start time S0 for switching on electricity to the engine heater. Calculated time required for heating a connected car is referred to as time window S and covers a certain time period immediately before the current stopping time, at least 60 minutes and at most 4 hours. The method means that any weather change is parried by changing the delayed time window accordingly.

The engine heater is activated for a longer period of time in cold weather, and a shorter period of time in milder weather. For calculation of the time window, tmv the following fonnel is used: tm¿v = -7.2 x T + 60, where gut., The time is in minutes, T = ambient temperature measured in degrees Celsius The timer is interlocked to calculate a time window according to the fonnel in a temperature range from 0 ° C down to -25 ° C. At temperatures of 0 ° C and above, a time window of 60 minutes is obtained. It will be appreciated that at even higher temperatures, e.g. 10 ° C is enough for a shorter time and the hour can of course be locked to also specify a shorter time window, but to also offer comfort with a heated compartment, the minimum active time has been set to 60 minutes. At a temperature of -25 ° C and below, a time window of 4 hours is obtained. The table below gives examples of the length of the time window in relation to the ambient temperature at a few different temperatures: Table 1, Time of the window d at different temperatures T (° C) 0 -5 -15 -25 tamv (min) 60 96 178 240 The time control means can of course is regulated to instead register the ambient temperature and calculate the time window in a non-continuous manner, e.g. every ten minutes or as deemed appropriate.

At the time of the estimated start time, i.e. at the beginning of the time window, the timer switches on electricity to the female connector 8, which activates the engine heater connected to the timer.

When the stop time is reached, the timer switches off the electricity. The user can ride from there with a heated engine.

The timer also includes a function to temporarily extend the stop time without changing the preset stop time. This can be used if the user e.g. planning to work overtime or quit earlier than usual. The stop time fl is expressed in steps, e.g. in 15 minutes, up to a maximum of 3 hours, after which the sequence starts again from the originally preset time. Moving Stop Time fl clears the entire time window for the upcoming engine warm-up. 20 25 30 35 533 990 If the user forgets to unplug the engine heater cord before departure, the location of the female connector and the fact that the timer is movably suspended contribute to the engine heater cord connector being pulled out of the timer without any risk of damaging the timer cover. Demia's latter function ensures that no live components are exposed.

Preferably, the timer also comprises a position sensor 17 which shields if the female contact 8 of the clock is substantially vertically directed downwards, i.e. if an imaginary center axis of the female connector coincides with the vertical line L. This constitutes an additional safety function and works in such a way that the position sensor temporarily switches off the power to the female connector if the center axis deviates by more than one preset angle a from the vertical line L (see fi Figure 4) by sending a signal to the microprocessor which sets the relay in the open position. Preferably the current is interrupted if the angle α exceeds 5 °, even more preferably more than 30 ° and most preferably the current is interrupted only when the angle u exceeds 45 °. When the timer returns to its correct position, the position sensor shields it and the power is turned on again. This function is primarily intended to prevent children who play with a suspended timer and try to put something in the female connector from getting hurt. Together with the design of the timer, this function ensures that the timer is not usable if for some reason it should get stuck in its power cord, ie. get hanging upside down.

The faculty realizes that the function magnetic unit + magnet sensor and position sensor can constitute complementary solutions.

Fig. 3 shows an example of using a timer according to the invention. A car 14 is parked in a parking lot at which a conventional engine heater post 23 is available. A suspension device (not shown) for a timer according to the invention is mounted on the engine heater pole. A timer 1 is freely suspended on said suspension device and a male connector belonging to an engine heater cable 17 is connected to said female connector 8 of said timer.

Fig. 4 shows a timer 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein said timer 4 is suspended substantially vertically on a suspension device 24. The simplest device is the suspension device made of a conventional hook made of a magnetic material.

