JP2021018194A - Time switch - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a time switch capable of easily on/off operation of a load every n days (n is a natural number).SOLUTION: A time switch 10 includes: a switch unit 12 that turns on and off the electrical connection of a load and a power source; and a timer unit 11 that repeats on and off operation of the switch unit 12 based on user settings in a 48×n (n is a natural number) time cycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a time switch that turns the load on and off according to a time schedule set by the user.

A time switch is a device that turns the load on and off according to a time schedule set by the user. As such a time switch, Patent Document 1 discloses a time switch in which a power failure compensation battery can be easily replaced.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-126862

The present invention provides a time switch that facilitates on / off operation of a load every n days (n is a natural number).

The time switch according to one aspect of the present invention has a switch unit for turning on and off the electrical connection of the load and the power supply, and a 48 × n (n is a natural number) time cycle for turning on and off the switch unit based on the user setting. It is equipped with a timer unit that repeats with.

According to the present invention, a time switch that can easily turn the load on and off every n days is realized.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the time switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the time switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the contact portion. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the contact portion. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a time switch notification operation example 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a time switch notification operation example 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the time switch according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the time switch according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below are comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary components.

It should be noted that each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly shown. Further, in each figure, substantially the same configuration may be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the time switch according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the time switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the time switch according to the first embodiment.

The time switch 10 is an electrical connection of a load (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) connected to the terminal unit 13 based on the on setter 11c and the off setter 11d attached to the timer unit 11. Is a device that turns on and off (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "turning on (off) the load"). Specifically, the time switch 10 includes a timer unit 11, a switch unit 12, a terminal unit 13, a notification unit 14, and a speaker 15.

The timer unit 11 has a drive unit 11a, a dial 11b, an on setter 11c, an off setter 11d, and a fixed unit 11e. The drive unit 11 is a drive circuit that rotates the dial 11b using electric power supplied from an AC power source or a DC power source such as a battery.

The dial 11b is an annular member that rotates with respect to the fixed portion 11e (fixed and does not move), and makes one rotation in, for example, 48 hours. A number indicating the time is displayed on the dial 11b, and a triangular mark indicating the time (number) displayed on the dial 11b as the current time and an arrow indicating the rotation direction of the dial 11b are displayed on the fixed portion 11e. ing. An on setter 11c and an off setter 11d are detachably attached to the dial 11b by the user.

For example, the user attaches the on setter 11c to the dial 11b at the position where the time when the load is to be turned on is displayed. When the dial 11b rotates and the on setter 11c comes to the position of the triangle mark on the fixed portion 11e, it means that the current time is the time displayed at the position where the on setter 11c is attached. When the on setter 11c comes to the position of the triangle mark on the fixed portion 11e, the on setter 11c comes into contact with the cam mechanism 12a of the switch portion 12, and the cam mechanism 12a rotates by the torque of the dial 11b. By this rotation, the two metal plates constituting the contact portion 12b come into contact with each other. As a result, the power supply and the load are electrically connected (on).

Similarly, for example, the user attaches the off setter 11d to the dial 11b at the position where the time when the load is desired to be turned off is displayed. When the dial 11b rotates and the off settler 11d comes to the position of the triangle mark on the fixed portion 11e, it means that the current time is the time displayed at the position where the off settler 11d is attached. When the off setting element 11d comes to the position of the triangle mark on the fixed portion 11e, the off setting element 11d comes into contact with the cam mechanism 12a of the switch unit 12, and the cam mechanism 12a rotates by the torque of the dial 11b. This rotation separates the two metal plates constituting the contact portion 12b. As a result, the power supply and the load are electrically separated (off).

The switch unit 12 turns on and off the electrical connection of the load and power supply connected to the terminal unit 13. The switch portion 12 has a cam mechanism 12a and a contact portion 12b. The contact portion 12b has a c contact configuration (that is, unipolar double throw) as shown in FIG. The contact portion 12b may have an a contact configuration (that is, single pole single throw) as shown in FIG. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the circuit configuration of the contact portion 12b. When a plurality of loads are attached to the terminal portion 13, the time switch 10 may include a plurality of switch portions 12 corresponding to the plurality of loads.

