DE102004003121A1 - Electric circuit arrangement for household appliances has two circuit loops which can be timed to be switched on at different times by a specially adapted integral control circuit, preferably ASIC - Google Patents

Abstract

The electric circuitry has an arrangement containing switches (S1,S2,S3,S4) and on/off buttons (D1,D2,D3,D4) which can be switched on through screw tension and simultaneously turn on the switches. Each switch has a permanent magnet (M1,M2,M3,M4) which keeps it in its resting position and a spring release screw (F1,F2,F3,F4) whose spring tension is sufficient to keep it there. Each magnet has an electro-magnet(E1,E2,E3,E4) which when excited weakens the permanent magnetic field enabling the screw to turn the switch from resting to base position. It uses an integral control circuit (A1) in form of a microchip containing timer connected to the current enabling at least two different running times to be programed.

Description

the The invention relates to an electrical circuit for household appliances for carrying out time-dependent Functions according to the generic term of claim 1.

From the DE 101 63 194 A1 an electromechanical tap changer with time-controlled functions is known. It contains a switch which can be switched from a basic position to a holding position by a manually operated control element, the switch then being held in the holding position by a permanent magnet. A spring pushes the switch in the direction from the holding position into the basic position, but its spring force is not sufficient to switch the switch against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. Only when an electromagnet counteracting the permanent magnetic field is excited is the spring force sufficient to return the switch from the holding position to the basic position. The switch is designed as a push button switch. A toggle switch that works according to the same functional principle is from the DE 198 02 332 A1 known.

the end in practice are ovens with electric heating and with an electronic circuit for the Setting and the sequence of cooking processes in the oven cavity known. The same electronic circuit can be used to switch on and off a cleaning function in the oven compartment. Such a cleaning function is known, for example, under the name "easy clean". Here the floor of the baking chamber is slightly recessed, so that a Operator cleaning fluid can be poured manually onto the oven floor. The operator can then switch on a cleaning program on the oven display. That A program that is switched on is indicated by the lighting up of a lamp. The heating is switched off after a predetermined heating period. After a further period of time, the light is switched off automatically. Furthermore, an acoustic signal can be used to inform an operator be provided that the dirt particles are now softened and can be wiped out manually from the oven floor. This cleaning function the oven is an additional function in addition to its usual one time-dependent Functions such as baking, roasting, grilling and the like. Inexpensive ovens and other inexpensive home appliances, however, do not contain electronic ones Circuit for time-dependent Functions. Therefore, with such inexpensive devices, the Installation of additional functions such as those mentioned The cleaning function is technically too complex or too expensive.

By the invention is to achieve the object, a constructive simple and inexpensive option to create through which also for inexpensive household appliances, which do not contain an electronic circuit with time functions, time-dependent Additional functions are provided without an expensive electronic circuit can be for example the mentioned cleaning of the baking chamber.

These The object is achieved according to the invention the features of claim 1 solved.

Further Features of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

the The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments described as examples. Show in the drawings

1 schematically an electrical circuit according to the invention with actuating elements in the form of actuating buttons, all elements being shown in the non-actuated position,

2 the circuit of 1 in another switch position,

3 the circuit of 2 in another switch position,

4th the circuit of 3 in another switch position,

5 the circuit of 4th in another switch position,

6th the circuit of 3 in a reset switch position for premature termination of a program timed by the circuit,

7th schematically a further embodiment of an electrical circuit according to the invention with actuating elements in the form of actuating buttons,

8th schematically a further embodiment of an electrical circuit according to the invention in one 2 corresponding switch position,

9 the circuit of 8th in a 3 corresponding switch position,

10 the circuit of 8th in a 4th corresponding switch position,

11 the circuit of 8th in a 5 corresponding switch position,

12th the circuit of 8th in a 6th corresponding switch position,

13th one 7th corresponding circuit according to the invention, but with a rotatable and retractable toggle as the actuating element, all parts being in an initial position and no functions can be activated, since the toggle is in a retracted (advanced) position,

