EP0621520A2 - Time switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Time switch, having a time-of-day display device (DA) for minutes and hours and, if required, days of the week, and having an electronic clock control circuit (CLC) with programme selectors (SOO-SMN), which are arranged in a manner continuously assigned to successive time intervals and can be brought mechanically into an on position and an off position and the programme selector of which (SOO-SMN) corresponding to the respectively current time displayed in the display device (DA) indirectly controls an output switch (AS). The clock control circuit (CLC) emits interrogation signals (AO-AM), which are individually assigned to the time intervals and of which at least one is fed to the programme selectors (SOO-SMN), which are respectively connected, combined via a space multiplex and/or time multiplex circuit, to at least one input (EO-EN) on the clock control circuit (CLC), which controls the output switch (AS) in accordance with the switch position respectively thus determined and in a manner assigned to the actual time interval. An alternative as a defrosting control clock is represented. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a time switch with a time display device for minutes and hours and with program switches, which are arranged according to successive time segments of a time range, in particular a day, and can be mechanically brought into an exhibition or an exhibition, and the program switch, which is assigned to the time segment in which the time displayed is located, its position is scanned and an output signal is output accordingly.

Such a multiple-appointment switching device is known from DE 29 04 744 C2. In this case, an arrangement of sector-shaped program sliders, each of which can be moved into one of two positions, is clearly arranged around a clock face, which correspondingly bring the associated program switch contacts into an off or on position. These switch contacts are scanned by a query contact which rotates synchronously with the hour hand and which accordingly outputs an output signal to a signal device when the switch contact is in the switched-on position. There are free spaces between the individual program switch contacts, so that the output signal is also interrupted in each case when program switch contacts are switched on in adjacent sectors. This switching device is therefore not suitable as a time switch. In addition, there is constant contact wear at the Scanning on, and the motor drive of the scanning contact requires relatively high electrical power.

Furthermore, a time switch is known from DE 20 41 356 A1, which is equipped with sectorally arranged 2-position slides. In front of these slides, an interrogation contact rotates driven by the clockwork, which bridges in the areas of ring-shaped contact paths in which one of the 2-position slides is in the setting, i.e. it projects into the interrogation contact orbit. This gives rise to an output signal on the contact tracks, which is only loaded with a relay to protect the contact tracks during sliding contact while the clockwork continues to run, the contact connections of which are freely usable to the outside. As a result, there is only a low switching voltage and switching power at the contact arrangement, the contact tracks of which are produced in a rational manner as a printed circuit. The advantage of the mechanical-electrical time switch is a simple program entry and a clear program display; Disadvantages are the presence of a gearbox that is subject to wear and the rotating switching disk, as well as the resulting relatively high power requirement, which requires special precautions to keep the time and restore the timely mechanical query during or after a power failure.

Furthermore, from J. Koch and S. Gandhi: "Connection of a keyboard and display to a microcomputer system" in: Siemens technical communications from the component area, pp. 1 to 20, known with a programmed microprocessor circuit key contacts are linked to a matrix contact arrangement, to be controlled in line with the time division multiplex with interrogation signals and to be connected in columns with inputs of the microprocessor circuit which evaluates the input signals which occur on the basis of the interrogation signals in each case according to a position of an associated pushbutton contact. With this matrix circuit, in which the key contacts directly bridge a row line with a column line, it is only possible to identify a number of key contacts that are closed at the same time to a very limited extent, since inferences indicate only key contacts that are apparently pressed. This electronic interrogation circuit cannot therefore be used for any programmable time switch in which numerous contacts are generally closed at the same time.

It is an object of the invention to make the time switch initially described completely wear-free.

The solution to the problem is that an electronic digital clock control circuit supplies the specified time segments with interrogation signals to the program switches, the programmed mechanical positions of which are electrically closed or opened in accordance with their programmed mechanical positions and, if appropriate, via decoupling elements in a space and / or time division multiplex circuit, in particular . are linked in a shift register circuit, which either outputs the output signal directly on the output side or is connected on the input side to the clock control circuit which, in accordance with the program, determines and outputs the output signal from the respective multiplexer signals, which controls a relay with an output contact, the connections of which are freely accessible.

