JP4344656B2 - Method for supplying power to heater for floor heating and current control device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for supplying power to a heater for floor heating having a positive thermistor characteristic, and more particularly, within the scope of a power contract while fully utilizing the heater capacity when supplying power to the heater. The present invention relates to a method of supplying power to a heater for floor heating having positive thermistor characteristics, which enables power supply to the heater at a current value at.

  Conventionally, as a heater used for floor heating or the like, an electrically conductive sheet heater that constitutes a heat generating portion with this ink or the like using a conductive ink or compound having a “positive thermistor characteristic” has been provided. Yes.

  Here, the “positive thermistor characteristic” is a characteristic in which the resistance value increases as the temperature rises, and the current consumption and temperature stabilize after reaching a certain temperature. A heater using a substance having this characteristic as a heat generating portion is referred to as a “PTC heater”.

  In this PTC heater, when the temperature of the heat generating portion rises, the resistance value increases, thereby suppressing the current flowing through the heat generating portion and slowing the temperature rise of the heat generating portion. After the temperature reaches a certain temperature (this is generally referred to as “Curie point”), the current consumption and the temperature of the heat generating portion are stabilized (this region is referred to as “stable region”).

  As described above, in the PTC heater, when the heater temperature rises, the current consumption decreases, and thereafter there is a characteristic of having a constant temperature saturation region. The rise in temperature can be prevented and the rise in temperature is faster than that of a general heating element, so that the target temperature range is clear, such as floor heating or melting snow. Many have been used in recent years.

  However, in general, in the case of a PTC heater, the current at the initial rise is large, and the current at the initial rise varies depending on the PTC heater manufacturer and the ambient temperature, but from 1.5 times the current in the stable region. Since there is a difference of about 8 times, when using this, it was necessary to divide the number of circuits or make a large power contract.

  On the other hand, for example, in many apartments and apartments, power contracts are often limited due to the structure, and often only one circuit (20A) can be drawn in as a dedicated floor heating line. It is conceivable that the number of PTC heaters to be installed is limited, and there is a problem that floor heating cannot be performed sufficiently.

  Also, even in a detached house where there is no restriction on the power contract from the structure, if you try to install a PTC heater in a large area like a living room, the power contract will be large and the electricity bill will be high, but the PTC heater will not be used There may be a problem that even in the summer, you have to pay this basic charge for large contracts.

  Therefore, in order to solve such problems, a method of detecting the current flowing to the heater side using a current detection sensor and controlling the current when the detected current exceeds the contract current can be considered. In this method, the current is once flowed to the heater side, and then this current is limited. Therefore, particularly when the initial rising current is large, such as in winter, the current control is started at the same time as the power is turned on. When it becomes difficult to raise the heater temperature sufficiently within a certain time and it is much colder than the initial inrush current setting value of the PTC heater, the resistance value of the PTC heater becomes lower than the setting value, There is a problem that the breaker falls at the same time as the release.

In view of this, the present inventor has proposed in the past a method for controlling the current consumption by adjusting the voltage of the power source flowing to the heater side. That is, according to this method, the voltage of the power source flowing to the heater side is gradually increased, so that the current consumption value can be within a preset range, and the heater temperature is raised within the contract current. Is possible.
JP 2003-59623 A

  By the way, in this current control method, since the method of controlling the current value supplied to the heater is adopted, the capacity of the heater cannot be fully utilized, and for this reason, the time until the heater reaches a predetermined temperature. ("Rise time") becomes longer, but at this time, in the current control method, the current value supplied uniformly for all the PTC heaters is controlled. Control is also applied to heaters that do not cause breakers to fall even when a rated voltage is applied that is less than the allowable current value. The problem of being slow is considered.

  In this regard, as a method of supplying power to a plurality of PTC heaters, a method of sequentially supplying power to each heater every preset time has been proposed, but even in such a case, the heater temperature sufficiently rises. It has been pointed out that the rise time of each heater is delayed because the power source is switched to another heater before.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a power supply method that makes it possible to supply power to the heater within the scope of the power contract while sufficiently utilizing the heater capacity to shorten the initial rise time when supplying power to the PTC heater. The issue is to provide.