The terminal portion 13 includes a load connection terminal 13a to which the load is connected and a power supply connection terminal 13b to which the power supply is connected. Further, the terminal unit 13 is connected to the temperature information acquisition terminal 13c to which the signal line for receiving the signal indicating the temperature of the load is connected and the signal line for receiving the signal indicating the current flowing through the load. The current information acquisition terminal 13d is included. The temperature information acquisition terminal 13c is an example of a temperature acquisition unit, and the current information acquisition terminal 13d is an example of a current acquisition unit. The load is, for example, a motor or the like, but is not particularly limited. A plurality of loads may be attached to the terminal portion 13.

[Advantages of time switch]
In a general analog time switch, the switch unit 12 is turned on and off based on the user setting repeatedly every day (24 hours) or every week. On the other hand, in the time switch 10, the timer unit 11 repeats on and off of the switch unit 12 based on the user setting in a cycle of 48 hours. It should be noted that the 48-hour cycle here does not mean a 48-hour cycle in a strict sense, but means that it is a substantially 48-hour cycle, and may include an error.

The advantage that the switch unit 12 is repeatedly turned on and off in a 48-hour cycle will be described. For example, when pumping water with a motor in a water pump, two motors are used alternately to extend the life of the motor. At this time, in a general 24-hour cycle time switch, the two motors can be operated alternately every 12 hours, but since the frequency of use of the motors differs between daytime and nighttime, every 12 hours. In alternate operation, it is difficult to make the deterioration degrees of the two motors close to uniform. The same applies to a general one-week cycle time switch.

On the other hand, in the time switch 10, since the contact portion 12b has a c contact configuration and the switch portion 12 is repeatedly turned on and off in a 48-hour cycle, the two motors are alternately operated every 24 hours. Can be done. Therefore, according to the time switch 10, it becomes easy to bring the degree of deterioration of the two motors (loads) close to uniform. The timer unit 11 may turn on and off the switch unit 12 in a time cycle of 48 × n (n is a natural number). That is, the timer unit 11 may have a rotation mechanism that makes one rotation in 48 × n (n is a natural number) time.

[Notification operation example 1]
The time switch 10 has a notification function for notifying according to the load state. Specifically, the time switch 10 includes a notification unit 14 and a speaker 15.

The notification unit 14 makes a notification based on the temperature of the load or the current flowing through the load. The notification unit 14 causes the speaker 15, for example, to output a sound (for example, a beep sound). Note that the notification is not limited to the output of sound, and may be performed by the output of light using a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Specifically, the notification unit 14 is realized by a microcomputer composed of a processor, a memory, and the like, but may be realized by a circuit.

Hereinafter, the notification operation example 1 of the time switch 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a notification operation example 1 of the time switch 10. In the following description, the switch unit 12 of the time switch 10 has a c-contact configuration as shown in FIG. 3, and has two loads of the same type (that is, the same as an industrial product), a first load and a second load. The description is given as if it were connected.

First, the temperature information acquisition terminal 13c acquires the temperature information of the first load from the signal line connected to the temperature information acquisition terminal 13c when the first load is connected to the power supply (S11). The temperature information of the first load is, for example, a signal acquired from the first load via the signal line, but is a signal acquired from a temperature sensor or the like separate from the first load via the signal line. You may. The temperature information of the first load may be information that directly or indirectly indicates the temperature of the first load. The notification unit 14 stores the temperature information of the first load in the memory (S12).

Next, the temperature information acquisition terminal 13c acquires the temperature information of the second load from the signal line connected to the temperature information acquisition terminal 13c when the second load is connected to the power supply (S13). The temperature information of the second load is, for example, a signal acquired from the second load via the signal line, but is a signal acquired from a temperature sensor or the like separate from the second load via the signal line. You may. The temperature information of the second load may be any information that directly or indirectly indicates the temperature of the second load. The notification unit 14 stores the temperature information of the second load in the memory (S14).

