JP2604285B2 - Load control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a load control device for controlling a driving time of a load using a card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a pay television installed in a guest room of a ryokan is provided with a coin timer for controlling the power of the television. When using this pay television, a coin of a predetermined amount according to the usage time is inserted into a coin slot of a coin timer. Then, when the coin timer detects the inserted coin, the power is connected to the pay television and the time counting is started. When the time corresponding to the inserted coin has been counted, the power supply is cut off. That is, the usage time of the pay television is controlled according to the inserted coin.

[0003]

As described above, when the use time of the pay television is set by the coin timer, the shortest use time is determined by one coin.
Even if the usage time is shorter than that, one coin is required, and the usage fee is not reduced. In addition, the power is turned off without notice after the usage time set by the insertion of coins, so if the power is turned off during the use of pay TV, the inconvenience of having to insert coins quickly is inconvenient. There is.

[0004] Furthermore, there is a problem that the person in charge of managing the pay television needs to collect the inserted coins, and must pay attention to theft of the inserted coins. Furthermore, if a coin is inserted once and the usage time is set, it cannot be cleared in the middle of the usage time, so if the use is terminated in the middle of the usage time, the remaining usage time will be generated and another There is a problem that the user can use the pay television without inserting coins.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a load control device capable of controlling a time for driving a load without inserting coins.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a load control apparatus for controlling a time to drive a load by using numerical data stored in a card coupled so as to transmit data. Reading the numerical data,
A reader / writer for writing, means for instructing the load to be driven by the numerical data read by the reader / writer, and a command for writing a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to the time from the read numerical data to the card and means for the, negative
Drive stopping means operated when stopping driving of the load,
When the driving stop means is operated, the driving time of the load is affected.
Write numerical data with the corresponding numerical value reduced to the card
Characterized Tei Rukoto and means.

A load control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a load control device for controlling a time to drive a load based on numerical data stored in a card which is connected so as to be able to transmit data. A reader / writer for writing, a unit for giving a command to drive the load for a preset time, a unit for giving a command to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the numerical data , Operating notifying means, and a preset time
If only the load is driven, the
Characterized tare Rukoto a configuration for notifying operation intellectual means.

[0008] A load control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a load control device for controlling a time when a load is to be driven based on numerical data stored in a card which is coupled to enable data transmission, wherein the numerical data is read out. A reader / writer for writing, a means for instructing to drive the load for a predetermined time period, and the numerical data,
A means for instructing to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time; and a suspending means for temporarily stopping the time measurement .
When the temporary stop is released, the drive of the load will restart.
Cormorants and said Thea Rukoto configured.

A load control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a load control device for controlling a time for driving a load based on numerical data stored in a card which is coupled to be able to transmit data, wherein the numerical data is read out. A reader / writer for writing, means for measuring a preset time, and means for giving a command to drive the load for a preset time,
It comprises means for instructing to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the numerical data, and a clear switch for erasing the remaining time after driving the load in the middle of the preset time. It is characterized by the following.

[0010]

According to the first aspect, when the reader / writer reads out the numerical data stored in the card, the load starts to be driven. Drive
When the operation stopping means is operated, the driving of the load is terminated, and numerical data obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to the driving time of the load from the read numerical data is written to the card. Thereby, a numerical value corresponding to the drive time of the load is obtained later.

In the second invention, the reader / writer reads out the numerical data stored in the card. When the time to drive the load is set in advance, the load starts to drive. A numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the read numerical data is written to the card. Before the end of the preset time
That the notification means is activated and the set time is about to end.
And announce. As a result, a numerical value corresponding to a preset time for driving the load is anticipated. In addition,
Operation to continue driving before the load drive stops
It can be performed.

In the third invention, the reader / writer reads out the numerical data stored in the card. When the time to drive the load is set in advance, the set time starts to be measured, and the load starts to drive. A numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the read numerical data is written to the card. When the temporary stop means is operated, the timing is temporarily stopped, and the driving of the load is temporarily stopped. One of timekeeping by means of suspension
When the temporary stop is released, the driving of the load is restarted. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the preset time can be anticipated, and the drive of the load can be freely stopped and restarted within the anticipated numerical value.