The present invention according to claim 1 is a method of supplying power to any one heater, a plurality of heaters in any combination, or all heaters simultaneously when supplying power to one or more PTC heaters. And
Set the time until the temperature of the heater reaches the appropriate temperature when the rated voltage is applied in advance as the warm-up operation time,
When the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than or equal to the allowable value. Is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the temperature of the heater rises to a certain temperature, so that when the rated voltage is applied to the heater, the current value flowing to the heater side is reduced. The time from when the supply of current to the heater is started when the current falls below the allowable value until the current value flowing to the heater falls below the allowable value even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater Is set as the control operation time,
At the same time when the power is turned on, detection of the current value that flows to the heater side
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value,
First, a rated voltage is applied to all of the selected heaters until the warm-up operation time elapses, and then, after the warm-up operation time elapses, power supply to each of the selected heaters is intermittently performed. To
On the other hand, when the current value that flows to the heater side exceeds the allowable value,
First, until the control operation time elapses, the voltage applied to each selected heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is equal to or less than the allowable value,
After that, after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the selected heaters is intermittently performed.

The present invention according to claim 2 is a method of supplying power to one or a plurality of PTC heaters by shifting a power supply start time to any one of the heaters or any of a plurality of heaters. ,
Set the time until the temperature of the heater reaches the appropriate temperature when the rated voltage is applied in advance as the warm-up operation time,
When the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than or equal to the allowable value. Is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the temperature of the heater rises to a certain temperature, so that when the rated voltage is applied to the heater, the current value flowing to the heater side is reduced. The time from when the supply of current to the heater is started when the current falls below the allowable value until the current value flowing to the heater falls below the allowable value even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater Is set as the control operation time,
At the same time when the power to the first selected heater is turned on, detection of the current value flowing to the heater side is started.
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, a rated voltage is applied to the first selected heater, and after the warm-up operation time has elapsed, the power supply to the first selected heater is Supply intermittently,
On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, until the control operation time elapses, the current value flowing to the heater side is first set to be equal to or less than the allowable value. The voltage applied to the selected heater is limited, and after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the first selected heaters is intermittently performed, and
When another heater is selected within the warm-up time for the first selected heater,
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the rated voltage is applied to all the selected heaters until the warm-up operation time of the first selected heater has elapsed, and then the warm-up operation time After the elapse of time, intermittent power supply to each of the heaters,
On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, the supply of the rated voltage to the first selected heater is stopped, and the control operation time is set for all the selected heaters. Until the time elapses, the voltage applied to the heater is limited so that the value of the current flowing to the heater is less than the allowable value. After that, the power supply to the heater is intermittently performed after the control operation time has elapsed. ,
When other heaters are selected when power is intermittently supplied for the first selected heater,
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the power supply to each of all the heaters is intermittently performed,
On the other hand, when the value of the current flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the intermittent power supply for the first selected heater is stopped, and first, all the selected heaters are controlled. Until the operation time elapses, the voltage applied to the heater is limited so that the sum of the current values flowing to the heater side is less than or equal to the allowable value, and after the control operation time elapses, all the selected It is characterized by intermittently supplying power to each of the heaters.

And the current control device of the present invention for carrying out these methods includes a current detection means for detecting a current value flowing to the heater side, a thyristor for controlling the current value flowing to the heater side, and the thyristor A gate signal generating means for generating a gate signal to be input to the control device, a control unit for controlling the operation of the gate signal generating means and the entire apparatus, and a switch for giving a predetermined instruction to the control means; , And
The gate signal generation means includes a first gate signal generation means for generating a gate signal for enabling a rated voltage to be applied to the heater, and a gate signal for enabling a voltage value to be applied to the heater to be controlled. A limiter circuit for generating
The switch includes at least a warm-up time setting switch for setting a warm-up operation time, a control time setting switch for setting a control operation time, and an allowable value setting for setting an allowable value of a current value flowing to the heater side Based on the setting of the switch and the allowable value setting switch, the control value setting for setting the control current value when limiting the voltage applied to the heater so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value And a switch.

