GB2536338A

GB2536338A - Improvements in and relating to electrical controllers

Info

Publication number: GB2536338A
Application number: GB1600372.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Kaminski Frank
Original assignee: LEISUREGROW PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: LEISUREGROW PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-09
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-08
Also published as: GB201600372D0; GB2536338B; GB2528518B; GB201500299D0; GB2528518A

Abstract

An electrical controller 1 comprises a mode selector 40, a control unit and an electrical output 30 for connection to a decorative lighting element, wherein the control unit is arranged, in use, to supply electrical energy to the output according to a mode selected by the mode selector, and characterised in that the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit both to change the selected mode and to activate or deactivate a timer operation of the control unit. Use of the same common control switch for mode selection and timer operation increases flexibility while maintaining low costs for the controller.

Description

Improvements In and Relating to Electrical Controllers

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical controllers, in particular to electrical controllers for use with decorative lights.

Background to the Invention

Decorative lights, such as mains-powered LED Christmas tree light strings are well known. An electrical controller is typically used to perform a voltage step down and to enable different decorative modes, such as constantly on, flashing or other cyclical illumination patterns to be produced. Mode selection may take place by cycling through the functions using a mode selection switch, independently of on-off control, with on-off control provided by interrupting the mains circuit supply.

It is desirable to increase flexibility in control of decorative lights, while maintaining low costs for the controller.

Summary of the Invention

In one example embodiment the present invention provides an electrical controller comprising a mode selector, a control unit, and an electrical output for connection to a decorative lighting element, wherein the control unit is arranged, in use, to supply electrical energy to the output according to a mode selected by the mode selector, and characterised in that the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to change the selected mode and to switch timer operation of the control unit.

In one example embodiment the mode selector comprises a switch, for example a push button. Suitably, the mode selector comprises a single switch. In one example embodiment the mode selector comprises a visual indicator, for example an active indicator such as a light. In one example embodiment the visual indicator comprises an LED. In one example embodiment the mode selector comprises a push button switch with an integrated visual indicator. In one example embodiment the mode selector comprises an integrated LED.

In one example embodiment the electrical controller further comprises an electrical supply input operatively coupled to the control unit, from which the control unit is arranged, in use, to receive electrical energy. In one example embodiment the electrical supply input comprises a domestic mains plug. In one example embodiment the electrical supply input, mode selector, control unit and electrical output are formed as an integrated unit, for example as an integrated transformer unit for interfacing between an electrical mains supply and a decorative lighting element.

In one example embodiment the control unit comprises a mode generating chip supplemented by discrete components to provide mode selecting capacity and timer operation.

In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged such that user inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to cycle through modes. In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged such that a user input received at the mode selector is used by the control unit to cycle to a next mode irrespective of whether the control unit is switched to timer operation or not. In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to indicate a change of a mode to a user though a visual indicator of the mode selector.

In one example embodiment the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that relatively shorter press user inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to change the selected mode and relatively longer press user inputs are used to switch timer operation of the control unit. In one example embodiment the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that short press user inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to change the selected mode and long press user inputs are used to switch timer operation of the control unit.

In one example embodiment the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that a relatively longer press user input is used to toggle timer operation of the control unit between on and off states. In one example embodiment the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that a long press user input is used to toggle timer operation of the control unit between on and off states.

In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to indicate timer status to a user as either in a switched on state or a switched off state though a visual indicator of the mode selector. In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to indicate timer status as switched on by continuously illuminating an integrated LED of the mode selector. In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to indicate timer status as switched on by continuously illuminating an integrated LED of the mode selector, even when the control unit is not supplying electrical energy to the electrical output.

In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to distinguish between a relatively shorter press and a relatively longer press according to a predetermined press duration threshold. In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged to distinguish between a short press and a long press according to a predetermined press duration threshold. For example, a short press operation of the mode selector may comprise a press below a 3 second press duration threshold. For example, a long press operation of the mode selector may comprise a press above a 3 second press duration threshold. In one example embodiment the control unit has the predetermined press duration threshold set on manufacture.

In one example embodiment the control unit is arranged so that the duration of the period over which, in timer operation, electrical energy is supplied to the electrical output is set on manufacture. For example, the duration of the timer's on period, i.e. the period over which, in timer operation, electrical energy is supplied by the control unit to the electrical output may be set at 8 hours on, and 16 hours off in a daily cycle.

In one example embodiment the electrical controller is arranged with a connection, at the electrical output, to a decorative lighting element comprising a LED string light.

