GB2128770A - A time control device - Google Patents

A time control device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2128770A
GB2128770A GB08228394A GB8228394A GB2128770A GB 2128770 A GB2128770 A GB 2128770A GB 08228394 A GB08228394 A GB 08228394A GB 8228394 A GB8228394 A GB 8228394A GB 2128770 A GB2128770 A GB 2128770A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
time
control device
appliance
load
mains
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08228394A
Inventor
William John Porter
Stephen John Newton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thorn EMI Domestic Electrical Appliances Ltd
Original Assignee
Thorn EMI Domestic Electrical Appliances Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thorn EMI Domestic Electrical Appliances Ltd filed Critical Thorn EMI Domestic Electrical Appliances Ltd
Priority to GB08228394A priority Critical patent/GB2128770A/en
Publication of GB2128770A publication Critical patent/GB2128770A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/28—Modifications for introducing a time delay before switching
    • H03K17/292—Modifications for introducing a time delay before switching in thyristor, unijunction transistor or programmable unijunction transistor switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
    • G04G15/003—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals acting only at one preselected time or during one adjustable time interval

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Supply And Distribution Of Alternating Current (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)

Abstract

A time control device comprises a 24 hour clock chip (6) provided with time-setting switches (7), which are factory-set during manufacture, so that, at a particular time early after the on-set of an "Economy 7" period, chip (6) causes a thryristor (8) to activate a mains relay (10). The relay (10) latches into a domestic appliance which is required to be operated, thereby causing power from the mains to be supplied to the appliance, which is thus energised. A load-detect input (11) holds the mains relay (10) in its latched position until operation of the appliance is complete, at which time the mains relay (10) is de-activated. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A time control device This invention relates to a time control device, and in particular, though not exclusively, to such a device for domestic appliances, such as washing machines, tumble driers, ovens, etc.
Operation of appliances of this kind requires a substantial amount of electricity and, as they are generally used during the day-time at a peak rate of electricity, can prove to be expensive. It is thus attractive, from the point of view of economy, to run these appliances during a period of cheap rate electricity, in particular "Economy 7", so that the cost of running them may be kept to a minimum.
However, the on-set of the period of cheap rate electricity is generally at a substantially inconvenient time, usually at night, so that hitherto few people have taken advantage of this period.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a time control device which may be used to energise a particular load, such as a domestic appliance, so that it can operate during a period of cheap rate electricity, in particular "Economy 7".
According to the invention, there is provided a time control device including energising means, which, when activated, applies electrical energy to a load which is required to be operated, to provide energisation of the load, and pre-set means for causing the energising means to be activated at a predetermined set time.
Preferably, the pre-set means is a real-time clock, comprising a 24 hour clock chip with a 24 hour repeating alarm, which has timesetting switches that can be factory-set to a specific time, at which the load can be energised.
The energising means is preferably a mains relay, which can be activated by a thyristor, so that it connects the load to the mains, to provide energisation thereof.
It can now be seen that such a device may be employed to operate a domestic appliance, such as a washing machine, during a period of cheap-rate electricity, in particular "Eco- nomy 7", by factory-setting the switches of the clock chip to a set time, early after the onset of that period, at "hich the mains relay may be required to be activated.
At that time, therefore, the appliance will be energised and a load-detect input which is connected to the mains live line in series with an operating switch of the appliance and in parallel with the thyristor, may be provided to hold the mains relay in its latched position until operation of the appliance is omplete, at which time the mains relay can be de-activated to provide de-energisation of the appliance.
The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagram, the single figure of which shows a circuit arrangement in accor dance with the invention.
Referring to the figure, part 1 of the circuit arrangement consists of a capacitor dropper, which provides a reactive impedance so as to reduce the incoming voltage to approximately 50V prior to rectification. Part 2 of the circuit arrangement comprises a nickel-cadmium cell 3, which supplies power to a clock chip 6, in part 5 of the circuit arrangement, via a drop per 4, comprising three diodes, preferably of type 1N4148.
24 hour clock chip 6 is provided with time setting switches 7, which consist of factory-set contact pads. These time-setting switches 7 are set, so that, at a particular time early after the on-set of an "Economy 7', period, the chip 6 causes a thyristor 9, in part 8 of the circuit arrangement, to activate a mains relay 10, which consequently latches into a particu lar load which is required to be operated, the load preferably being a domestic appliance such as a washing machine (not shown in the figure). The latching of the mains relay 10 therefore causes power from the mains to be supplied to the appliance, which is thus ener gised.
A load-detect input 11 holds the mains relay 10 in its latched position until operation of the appliance is complete and so no more power is required thereby, at which time the mains relay 10 is de-activated, thus providing de-energisation- of the appliance.
It is preferabie that the factory-set time, at which the mains relay will be activated early after the on-set of the "Economy 7" period, is randomly varied, so that, if a substantial num ber of these devices in accordance with the invention are being used, the drain on the mains power supply is not too great at any particular instant.
Alternatively, the time-setting switches 7 of the clock chip 6 may be factory-set to provide, in addition to the set time at which the mains relay 10 is activated, a later set time at which the mains relay will be de-activated, so that the th&commat; appliance would be in operation for a predeterrtlinsd set length of time.
The time control device in acordance with the present invention may, of course, aiso be used to operate an appliance at a certain time dunny the day by over-riding the clock chip.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the at that alternative circuit arrangements in accordance with the present invention may be envisaged.
CLAMS 1. A time control device including energis ing means, which, when activated, applies electrical energy to a load which is required to > be operated, to provide energisation of the
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