  In the present invention, when power is supplied to the PTC heater, the rated voltage is applied when the initial rising current consumption is within the range of current values permitted by the power contract, while the initial rising current consumption is allowed by the power contract. In the case of a heater whose initial rising current consumption is within the range of current values permitted by the power contract, the current value is controlled when the current value exceeds the specified current value. The voltage that the heater originally needs can be applied, the heater capacity can be fully utilized, and the rise time can be shortened.

  Moreover, since the power supply to the heater is intermittently performed after the heater temperature rises to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

When supplying power to one or more PTC heaters, when supplying power to any one heater, a plurality of heaters in any combination, or all heaters simultaneously,
First, the time until the heater temperature reaches an appropriate temperature when the rated voltage is applied is set as the warm-up operation time in advance.
At the same time, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value. At the same time, the controlled current value is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the heater temperature rises to a certain temperature, thereby applying the rated voltage to the heater. When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the current value flowing to the heater side is allowed even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater from the time when the supply of current to the heater is started. The time until the value falls below the value is set as the control operation time .
Then, the detection of the current value flowing to the heater side at the same time as turning on the power is started. The rated voltage is applied to all of the heaters, and thereafter, after the warm-up operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the selected heaters is intermittently performed.
On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, each value is selected so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value until the control operation time elapses. Then, after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the selected heaters is intermittently performed.

Next, in the case where power is supplied by shifting the power supply start time to any one of the heaters or any of a plurality of heaters, the temperature of the heater when the rated voltage is first applied in the same manner as described above. The time until the temperature reaches the appropriate temperature is set as the warm-up operation time.
And together with that, when the current value flowing on the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing on the heater side is less than the allowable value, The controlled current value is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the heater temperature rises to a certain temperature, and even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater, the heater side When the current value flowing to the heater is less than the allowable value, the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater from the start of supplying the current to the heater. The time until is set as the control operation time .
Then, the detection of the current value flowing to the heater side at the same time as the power supply to the first selected heater is started, and when the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the first selected heater is After the rated voltage is applied and then the warm-up operation time has elapsed, the power supply to the first selected heater is intermittently performed.
On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, until the control operation time elapses, the current value flowing to the heater side is first set to be equal to or less than the allowable value. The voltage applied to the selected heater is limited, and thereafter, after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the first selected heaters is intermittently performed.
At the same time, when another heater is selected within the warm-up operation time for the first selected heater, and the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the first selected heater Until the warm-up operation time elapses, the rated voltage is applied to all the selected heaters, and after the warm-up operation time has elapsed, power supply to each of the heaters is intermittently performed, When the value of the current flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first the supply of the rated voltage to the first selected heater is stopped, and the control operation time elapses for all the selected heaters. Until the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the voltage applied is limited, and then the control operation time has elapsed Intermittently perform power supply to the heater.
In addition, when other heaters are selected when power is intermittently supplied to the first selected heater, when the current value flowing to the heater side is less than an allowable value, all the heaters are On the other hand, when the current value flowing through the heater exceeds the allowable value, the intermittent power supply for the first selected heater is stopped. First, for all the selected heaters, the voltage applied to the heater is limited so that the total current value flowing to the heater side is equal to or less than the allowable value until the control operation time elapses, and then the control operation time After the time elapses, power is supplied intermittently to each of the selected heaters.

Next, a current control apparatus for carrying out the method includes a current detection means for detecting a current value flowing to the heater side, a thyristor for controlling the current value flowing to the heater side, and inputs to the thyristor. A gate signal generating means for generating a gate signal; a control unit for controlling the operation of the gate signal generating means and the entire apparatus; and a switch for giving a predetermined instruction to the control means. .
The gate signal generating means includes a first gate signal generating means for generating a gate signal for enabling the rated voltage to be applied to the heater, and a gate for enabling control of the voltage value applied to the heater. And a limiter circuit for generating a signal.
The switch includes at least a warm-up time setting switch for setting a warm-up operation time, a control time setting switch for setting a control operation time, and an allowance for setting an allowable value of a current value flowing to the heater side. A value setting switch and control for setting a control current value for limiting the voltage applied to the heater so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value based on the setting of the allowable value setting switch A value setting switch.