14th another switch position of the toggle from 13th , the toggle being in a protruding (moved back) position so that the functions described with reference to the other figures can be set on it, with the exception of a reset function,

15th the circuit of 13th and 14th in a 6th corresponding reset switch position in which the toggle is in an axial intermediate position.

the The invention relates to the use of at least one application-specific trained integrated circuit with an integrated timer in the form of a microchip, preferably one or more ASIC microchips, which has a timer to carry out of time-dependent Contains functions, in combination with at least two switches, which can be set manually in a certain switching position (e.g. on or off) can be moved and by signals from the ASIC microchip in an opposite switch position (e.g. Off or On) are switchable. The ones shown in the drawings and Embodiments described below of the invention are only examples, without the invention being imposed upon it limited is. For example, can the switches changeover switch, changeover switch, step switch or others be known species. They preferably contain two electrical ones Contacts, which alternatively by means of an electrically conductive contact bridge can be connected to one another or separated from one another.

D1

Betätigungstaste zur gleichzeitigen Betätigung der Schalter S1 und S2

D2

Resettaste zur Betätigung des Reset-Schalters RS

M1

erster Dauermagnet für Schalter S1

M2

zweiter Dauermagnet für Schalter S2

S1

ein erster Schalter für einen ersten elektrischen Verbraucher R1 in einem ersten Stromkreis SK1

S2

ein zweiter Schalter für einen zweiten elektrischen Verbraucher R2 in einem zweiten Stromkreis SK1

R1

erster Verbraucher, z. B. eine erste Signalleuchte, z. B. eine LED, im ersten Stromkreis SK1

R2

zweiter Verbraucher, z. B. ein elektrisches Heizelement, im zweiten Stromkreis SK2

RS

Reset-Schalter

E1

erster Elektromagnet zur temporären Reduzierung der Wirkung des ersten Dauermagneten M1

E2

zweiter Elektromagnet zur temporären Reduzierung der Wirkung des zweiten Dauermagneten M2

F1

erste Rückstellfeder für den ersten Schalter S1

F2

zweite Rückstellfeder für den zweiten Schalter S2

A1

ASCI, d. h. eine anwendungsspezifisch ausgebildete integrierte Schaltung (application-specific integrated circuit) in Form eines Mikrochips, welche einen Timer (Zeitgeber, Taktgeber) für mehrere zeitabhängige Funktionen enthält SK1 erster Stromkreis

SK2

zweiter Stromkreis

2

Anschlussvorrichtung zum Anschluss an ein ortsübliches Stromnetz (oder an eine andere Strom- oder Spannungsquelle)

4

Signalspannungsquelle

The ones in the 1 until 6th Electrical circuit shown in various switching positions according to a first embodiment according to the invention contains the following elements:

D1

Actuator button for simultaneous actuation of switches S1 and S2

D2

Reset button for actuating the reset switch RS

M1

first permanent magnet for switch S1

M2

second permanent magnet for switch S2

S1

a first switch for a first electrical load R1 in a first circuit SK1

S2

a second switch for a second electrical load R2 in a second circuit SK1

R1

first consumer, e.g. B. a first signal light, e.g. B. an LED in the first circuit SK1

R2

second consumer, e.g. B. an electrical heating element in the second circuit SK2

RS

Reset switch

E1

first electromagnet for temporarily reducing the effect of the first permanent magnet M1

E2

second electromagnet for temporarily reducing the effect of the second permanent magnet M2

F1

first return spring for the first switch S1

F2

second return spring for the second switch S2

A1

ASCI, ie an application-specific integrated circuit in the form of a microchip which contains a timer for several time-dependent functions SK1 first circuit

SK2

second circuit

2

Connection device for connection to a local power grid (or to another current or voltage source)