  1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.
    SPECIFICATION A time control device This invention relates to a time control device, and in particular, though not exclusively, to such a device for domestic appliances, such as washing machines, tumble driers, ovens, etc.
    Operation of appliances of this kind requires a substantial amount of electricity and, as they are generally used during the day-time at a peak rate of electricity, can prove to be expensive. It is thus attractive, from the point of view of economy, to run these appliances during a period of cheap rate electricity, in particular "Economy 7", so that the cost of running them may be kept to a minimum.
    However, the on-set of the period of cheap rate electricity is generally at a substantially inconvenient time, usually at night, so that hitherto few people have taken advantage of this period.
    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a time control device which may be used to energise a particular load, such as a domestic appliance, so that it can operate during a period of cheap rate electricity, in particular "Economy 7".
    According to the invention, there is provided a time control device including energising means, which, when activated, applies electrical energy to a load which is required to be operated, to provide energisation of the load, and pre-set means for causing the energising means to be activated at a predetermined set time.
    Preferably, the pre-set means is a real-time clock, comprising a 24 hour clock chip with a 24 hour repeating alarm, which has timesetting switches that can be factory-set to a specific time, at which the load can be energised.
    The energising means is preferably a mains relay, which can be activated by a thyristor, so that it connects the load to the mains, to provide energisation thereof.
    It can now be seen that such a device may be employed to operate a domestic appliance, such as a washing machine, during a period of cheap-rate electricity, in particular "Eco- nomy 7", by factory-setting the switches of the clock chip to a set time, early after the onset of that period, at "hich the mains relay may be required to be activated.
    At that time, therefore, the appliance will be energised and a load-detect input which is connected to the mains live line in series with an operating switch of the appliance and in parallel with the thyristor, may be provided to hold the mains relay in its latched position until operation of the appliance is omplete, at which time the mains relay can be de-activated to provide de-energisation of the appliance.
    The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagram, the single figure of which shows a circuit arrangement in accor dance with the invention.
    Referring to the figure, part 1 of the circuit arrangement consists of a capacitor dropper, which provides a reactive impedance so as to reduce the incoming voltage to approximately 50V prior to rectification. Part 2 of the circuit arrangement comprises a nickel-cadmium cell 3, which supplies power to a clock chip 6, in part 5 of the circuit arrangement, via a drop per 4, comprising three diodes, preferably of type 1N4148.
    24 hour clock chip 6 is provided with time setting switches 7, which consist of factory-set contact pads. These time-setting switches 7 are set, so that, at a particular time early after the on-set of an "Economy 7', period, the chip 6 causes a thyristor 9, in part 8 of the circuit arrangement, to activate a mains relay 10, which consequently latches into a particu lar load which is required to be operated, the load preferably being a domestic appliance such as a washing machine (not shown in the figure). The latching of the mains relay 10 therefore causes power from the mains to be supplied to the appliance, which is thus ener gised.
    A load-detect input 11 holds the mains relay 10 in its latched position until operation of the appliance is complete and so no more power is required thereby, at which time the mains relay 10 is de-activated, thus providing de-energisation- of the appliance.
    It is preferabie that the factory-set time, at which the mains relay will be activated early after the on-set of the "Economy 7" period, is randomly varied, so that, if a substantial num ber of these devices in accordance with the invention are being used, the drain on the mains power supply is not too great at any particular instant.
    Alternatively, the time-setting switches 7 of the clock chip 6 may be factory-set to provide, in addition to the set time at which the mains relay 10 is activated, a later set time at which the mains relay will be de-activated, so that the th&commat; appliance would be in operation for a predeterrtlinsd set length of time.
    The time control device in acordance with the present invention may, of course, aiso be used to operate an appliance at a certain time dunny the day by over-riding the clock chip.
    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the at that alternative circuit arrangements in accordance with the present invention may be envisaged.
    CLAMS 1. A time control device including energis ing means, which, when activated, applies electrical energy to a load which is required to > be operated, to provide energisation of the load, and pre-set means for causing the energising means to be activated at a predetermined set time.
  2. 2. A heat control device as claimed in Claim 1 and also including a load-detect input to maintain activation of the energising means until operation of the load is complete, at which time the energising means will be activated.
  3. 3. A time control device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the pre-set means is ar- ranged to cause the energising means to be de-activated at a later predetermined set time.
  4. 4. A time control device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pre-set means is factory-set.
  5. 5. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pre-set means comprises a real-time clock chip having timesetting switches that can be set to a predetermined set time.
  6. 6. A time control device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the time-setting swiches consist of factory-set contact pads.
  7. 7. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the energising means comprises a mains relay to connect the load to the mains supply.
  8. 8. A time control device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the main relay is activated by a thyristor.
  9. 9. A time control device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
    9. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the predetermined set time is early after the on-set of a period of cheap-rate electricity.
    10. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the load is a domestic appliance.
    10. A heat control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the load is a domestic appliance.
    11. A heat control device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying diagram.
    CLAIMS (5 Sep 1983) 1. A time control device for energising a domestic electrical appliance for unattended operation during a period of off-peak supply of electricity, the device including components pre-set during manufacture and not adjustable by a user of the appliance, to determine a time, during said period, at which the supply of energy to said appliance is initiated.
    2. A time control device as claimed in claim 1 and also including a load-detect input to maintain energisation of the appliance until operation thereof is complete.
    3. A time control device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said pre-set components are arranged to cause the appliance to be deenergised at a later predetermined set time.
    4. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said pre-set components comprise time-setting switches for setting a real-time clock chip to initiate operation of the device at a predetermined time.
    5. A time control device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the time-setting switches consist of factory-set contact pads.
    6. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim including a mains relay for connecting the appliance to the mains supply.
    7. A time control device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the mains relay is activated by a thyristor.
    8. A time control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said time at which the supply of energy to said appliance is initiated is early after the on-set of said period of off-peak supply of electricity.
GB08228394A 1982-10-05 1982-10-05 A time control device Withdrawn GB2128770A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08228394A GB2128770A (en) 1982-10-05 1982-10-05 A time control device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08228394A GB2128770A (en) 1982-10-05 1982-10-05 A time control device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2128770A true GB2128770A (en) 1984-05-02