  A first embodiment of a method for supplying power to a heater for floor heating according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “power supply method”) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A method of supplying power only to the A heater in the state where the two PTC heaters A and B are connected under the value will be described.

  That is, in this embodiment, first, as the initial setting in step 1, when the rated voltage is applied to the heater A, the time from the start of power supply until the temperature of the heater A reaches an appropriate temperature is set as the warm-up operation time. Since this warm-up operation time varies depending on the area where the heater is installed and the construction method on site due to the material, thickness, etc. of the heat insulating material, an appropriate time is set according to the construction area, construction method, etc.

  At the same time, assuming that the current flowing to the heater exceeds 20 A when the rated voltage is applied, the temperature of the heater A rises when the current value flowing to the heater A is gradually increased. Accordingly, even when the rated voltage is applied, the time until the value of the current flowing to the heater side becomes 20 A or less is set as the control operation time. Since this control operation time also differs depending on the construction method in the field depending on the construction area and the material, thickness, etc. of the heat insulating material, it is set appropriately according to these.

  In this state, the power is turned on in Step 2, and the current value flowing to the heater side is detected in Step 3.

  If the value of the current flowing to the heater side is 20 A or less, in step 4, the warm-up operation is performed within the set warm-up operation time. That is, a rated voltage is applied to the heater A.

  On the other hand, if the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds 20 A, the current value supplied to the heater A is controlled in step 5 within the set control operation time (hereinafter referred to as “limiter control”). The current value flowing to the heater side is set to be within 20A.

  Next, after the set warm-up operation time elapses or the control operation time elapses, the cycle operation is performed in step 6. That is, the power supply to the heater A is intermittently performed.

  Here, the cycle operation will be described. In this embodiment, during the initial setting in Step 1, an energization time for controlling the energization rate is set, and the energization rate for the heater A is set based on this setting. Take control. For example, in this embodiment, 10% to 45% of 1 minute can be set on the basis of 1 minute. When the energization rate is set to 10%, the heater A is energized for 6 seconds. In the other 54 seconds, the power supply is cut off. When the energization rate is set to 45%, the heater A is energized for 27 seconds and the power supply is cut off for the other 33 seconds. This makes it possible to suppress the consumption current consumed by the heater A.

  The method for controlling the current value supplied to the heater A is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, a thyristor, more specifically, a triac capable of bidirectional control is interposed between the power source and the heater, The pulse of the gate signal applied to the triac is adjusted so that the value of the current flowing to the heater side does not exceed 20A.

  Next, a method of supplying power to the A and B heaters at the same time under the allowable current value of 20 A in the state where the two PTC heaters A and B are connected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in this embodiment, as the initial setting in step 11, the warm-up operation time, the control operation time, and the energization rate for the heaters A and B are set. The warm-up operation time and the control operation time are set for each of the heaters A and B, or collectively set as a time that can be used in common for both.

  In step 12, the power is turned on, and in step 13, detection of the current value flowing to the heater side is started. This detection of the current value is preferably continued until the switch is turned off.

  If the value of the current flowing to the heater side is 20 A or less, in step 14, the warm-up operation is performed within the set warm-up operation time. That is, a rated voltage is applied to the heaters A and B.

  On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds 20A, the current value supplied to the heaters A and B is controlled in step 15 within the set control operation time, and the current value flowing to the heater side is controlled. Is within 20A ("limiter control"). The method for controlling the current value is not particularly limited as in the first embodiment described above, but it is preferable that a triac be interposed between the power source and the heater, and the gate signal pulse applied to the triac be adjusted and controlled.

  Next, after the set warm-up operation time elapses or the control operation time elapses, in step 16, cycle operation is performed for each of the heaters A and B, that is, power supply to the heater A is intermittently performed. If the floor heating is to be finished, the power is turned off at step 176 and the process is finished.