Next, the notification unit 14 refers to the temperature information of the first load stored in the memory and the temperature information of the second load stored in the memory to obtain the temperature of the first load and the second load. It is determined whether or not the temperature difference (more specifically, the absolute value of the difference) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S15). This predetermined value is stored (set) in the memory in advance by, for example, the user operating a setting button (not shown).

When the difference between the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, there is a difference in the degree of deterioration of the first load and the second load (in other words, some abnormality has occurred). it is conceivable that. Therefore, when the notification unit 14 determines that the difference between the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Yes in S15), the notification unit 14 determines that there is a difference in the degree of deterioration (abnormality). Sound is output to the speaker 15 for notification (S16). On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load is less than a predetermined value (No in S15), the sound for notification is not output and the operation ends.

As described above, the notification unit 14 notifies based on the difference between the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load. Such a time switch 10 can notify the user that there is a difference in the degree of deterioration between the first load and the second load (in other words, some abnormality has occurred). In step S15, it may be determined whether or not the ratio (ratio) of the temperature of the second load to the temperature of the first load is within a predetermined range, and "the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load" may be determined. The "notification based on the temperature difference between the two" includes a form in which the notification is performed by using the ratio (ratio) of the temperature of the second load to the temperature of the first load for determination.

Further, the switch unit 12 of the time switch 10 may have an a-contact configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and in this case, the notification unit 14 uses the temperature information of the load and the temperature of the load is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Notification may be given based on the determination of whether or not.

[Notification operation example 2]
The time switch 10 may give a notification based on the current flowing through the load. Hereinafter, the notification operation example 2 of the time switch 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the notification operation example 2 of the time switch 10. In the following description, the switch unit 12 of the time switch 10 has a c-contact configuration as shown in FIG. 3, and has two loads of the same type (that is, the same as an industrial product), a first load and a second load. The description is given as if it were connected.

First, the current information acquisition terminal 13d acquires the current information of the first load from the signal line connected to the current information acquisition terminal 13d when the first load is connected to the power supply (S21). The current information of the first load is, for example, a signal acquired from the first load via the signal line, but is a signal acquired from the current sensor, which is separate from the first load, via the signal line. You may. The current information of the first load may be information that directly or indirectly indicates the current flowing through the first load. The notification unit 14 stores the current information of the first load in the memory (S22).

Next, the current information acquisition terminal 13d acquires the current information of the second load from the signal line connected to the current information acquisition terminal 13d when the second load is connected to the power supply (S23). The current information of the second load is, for example, a signal acquired from the second load via the signal line, but is a signal acquired from the current sensor, which is separate from the second load, via the signal line. You may. The current information of the second load may be information that directly or indirectly indicates the current flowing through the second load. The notification unit 14 stores the current information of the second load in the memory (S24).

Next, the notification unit 14 refers to the current information of the first load stored in the memory and the current information of the second load stored in the memory, so that the current flowing through the first load and the second It is determined whether or not the difference in the current flowing through the load (more specifically, the absolute value of the difference) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S25). This predetermined value is stored (set) in the memory in advance by, for example, the user operating a setting button (not shown).

When the difference between the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the second load is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is considered that there is a difference in the degree of deterioration between the first load and the second load. Therefore, when the notification unit 14 determines that the difference between the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the second load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Yes in S25), the notification unit 14 causes the speaker 15 to output sound (S26). On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the second load is less than a predetermined value (No in S25), the sound for notification is not output and the operation ends.

As described above, the notification unit 14 makes a notification based on the difference between the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the second load. Such a time switch 10 can notify the user that there is a difference in the degree of deterioration between the first load and the second load. In step S25, it may be determined whether or not the ratio (ratio) of the current flowing through the second load to the current flowing through the first load is within a predetermined range, and "the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the first load" may be determined. The "notification based on the difference in the current flowing through the second load" includes a form in which the notification is performed by using the ratio (ratio) of the current flowing through the second load to the current flowing through the first load as a determination.

