GB2335759A - Control installation for a domestic heating system - Google Patents

Control installation for a domestic heating system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2335759A
GB2335759A GB9806207A GB9806207A GB2335759A GB 2335759 A GB2335759 A GB 2335759A GB 9806207 A GB9806207 A GB 9806207A GB 9806207 A GB9806207 A GB 9806207A GB 2335759 A GB2335759 A GB 2335759A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
module
control unit
control
installation according
unit
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB9806207A
Other versions
GB2335759B (en
GB9806207D0 (en
Inventor
Jolayne Ingebritson
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.)
Honeywell Control Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Honeywell Control Systems 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 Honeywell Control Systems Ltd filed Critical Honeywell Control Systems Ltd
Priority to GB9806207A priority Critical patent/GB2335759B/en
Publication of GB9806207D0 publication Critical patent/GB9806207D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB1999/000770 priority patent/WO1999049709A1/en
Priority to EP99911906A priority patent/EP1064830A1/en
Priority to SK1429-2000A priority patent/SK14292000A3/en
Priority to HU0101090A priority patent/HUP0101090A3/en
Priority to PL99343102A priority patent/PL343102A1/en
Publication of GB2335759A publication Critical patent/GB2335759A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2335759B publication Critical patent/GB2335759B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/0017—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus with operator interface units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1902—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
    • G05D23/1905—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value associated with tele control

Abstract

A control installation, such as a wall-mounted unit for a domestic heating system, comprises a control unit 2 and an auxiliary module 7 which is attached securely to the control unit 2. The control unit has buttons 3, 4 for inputting routines, a button 5 for requesting information and a display 6. The auxiliary module provides additional functions to those of the unit alone, such as the ability to receive transmitted radio signals which provide time information, weather conditions or weather predictions. Such information can be displayed on the display 6, or the module 7 can have a further display means. Bridge means provides electrical connection between, and engagement between, the control unit 2 and the module 7, such that the module does not need its own power supply. This bridge means may comprise a printed circuit and conductive elements to effect connection.

