EP2186383A2

EP2186383A2 - Switching modules for use as an anti-burglar system

Info

Publication number: EP2186383A2
Application number: EP08803173A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John Børsting; Alfred Linke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-27
Filing date: 2008-08-24
Publication date: 2010-05-19
Also published as: WO2009027355A2; WO2009027355A3; EP2584872A1

Abstract

The invention relates to electronic switching modules which are particularly used for preventive protection against burglaries and which allow the lights and wall switches that are fixedly installed in the rooms to be used also as retrofitted switching modules in existing electric installations in order to simulate presence. The presence of dwellers is simulated by automatically switching on and off lights during their absence, the switching cycles being automatically programmed during use.

Description

Switching modules for use as burglary protection

description

The invention relates to electronic switching modules, which are used in particular for preventive burglary protection use and with which the fixed installed in the rooms lights and switches for the simulation of presence - even as retrofittable switching modules in existing Elektorinstallationen - are used.

As a preventive burglary protection recommend the police advisers, in the absence of light in the house according to the normal daily or weekly rhythm on and off, to simulate presence realistic. This means that as far as possible all rooms with outwardly facing windows, e.g. Bathroom, hallway and kitchen, should be included. The recommendation does not only apply to the holiday season; even in the case of short-term absence, e.g. at a theatrical visit, presence should be simulated (www.einbruchschutz.polizei-beratung.de).

Common practice is that you turn on and off in the rooms to be illuminated a table or floor lamp by means of a socket switch. These timers usually have a weekly program with several turn-on cycles per weekday (DE 09320245 Ul / DE 09312338 Ul).

In the patent and utility model DE 29614337 Ul and DE 19641266 Al combined universal burglar alarms are described, which rely on the fact that the residential concealed push-button on entering the light and a mini siren turn on or burglar alarms with self-timer provide for a bright lighting and respond with an emergency call to the police.

The disadvantages of these solutions are that: a. the time switches for the ceiling lights installed in the rooms to be illuminated can not be used b. the time switches are to be programmed differently depending on the room c. to adapt the switching cycles of the season d. mobile lights are to be set up, which are hardly available in the bathroom, kitchen and hall e. the programming and operation of the timers does not require a low level of technical understanding, which is why it is recommended to test the programming 1 to 2 days before you leave. Because of the considerable expense, it is therefore often omitted in short-term absence.

Alternative solutions for using the fixed luminaires are: [0008] Comfortable systems for building automation in which timers are installed in the central control, e.g. (List of abbreviations after the examples): EIB (European Installation Bus) LCN (Local Control Network) or

Wall switch with programmable timer, e.g. Comfort timer control element (www.busch-jaeger.de).

Disadvantages of these solutions, in addition to the costs that a. Because of the extensive installation effort, they are usually only used for a new building or extensive refurbishment. b. the above-mentioned disadvantages b, c and e are not resolved.

The invention has for its object to eliminate the disadvantages of the known solutions and to provide new opportunities for improved burglary protection. The object has been achieved by the use of electronic switching modules for the preventive burglary protection of an object, which simulate the presence of residents by means of automatic switching on and off of light in the absence and the programming of the switching cycles is carried out automatically during use. The switchgear modules according to the invention have a control unit for simulating the presence of persons in the object in question. They are inserted between voltage-carrying elements of the electrical installation of the object and at least one electrical device or consumer and comprise a unit for detecting and storing the on and off times of electrically operated devices using a real-time clock by day, weekday and calendar week and a control unit at Absence the on-time of the devices according to the stored data according to time and day of the week in the switching module repeated (flow chart of Figure 3).

The switching modules have in addition to the control unit via means for storing on and off operations of at least one electrical device or consumer in a set in the presence of people in the object on the switching module normal operation and means for repeating the stored on and off operations on the device or consumer in one in the absence of persons on the switching module set simulation mode. The storage of the on and off operations in normal operation and their repetition in the simulation mode is controlled by the control unit of the switching module.

The switching modules of the invention are basically retrofitted and can be inserted into existing Elektorinstallationen. By means of a fixed sequence of operations on an external switch, by activating and deactivating the energy at the consumer, the activation of the simulation mode and the recognition of the sequence of operations (according to the scheme: first activation and then confirmation of the activation of the simulation mode). The start of the simulation mode is confirmed by a reaction of the switching module. Under sequence of operations is to be understood: To confirm the activation of the simulation mode, the light is switched on and off after a second (eg on the wall switch: turn on the light, 1 second pause, turn off the light, 1 second pause, switch back on, end ). Thereafter, the simulation operation takes place according to the stored switch-on times. The means for storing the switching on and switching off operations are a memory of the microcontroller and / or a peripheral memory of the microcontroller, in which the means for repeating the stored switching on and off operations by at least one of the Control unit according to the relay in the means for storing stored on and off operations controlled relay or a correspondingly driven semiconductor switch.