In the fourth invention, the reader / writer reads the numerical data stored in the card. When the time to drive the load is set in advance, the set time starts to be measured, and the load starts to drive. A numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the read numerical data is written to the card. When the clear switch is operated, the remaining time of the preset time is erased. Thus, even if the driving of the load is completed in the middle of the preset time, the remaining time of the preset time does not remain.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to the first invention and the second invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the load control device. A card insertion slot 2 for inserting a magnetic card MC is provided on the right side of the front surface 1a of the rectangular case 1 in the load control device.

On the upper left side of the front surface 1a, there is provided a display unit 7 made of, for example, an LED for displaying that the electric equipment is being energized. Below the display unit 7, there is provided, for example, a four-digit amount display unit 3 for displaying the amount as numerical data stored in the magnetic card MC inserted into the card insertion slot 2. From the left, a start switch 4, a good night timer time switch 5 and a card return switch 6 are provided on the same line at an appropriate distance from the card insertion slot 2 on the front face 1a and the price display section 3.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A condition setting switch group 9 such as a charge setting switch for setting a usage fee per unit time and a code setting switch for setting a code for specifying the magnetic card MC is provided on the left side of. On the right side of the rear surface 1b, there is provided an electric device connection terminal 8 for connecting an electric device such as a television or a refrigerator, which is controlled to be energized. The power cord PC is derived from the rear surface 1b.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the load control device. Operation unit 10a, storage unit 10b, and timer 10c
Control unit 10 consisting of a microcomputer with built-in
A reader / writer 20 that reads and writes data from and to the magnetic card MC inserted through the card insertion slot 2 is connected to the input / output port group I / O. The power supply V _C is connected to the input port a of the control unit 10 via the start switch 4, the good night timer time switch 5 and the card return switch 6 separately.
₀ , a ₁ , and a ₂ , respectively, and are connected to the LED display 7.
And it is connected to the input port a ₃ via a resistor R.

The output ports b ₀ and b ₁ are connected to a buzzer 12. Output port group b ₁₀ is connected to the amount display unit 3.
Output port group b ₁₁ is connected to the condition setting switch group 9. The output ports b ₂ and b ₃ are connected to a control winding that controls opening and closing of a contact (not shown) of the relay 11. Each line of the power supply cord PC (see FIG. 2) is connected to the input side of the power supply circuit 13.

The voltage applied by the power cord PC is applied between both terminals of the electrical equipment connection terminal 8 via a contact (not shown) of the relay 11. Power circuit 13 is adapted to step down the voltage supplied by the power cord PC to a predetermined voltage and is adapted to output a voltage of the power source V _C. The output side of the power supply circuit 13 is connected to the power supply terminals E ₁ , E
Connected to ₂ .

Next, the operation of the load control device configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Prior to using the load control device, an electric device to be controlled to be energized, for example, a television, is connected to the electric device connection terminal 8. The condition setting switch group 9 sets a charge per unit time for using the connected television, and sets a code for specifying a magnetic card that can use this television. And power cord
Connect the PC to the specified power supply. A magnetic card MC which is a prepaid card to be inserted into the card insertion slot 2 stores an amount for paying a television usage fee. Thus, the load control device can be used.

To use the television without setting the use time, the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2 (S1), and the start switch 4 is operated. Then, the reader / writer 20 reads the amount stored in the magnetic card MC (S2). The control unit 10 checks the input port a _0, it is determined whether the start switch 4 has been operated (S3), when it is determined to have been operated, and the output port b _2, b ₃ to the "H" level relay 11 To close a contact (not shown).
Then, the voltage supplied by the power cord PC is supplied to the television (not shown) connected thereto via the electric device connection terminal 8 to start energization (S4), and the television enters a use state.