4th

Signal voltage source

In the following description of the invention, it is assumed that the electrical (overall) circuit is used to carry out a cleaning process in an oven, in which dirt on the oven floor is softened by an operator putting some cleaning liquid on the oven floor, then pressing button D1 presses to thereby simultaneously switch on the heating element R2 for heating the oven floor and the water and also the first signal light R1. After a predetermined heating-up time of, for example, 4 minutes, the heating element R2 is automatically switched off. The first signal light R1 remains switched on for a further dirt softening time of, for example, 17 minutes and is only then switched off automatically. This enables the operator to recognize the end of the soaking time and can now manually remove the softened dirt on the baking chamber floor. In the inte In the integrated circuit of the ASIC A1, the time of 4 minutes and a time of 21 minutes (21 - 4 = 17) from the time the device was switched on are saved.

The first circuit SK1 contains the first switch S1, which is, for example, an on-off switch (or an off-on switch), the first signal lamp R1 and the signal voltage source 4th . The signal voltage source 4th is preferably a low voltage source and can be a DC voltage source or an AC voltage source. According to another embodiment, the first signal light R1 can also be of a type that can be connected to a local power grid. In this case, the signal voltage source is an electrical connection to the local power grid.

The second circuit SK2 contains the second switch S2, preferably an on-off switch, and the at least one heating element R2 and a mains voltage connection 10 , 11 to which the heating element R2 can be connected via the second switch S2.

A return spring, e.g. B. a bias spring 6th . The actuation buttons D1 and D2 are operated by an operator against the biasing spring 6th from the in 1 The basic position shown can be moved into an actuating position, and after the manual actuation force has ceased to be automatically moved back into the basic position by the spring force. The preload spring 6th is for example a compression spring in the form of a helical spring.

The first actuation button D1 is arranged for the simultaneous actuation of both switches S1 and S2 of the two circuits SK1 and SK2. By manually pressing the first actuation button D1 from its in 1 home position shown in 2 The actuation position shown are both switches S1 and S2 of the two circuits SK1 and SK2 at the same time from their in 1 basic position shown (first switch position), preferably an off position, in its in 2 Holding position shown (second switch position), preferably an on position switchable. A permanent magnet M1 or M2 holding it in the holding position is provided for the first switch S1 and the second switch S2, as well as a return spring F1 or F2 which pushes it back in the direction of the basic position, but whose spring force is not sufficient, the switch S1 or S2 to switch from the holding position to the basic position against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet M1 or M2. Only when an electromagnetic field is generated by exciting the associated electromagnet E1 or E2, which counteracts the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet M1 or M2, is the force of the return spring F1 or F2 sufficient to move its switch S1 or S2 from the holding position to the Switch to the basic position, and then hold it in this basic position against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet even if the electromagnet E1 or E2 is then switched off again.

The ASIC microchip A1 (application-specific integrated circuit with a timer) is for connection to a local power supply 2 (or to another current or voltage source) and is designed or programmable for at least two different program runtimes, which are triggered by a start signal at a start signal input 14th can be started together at the same time. The start signal input 14th receives a start signal when the control element, here in the form of the actuation button D1, is manually moved from the basic position of 1 in the actuation position of 2 is brought. For this purpose, the signal line 16 for example, according to the drawings, it can be connected to the first circuit SK1 (or the second circuit SK2), or to a further switch which can be actuated by the actuation button D1.

The ASIC microchip A1 has at least as many power connections 21st , 22nd as defined in it runtimes, with each power connection 21st and 22nd a different running time is assigned, so that when a certain running time has elapsed, an electrical voltage is only applied to the relevant power connection 21st or 22nd is present. The one power connection 21st of the ASIC microchip is connected to the electromagnet E1 of the first switch S1, and the other power connection 22nd of the ASIC microchip A1 is connected to the electromagnet E2 of the second switch S2.

1 shows all switches S1, S2 and RS as well as all actuation buttons D1 and D2 in their basic position. All three switches S1, S2 and RS are in the off position (open position).