In the switching modules, a timer or a light sensor is arranged so that the switching on and off in the means for storage in association with the times of their occurrence by time, weekday and calendar week or in association with that of the light sensor in the object When they occur, respectively determined ambient brightness is stored and repeated.

The switching modules according to the invention comprise a unit for storing the pattern of on and off times electrically operated devices by means of a wall switch or other external switch and a control unit that calculate the absence of the simulated on and off times of the devices according to the stored pattern and a Switches in parallel or in series with the switches of other lighting control systems. The storage unit of the retrofittable switching modules according to the invention consists at least of the components power supply (11), microcontroller (13) and relay or semiconductor 17 (Fig. 2 or Fig. 10). The assembly of the switching modules is carried out by: a. Placement:

between wall switch and luminaire (FIG. 1), with NC as switching contact (FIG. 2)

- Parallel to the wall switch (Fig. 9), with NO as a switching contact (Fig. 10, variant 4a) b. Connection: according to one of the following examples:

between switch and luminaire with an NC contact in one of the conductors (FIGS. 1 and 2)

- parallel to the light switch (Fig. 9 and 10)

- In front of the lamp switch in series with a normally closed contact in one of the conductors (Fig. 4), wherein the detection of the turn-on takes place by means of a current sensor

parallel or serial with the switches of other light control systems (Figure 8).

The automatic learning function of the switching modules for simulating presence can also be used in other systems, such as motion detectors, twilight switches, dimers, wireless switches or other automatic light controls (FIGS. 5, 6 and 7).

The switching modules according to the invention are operated in the modes of "normal operation" or "simulation mode", wherein

- During normal operation, the user's real on and off times are recorded and stored according to the time, weekday and calendar week

- In simulation mode, the on and off in the absence automatically, based on the recorded in normal operation on and off, takes place.

To record the time of day, an RTC module is used as the timer, as a switching element a relay (mono- or bistable) or an electronic switch and for the power supply a battery or a capacitor.

The switching modules according to the invention are - this is their advantage - characterized in that - can be used to detect the on and off times in normal operation and for activating and deactivating the simulation mode, the existing switches and lights

- The collection and storage during the previous use is done

- continue to use the already installed flush-mounted switches and ceiling lights - no changes in the installed electrical cables are required for retrofitting - they are dimensioned in such a way that they are installed in the installation box of the flush-mounted switch, in the junction box, in the luminaire connection, instead of the luster terminal, or in the luminaire

- After installation, their function of simulating presence, visibly not recognizable - they can be used in a variant, with normally closed as a switching contact, even with installed AC or series switches.

It has surprisingly been found that the success both in normal operation, in which the real on and off times of the user are detected, as well as in simulation mode - in which the on and off in the absence automatically based on the in Normal operation recorded on and off times, done - can reach. In addition, the switching modules in existing installations can be easily retrofitted.

It belongs to the most important features of the switching modules according to the invention that they contain all functions for detecting and storing the on and off times for the simulation operation from normal operation and for the control of the simulation operation. The switching modules work independently. You do not need communication with other switching units. Above all, they can be retrofitted in existing Elektorinstallationen means of a screwdriver. There is no need to replace the already installed switches and lights. The activation and deactivation of the simulation mode takes place by means of the already installed switches. The switch modules can be easily inserted into existing installations. Changes to the existing electrical installation on walls or ceilings are not required. Another advantage is that they have very small dimensions compared to other solutions.

The confirmation of the activation of the simulation operation is done by automatically switching off the light at switch position "on" or short off and then switching on when the activation takes place within the switch-on for the simulation mode.

The switching modules according to the invention, the switching cycles of which are programmed during use, emerge from the modes of normal operation and / or simulation mode: In normal operation, the real switch-on and switch-off times are detected; in the simulation mode, switching on and off takes place automatically in the absence , due to the on and off times recorded during normal operation. Thus, the invention is based on electronic switching modules with which the fixed installed in the rooms lights and wall switches are used to simulate presence. The switch modules are designed in dimensions and functions so that they »in the luminaire or in the luminaire connection instead of the luster terminal or

• can be mounted in an alternative version behind the wall switch or

As a function in other lighting control systems, e.g. can be integrated in motion detectors, dimmers, twilight switches, wireless switches, outdoor lights, energy-saving lamps or automatic lighting controls.