When the output ports b ₂ and b ₃ are at the “H” level, the input port a ₃ is at the “L” level, the LED display unit 7 emits light, and the television is in an energized state. Notify (S5). In this state, the operation unit 10a
Displays the usage fee corresponding to the energization time on the price display unit 3 at predetermined time intervals.

Subsequently, the control unit 10 checks the input port a ₂ ,
It is determined whether or not the card return switch 6 has been operated (S
6) If it is determined that the operation has been performed, or if the amount of the magnetic card MC is 0 even if it is determined that the operation has not been performed (S
7), set output ports b ₂ and b ₃ to “L” level and relay
The power supply to the television is stopped by deenergizing 11 and opening its contact (S8). When the output port b _2, b ₃ becomes "L" level, the input port a ₃ display unit 7 becomes "H" level is turned off (S9).

The calculation unit 10a subtracts the usage fee for the time until the end of energization from the amount read in step (S2). Then the reader / writer 20 uses the magnetic card
Write to MC (S10). Thereafter, the magnetic card MC is ejected from the card insertion slot 2 (S11), and the use of the television is terminated.

Next, when the use time of the television is set in advance and used, the good night timer time switch 5 is operated. In this case, when the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2 (S1), the reader / writer 20 reads out the amount stored in the magnetic card MC (S2). Then, the control unit 10 controls the input port a ₀
Is checked to determine whether the start switch 4 has been operated (S3). If it is determined that the start switch 4 has not been operated, the input port a ₁
To determine whether or not the good night timer time switch 5 has been operated (S12). Good night timer time switch 5
When it is determined that has been operated, the calculation unit 10a subtracts the usage fee for the timer time set by the good night timer time switch 5 from the previously read amount (S13), and then sets the timer time set by the good night timer time switch 5 to To
It is set in the timer 10c (S14).

Then, the reader / writer 20 proceeds to step (S13)
Write the remaining amount after subtracting the usage fee into the magnetic card MC (S1
Five) . Thereafter, the magnetic card MC is ejected to the card insertion slot 2 (S16). Subsequently, when the timer 10c is set, the output ports b ₂ and b ₃ become “H” level, the relay 11 is energized, and the television starts to be energized via the electric device connection terminal 8 (S17). . When the output ports b ₂ and b ₃ go to “H” level, the input port a ₃ goes to “L” level, the display section 7 is turned on (S18), and it is notified that the television is on. .

The timer 10c counts down a preset timer time from the start of energization. And
The control unit 10 determines whether or not the remaining timer time of the timer 10c is just before the end (S20), and keeps the display unit 7 turned on until just before the end. If however it is determined that the remaining timer time becomes immediately before completion, the input port a ₃ in the intermittent "L" level blink the display section 7. Or the output port b ₀ ,
and the b ₁ to the "H" level causes the buzzer 12. As a result, it is notified that power to the television is about to be stopped.

Here, when using the television continuously,
If the timer time is reset by the good night timer switch 5, it can be used continuously. In this state, the timer 10c counts down the remaining timer time (S22). Then, the countdown of the timer time ends (S23). When the countdown is completed, the output ports b ₂ and b ₃ are set to the “L” level to deactivate the relay 11, open its contacts and stop energizing the television (S 24). Also, set input port a ₃ to “H”.
The level is set to the level, the display unit 7 is turned off (S25), and the use of the television is ended.

Next, after inserting the magnetic card MC into the card insertion slot 2, if the television is not used for convenience, the card return switch is operated. In this case, when the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2 (S1), the reader / writer 20 reads out the amount stored in the inserted magnetic card MC (S2),
Check the input ports a ₀ is determined whether the start switch 4 has been operated (S3), if it is determined that not operated, whether the operation switch 5 Goodnight timer time by examining the input ports a ₁ determining (S12), if it is determined that this case is not operated timer time switch 5 Good night, followed card return switch 6 examines the input port a ₂ determines whether been operated (S26). If it is determined that the card return switch 6 has been operated, the magnetic card
The MC is discharged from the card insertion slot 2 (S27). If it is determined that the card return switch 6 has not been operated, the magnetic card MC is kept inserted.