Advantageous refinements are specified in the subclaims.

In the electronic interrogation circuit, the program switch contacts are only subjected to low-power electronic signals, and the contacts are only mechanically actuated during a programming process which is generally very rare. Since the program switches remain in fixed positions even during ongoing operation, the program reading and setting is much easier than in the case of clocks in which the setting device continuously rotates with the time during the later query.

The current time is expediently shown on a digital display in a known manner, and a weekday display is also provided, since it is advantageously possible to convert a day timer to a week timer by exchanging the scales and operating a switch with little effort.

Instead of, or in addition to, a digit time display, a quasi-analog sector display can also be attached within the switch arrangement arranged in a circle, with the program, i.e. the switches actuated during programming are displayed and secondly the current time sector is to be identified by a flashing control.

An analog clock can also be used to display the time, since it is independent of the program query.

The arrangement of the program switches is preferably on provided a circle; however, a matrix arrangement of the switches or buttons can also be selected.

It has proven to be practical to provide a total of 96 switches in a circle, which are connected in 8 rows and 12 columns for a matrix query, so that 8 3-hour periods are divided into 12 1/4 hour periods. This same arrangement can also be used as a weekday switching arrangement by using the 12 columns in only 7 rows, so that 12 2-hour periods can be assigned to the 7 days of the week.

With a clear arrangement of the 96 switches on 98 sectors, there are two empty positions at the end when the day division is selected, and two empty positions are conveniently left between each day of the week when switching to the weekly division. The same structure can therefore be used, which is converted by a different, attachable scale carrier. It is advantageously provided to actuate a switch of the query functions by means of the one scale carrier, the switch position of which is queried by the control processor.

On the one hand, the program switch contacts can be queried expediently via a matrix circuit, in the link branches of which there is a resistor with a program contact or a diode with a program contact. The rows of the matrix are each individually supplied with an interrogation signal, and the column lines are connected to interrogation inputs of the electronic control circuit. In this way, all contact states can be determined by a corresponding time multiplex query.

When using decoupling resistors, it is necessary that those query line lines that do not carry the current time signal in each case are led to a fixed reference potential with low resistance, so that the effects are interrupted. The output signals on the column lines depend on the configuration of the respective switch setting, however, when a program contact is activated, a minimum voltage at the column output is exceeded, which has to be raised to the normal signal level by means of an amplifier. The creation of the contact arrangement and the decoupling resistors is extremely simple and inexpensive to carry out, since the accuracy and constancy of the resistors is of secondary importance and these can therefore be generated in simple pressure or vapor deposition technology on the printed circuit, which simultaneously form the contacts of the program switch serves.

The external circuit is simplified if only one column or row of the interrogation circuit is provided, since then decoupling elements are eliminated externally. The decoupling is achieved internally in the control circuit via a correspondingly large output or input multiplexer.

It is also an advantageous embodiment to arrange the decoupling elements of a control matrix together with the control and receiver circuits in one module, preferably in the same module that carries out the query and evaluation.

Another type of query is a very simple arrangement of a shift register, the Set inputs are connected to the individual program switches, which are controlled by a corresponding set signal, and a pulse chain of shift signals, which occur at the respective time sections, acts on the shift register, so that the current switch signal is immediately present at the output thereof, which is used to actuate the Relay with the externally led switching contact is used.

Since no motor control has to be carried out to query the contact, it is very simple to operate the circuit for bridging a power failure with a capacitor-buffered power supply unit, since the current requirement for the electronic clock circuit is extremely low and the clockwork does not have to be readjusted.

An advantageous embodiment of the time switch is equipped with at least one switch-on timer which controls the switch relay at the beginning of a time segment for a predefinable time in which a program switch is switched on. A relay controlled in this way is suitable for an exchange circuit, in which the compressor is switched off and a defrost heater is switched on at the selected times. In a further development, a second switch-on timer with a second switching relay is provided, which switches off the cooling system fan for the specified time, which is longer than the defrosting time, so that the cooler has already cooled down again, at the programmed times.