According to 2 the first actuation button D1 was pressed and the program stored in the ASIC microchip A1 was started (in the present case, for example, a cleaning program for the oven). By manually pressing the first actuation button D1, both circuits SK1 and SK2 have been closed. The R1 signal light now lights up, indicating that the program is running.

3 shows the operating state after the manual operating force has been removed from the first operating button D1 so that it is released from its biasing spring 6th was moved back from the actuated position to the basic position. in the ASIC microchip A1 runs the stored program.

4th shows the operating state in which after the specified first time t1 stored in the ASIC microchip of z. B. 4 minutes, an electrical voltage was applied to the second electromagnet E2 via the ASIC microchip. As a result, the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet M2 was weakened to such an extent that the second return spring F2 opened the second switch S2 again. As a result, the consumer, in this case the heating element R2, was switched off. The signal light R1 in the first circuit SK1 is still switched on and thus indicates that the program in the ASIC microchip A1 is still running.

5 shows the operating state when, after another predetermined second time t2 stored in the ASIC microchip A1 of z. B. 21 minutes, ie 17 minutes longer than t1, an electrical voltage was applied to the first electromagnet E1 via the ASIC microchip A1. As a result, the electromagnetic field has weakened the permanent magnetic field of the first permanent magnet M1 to such an extent that the first switch S1 is opened by the first return spring F1. This switched off the signal light L1. This ends the program.

As 6th shows, the program can also be terminated prematurely by an operator manually pressing the reset button D2 and thus actuating the reset switch RS of the ASIC microchip A1, for example from an off position (switch open) to the in 6th on position shown (switch closed). As a result, an electrical voltage is given to all electromagnets E1 and E2 via the ASIC microchip A1, so that all switches S1 and S2 of the circuits SK1 and SK2 are opened by their return springs F1 and F2, respectively. The program is hereby also ended.

Instead of of the heating element R1 and / or the signal lamp R1 can also other consumers of ovens or other household appliances time-dependent corresponding to one in the integrated circuit of the microchip A1 stored program. Examples are consecutive in time Running baking, roasting, grilling, keeping warm and similar functions of ovens. However can in similar Way time-dependent Functions, for example, also cooking functions of a hotplate or Washing functions of a washing machine or drying programs from Clothes dryers be.

With a single ASIC A1 microchip can also handle programs with more can be implemented as two time stages (t1, t2).

7th shows, for example, a doubling of the electrical circuit of 1 using a single ASIC microchip A1. There is a second arrangement of two circuits SK3 and SK4, each with a further switch S3 and S4, which both together by a third actuator D3, z. B. a push button, can be operated manually. Furthermore, a return spring F3 or F4, a permanent magnet M3 or M4, and an electromagnet E3 or E4 counteracting the permanent magnetic field are provided for each further switch S3, S4, each of which is connected to a further power connection 23 respectively. 24 are connected to the same ASIC microchip A1. The third switch S3 and the fourth switch S4 interact with these F3, M3, E3 and F4, M4, E4 in the same way as was described with reference to the first two switches S1 and S2.

Of the third switch S3 is in series with the third circuit SK3 a third consumer R3, e.g. B. again a signal light, z. B. an LED. The fourth switch S4 is in the fourth circuit SK4 in series with a fourth consumer R4, for example again a heating element.

In 7th control the elements of the first two circuits SK1 and SK2 two consumers R1 and R2, which require different operating times; and the elements of the two other circuits SK3 and SK4 control two consumers R3 and R4, which require different operating times. Two or more identical operating times or switch-off times can be provided. The electrical circuit can be designed in such a way that the two circuits SK1 and SK2 cannot be activated simultaneously with the other two circuits SK4 and SK5. As a result, for example, the fourth circuit SK4 can be used to heat a baking chamber for a baking, roasting, grilling or other heat treatment process, the sequence of which is displayed simultaneously or with a time delay by the third consumer, ie the signal light R3 of the third circuit SK3. The first two circuits SK1 and SK2 can either be used for a cleaning program, as described with reference to the 1 until 6th has been described, or to control a further time-dependent program stage of a baking, roasting, grilling or other heat treatment process in the baking chamber. Correspondingly multi-stage program sequences can of course also be controlled in an analogous manner in other household appliances. The third consumer R3 could be a further electrical heating element instead of a signal light.