In one example embodiment there is provided an electrical controller substantially as herein-described. In one example embodiment there is provided an electrical controller substantially as herein-described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

In one example embodiment there is provided a method of operating an electrical controller comprising a mode selector, a control unit, and an electrical output for connection to a decorative lighting element, the method comprising: operating a mode selector to instruct to control unit to change the selected mode for supply to the electrical output, and further comprising operating the same mode selector to switch timer operation of the control unit.

In one example embodiment, the step of operating a mode selector comprises a user selecting a mode of lighting a string light, for example, a comb mode, an in waves mode, a sequential mode, a slo-glo mode, a chasing/flash mode, a slow fade mode, a twinkle/flash mode or a steady on mode by using a mode selector. In one example embodiment, the step of operating the mode selector comprises for example short pressing a push button switch that may operate the mode selector. In one example embodiment, once a mode has been selected, and with a timer inoperative, the electrical controller may continue to operate indefinitely while connected to an electrical supply.

In one example embodiment, the step of operating the same mode selector to switch timer operation of the control unit comprises a user starting a timer also by using the mode selector, for example by pressing and holding the same push button switch that was used to perform the mode selection step. In one example embodiment, the step of operating the same mode selector to switch timer operation of the control unit further comprises a visual indicator displaying visually to a user that a timer has started, for example an integrated LED in the mode selector is illuminated. In one example embodiment, an integrated LED provided within a push button switch that operates as the mode selector may be illuminated to indicate that a timer is operational. In one example embodiment, at the end of a timers on period, the electrical controller may cease to supply electrical energy to the electrical output. In one example embodiment the electrical controller may resume supply to the electrical output at the end of a timers off period.

In one example embodiment, while a timer is operational, and during the timer's on period a user may further change a mode of lighting a string light, for example, a comb mode, an in waves mode, a sequential mode, a slo-glo mode, a chasing/flash mode, a slow fade mode, a twinkle/flash mode or a steady on mode by using the mode selector, for example, by short pressing a push button switch that operates the mode selector. In one example embodiment, once a new mode has been selected, and with a timer inoperative, the electrical controller may continue to operate indefinitely while connected to an electrical supply.

In one example embodiment, a user may stop and/or reset a timer by using the mode selector, for example, by performing a step of pressing and holding a push button switch, a timer operation may be cancelled. In one example embodiment, a step of pressing and holding a push button switch may also include operation of the electrical controller such that a visual indicator indicates that a timer has stopped or reset. In one example embodiment, when a timer has been cancelled so as not to be running, an integrated LED in a push button switch may not illuminated by the electrical controller.

In one example embodiment there is provided a method of operating an electrical controller substantially as herein-described. In one example embodiment there is provide a method of operating an electrical controller substantially as herein-described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Introduction to the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical controller according to an example embodiment; and Figure 2 shows a method of using an electrical controller according to an example embodiment.

Description of Example Embodiments

Figure 1 shows an electrical controller 1 according to an example embodiment. The electrical controller 1 comprises a 3 pin mains (220V-240V, 50Hz) electrical supply input 20 and an electrical output 30 for connection to a decorative lighting element (not shown). The electrical controller 1 further comprises a housing 10, arranged to support the electrical supply input 20 on a side of the housing 10 and the electrical output 30 on an opposite side of the housing 10. The electrical controller 1 further comprises a control unit (not shown), arranged in the housing 10. The electrical controller 1 generally acts a transformer to step down the voltage from the electrical supply input 20 to a lower level at the electrical output, and further comprises a mode selector 40. The mode selector 40 is arranged on the housing 10 proximal the electrical output 30 and on a same side of the housing 10 as the electrical output 30. The mode selector 40 comprises a push button switch with an integrated LED. The mode selector 40 comprises the only means for a user to provide control inputs to the control unit.

The control unit comprises a mode generating chip supplemented by discrete components to provide mode setting capacity and a timer in the electrical controller 1.

In use, a user selects a mode using mode selector 40 by pressing the push button switch. Repeatedly pressing the push button switch cycles through modes. In use, different modes are recognisable to a user by operation of a decorative lighting element coupled to the electrical output 30. A change of a mode may be indicated to a user by a visual indicator of the mode selector 40, for example, the integrated LED may flash each time it is pressed. The modes may involve a timed interruption of supply to the electrical output, and reversing the polarity of supply, either alone or in combination, to produce a different visual effect from a decorative lighting element coupled to the electrical output 30.

A user starts a timer and the start of an on period for supply of electrical energy to the electrical output 30 by operating the mode selector 40. Pressing and holding the push button switch for longer than a predetermined period of time starts the timer at the start of an on period. The operation of the timer is indicated to a user by a visual indicator of the mode selector 40. In this embodiment the integrated LED is continuously illuminated or may flash repeatedly. With the timer in operation the electrical controller 1 is arranged to control an electrical output supply to electrical output 30 according to a on period/off period set according to a according to a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.