As described above, according to this load control device,
A magnetic card as a prepaid card that stores a predetermined amount of money
When the MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2, the power supply to the television is started. Then, the usage fee corresponding to the usage time is displayed. When the use of the television is ended, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee from the predetermined amount is written on the magnetic card at the end of the use, and the magnetic card is ejected.

Therefore, the usage fee of the television can be properly paid in accordance with the power-on time, and there is no excess or deficiency in payment of the usage fee. Further, unlike the case where a television is used by inserting coins, power supply does not stop during use. Furthermore, there is no need for the TV administrator to collect coins for the fee. In this load control device, when the user operates the start switch 4 and uses the television, a usage fee corresponding to the energization time is postponed from the amount stored in the magnetic card MC.

On the other hand, when the user uses the television by operating the good night timer time switch 5, a usage fee corresponding to a preset timer time is pre-paid and subtracted from the amount stored in the magnetic card MC. Then, after the television is in use, the magnetic card MC is ejected, and the ejected magnetic card MC is inserted into a card slot of a load control device other than the television, for example, set with the washing machine by inserting the ejected magnetic card MC into the washing machine. And TV can be used at the same time.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are an external perspective view and a rear view of the load control device according to the third invention. A pause switch 21 is provided between the good night timer time switch 5 and the card return switch 6 on the front surface 1a of the case 1 so as to be located on the same line as the switch.
On the upper side, a pause display section 22 composed of an LED is provided, and the other structure is the same as the structure shown in FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the load control device according to the third invention. The power supply V _C is connected to the input port a ₄ of the control unit 10 via the pause switch 21,
Also connected to the input port a ₅ of the control unit 10 via the pause display unit 22 composed of LED and resistor R _22. The other configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the load control device configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This load control device is used by connecting, for example, a television in the same manner as the load control devices of the first and second inventions shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The load control device has a start switch 4,
Regardless of which of the good night timer time switch 5 and the card return switch 6 is operated, the same operation as the power supply control device of the first invention and the second invention is performed.

By the way, the good night timer time switch 5
Is operated, the use time is set in advance, and when the user does not want to temporarily use the television due to an inappropriate program, the pause switch 21 is turned on. Then the control unit 10 examines the input port a _4, it is determined whether the pause switch 21 is turned on (S2
0), when it is determined that the relay 11 has been turned on,
And the power supply to the television is stopped (S27). Then turn off the display unit 7 (S28), and turns on the pause display unit 22 by the input port a ₅ to "L" level (S29).

Then, the countdown of the timer time is stopped (S30). As a result, the television is temporarily not used. Thereafter, when the program changes after a predetermined period of time and the television is used again, the pause switch 21 is turned off (S31). Then, the pause display section 22 is turned off (S32). Then, energize the TV again (S1
7) In this way, the good night timer time switch 5
If you use to operate the TV and temporarily turn off power to the TV while the timer time has not expired, the remaining timer time will be retained and the usage fee will depend on the TV usage time. It becomes something. Therefore, power supply to the television is stopped and restarted within a preset time range, so that the television can be used efficiently.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are an external perspective view and a rear view of the load control device according to the fourth invention. A clear switch 30 is provided at the lower center of the rear surface 1b of the case 1,
The other structure is the same as the structure shown in FIGS. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the load control device according to the fourth invention. Power V _C is the clear switch 30
It is connected to the input port a ₆ of the control unit 10 via the. The rest of the configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the load control device thus configured will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 showing the control procedure of the control unit. This load control device is used by connecting, for example, a television in the same manner as the load control devices of the first and second inventions shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. This load control device operates in the same manner as the load control devices of the first and second inventions when any of the start switch 4, the good night timer switch 5, and the card return switch 6 is operated.