  In this embodiment, when the cycle operation for the heaters A and B is performed, the energization rate for the heaters A and B is set in advance, and the power supply to the heater A is turned off while the power supply to the heater A is shut off. Supply power. That is, when the energization rate of the heater A is 10%, the rated voltage is applied to the heater B for 54 seconds for 1 minute, and when the energization rate is 45%, the rating is applied to the heater B for 33 seconds for 1 minute. A voltage is applied. This cycle operation method is the same in the following embodiments.

  Next, in the first embodiment, a method of starting power supply to the heater B during the warm-up operation of the heater A when the value of the current flowing to the heater side at the start of power supply is 20 A or less 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. In this embodiment as well, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, initial settings such as the warm-up operation time, the control operation time, and the energization rate are performed in step 21. In step 22, the power is turned on to supply power to the heater A, and in step 23, the value of the current flowing to the heater side is detected.

  When the heater A is warmed up in step 24 and the power supply to the heater B is started in step 25, if the current value flowing to the heater side is 20 A or less, the step In 26, during the set warm-up operation time, the warm-up operation is continued for the heater A, and the rated voltage is also applied to the heater B.

  On the other hand, if the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds 20 A, in step 27, the current value supplied to the heaters A and B is controlled within the set control operation time, and the current value flowing to the heater side is controlled. Is within 20A. The current value control method in this embodiment is not particularly limited as in the first embodiment, but a triac is interposed between the power source and the heater, and the pulse of the gate signal applied to the triac is adjusted. Control.

  Next, after the set warm-up operation time elapses or the control operation time elapses, the cycle operation is performed in step 28. That is, according to the set energization rate, the power supply to the heater A is intermittently performed, the power supply to the heater B is performed while the power supply to the heater A is interrupted, and then the floor heating is finished. If so, the power is turned off in step 29 and the process is terminated.

  Next, in the first embodiment, a method for starting the power supply to the heater B during the cycle operation with respect to the heater A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the same manner as in the example, initial setting is performed in step 31. In this state, power is turned on in step 32 to supply power to heater A, and in step 33, detection of the value of the current flowing to the heater side is started.

  When the cycle operation is being performed on the heater A in step 34 and the power supply to the heater B is started in step 35, if the current value flowing to the heater side is 20 A or less, the step At 37, cycle operation is performed. That is, the power supply to the heater A is intermittently performed, the power supply to the heater B is performed while the power supply to the heater A is interrupted, and then the floor heating is terminated. Turn off to exit.

  On the other hand, if the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds 20 A, the current value supplied to the heaters A and B is controlled within the set control operation time in step 36, and the current value flowing to the heater side Is within 20A. And after control operation time passes, it transfers to the cycle operation of step 37. FIG.

  Next, an embodiment of the current control device of the present invention for carrying out the power supply method described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the current control device of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes the current control device of this embodiment. In the figure, 2 is a power source, and in the figure, 3A and 3B are PTC heaters.

  The current control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a current sensor 4, and the current sensor 4 can detect the current flowing to the heater side.

  The current detection sensor 4 is connected to a control means 5, and the control means 5 performs various controls based on the current value detected by the current detection sensor 4.

  Next, a thyristor for controlling the power supplied to the heater is connected between the power source 2 and the PTC heaters 3A and 3B, and more specifically, a triac 6 capable of bidirectional control is connected. By changing the pulse width of the gate signal applied to the triac 6, the current value supplied to the heaters 3A and 3B can be controlled.

  In the figure, 7A and 7B are gate signal generating means for generating a gate signal to be applied to the triac 6. In this embodiment, the gate signal generating means 7A and 7B respectively supply a rated voltage to the heater. Standard pulse generation means 8A and 8B for generating a possible gate signal, and control pulse generation means 9A and 9B for generating a gate signal for enabling supply of power controlled in the triac 6 to the heater It is configured.

  The standard pulse generation means 8A, 8B and the control pulse generation means 9A, 9B can be switched by the control means 5 based on the current value detected by the current sensor 4.

  That is, when the power switch is turned on and the value of the current flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value (20A), the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B are operated by the control of the control means 5, and the control pulse generating means The gate signals controlled by 9A and 9B are supplied to the triac 6, and the current supplied to the heaters 3A and 3B is thereby controlled.