Further, the switch unit 12 of the time switch 10 may have an a-contact configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and in this case, the notification unit 14 uses the current information of the load and the current flowing through the load is equal to or more than a predetermined value. The notification may be given based on the determination of whether or not there is.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the time switch 10 turns on and off the switch unit 12 for turning on and off the electrical connection of the load and the power supply, and turns on and off the switch unit 12 based on the user setting for 48 × n (n is a natural number) time. A timer unit 11 that repeats in a cycle is provided.

Such a time switch 10 can easily realize an operation of turning the load on and off every n days (24 × n hours). According to the time switch 10, the user can easily turn the load on and off every n days.

Further, for example, the switch unit 12 turns off the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply while the electrical connection between the first load and the power supply, which is the load, is turned on, and the first load and the power supply are connected. While the electrical connection is off, turn on the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply.

Such a time switch 10 can easily realize an operation of turning the two loads on and off alternately every n days. According to the time switch 10, the user can easily turn the two loads on and off alternately every n days.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a temperature information acquisition terminal 13c for acquiring information indicating the temperature of the first load and information indicating the temperature of the second load, the temperature of the first load, and the first load. It is provided with a notification unit 14 that gives a notification based on the difference in temperature between the two loads. The temperature information acquisition terminal 13c is an example of a temperature acquisition unit.

Such a time switch 10 can notify an abnormality based on the relative relationship between the temperatures of the two loads. For example, the time switch 10 can notify that the degree of deterioration of two loads of the same type is not uniform.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a current information acquisition terminal 13d for acquiring information indicating the current flowing through the first load and information indicating the current flowing through the second load, and a current flowing through the first load. It also includes a notification unit 14 that gives a notification based on the difference in the current flowing through the second load. The current information acquisition terminal 13d is an example of a current acquisition unit.

Such a time switch 10 can notify an abnormality based on the relative relationship of the currents flowing through the two loads. For example, the time switch 10 can notify that the degree of deterioration of two loads of the same type is not uniform.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a temperature information acquisition terminal 13c for acquiring information indicating the temperature of the load. The temperature information acquisition terminal 13c is an example of a temperature acquisition unit.

Such a time switch 10 can detect an abnormality in the temperature of the load.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a current information acquisition terminal 13d that acquires information indicating the current flowing through the load. The current information acquisition terminal 13d is an example of a current acquisition unit.

Such a time switch 10 can detect an abnormality in the current flowing through the load.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a notification unit 14 that gives a notification based on the acquired information.

Such a time switch 10 can notify the user of an abnormality in the temperature of the load or an abnormality in the current flowing through the load.

Further, for example, the timer unit 11 has a rotation mechanism that makes one rotation in 48 × n hours.

Such a time switch 10 can easily realize an operation of turning the load on and off every n days by using a rotation mechanism.

(Embodiment 2)
The present invention may be realized as a digital time switch. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the time switch according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the time switch according to the second embodiment.

Specifically, the time switch 20 according to the second embodiment includes a terminal unit 21, a switch unit 22, a setting reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, a control unit 26, and a timekeeping unit 27. And an expansion terminal portion 28.

A load and a power supply are connected to the terminal portion 21. The load is, for example, a motor. The terminal portion 21 has a structure for fixing the load and the power supply with screws, for example. The circuit configuration of the terminal portion 21 is not particularly limited. A plurality of loads may be attached to the terminal portion 21.

The switch unit 22 turns on and off the electrical connection of the load and power supply connected to the terminal unit. The switch unit 22 is realized by, for example, a relay element and a drive circuit of the relay element, but may be realized by a power transistor and a drive circuit of the power transistor. The contact configuration of the switch unit 22 is not particularly limited. The switch unit 22 may have a c-contact configuration (that is, single-pole double-throw) or an a-contact configuration (that is, single-pole single-throw). When a plurality of loads are attached to the terminal portion 21, the time switch 20 may include a plurality of switch portions 22 corresponding to the plurality of loads.