In a simplified version, the switching times for the simulation mode are already preprogrammed depending on space, z. In the morning from 6 to 9 o'clock, in the evening from 17 to 23 o'clock. These times can additionally be varied by a random number generator within a range of +/- 30 minutes.

In a further variant, a light sensor is used instead of the timer, wherein from the duty cycle of the light sensor, the time is approximately determined and thus the adjustment of the off time in the morning and the switch-on takes place in the evening to the progressive season.

From the duty cycle of the light sensor and from the status change at the light sensor and software-controlled mathematical methods, the clock and season can be approximately determined.

Example: With a switch-on time of 14 hours, the switch-on time is about 5:00 and the switch-off time is about 19:00. - The clock and season from the status change at the light sensor and software-controlled mathematical methods are approximately determined

The operation will be apparent from the figures 1 to 10: Figure 1 shows the power connection of the switching module, light and light switch Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the switching module

FIG. 3 shows an example of a flowchart in the microcontroller

Figures 4 to 9 show alternative connection diagrams

FIG. 10 shows the block diagram of an alternative switching module (4a).

The programming of the switching times for the simulation operation is done in the following manner: A. During normal operation -

The on and off times are recorded continuously and stored for a given number of days, weeks or months. The switch module must therefore have recorded data for at least one week prior to the first use of the simulation mode in order to repeat the switch-on times in simulation mode as realistically as possible.

B. During the production -

The switch module already has an adaptive simulation model with standard on and off times installed according to the day of the week and the season and stored with the date and time using a battery that can be used immediately for simulation operation.

In both variants, the switching times are constantly detected during normal operation, so that they correspond to the real switching times for each day of the week and room. In simulation mode, the switching times of the last few weeks are used as a pattern for the new week and are thus automatically adapted to the progressing season. The on and off times can also be changed slightly by means of a random generator. In case of prolonged absence, e.g. a few months, the on and off times can be automatically adapted to the sunrise and sunset times of the sun.

The detection of the switching times is carried out depending on the design by measuring the voltage at the input of the switching module (input 1 and 2) or by measuring the current with the aid of a current sensor. The simulation mode is activated on leaving the house by means of a simple actuation routine on the switch, e.g. by momentarily switching the luminaire on, off and on within 3 seconds.

To confirm the activation of the switching module turns off the light after 1 second and starts the simulation mode according to the stored switching cycles. After returning, pressing the switch again (switching off) stops the simulation mode.

The switching module is preferably controlled by a microcontroller in conjunction with a timer, e.g. An RTC module (real time clock) for recording the time of day and the date.

In normal operation, the microcontroller is only active when the light switch is turned on (voltage at the terminals input 1 and T).

The supply energy for the switching module provides with the light switch off a rechargeable battery or a capacitor that recharged when the light is on become. The stored energy is sufficient to supply the timer of the switching module for several years.

In simulation mode, the microcontroller is constantly active, as there is continuous supply voltage to supply.

As a switching element, a relay or a surge relay is used, which requires energy only when switching. Alternatively, an electronic switch (TRIAC, MOSFET or IGBT) with a similar function can be used.

The features of the invention will become apparent from the elements of the claims and from the description, wherein both individual features as well as several represent advantageous embodiments in the form of combinations for which protection is sought with this document. The essence of the invention consists in a combination of known (fuses, switches, microcontroller, relays) and new elements (FIGS. 2 or 10: block diagram; FIG. 3: flowchart; FIG. 8: combination of ATLAS modules with other light) control systems, such as motion detectors, twilight switches, dimmers or wireless switches), which influence each other and result in their new overall effect a utility advantage and the desired success, which is that now surprisingly easy to use and retrofittable switching modules for use as burglary protection provided become.

To the essence of the invention further includes that the detection and storage of the on and off times automatically during use in normal mode takes place while the permanently installed lights and wall switches are used.

The assembly (placement and connection) of the inventive switching modules takes place in different ways: a) switching module 4 (Figure 2) with NC as a switching contact, between wall switch 2 and 5 light _. (Figure 1 and 4) b) alternative switching module 4a (Figure 10) with NO as a switching contact, when connected to Figure 8 and 9. The switching module 4 can also be used with installed AC or series switches. As switching elements relay (mono- or bistable) or electronic switches are used and for the energy supply batteries or capacitors.

The switching modules according to the invention are further distinguished by the fact that their automatic learning functions for the simulation of presence in other systems can be used, for example in motion detectors, dimmers, twilight switches or in other automatic light controls (Figure 5 to 8).