Fig. 1

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild einer Gesamtanordnung mit einer Matrixkontaktabfrage;

Fig. 2

zeigt schematisch die Anordnung der Progammschalter und Sektoranzeige bei Tagesbetrieb;

Fig. 3

zeigt einen Schaltungsausschnitt mit einer Schieberegisteranordnung;

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Matrixabfrageschaltung mit einer Widerstandsentkopplung;

Fig. 5

zeigt die Belegung der Sektoranordnung der Schalter oder Tasten im Wochenschaltbetrieb;

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Matrix für eine Tagesbetriebs-Schalter-Anordnung.

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Matrix für eine Wochenbetriebs-Schalteranordnung;

Fig. 8

zeigt eine 2-Kanal-Abtau-Schaltuhr.

Appropriate configurations are shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.

Fig. 1

shows a block diagram of an overall arrangement with a matrix contact query;

Fig. 2

shows schematically the arrangement of the program switch and sector display during daytime operation;

Fig. 3

shows a circuit section with a shift register arrangement;

Fig. 4

shows a matrix interrogation circuit with a resistance decoupling;

Fig. 5

shows the assignment of the sector arrangement of the switches or buttons in weekly switching mode;

Fig. 6

shows a matrix for a daytime switch arrangement.

Fig. 7

shows a matrix for a weekly operation switch arrangement;

Fig. 8

shows a 2-channel defrost timer.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram with the clock control circuit (CLC), which contains a microprogram control. The circuit is powered from the network (N) with a capacitor-buffered power supply (NT). An electronic quartz control circuit (Q) is provided as the time standard. The clock control circuit (CLC) controls a time-hour and minute display (DA) with digitally controllable sectors of known type and, if applicable, a weekday display (WA) with 7 display sections according to the current time. In a known manner, adjusting keys (ST) are available for setting the clock. In addition, the arrangement on the input side has a switch for manual and program operation. In manual mode, the permanent switch on or switch off is one of each select a total of three switch positions.

Furthermore, a changeover switch (US) is provided on the input side, which serves to reverse the switching between daytime and weekly operation and can be reversed with the scale carrier. On the output side, a relay (LR) is connected to the clock control circuit (CLC), the relay contact (AS) of which is led outside for any use. The relay (LR) can be a conventional electromechanical relay, a pulse relay or an electronic relay of a known type.

The contact matrix is only shown partially. N columns and M rows are provided, and the corresponding switching elements are provided with the relevant indices of the reference numbers. The clock control circuit (CLC) accordingly has M output lines as query lines (A0 - AM), each of which is connected on the one hand to a diode (D00 - D0N; - DMN), each in series with one of the program switch contacts (S00 - S0N; - SMN ) is connected, which in turn are connected in columns to the other contact side. The column lines (E0 - EN) are connected to corresponding inputs of the clock control circuit (CLC). In accordance with the assignment of the individual program switches to time segments, the query lines are acted upon individually according to the current time and the output signals on the input lines (E0 - EN) are evaluated one after the other. If the contact queried is closed, the switching relay (LR) is activated. In addition, a signal display can be controlled in parallel to the switching relay.

In an embodiment in which the time switch is provided as a defrost time switch, the switching relay (LR) and preferably a second switching relay (LR2) are only switched on for a predeterminable period from the times in which the time periods begin, their program switches (SOO - SMN) are switched on.

The switch-on times of the relays (LR, LR2) are contained in the associated switch-on time memories (T1, T2) and are compared in comparators (V1, V2) with the content of a time counter (T), the content of which is zero at the beginning of a programmed period . As long as the content of the time counter (T) is smaller than the comparison time in the switch-on time memories (T1, T2), the associated relays (LR, LR2) are switched on. The normally closed contact of the relay contact (AS) switches off the compressor (KP) and the normally open contact switches on the defrost heater (AH). The normally closed contact of the second switching relay (LR2) switches the radiator fan (KL) during the i.a. longer specified second switching time.

When the selector switch (SW) is switched to position I or II accordingly, the switch-on time memories (T1, T2) are counted up or down each time one of the control buttons (ST +, ST-) is pressed, with the counter reading on the time display (DA ) is displayed, which is caused by a corresponding switchover of the counter outputs with the selector switch position signals (I, II). The time of day counter is only switched to the display (DA) when the selector switch (SW) is in the basic position.