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08228394A Withdrawn GB2128770A (en) 1982-10-05 1982-10-05 A time control device

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2128770A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2274000A (en) * 1992-12-29 1994-07-06 Yun Hong Lee Electric dryer circuit system

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1557365A (en) * 1976-07-14 1979-12-05 Diehl Gmbh & Co Electronic apparatus having means for giving running digital indication of the time of day
GB1561149A (en) * 1975-10-31 1980-02-13 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co Digital control for the control of the cooking time and power of and electric cooking device
GB2029722A (en) * 1977-12-01 1980-03-26 Prestige Group Ltd Pressure cookers
GB1598489A (en) * 1977-03-18 1981-09-23 Water Refining Co Volume and time of day control for water softener regeneration

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1561149A (en) * 1975-10-31 1980-02-13 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co Digital control for the control of the cooking time and power of and electric cooking device
GB1557365A (en) * 1976-07-14 1979-12-05 Diehl Gmbh & Co Electronic apparatus having means for giving running digital indication of the time of day
GB1598489A (en) * 1977-03-18 1981-09-23 Water Refining Co Volume and time of day control for water softener regeneration
GB2029722A (en) * 1977-12-01 1980-03-26 Prestige Group Ltd Pressure cookers

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2274000A (en) * 1992-12-29 1994-07-06 Yun Hong Lee Electric dryer circuit system

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)