The setting receiving unit 23 is a user interface that receives various settings related to the time switch 20. Specifically, the setting receiving unit 23 receives the setting of the on time when the switch unit 22 is turned on and the setting of the off time when the switch unit 22 is turned off. The setting receiving unit 23 is realized by, for example, a hardware key (hardware button), a slide switch, or the like, but may be realized by a touch panel or the like.

The display unit 24 is a display panel that displays information for the user to confirm the setting contents and the like. The display unit 24 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but may be realized by another display panel such as an organic EL panel. Further, the display unit 24 may be provided with a backlight.

The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores various settings received by the setting reception unit 23 as setting information. The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 26 is a control device that controls the on and off of the switch unit 22 (that is, the on and off of the electrical connection of the load and the power supply). The control unit 26 is another example of the timer unit, and turns on and off the switch unit 22 based on the user setting performed via the setting reception unit 23 in a 48 × n (n is a natural number) time cycle. Further, the control unit 26 is another example of the notification unit, and performs notification using a speaker (not shown) or the like based on the temperature information of the load or the current information of the load obtained via the expansion terminal unit 28. .. The control unit 26 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The storage unit 25 may be built in the control unit 26.

The timekeeping unit 27 is a timekeeping device that measures the current date and time. The timekeeping unit 27 is realized by, for example, a real-time clock.

The expansion terminal unit 28 is another example of the temperature acquisition unit and the current acquisition unit, and is a signal line for transmitting a signal indicating the temperature of the load and a signal line for transmitting a signal indicating the current flowing through the load. This is another terminal unit different from the terminal unit 11 to which the above is connected.

In this way, the time switch 20 turns on and off the switch unit 22 for turning on and off the electrical connection of the load and the power supply and the switch unit 12 based on the user setting in a 48 × n (n is a natural number) time cycle. A control unit 26 that repeats is provided. The control unit 26 is another example of the timer unit.

Such a time switch 20 can turn the load on and off every n days (24 × n hours). According to the time switch 20, the user can easily turn the load on and off every n days. Further, the time switch 20 can also perform the notification operation described in the first embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature acquisition unit has been described as a terminal, but the temperature acquisition unit may be a communication circuit (communication module) that acquires temperature information by wired communication or wireless communication. The same applies to the current acquisition unit.

Further, in the above embodiment, another processing unit may execute the processing executed by the specific processing unit.

Further, the order of processing described in the flowchart of the above embodiment is an example. The order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

Further, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

In addition, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits from each other. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized in recording media such as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs or computer-readable CD-ROMs. In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

In addition, it is realized by applying various modifications to each embodiment that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, or by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the range not deviating from the gist of the present invention. The form is also included in the present invention.

10, 20 Time switch 11 Timer section 12, 22 Switch section 13c Temperature information acquisition terminal (Temperature acquisition section)
13d Current information acquisition terminal (current acquisition unit)
14 Notification unit 26 Control unit (timer unit, notification unit)
27 Timekeeping section 28 Expansion terminal section (temperature acquisition section, current acquisition section)

Claims (8)

A switch that turns on and off the electrical connections of the load and power supply,
A time switch including a timer unit that repeats on / off of the switch unit based on a user setting in a time cycle of 48 × n (n is a natural number). The switch unit turns off the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply while the electrical connection between the first load and the power supply, which is the load, is on, and the first load and the power supply The time switch according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection between the second load and the power supply is turned on while the electrical connection is off. Further, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the temperature of the first load and information indicating the temperature of the second load,
The time switch according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies based on the difference between the temperature of the first load and the temperature of the second load. Further, a current acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the current flowing through the first load and information indicating the current flowing through the second load.
The time switch according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a notification unit that gives a notification based on the difference between the current flowing through the first load and the current flowing through the second load. The time switch according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the temperature of the load. The time switch according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising a current acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the current flowing through the load. The time switch according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a notification unit that gives notification based on the acquired information. The time switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the timer unit has a rotation mechanism that makes one rotation in 48 × n hours.

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