Figure 2 shows a circular arrangement of the sector-shaped program switch elements. A ring-shaped arrangement of display sectors can be arranged within the arrangement of the 96 keys, each of which is to be controlled in accordance with the setting of the switches or a previous key programming and / or for displaying the current time. Instead of or in addition to the analog sector display (SA), the digital time display (DA) and possibly a weekday display (WA) is placed in the middle of the switch arrangement. In addition to the program switches (S00 - SMN), the time and weekday buttons (ST) and the automatic manual mode switch (SW) are clearly arranged.

Figure 3 shows schematically simplified wiring of the program switch with a shift register (SR). The individual switch contacts (S00, S01 - SMN) are each connected to a position of the shift register (SR) at the set input. The clock control circuit (CLC) delivers a takeover pulse (BO) to the program switches and shift pulses (BS) for the shifting process. At the output of the shift register (SR), the signal is taken, which is led to an input (ES) of the clock control circuit and / or directly controls the relay (LR) via a suitable amplifier.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a matrix control of the program switches (S00 - SMN) by means of resistors (R00 - RMN) which are in series with the program control contacts. The output drivers of the row lines (A0 - AM), which are located in the clock control circuit (CLC), switch to one of two different voltage levels with low resistance. The column lines (E0 - EN) of the matrix are routed to amplifiers whose output signals are routed to the inputs of the clock control circuit (CLC).

Since, in the worst case, the voltage that is fed into the column line from the respective polling line via one of the matrix resistors can be divided down via the seven other resistors that are connected in parallel to the associated column line, the output signal is amplified at least 7 times advantageously provided in a switching amplifier, so that even in the worst case, the full signal occurs on the output side.

Figure 5 shows the assignment of the program switch in weekly switching mode. Two program switches are ineffective between the individual days of the week.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show row and column arrangements and scaling of the switches or buttons in day-time switching operation or in weekly switching operation, as well as an appropriate arrangement of the other display and operating elements.

Figure 8 shows a view of a defrost timer. In this case, 96 segment-shaped program switches (SOO - SMN) are arranged on a circle for 24 hours, ie one every 15 minutes. The current time or the set duty cycle is shown on the digital time display (DA). The setting buttons (ST +, ST-) are used to set the time or the duty cycle, whereby i. e the function of setting the duration and the operation by the respective position of the selector switch (WS) is specified in one of the positions which are correspondingly identified with I or II. This selector switch setting controls the assignment of the time display to the meters to be set.

Otherwise, the display in the switch position, which is marked with the clock symbol, is assigned to the time counter, and then its content is displayed.

The advantage of the novel arrangement of the contacts with electronic reading of their positions is, in particular, that the visual reading of the set program on the switches is just as simple and clear as with the known mechanical time switches, which is why no special thought work when reprogramming or reprogramming and later program control is required. However, this advantage is achieved without high engine load and battery load and therefore with little wear.

The defrost control, which is shown on the basis of a daily timer, must also be provided on a weekly timer. In the conventional defrosting devices, the time interval of 2 hours, which is provided in the block or circular switch arrangements shown here, is sufficient for switching on. In particular, the different day and night switch-on frequencies can be adequately taken into account, as well as the lower switch-on frequency on weekends, if the cooling area is then less frequented.

Claims (18)