Description

2335759 CONTROL INSTALLATION The present invention relates to a control
installation, especially but not solely for use with a heating system for example in domestic residential premises.
Typically, a domestic heating control system includes a wall-mounted control unit incorporating pre-programmed time switching functionality, often also having the capability of controlling to different temperature levels at different times andlor for different space zones.
According to the present invention, there is provided a control installation for a beating system comprising a control unit, an auxiliary module for positioning adjacent and externally of the unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit alone, and bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
is In this way, the invention may provide added functionality readily.
The present invention may include any one or more of the following preferred features:- the bridge means comprises printed circuit means for the auxiliary module; when the control unit and the module are in engagement, a part of printed circuit means of the module is located adjacent part of a printed circuit means of the control unit; when the control unit and the module are in engagement, part of the printed circuit means of the module lies generally parallel, adjacent and overlying part of the printed circuit means of the control unit; 1 the bridge means comprises at least one conductive element to effect connection between printed circuit means of the unit and of the module; the conductive element(s) has or have a generally V-shaped portion; the conductive element(s) is or are located on the bridge means which is connected to one of the printed circuit means, the element(s) to abut, during engagement of the unit of the module, a portion of the other printed circuit means; the bridge means has between, and including, 3 to 6 conductor elements; the bridge means comprises 5 conductors, of which two are dedicated to power signals, one to a "data-in" signal, one to a "data-out" signal, and one to an "enable- line" signal; the bridge means forms a part of the module; the bridge means comprises an extension to a main body of the module, the extension being secured within the housing of the control unit during engagement of the control unit and module; is the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along one lateral side of the unit; the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along a top side of the unit; the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along a lower side of the unit; the module comprises means to receive time information signals from radio transmitting means; the module comprises means to receive weather information signals from radio transmitting means; 2 the module comprises display means for displaying signals received at the module.
Traditionally, enhancement of the functionality of domestic heating controls is by way of including additional electronic component(s) or memory within the housing of the control unit; however, any design of unit which is to have such up-grading potential is inevitably not compact. The present invention incorporates a wholly different approach to those conventional arrangements, and instead provides an auxiliary module for positioning adjacent and externally of the control unit while providing the control installation with functionality additional to that achieved by the control unit alone. Accordingly, the control unit itself is compact whether or not the control installation has additional functionality, and if it does have additional functionality, it is achieved with minimal additional space utilisation.
Furthermore, the present invention allows the control unit to have an attractive design whether alone or in combination with the module; signal transfer between the control unit and the module is readily achieved; and the arrangement is flexible in the number of separate channels available for different signals.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a control unit for use, in a control installation as defined herein, with an auxiliary module, the control unit incorporating means to interface with andlor accommodate bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a control unit for use, in a control installation as defined herein, with an auxiliary module, the control unit comprising bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
3 --- 1\ According to one aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary module for use, in a control installation as defined herein, with a control unit, the module for positioning adjacent and externally of a control unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit, the auxiliary module incorporating means to interface with andlor accommodate bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary module for use, in a control installation as defined herein, with a control unit, the module for positioning adacent and externally of a control unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit, the module comprising bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
The invention is applicable to controls for heating systems whether in residential, commercial or industrial premises, but is particularly suited for domestic heating control system with wall-mounted control units.
In order that the present invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a control installation embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wall-plate of the control unit of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main plate of the control unit of Figure 1; Figure 4a to e are views of an auxiliary module of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a conductor element of the module of Figure 4; 4 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the installation of Figure 1.
Control installation 1 for a domestic heating system has a main unit 2 which operates to turn the heating system on and off at selected times according to a preprogrammed routine, and to control the temperature level in two separate zones, again according to a pre-programmed routine, the instructions for the routines being input by the use of buttons 3 and 4. Button 5 is used to request information, for example on the routines andlor the present status of operation of the control installation 1. Unit 2 has a liquid-crystal display 6 to display information concerning control installation 1.
An auxiliary module 7 is attached securely to the control unit 2 in a manner explained below such that control unit 2 not only supports module 7 but also there is an electrical connection between unit 2 and module 7. Thus module 7 does not need its own power supply, but can use the power supply of unit 1, which may have its own battery supply or may be hard-wired to the electrical supply for the building.
Auxiliary module 7 provides the control installation 1 with functionality additional to that provided by control unit 2 alone. For example, module 7 may be a time unit which receives, via an antenna (not shown) in module 7, transmitted radio signals which provide time information and which can therefore be used to ensure that control unit keeps correct time; such signals may be used to ensure that control unit 2 installation makes any time-adjustments required (for example at the Winter Time and Summer Time changes). In another form, module 7 can receive transmitted radio signals which provide information on weather existing conditions or weather predictions.
In either form, the received information can be displayed on display 6 of unit 2, or module 7 can have a display (not illustrated) on which the information can be shown. In varients, module 7 can be located on the other lateral side of unit 2 to that as shown in Figure 1, andlor on top of unit 2 and/or below unit 2, and/or unit 2 can have more than one module attached to it, andlor one module can be attached to another.
Figure 2 shows the wall-plate 10 of control unit 1, the wall-plate 10 is being secured to the wall by screws (not shown) passing through apertures 11 and 12. Wall plate 10 has a slot 13 to accommodate protrusion 14 (with ridges) of the main plate 15 (see Figure 3) to ensure that when plates 10 and 15 are fixed together, they form a rigid structure. Face plate 16, which is the top surface of unit 2 visible in Figure 1, is hinged to the front of main plate 15 at pivot points 17. Main plate 15 has a recess 18 with five slots 19, recess 18 being sized to accommodate the bridge 20 of module 7 is such that buttresses 21 interengage with grooves 22 in wall plate 10. Bridge 20 contains five V-shaped conductor elements 23 (see Figure 5) which are secured on printed circuit board 24 of module 7; when bridge 20 is held in recess 18, conductor elements 23 pass through slots 19 and contact five gold pads 25 on printed circuit board 26 of unit 2. The five pads 25 and conductor elements 23 allow the transfer between unit 2 and module of two power signals, one "data-in" signal, one "data-out" signal and one "enable-line" signal. Clearly, control unit 2 and module 7 may be modified readily such as to have more than five separate lines for transmission of signals, or have less than five. In one form, five conductor elements are provided, even though a given type of module may only use four different signals.
For example, if the functionality of module 7 is to provide automatic timesetting and correction, then there may be provided for conductive elements 23, one for power, one for ground, for an "enable" signal, and one for the signal for the antenna to control unit 2. If the functionality of module 7 is to provide weather data, then the 6 i 5th line can be used to send signals from unit 2 to the source of the radio-transmitted signals requesting information on e.g. humidity or pressure to be sent Provision of the "enable" signal allows reduction of power consumption.
When control unit 2 is used alone, i.e. without module 7, an insert (not shown) is secured to main plate 15 to lie in recess 18 and thereby prevent accidental contact with printed circuit board 26.
7 1