In the example embodiment described above, a short operation of the mode selector 40, for example pressing the push button switch for less than 3 seconds is determined by the control unit to be a user input for a change of operation mode. The duration of a short press input may be set on manufacture, for example at 3s, 4s, 5s, or more than 5s. A long operation of the mode selector 40, for example a long press of the push button switch, is determined by the electrical controller to be a user input for the start of timer operation, or alternatively if the timer is already running is determined by the electrical controller to be a user input for cancellation of timer operation.

The duration for the timer's on period, i.e. the period over which, in timer operation, electrical energy is supplied by the control unit to the electrical output, may be set on manufacture, for example 6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, or more than 10 hours. In example embodiments the part of the world and time of year at which the electrical controller are intended for use may be considered by the manufacturer in determining the duration of the timer's on period, for example by considering daylight hours and a typical duty cycle for decorative lighting elements or other electrical equipment to be coupled to the output of the electrical controller.

The electrical controller 1 is suitable for connection, at the electrical output 30, to a decorative lighting element comprising a LED string light. Typically this sort of decorative lighting element will comprise one or more LED branches wherein a LED branch comprises one or more LEDs. A plurality of LED branches may be arranged in parallel and/or in series and in this way, a LED string light may comprise 1 -1000 LEDs. A preferred duty cycle for Christmas LED string light may be obtained by using the timer to turn off the LED string light after a predetermined period of illumination. Use of a daily 8 hour/16 hour timer pattern as between on period and off period is preferred, in order to conveniently match the hours of activity around the Christmas period during a typical Northern hemisphere day time/night time at central European latitudes.

In the example embodiment of Figure 1, the electrical controller 1 comprises a 3 pin mains electrical supply input 20 for connection to a UK domestic mains electricity supply, but it is to be understood that this is for illustration only. Other example embodiments may be provided to comprise a 2 pin or a 3 pin mains electrical supply input suitable for 100V-250V and 50Hz-60Hz, according to national and/or local mains electrical supply and/or standards.

In still further example embodiments the electrical supply input 20 may comprise terminals for a battery pack, or a battery may be provided integrally with the electrical controller 1 to provide a source of power for the control unit and/or for delivery to the electrical output 30 under control of the control unit.

In the example embodiment of Figure 1, the electrical controller 1 comprises a housing 10, arranged to support an electrical supply input 20 on a side of the housing 10 and an electrical output 30 on an opposite side of the housing 10 but it is to be understood that this is for illustration only. Other example embodiments may comprise a housing 10, arranged to support an electrical supply input 20 on a side of the housing 10 and an electrical output 30 on another side of the housing 10, for example, an adjacent side of the housing 10, or the same side of the housing 10.

Figure 1 shows the mode selector 40 arranged on the housing 10 proximal the electrical output 30 and on the same side of the housing 10 as the electrical output 30. Other example embodiments may comprise a housing 10, arranged to support an electrical supply input 20 on a side of the housing 10 and an electrical output 30 on another side of the housing 10, for example, an adjacent side of the housing 10, or the same side of the housing 10.

Further possible modifications include variation to the mode selector 40. Although the mode selector 40 in the embodiment of Figure 1 comprises a push button switch with an integrated LED, other example embodiments may be provided to comprise a mode selector 40 comprising, for example, a toggle, rotary, reed, proximity, Hall-effect, rocker, magnetic, dip, slide, thumbwheel or keylock switch. In such example embodiments the mode selector 40 is suitably provided with a visual indicator comprising a separate passive and/or an active indicator, for example, a colour indicator, a light. Further, other example embodiments may be provided that comprise a switch that itself performs the function of a visual indicator, wherein the indicator is arranged in, on or near the switch itself.

Figure 2 shows a method of using an electrical controller according to an example embodiment.

At step S10, a user selects a mode of lighting a string light, for example, a comb mode, an in waves mode, a sequential mode, a slo-glo mode, a chasing/flash mode, a slow fade mode, a twinkle/flash mode or a steady on mode by using a mode selector. This operation is performed for example by short pressing a push button switch that operates at the mode selector. Once a mode has been selected, and with the timer inoperative, the electrical controller continues to operate indefinitely while connected to an electrical supply.

At step S20, the user starts a timer also by using the mode selector, for example by pressing and holding the same push button switch that was used to perform the mode selection step 810. The step S20 further comprises a visual indicator displaying visually to the user that the timer has started, for example an integrated LED in the mode selector is illuminated. In this example embodiment an integrated LED provided within the push button switch that operates as the mode selector is illuminated to indicate that the timer is operational. At the end of the timers on period, the electrical controller ceases to supply electrical energy to the electrical output, and thereafter resumes supply to the electrical output at the end of the timers off period.