Time switch, with a time display device (DA) for minutes and hours and with program switches (SOO-SMN), which are arranged according to successive time segments of a time range, in particular a day, and can be mechanically brought into an exhibition or an exhibition, and wherein that program switch (SOO-SMN), which is assigned to the time segment in which the respectively displayed time is, is scanned with regard to its position and an output signal is accordingly output,
characterized in that an electronic digital clock control circuit (CLC), each assigned to the time segments mentioned, supplies query signals (AO - AM, BO - BS) to the program switches (SOO - SMN), which are always electrically closed or opened in accordance with their programmed mechanical positions and, if necessary are linked via decoupling elements (ROO, RMN; DOO, DMN) in a space and / or time division multiplex circuit, in particular in a shift register circuit, which either outputs the output signal directly on the output side or is connected on the input side to the clock control circuit (CLC), which is programmed From the respective multiplexer signals, the output signal is determined and output, which controls a relay (LR) with an output contact (AS), the connections of which are freely accessible. Time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the program switches (S00 - SMN) each with one of the decoupling elements (R00 - RMN) in a matrix circuit which are connected in rows to the interrogation lines (A0 - AM) and are connected in columns to the inputs (E0 - EN) of the clock control circuit (CLC) and that the interrogation lines (A0 - AM) are acted upon individually in time division multiplex and the signals on the column lines (E0 - EN) in the clock control circuit (CLC) are evaluated in time multiplex, whereby the respective switching state of the individual program switches (S00 - SMN) is determined. Time switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the decoupling elements (R00 - RMN) are ohmic resistors and the interrogation signal on the interrogation line controlled in the multiplex each has a voltage which deviates from the voltage on the other interrogation lines, at least these other interrogation lines (A0 - AM) the program switch (S00 - SMN) is supplied with low resistance. Time switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective other interrogation lines (A0 - AM) which do not each carry the interrogation signal are connected to zero potential or to a supply voltage. Time switch according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the decoupling resistors (R00 - RMN) are produced in printed form. Time switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the decoupling elements (D00 - DMN) are diodes. Time switch according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the program switches (S00-SMN) are linked in rows in each case in 8 rows and the columns are linked in 12 columns and in one Daily time switch operation to which the 8 rows are each assigned 3-hour periods and the 12 columns are each assigned 1/4 hour periods. Time switch according to Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the program switches (S00 -SMN) are linked in rows in 7 rows and their columns are linked in 12 columns and in a weekly switching operation the 7 rows are each one of the 7 days of the week and the 12 columns are each are assigned to successive 2-hour periods and that, if applicable, an eighth line is disabled. Time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the interrogation signal (B0) is supplied from the clock control circuit (CLC) to all program switches (S00 - SMN) and these are each connected to separate inputs of a serially linked shift register (SR) and the further interrogation signal (BS ) is supplied to the shift register (SR) as a shift pulse sequence, and the serial output of the shift register (SR) is connected to the input (ES) of the clock control circuit (CLC) or to the relay (LR). Time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the spatial arrangement of the program switches (S00 - SMN) takes place on a circuit with 98 identical sectors, with 2 blind sectors between midnight and 24 hours with a 96 x 1/4 hour division of 24 hours and 0 a.m. or in the case of a weekly switching operation with a 7-day division into 2-hour sectors, two blank sectors are left between midnight and midnight each weekday. Time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the program switches (S00 - SMN) are selectively assigned to the 96 x 1/4-hour division or the 7-day division into 2-hour periods by means of a changeover switch (US) are. Time switch according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that in the circular program switch arrangement a sector display (SA) with 96 display sectors is arranged in association with the program switches, on which the programmed switch-on time segments are respectively displayed. Time switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the control signal according to the program of the display sector of the segment display (SA) of the period in which the current time is located is inverted with an asymmetrical duty cycle. Time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clock control circuit (CLC) is fed in a capacitor-buffered mains operation, the capacitor feeding the circuit during a mains failure. Time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clock control circuit (CLC) contains at least one switch-on time memory (T1, T2), the content of which via setting keys (ST +, ST-) at a given position (I, II) of the selector switch (SW) is preselectable and output on the digital time display (DA) for display, and the content of which is controlled according to the respective switching relay (LR, LR2) in its time period whenever a program time is reached whose Program switch (SOO - SMN) is closed. Time switch according to claim 15, characterized in that the switch contact (AS) of the switching relay (LR) controls a cooler compressor (KP) on the rest contact side and, if necessary, controls a defrost heater (AH) on the work contact side. Time switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the switching contact of a second switching relay (LR1), whose switch-on time memory (T2) has a larger content than the other switch-on time memory (T1), controls a cooling fan on the idle contact side. Time switch according to one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that its program switches (SOO - SMN) are arranged in a circle on 96 segments at 1/4 hour for 24 hours.

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