When a trial use of the television after the installation is performed, the good night timer time switch 5 is operated to put the television into a use state. When the trial use ends, the clear switch 30 is operated. Then, the control unit 10 checks the input port a _6, it is determined whether the clear switch 30 is operated (S20), if it is determined to have been operated, the energization of the television deenergizes the relay 11 as described above Is stopped (S27). Subsequently, the remaining time of the preset timer time is cleared by the sleep timer time switch 5 (S28).

As described above, when the user uses the sleep timer time switch 5 to perform trial use of the installed television, the remaining switch time generated after the end of trial use can be cleared by operating the clear switch. Using the remaining timer time, there is no problem that the television can be used without paying the usage fee.

In these embodiments, the case where a television is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Electricity control such as a home appliance such as a washing machine, a rice cooker, and a refrigerator, or power supply control for hot water supply is also possible. Can also be used. Further, although a terminal for connecting only one electric device is used as the electric device connection terminal 8, a terminal for connecting a plurality of electric devices may be used. Further, a memory card other than a magnetic card can be used as a card for storing the amount of money.

[0043]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect,
The numerical value corresponding to the time during which the load is driven can be appropriately reduced from the numerical data stored in the card, and the numerical value can be retrieved when the use of the load is finished. According to the second aspect, the numerical value corresponding to the preset time for driving the load can be appropriately reduced from the numerical data stored in the card, and the numerical value can be obtained in advance when the time is set in advance. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the suspension of the load can be freely stopped and restarted within the numerical value corresponding to the preset time by the temporary stopping means, and the load use efficiency can be improved. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the driving of the load is terminated in the middle of the preset time, the remaining time of the set time can be cleared by operating the clear switch. It has an excellent effect such that it can be prevented from being used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to a first invention and a second invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the load control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the load control device illustrated in FIG. 1;

4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG. 3;

6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to a third invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the load control device shown in FIG. 7;

9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the load control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG. 9;

11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to a fourth invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the load control device shown in FIG.

15 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the load control device shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

18 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a control unit shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Case 2 Card slot 3 Amount display section 4 Start switch 5 Good night timer time switch 6 Card return switch 8 Electrical device connection terminal 10 Control section 11 Relay 20 Reader / writer 21 Pause switch 22 Pause display section 30 Clear switch

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A load control device for controlling a time when a load is to be driven based on numerical data stored in a card coupled so as to be capable of data transmission, comprising: a reader / writer for reading and writing the numerical data; Means for instructing the load to be driven by the numerical data read by the reader / writer; means for instructing the card to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting the numerical value corresponding to the time from the read numerical data; and driving the load. Drive stop hand operated when stopping
And when the load is driven when the drive stop means is operated.
Write the numerical data with the numerical value corresponding to
Load control device according to claim Tei Rukoto and means burn them. 2. A load control device for controlling a time when a load is to be driven based on numerical data stored in a card coupled so as to be capable of data transmission, comprising: a reader / writer for reading and writing the numerical data; Means for instructing to drive the load for a set time, means for instructing to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the numerical data, and an informing means for performing an informing operation , If the load is driven for a preset time,
A configuration in which the notification means is notified before the end of time.
Citea Rukoto load control apparatus according to claim. 3. A load control device for controlling a time when a load is to be driven based on numerical data stored in a card coupled so as to be capable of data transmission, comprising: a reader / writer for reading and writing the numerical data; Means for instructing to drive the load for a set time period; means for instructing the numerical data to write a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time; and and a temporary stop means for temporarily stopping, the
When the temporary stop of the timing by the temporary stop means is released
A load control device for a structure to said tare Rukoto to resume driving the load. 4. A load control device for controlling a time to drive a load based on numerical data stored in a card coupled so as to be capable of data transmission, comprising: a reader / writer for reading and writing the numerical data; Means for counting a set time, means for instructing to drive the load for a preset time, means for writing a numerical value obtained by subtracting a numerical value corresponding to a preset time from the numerical data, A load control device comprising: a clear switch for erasing a remaining time after the driving of the load is completed in the middle of a preset time.