Preferably, however, the suspension device is given a design which allows a stable mounting on an engine heater post at the same time as the suspension device can accommodate a magnetic unit which can be sensed by the hour's magnetic field sensor when the hour is suspended correctly. the holder of an engine heater pole, e.g. an employer, can thus, by providing a timer to a user, ensure the efficient use of electricity and thereby minimize unnecessary consumption of electricity. In the case where the timer comprises a magnetic field sensor, a suspension device is arranged with a magnetic unit, which magnetic unit in the case of a timer is correctly placed on said suspension device sends a signal thereon to the microprocessor which in turn regulates a relay to a switched-on position. Preferably, the use of the timer requires some form of login. For example, it could be a pin code that the individual user selects or is assigned, or a code that can be common to employees in a workplace. To stimulate the user to use the timer, private use can be encouraged by providing an additional suspension device which the user mounts at home, ie. a win-win situation. It is understood that holders of electrical connections that already regulate the consumption of electricity through e.g. a time limit achieves additional benefits with the inventive hour because unnecessary consumption of electricity is eliminated thanks to the temperature control. It is also conceivable to permanently provide an electric pole with a timer by locking the door when the timer is connected to the electrical socket so that access to the contacts is prevented and the user must connect via the timer.

The invention also provides a method for heating an engine of a motor vehicle and using a timer according to the invention in regulating the withdrawal of electricity from an electrical outlet, preferably at an engine heater pole. The method comprises the steps of detecting a time (S1), i.e. stop time when said engine is desired to be heated, detect a temperature (T) in the environment in which the vehicle is located, calculate a time window (roof fi v) based on the prevailing temperature, ie. the time required to warm up the engine, based on said stop time and said time window, calculate a start time for switching on electricity (S0) to an engine heater of said motor vehicles, and at said time for switching on electricity supply an engine heater of said vehicle with electricity . Furthermore, the method also includes the step of striking at said stop time. from the electricity supply to said engine heater.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS The invention is not limited by what has been described above, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. It will be appreciated, for example, that the described timers need not be specifically intended to be used in conjunction with an engine heater, but also in other contexts where it is appropriate to regulate the consumption of electricity in dependence on the prevailing temperature. For example, in some cases it may be appropriate to have heated a room or a house at a certain time, which would be feasible by means of said timer connected to an electrical element or the like. It is further understood that the timer can be used with an air conditioner where it is desired to cool a space at a certain time.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the application area, the timer is provided in the hour with an adapted formula for calculating a correct time window for the desired action.

It is conceivable to arrange a timer in connection with a public car park which could thereby also offer an opportunity for charging electricity for engine heaters. A system of this kind would provide an opportunity to reduce emissions due to cold starts that are otherwise difficult to avoid. Because the driver pays to be parked for a certain time, a stop time is obtained, ie. an expected time of departure. The driver can then choose to also pay a fee for charging electricity to his engine heater and connect his engine heater cable in hours that in the manner described above ensures that the car's engine is heated when the parking time expires. In a similar way, it is possible to offer the opportunity to "refuel" electricity for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which would mean that special filling stations for these vehicles are not needed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if the timer is to be used for hybrid vehicles, the microprocessor needs to be provided with a special program therefore with a calculation formula adapted thereto. In order not to overload the engine heater pole, electricity will need to be supplied for a longer period of time so that the car's battery can be charged before the engine warms up.