For all circuits SK1, SK2, SK3 and SK4 there is the possibility of providing a single reset button D2, as z. B. 7th shows.

the 8th until 12th show a further embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment of FIG 1 until 6th only differs in that no actuation button (D1, D2, D3) is provided as the actuation element, but a toggle that replaces all of the actuation buttons 30th , which is rotatably and preferably also arranged to be retractable. It has a middle basic position (zero position), from where it can alternatively be rotated manually to the left or to the right into an actuating position, whereby it can be automatically moved back into the basic position by a return spring (not shown) after the manual actuation force has ceased to exist. The gag 30th forms a rotary switch with switches S1, S2, S3 and RS (and possibly other switches). The basic position of the toggle is a middle position. The return spring of the toggle 30th has a resilient stop through which the toggle 30th automatically jumps back into the basic position when the manual actuation force is removed.

The switch position of 8th corresponds to the switch position of 2 .

The switch position of 9 corresponds to the switch position of 3 .

The switch position of 10 corresponds to the switch position of 4th .

The switch position of 11 corresponds to the switch position of 5 .

The switch position of 12th corresponds to the switch position of 6th .

The embodiment of the 13th corresponds to the embodiment and position of the elements of 7th , with the exception that the actuating element is not formed by several buttons (D1, D2, D3), but by a single toggle 30th , which is arranged to be rotatable and axially displaceable and is automatically turned back by a return spring (not shown) into a rotary basic position (rotary central position) when a manual actuation force is removed. It can alternatively be turned to the right or to the left against a return spring (not shown).

By extending the toggle 30th in the in 14th The operating position shown, the functions for the first and second circuits SK1 and SK2 as well as the functions for the third and fourth circuits SK3 and SK4 are released for use. When the lever is turned 30th to the left, for example, the cleaning function of the first two circuits SK1 and SK2 is activated, which with reference to the 1 until 6th has been described. By turning the toggle 30th to the right, the third and fourth circuits SK3 and SK4 can be activated, for example a heating element R4 and a signal lamp R3 of a cooking stage (heat treatment, such as cooking, roasting, grilling). As soon as the gag 30th is released manually, it jumps back to the basic turning position (middle position). With the gag sunk, like this 13th shows, none of the circuits SK1, SK2, SK3 and SK4 can be activated.

After extending the toggle 30th from a control panel 32 according to 14th the functions of the electrical circuit can be used out. The functional sequence is identical to that of the described embodiments according to the 1 until 12th . The consumer R4 for the cooking level preheats for a certain time; during the rest of the time, only the R3 signal light is on. The positions of switches S1, S2, S3 and S4 correspond to in 13th the switch positions of 7th .

As 15th shows can by countersinking the toggle 30th the reset switch RS can be actuated so that the ASIC microchip A1 supplies electrical voltage to all electromagnets E1, E2, E3, E4. As a result, the electromagnetic field from all electromagnets E1, E2, E3 and E4 counteracts the permanent magnetic fields of the permanent magnets M1, M2, M3 or M4 so strongly that the return springs F1, F2, F3 or F4 (e.g. helical compression springs) counteract them Move assigned switches S1, S2, S3 and S4 back to the basic positions, e.g. B. Open, which closes all programs.

the Function of the two circuits SK1 and SK2 on the one hand and the function of the other two circuits SK3 and SK4 on the other hand can be mutually exclusive be locked. When pressed one of these functions is about the ASIC microchip A1 electrical voltage to the electromagnet of the other circuits in question and thus those there Switch open.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the preloading spring or return spring of the actuating element can be omitted. Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating element can be mechanically connected to one of the switches S1-S4 for joint movement; in this case one of the two springs is sufficient 6th or return spring F1-F4.