While the timer is operational, and during the timer's on period, a user may further change the mode of lighting a string light, for example, a comb mode, an in waves mode, a sequential mode, a slo-glo mode, a chasing/flash mode, a slow fade mode, a twinkle/flash mode or a steady on mode by using a mode selector. This operation is performed, for example, by short pressing a push button switch that operates at the mode selector. Once a new mode has been selected, and with the timer operative, the electrical controller continues to operate while connected to an electrical supply and until the end of the timer's on period is reached.

Optionally, the user may stop and/or reset the timer by using the mode selector. For example, by performing the step of pressing and holding the push button switch the timer operation may be cancelled. This step may also include operation of the electrical controller such that a visual indicator indicates that the timer has stopped or reset. In the example embodiment described above, when the timer is has been cancelled so as not to be running the integrated LED in the push button switch is not illuminated by the electrical controller.

As set out above, electrical controllers according to the example embodiments provide an increase in the flexibility in control of decorative lights such an Christmas LED light string coupled thereto, while maintaining low costs for the electrical controller. A user may select a mode of a Christmas LED string light in a straightforward manner, only needing to manipulate a single push button switch on the controller to cycle through modes. Furthermore, a user's convenience is increased as once the desired mode is selected the same push button switch is used to start a timer. With the timer running the mode selection function of the push button switch is maintained, and cancelling the timer operation is also intuitively performed in the same manner as setting the time. Using the same mode selector to control and to indicate the operation of the timer is efficient in avoiding the need for additional moving mechanical components, and the associated costs in manufacturing a housing etc. to accommodate more than one switch or other input element/visual indicator. The timer operation itself improves user convenience, enables energy-saving and may extend the service life of the Christmas LED string light by turning off the Christmas LED string light after a predetermined period of illumination. The use of a daily 8 hour/16 hour timer pattern conveniently matches the hours of activity around the Christmas period during a typical Northern hemisphere day time/night time at central European latitudes.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in any appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical controller comprising a mode selector, a control unit, and an electrical output for connection to a decorative lighting element, wherein the control unit is arranged, in use, to supply electrical energy to the output according to a mode selected by the mode selector, and characterised in that the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to change the selected mode and to switch timer operation of the control unit.
2. The electrical controller according to claim 1, wherein the mode selector comprises one selected from a group comprising: a switch; and a visual indicator.
3. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical controller further comprises an electrical supply input operatively coupled to the control unit, from which the control unit is arranged, in use, to receive electrical energy.
4. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical supply input, mode selector, control unit and electrical output are formed as an integrated unit.
5. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit comprises a mode generating chip supplemented by discrete components to provide mode selecting capacity and timer operation.
6. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is arranged such that inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to cycle through modes.
7. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that relatively shorter press user inputs received at the mode selector are used by the control unit to change the selected mode and relatively longer press user inputs are used to switch timer operation of the control unit.
8. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is operatively coupled to the mode selector such that a relatively longer press user input is used to toggle timer operation of the control unit between on and off states.
9. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is arranged to indicate timer status to a user as either in a switched on state or a switched off state though a visual indicator of the mode selector.
10. The electrical controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical controller is arranged with a connection, at the electrical output, to a decorative lighting element that comprises a LED string light.
11. A method of operating an electrical controller comprising a mode selector, a control unit, and an electrical output for connection to a decorative lighting element, the method comprising: operating a mode selector to instruct the control unit to change a selected mode for supply to the electrical output, and further comprising operating the same mode selector to switch timer operation of the control unit.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of operating a mode selector comprises selecting a mode of lighting a string light.
13. The method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method further comprises operating the electrical controller indefinitely while connected to an electrical supply, once a mode has been selected, and with a timer inoperative.
14. The method according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the step of operating the same mode selector to switch timer operation of the control unit comprises a user starting a timer also by using the mode selector.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of starting the timer further comprises displaying visually that the timer has started.
16. The method according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the method further comprises ceasing to supply electrical energy to the electrical output at the end of the timer's on period.
17. The method according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the method further comprises resuming supply to the electrical output at the end of the timer's off period.
18. The method according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method further comprises changing a mode of lighting a string light by user operation of the mode selector while the timer is operational, and during the timer's on period.
19. The method according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the method further comprises pressing and holding a push button switch, thereby indicating visually that the timer has stopped or is reset.
20. The method according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the method further comprises indicating visually that the timer has been cancelled so as not to be running by not illuminating an integrated LED in a push button switch under control of the electrical controller.
21. An electrical controller or a method of operating an electrical controller substantially as herein-described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.