In further variants of the retrofittable switching modules, the detection according to the invention of the switch-on and switch-off time is used

- For storing a maximum usual or allowable duty cycle of electrically operated devices

For energy saving, e.g. Switching off lights in adjoining rooms (basement, storage,

Garage) - for fire protection, e.g. Turn off stove or hob, TV, coffee maker, etc. in case of failure by the user when falling asleep or forget as well

- To increase the personal safety in terms of how electrical appliances work in the absence (and to avoid the question of the start of the holiday trip and after 300 km distance: "Did you turn off the light in the basement?").

In a simplified embodiment of a retrofittable switching module for simulating presence, the switching cycles are determined in such a way that a timer in the switching module limits the simulation mode and the adjustment of the off in the morning or the switch on in the evening to the progressive season by means of an internal calendar function or an additional light sensor takes place (Example 11).

The switching modules according to the invention are furthermore used for energy saving, for fire protection and for increasing personal safety with regard to the functioning of electrical appliances in the absence.

The invention will be explained with reference to embodiments, without being limited to these examples. embodiments

Example 1: Figure 1 Figure 1 shows the mains connection of switching module, light and light switch.

Example 2: Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the switching module [4].

Example 3: Figure 3 shows an example of a flowchart in the microcontroller.

Example 4: Figure 4 shows the connection of a mobile floor or table lamp to a switchable socket. The detection of the switch-on is done by measuring the current by means of a current sensor. To detect the switch-on times and the activation of the simulation mode both switches can be used.

Example 5: Figure 5 shows the ATLAS function (ATLAS: automatic termination of the light on times for presence simulation) used in radio switches, e.g. Make IHC Wireless.

Example 6: Figure 6 shows a central control unit with multiple switches.

Example 7: Figure 7 shows controls with Power Line Communication (PLC) or other bus systems.

(PLC is a standard that uses the normal 230V network for communication).

Example 8: Figure 8 shows ATLAS modules used in conjunction with other lighting control systems, e.g. With

Motion detectors - twilight switch or dimmer.

The function of the ATLAS module can also be integrated into other systems.

Example 9: FIG. 9 shows connection parallel to the wall switch. Connection to N is not required when using a rechargeable battery.

Example 10: Figure 10 shows the block diagram of the alternative switching module 4a, which is to be used in the connection of Figure 9.

Example 11: Simplified design of a retrofittable switching module

In a simplified embodiment of a retrofit switch module for simulating presence, the switch cycles are determined in the following manner: A timer in the switch module limits the simulation mode, different according to bathroom, kitchen, etc. according to the normal usage, e.g. Maximum from 6:00 to 23:00, in the morning the turn-on time and in the evening the turn-off time by means of a random generator at an interval of e.g. +/- 30 minutes is set.

The adaptation of the switch-off time in the morning or the switch-on time in the evening to the progressing season takes place by means of an internal calendar function or an additional light sensor, likewise varied by the random number generator. Instead of a timer for detecting the clock and season, this can be approximately determined from the duty cycle of the light sensor and software-controlled mathematical methods.

For example: switch-on time 14 hours

Time at activation about 5.00 / at deactivation about 19.00.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 fuse

2 wall switches

3 luminaire connection

4 switching module

4 a Alternative switching module

5 light

6 P / phase (power grid)

7 N / neutral conductor (power grid)

8 input 1

9 output 1

10 control output

11 power supply

12 5V DC

13 microcontrollers

14 charging current <0.1 mA

15 timers

16 time

17 relays or semiconductors

18 rechargeable battery or capacitor

19 entrance 2

20 output 2

21 socket (normal or switchable)

22 light switch

23 radio switches

24 Toggle relays with integrated presence simulation

25 radio wall switch

26 motion detector, twilight switch, dimmer

27 combination

28 Connection 1

29 Connection 2

30 Signal: mains switched on

31 Alternative switching module with bus communication (e.g., PLC)

32 wall switch with bus communication (eg PLC) List of abbreviations

ATLAS Automatic termination of light switch-on times for presence simulation DC direct current (EIB) European installation bus (according to EN 50090 standardized protocol for data transfer between sensors and actuators)

IGBT Insulated gate bipolar transistor / bipolar transistor with insulated gate electrode

LCN Local Control Network MOSFET Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor / Metal Oxide Semiconductor / Silicon Field Effect Transistor

N Neutral NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory, a memory technology in electronics that can hold information without maintaining power.