It is understood that the timer can be given a different shape than the one described here, but it should be designed so that the female contact is protected against penetrating moisture. The suspension device and the timer bracket can of course be varied. For example, form-fitting suspension devices, such as male / female brackets, can be used. In the event that the safety function with a magnetic sensing is not requested, it will be appreciated that the timer can instead be provided with a bracket of another type, for example a loop for hanging the timer on one of the side mirrors. Furthermore, it is understood that the timer can be placed in a holder that protects against moisture and moisture. Such an embodiment probably means that the timer will be fixedly positioned where the safety friction with switching off the current when the timer is tilted cannot be achieved. Furthermore, it is understood that the invention comprises equivalent solutions to the mentioned function with the position sensor. For example. For example, the position sensor may be arranged to send a signal to the timing means if the angle of the female contact exceeds the specified angle, which instead interrupts the power supply to the female contact. 10 533 990 12 The specialist arm further realizes that it is conceivable to integrate a timer with an engine heater cable. For example, the timer can be an integrated unit for the female connector of the engine heater cable, ie. the plug that connects to the car's engine heat socket. This should require that the car's engine heater socket is designed to withstand the torque caused by the weight of the timer. Of course, it will be appreciated that the timer can be made smaller and designed in a manner that reduces torque. Furthermore, the engine heater cable can be permanently connected to the timer which nevertheless comprises a bracket or some form of suspension device which allows the timer to be suspended in a manner previously described.

Furthermore, it is understood that the reported design of the approximate control buttons 3-6 should only be regarded as exemplary. It is conceivable that the setting of stop time and real-time clock may have separate control buttons, or that the operation may take place with the aid of a touchpad or the like.

Claims (1)

A microprocessor controlled timer (1) arranged to control a mains connection, said timer comprising a temperature sensor (20) which is arranged to register ambient temperature (T) and a control device which is arranged to depending on from the temperature sensor (20) indicated temperature (T) activating a mains connection, characterized in that it also comprises a position sensor (17) which senses whether a female contact (8) of the timer is directed substantially vertically downwards and sends a signal thereof to said time control means whereby electric supply to the female contact (8) of said timer is made possible. Microprocessor-controlled timer according to claim 1, characterized in that said control device comprises a time control means which can be set to switch off the electricity supply at a predetermined stop time (S1). . Microprocessor controlled timer according to claim 2, characterized in that said timing means is arranged to calculate a time window (tmiv) from the set stop time (S1) based on the temperature specified by said temperature sensor (20), said time window comprising the time immediately before the predetermined stop time (S1). Microprocessor-controlled timer according to claim 3, characterized in that it activates the mains connection at a time corresponding to the beginning of said calculated time toner (ma). Microprocessor-controlled timer according to claim 2, characterized in that said time control means comprises a software arranged to calculate the time window (tmv) for heating an engine, preferably an engine of a passenger car. Microprocessor-controlled timer according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged to be placed on a suspension device (24) in connection with a parking space with access to an electrical outlet. Microprocessor controlled timer according to claim 6, characterized in that said suspension device (24) comprises a unit which generates a magnetic field and that the timer comprises a magnetic field sensor (21) which shields the magnetic tent in case the timer is placed on said suspension device and transmits a signal 10 533 990 14 therefor to said timing means thereby enabling power supply to a female contact (8) of said timer. Microprocessor-controlled timer according to claim 2, characterized in that the use of said timer requires some form of identification, preferably in the form of a personal pin code, in order to be able to set and / or select a stop time (S1). A method for heating an engine of a motor vehicle with a timer (1) according to any one of claims 1-8 comprising the steps of: a) detecting a time (S1), so-called stop time, when said engine is desired to be heated, b) detect a temperature (T) in the environment in which the vehicle is located 1, c) based on the prevailing temperature (T) calculate a time window (roof fi v) ie. the time required to warm up the engine, d) based on said stop time and said time window, calculate a start time for switching on electricity (S0) to an engine heater of said motor vehicle, e) at said time for switching on electricity provide an engine heater of said vehicle with electricity, characterized in that it also comprises the step of detecting a position of the female contact (8) of said timer and in case the female contact is directed substantially vertically downwards the step of supplying electricity to the female contact during the time of switching on of electricity (S0) to the time of switching off electricity (S1). A method of heating an engine of a motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: f) at said stopping time (S1) switching off the power supply to said engine heater. A method of heating an engine of a motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said time window (gm) comprises a continuous period of time immediately before said stopping time. Use of a timer according to one of claims 1 to 8 for regulating the outlet of electricity fi than an electrical outlet, preferably at an engine heater pole (23).