  On the other hand, when the value of the current flowing through the heater is within the allowable value (20A), the standard pulse generating means 8A and 8B are operated by the control of the control means 5, and the gate for enabling the rated voltage to be supplied to the heater. A signal is generated by the standard pulse generating means 8A and 8B, whereby a rated voltage is supplied to the heaters 3A and 3B.

  Here, the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B. In this embodiment, the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B are respectively ladder resistances. 901, a zero volt switch 902, and a gate pulse amplification circuit 903.

  In this configuration, a current in units of bits is output from the control means 5 to the ladder resistor 901, and the current value detected by the current sensor 4 is set to a preset allowable value. Any bit is added until it reaches.

  After the current value reaches the allowable value, the addition for each bit is stopped, and the resistance value increases as the heater temperature rises. As a result, the current value detected by the current sensor 4 becomes the upper limit value. When the current value falls below the value, the current output from the control means 5 is added for each arbitrary bit until the current value reaches the upper limit again.

  The ladder resistor 901 converts the output current into a voltage level and outputs it to the zero volt switch 902.

  Then, the zero volt switch outputs a gate signal to the triac 6 via the gate pulse amplifier circuit 903 in accordance with the voltage level output from the ladder resistor 901. And thereby, it becomes possible to control the electric current value supplied to PTC heaters 3A and 3B by controlling the operation of the triac 6. That is, in the present embodiment, the control pulse generating means 9 is controlled by the control means 5 based on the current value detected by the current sensor 4, thereby adjusting the pulse width of the gate signal input to the triac 6. is doing.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control means 5 and the ladder resistor 901. In this embodiment, the control means 5 has output terminals from 0 to n. Are connected to the ladder resistor 901 in order. When the switch is turned on, the output terminals from 0 to n output currents of 1 to 3 bits in order.

  On the other hand, the ladder resistor 901 receives a current from the control means 5 and converts it into a voltage level, and outputs this voltage to the zero volt switch 902. At this time, since the control unit 56 outputs a current obtained by adding 1 to 3 bits to the ladder resistor 901, the voltage level output from the ladder resistor 901 is also increased sequentially. As a result, the pulse width of the gate signal output from the zero volt switch 902 that has received this voltage also increases sequentially, whereby the value of the current flowing from the power source 2 to the PTC heaters 3A, 3B also increases, and the PTC heaters 3A, 3A, The temperature of 3B gradually increases.

  Next, in FIG. 5, reference numeral 10 denotes an operation unit. This operation unit includes a display unit 11 for performing a clock display and the like and various switches 12, and these are connected to the control means 5.

  As the switch, in addition to the main switch 12F and the switches 12G and 12H for starting power supply to the heaters 3A and 3B, an allowable value of the current flowing to the heater side, for example, 20A is set. Allowance setting switch 12A, warm-up operation time setting switch 12B, control operation time setting switch 12C, and energization rate setting switch 12D for cycle operation, and further setting an upper limit value for control operation, etc. A control value setting switch may be provided.

  Based on the setting by the allowable value setting switch 12A, the control means 5 sends a predetermined signal to the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B when the current value detected by the current sensor 4 exceeds the allowable value. When the current value detected by the current sensor 4 is less than the allowable value, a predetermined signal is sent to the standard pulse generating means 8A and 8B.

  When the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B are operated, the time for operating the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B is determined based on the setting by the control operation time setting switch 1C.

  Furthermore, when supplying the rated voltage to the heater, the time is determined based on the setting by the warm-up operation time setting switch 10B.

  Further, based on the setting by the energization rate setting switch 12D, for example, when the energization rate for the heater A is set to 10% by setting the basic time to 1 minute, the heater A is energized for 6 seconds and the remaining 54 The heater B is energized for a second. When the basic time is 1 minute and the energization rate is 45%, the heater A is energized for 27 seconds and the heater B is energized for the remaining 33 seconds.

  With such a configuration, when the main switch 12F and the switches 12G and 12H for each heater are turned on, the current value flowing to the heater side is continuously detected, and when the detected current value is less than the allowable value A gate signal is output from the standard pulse generating means 8A and 8B and the rated voltage is supplied to the heater. On the other hand, when the detected current value exceeds the allowable value, the gate controlled by the control pulse generating means 9A and 9B. A signal is output to control the current value supplied to the heater.