Claims (22)

1. A control installation for a beating system comprising a control unit, an auxiliary module for positioning adjacent and externally of the unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit, and bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
2. A control installation according to Claim 1, wherein the bridge means comprises printed circuit means for the auxiliary module.
3. A control installation according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein, when the control unit and the module are in engagement, a part of a printed circuit means of the module is located adjacent a part of a printed circuit means of the control unit.
4. A control installation according to Claim 3 wherein, when the control unit and the module are in engagement, a part of the printed circuit means of the module lies generally parallel, adjacent and overlying a part of the printed circuit means of the control unit.
5. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the bridge means comprises at least one conductive element to effect connection between printed circuit means of the unit and of the module.
6. A control installation according to Claim 5 wherein the conductive element(s) 25 has or have a generally V-shaped portion.
8 -1
7. A control installation according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein the conductive element(s) is or are located on the bridge means which is connected to one of the printed circuit means, the element(s) to abut, during engagement of the unit of the module, a portion of the other printed circuit means.
8. A control installation according to any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the bridge means has between, and including, 3 to 6 conductor elements.
9. A control installation according to any of Claims 5 to 8 wherein the bridge means comprises 5 conductors, of which two are dedicated to power signals, one to a "data-in" signal, one to a "data-out" signal and one to an "enable-line" signal.
10. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the bridge means forms a part of the module.
11. A control installation according to Claim 10, wherein the bridge means comprises an extension to a main body of the module, the extension being secured within the housing of the control unit during engagement of the control unit and 20 module.
12. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along one lateral side of the unit.
9
13. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along a top edge of the unit.
14. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module is positioned, during engagement with the control unit, along a lower side of the unit.
15. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module comprises means to receive time information signals from radio transmitting means.
16. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module comprises means to receive weather information signals from radio transmitting means.
17. A control installation according to any preceding Claim wherein the module comprises display means for displaying signals received at the module.
18. A control installation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, andlor as illustrated in, any one or more of Figures 1 to of the accompanying drawings.
19. A control unit for use, in a control installation according to any of Claims 1 to 18 -1 with an auxiliary module, the control unit incorporating means to interface with andlor accommodate bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the 25 module.
20. A control unit for use, in a control installation according to any of Claims 1 to 18, with an auxiliary module, the control unit comprising bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide 5 engagement between the control unit and the module.
21. An auxiliary module for use, in a control installation according to any of Claims 1 to18.,with a control unit, the module for positioning adjacent and externally of a control unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit, the auxiliary module incorporating means to interface with andlor accommodate bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the control unit and the module.
is
22. An auxiliary module for use, in a control installation according to any of Claims 1 to 18 with a control unit, the module for positioning adjacent and externally 3 of a control unit and for providing the installation with functionality additional to that of the control unit, the module comprising bridge means to effect electrical connection between the control unit and the module and to provide engagement between the 20 control unit and the module.
11
GB9806207A 1998-03-24 1998-03-24 Control installation Expired - Fee Related GB2335759B (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9806207A GB2335759B (en) 1998-03-24 1998-03-24 Control installation
HU0101090A HUP0101090A3 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-24 Control installation
EP99911906A EP1064830A1 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-24 Control installation
SK1429-2000A SK14292000A3 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-24 Control installation
PCT/GB1999/000770 WO1999049709A1 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-24 Control installation
PL99343102A PL343102A1 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-24 Control installation

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9806207A GB2335759B (en) 1998-03-24 1998-03-24 Control installation