PLC Power Line Communication RTC Real Time Clock TRIAC TRI Alternating Current switch 5V DC 5V DC

Claims

claims

1. Switching modules, in particular used for preventive burglary protection of an object, which have a control unit for simulating the presence of persons in the object in question and are to be inserted between voltage-carrying elements of Elektroin- stallation of the object and at least one electrical device or consumer, characterized in that the switching modules, in addition to the control unit, have means for storing on and off operations of the at least one electrical appliance or consumer in a normal mode set in the presence of persons in the object on the switching module and via means for repeating the stored on and off operations (Flowchart of Figure 3) on the device or consumer in a set in the absence of people on the switching module simulation mode, the storage of the on and off operations in normal operation and their repetition in Si mulation operation is controlled by the control unit of the switching module.

2. Switching modules according to claim 1, which are basically retrofitted and can be inserted into existing Elektorinstallationen, characterized in that the activation of the simulation operation takes place by means of a fixed sequence of operations on an external switch by switching on and off the power to the consumer and recognizing the sequence of operations and the start of the simulation operation is confirmed by a reaction of the switching module.

3. Switching modules according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a microcontroller is arranged as a control unit in the switching module and that it is in the means for

Storage of the on and off operations to a memory of the microcontroller and / or is a peripheral memory of the microcontroller.

4. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is at the means for repetition of the stored on and off operations by at least one of the control unit according to the stored in normal operation in the means for storing switching on and off relay controlled or a correspondingly driven semiconductor switch.

5. switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the Switching module, a timer or a light sensor is arranged so that the switching on and off in the means for storage in association with the times of their occurrence by time, weekday and calendar week or in association with the of the light sensor in the object at their occurrence respectively determined Ambient brightness can be saved and repeated.

6. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that they are operated in the modes of "normal operation" or "simulation mode", wherein in

6.1. Normal operation, the user's real on and off times are recorded and saved according to the time, weekday and calendar week

6.2. Simulation mode, the on and off in the absence automatically, based on the recorded in normal operation on and off times, takes place.

7. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that they consist at least of the components power supply (11), microcontroller (13) and relay or semiconductor (17) (Fig. 2 or Fig. 10).

8. switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the placement 8.1. between wall switch and luminaire (FIG. 1), with opener as switching contact (FIG. 2) or 8.2. parallel to the wall switch (Fig. 9), with NO as a switching contact (Fig. 10, variant 4a) takes place.

9. switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connection

9.1. between switch and lamp with an NC contact in one of the conductors (Figures 1 and 2) or

9.2. parallel to the light switch (FIGS. 9 and 10) or

9.3. in front of the light switch in series with a normally closed contact in one of the conductors (FIG. 4), wherein the detection of the turn-on times is done by means of a current sensor or

9.4. in parallel or in series with the switches of other lighting control systems (FIG. 8).

10. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that - To detect the switching times a timer

- As a switching element, a relay (mono- or bistable) or an electronic switch

- For the power supply a battery or a capacitor is used.

11. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the simulation operation is activated by means of a predetermined operating routine at the light switch - such as "on, off and on within 3 seconds" - and that the activation of the simulation mode by a subsequent switching off of the luminaire is confirmed.

12. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the already installed switches and lights are used to detect the on and off times during normal operation and in simulation mode and for activating and deactivating the simulation mode.

13. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the on and off times of the simulation operation are controlled by means of a random number generator.

14. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 13 in a simplified embodiment, characterized in that

in the time interval of e.g. 23.00 - 6.00 o'clock and from 9.00 - 18.00 o'clock the simulation mode by means of random generator is deactivated

- Instead of a timer, a light sensor is used.

15. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that

- The clock and season from the status change at the light sensor and software-controlled mathematical methods are approximately determined

- The duration of sufficient daylight illumination is approximately 14 hours and the turn-on time is approximately 5:00 and the turn-off time is approximately 19:00.

16. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that they can be used in a variant, with NC as a switching contact, even with installed AC or series switches.

17. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that

17.1. the capture and storage during the previous use is done

17.2. Furthermore, the already installed flush-mounted switches and ceiling lights are used

17.3. For retrofitting, no changes in the installed electrical cables are required

17.4. After the installation, their function of simulating presence is visually invisible.

18. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that they are designed in dimensions so that the installation in the installation box of the flush-mounted switch, in the junction box, in the luminaire connection, instead of the luster terminal, or in the luminaire.

19. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that they are used to save energy, for fire protection and to increase personal safety with regard to the operation of electrical devices in the absence of use.

20. Switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the automatic learning function for the simulation of presence can also be used in other systems, such as motion detectors, dimmers, twilight switches, radio switches or other automatic light controls (FIG. 6 and 7).

21. Use of the switching modules according to one of claims 1 to 20 for energy saving, fire protection and to increase personal safety with regard to the functioning of electrical appliances in the absence.