Claims (9)

Electrical circuit for performing two or more time-dependent functions, marked characterized by at least a first arrangement of at least two switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) and an actuating element (D1, D2, D3, D4), which can be moved from a basic position to an actuating position against a spring force for simultaneous switching of the switches from a basic position to a holding position, a permanent magnet (M1, M2, M3, M4) holding it in the holding position and a return spring (F1, F2, F3, F4) whose spring force is sufficient to hold the switch (S1-S4) against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet (M1-M4) in the basic position, but whose spring force is insufficient, the switch (S1-S4) against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet (M1-M4) to switch from the holding position to the basic position, and each permanent magnet (M1-M4) is assigned an electromagnet (E1, E2, E3, E4), when excited, the permanent magnetic field is weakened so strongly that d The return spring (F1-F4) can switch the associated switch (S1-S4) from the holding position to the basic position, further characterized by an application-specific integrated circuit (A1) in the form of a microchip, which contains a timer and for connection to a power source is designed, with at least two different running times of the timer being integrated or programmable in the integrated circuit (A1), which are determined by a start signal at a start signal input ( 14th ) of the integrated circuit (A1) can be started, and the integrated circuit (A1) has at least as many power connections ( 21st , 22nd , 23 , 24 ) shows how integrated or programmable run times are available, whereby the power connections ( 21st , 22nd , 23 , 24 ) are each assigned to a different run time, so that when a run time expires, an electrical voltage is only applied to the relevant power connection ( 21st , 22nd , 23 , 24 ) is present, whereby the start signal input ( 14th ) via a signal line ( 16 ) receives a start signal when the actuating element (D1, D2, D3, D4) is moved into the actuating position. Electrical circuit according to Claim 1, characterized in that each power connection ( 21st , 22nd , 23 , 24 ) is connected to another of the electromagnets (E1-E4) to excite it at the end of the respective running time until the respective switch (S1-S4) is moved from the holding position to the basic position by the spring force of the return spring (F1-F4) has been switched. Electrical circuit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized marked that the application-specific trained integrated Circuit (A1) is an ASIC microchip. Electrical circuit according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the actuating element is a push button (D1, D2, D3, D4). Electrical circuit according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating element ( 30th ) is a rotatable toggle. Electrical circuit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application-specifically designed integrated circuit contains a reset part, upon activation of which the power connections ( 21st , 22nd , 23 , 24 ) receive electrical voltage to excite the electromagnets (E1-E4), and that a manually operated reset element (D2, 30th ) is provided to activate the reset part of the integrated circuit (A1). Electrical circuit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the reset element is part of the actuating element ( 30th ) and that the actuating element can be moved into a reset position together with the reset element. Electrical circuit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one second arrangement of at least one circuit (SK3, SK4) each containing one consumer (R3, R4), one further switch (S3, S4) and a manually operated actuating element (D3) , 30th ) as in the first arrangement for actuating this further switch or these further switches (S3, S4), this further switch or these further switches (S3, S4) each having a return spring (F3, F4), a permanent magnet (M3, M4) and an electromagnet (E3, E4) and connected to one or more power connections ( 23 , 24 ) of the integrated circuit (A1) are electrically connected, these further power connections ( 23 , 24 ) different running times of the timer are assigned, at the end of which electrical voltage is applied to the relevant power connection to excite the relevant electromagnet (E3, E4). Electrical circuit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the household appliance is an oven or contains an oven, that at least one of the switches (S2, S4) is in an electrical circuit (SK2, SK4) which is used as a consumer (R1- R4) contains at least one electrical heating element for the oven, so that the heating element is switched on when the switch (S1-S4) is closed; and that at least one other of the switches (S1, S3) is in an electrical circuit (SK1, SK3) which contains an electrical signal element as a consumer (R1, R3) so that the signal element is turned on when the switch (S1, S3) is closed is switched.