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9806207D0 GB9806207D0 (en) 1998-05-20
GB2335759A true GB2335759A (en) 1999-09-29
GB2335759B GB2335759B (en) 2002-05-01

Family

ID=10829099

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9806207A Expired - Fee Related GB2335759B (en) 1998-03-24 1998-03-24 Control installation

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1064830A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2335759B (en)
HU (1) HUP0101090A3 (en)
PL (1) PL343102A1 (en)
SK (1) SK14292000A3 (en)
WO (1) WO1999049709A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0121147A1 (en) * 1983-03-09 1984-10-10 Rolf Dr. Noack Microprocessor heating control
GB2139783A (en) * 1983-05-07 1984-11-14 Europ Electronic Syst Ltd Temperature control
GB2195475A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-04-07 Imi Pactrol Electronic programmable logic and timing device
EP0376296A1 (en) * 1988-12-30 1990-07-04 Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. Apparatus for controlling and regulating
US5066235A (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-11-19 Nec Corporation Connector assembly for electronic devices
GB2293465A (en) * 1994-09-14 1996-03-27 Smiths Industries Plc Programmable time switch

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0076657A3 (en) * 1981-10-03 1983-06-08 Boothroyd Stuart Limited Housing for electrical apparatus
GB9223958D0 (en) * 1992-11-16 1993-01-06 Gen Electric Co Plc A commodity consumption meter
DE9304265U1 (en) * 1993-03-23 1994-07-21 Viessmann Werke Kg Clock thermostats for heating systems
JPH0936941A (en) * 1995-07-24 1997-02-07 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Portable telephone system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0121147A1 (en) * 1983-03-09 1984-10-10 Rolf Dr. Noack Microprocessor heating control
GB2139783A (en) * 1983-05-07 1984-11-14 Europ Electronic Syst Ltd Temperature control
GB2195475A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-04-07 Imi Pactrol Electronic programmable logic and timing device
EP0376296A1 (en) * 1988-12-30 1990-07-04 Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. Apparatus for controlling and regulating
US5066235A (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-11-19 Nec Corporation Connector assembly for electronic devices
GB2293465A (en) * 1994-09-14 1996-03-27 Smiths Industries Plc Programmable time switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2335759B (en) 2002-05-01
SK14292000A3 (en) 2001-06-11
PL343102A1 (en) 2001-07-30
EP1064830A1 (en) 2001-01-03
WO1999049709A1 (en) 1999-09-30
HUP0101090A2 (en) 2001-08-28
GB9806207D0 (en) 1998-05-20
HUP0101090A3 (en) 2003-08-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7748640B2 (en) Stackable thermostat
US6654842B1 (en) Swap bay device supporting both master mode and slave mode and portable computer having the same
JPH1195884A (en) Double-voltage pci connector
US5305182A (en) Read/write unit for two integrated circuit cards
EP0932097A1 (en) Bus controllers ensuring reduced power consumption and stable operation
KR20040000816A (en) Memorydrive with multi connecter and method of controlling the same
GB2100853A (en) Kitchen installation with built- in cooker hob
US5661633A (en) Keyboard and screen peripheral device for a computer and a desk pad
GB2335759A (en) Control installation for a domestic heating system
EP0212441B1 (en) Programmable sequence controller
EP1434410B1 (en) Telephone set attaching member and portable telephone set
WO1996014614A1 (en) Single computer control system for a wide range of electronic devices
CN220383377U (en) Central control host with interchangeable keys and knobs
EP2053713A1 (en) Electric switchgear with tiltable electronic device
CZ20003526A3 (en) Control device
CN210375227U (en) Magnetic coupling transmitter for flowmeter
CN217308007U (en) Controller, mounting box support and controller installation component
CN212781793U (en) Key type intelligent temperature controller
US20050046623A1 (en) Display adapter
EP4311115A1 (en) Signal processing device
CN209803862U (en) Novel rain-proof dustproof entrance guard's all-in-one of button
EP0982816B1 (en) Mains interface module
JP2961703B2 (en) Keyboard device
US20020091876A1 (en) Input/output operating device
WO2000043864A1 (en) Electronic apparatus with display shared by different electronic modules

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120324