  Thus, according to the present invention, when power is supplied to the PTC heater, the rated voltage is applied when the initial rising current consumption is within the range of current values permitted by the power contract, while the initial rising current consumption is When the current value permitted by the power contract is exceeded, the current value can be controlled, so in the case of a heater whose initial startup current consumption is within the range of current values permitted by the power contract The voltage that this heater originally requires can be applied, the heater capacity can be fully utilized, and the rise time can be shortened.

  In the present invention, when power is supplied to the PTC heater, it is possible to perform power supply within the allowable power range while making full use of the heater capacity and shortening the rise time, so that the floor using the PTC heater is used. Applicable to all power supply to heating.

It is a flowchart for demonstrating 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating 4th Example of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the current control apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control pulse production | generation means in the Example of the current control apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the relationship between the control means and ladder resistance in the Example of the current control apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Current control device 2 Power supply (commercial 100V or 200V)
3A, 3B PTC heater 4 Current sensor 5 Control unit 6 Triac 7A, 7B Gate signal generation unit 8A, 8B Standard pulse generation unit 9A, 9B Control pulse generation unit 10 Operation unit 11 Display unit 12A Allowable value setting switch 12B Warm-up operation time setting Switch 12C Control operation feeling setting switch 12D Energization rate setting switch 12E Control value setting switch 12F Main switch 12G, 12H Heater operation switch

Claims (3)

A method of simultaneously supplying power to any one heater, a plurality of heaters in any combination, or all heaters when supplying power to one or more heaters for electric floor heating having positive thermistor characteristics Because
Set the time until the temperature of the heater reaches the appropriate temperature when the rated voltage is applied in advance as the warm-up operation time,
When the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than or equal to the allowable value. Is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the temperature of the heater rises to a certain temperature, so that when the rated voltage is applied to the heater, the current value flowing to the heater side is reduced. The time from when the supply of current to the heater is started when the current falls below the allowable value until the current value flowing to the heater falls below the allowable value even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater Is set as the control operation time,
At the same time when the power is turned on, detection of the current value that flows to the heater side
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value,
First, a rated voltage is applied to all of the selected heaters until the warm-up operation time elapses, and then, after the warm-up operation time elapses, power supply to each of the selected heaters is intermittently performed. To
On the other hand, when the current value that flows to the heater side exceeds the allowable value,
First, until the control operation time elapses, the voltage applied to each selected heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is equal to or less than the allowable value,
After that, after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply method is characterized by intermittently supplying power to each of the selected heaters. A method of supplying power to one or a plurality of electric floor heaters having positive thermistor characteristics by shifting the power supply start time to any one of the heaters or any of a plurality of heaters. ,
Set the time until the temperature of the heater reaches the appropriate temperature when the rated voltage is applied in advance as the warm-up operation time,
When the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the current value supplied to the heater is controlled so that the current value flowing to the heater side is less than or equal to the allowable value. Is gradually increased within the allowable current value range, and then the temperature of the heater rises to a certain temperature, so that when the rated voltage is applied to the heater, the current value flowing to the heater side is reduced. The time from when the supply of current to the heater is started when the current falls below the allowable value until the current value flowing to the heater falls below the allowable value even when the rated voltage is applied to the heater Is set as the control operation time,
At the same time when the heater (3A) selected first is turned on, the detection of the current value flowing to the heater side is started.
When the value of the current flowing through the heater is less than the allowable value, a rated voltage is applied to the first selected heater (3A), and after the warm-up operation time has elapsed, the first selected heater (3A) is intermittently supplied with power,
On the other hand, when the current value flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, until the control operation time elapses, the current value flowing to the heater side is first set to be equal to or less than the allowable value. The voltage applied to the selected heater (3A) is limited, and after the control operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the first selected heaters (3A) is intermittently performed, and
When another heater (3B) is selected within the warm-up operation time for the first selected heater (3A),
When the value of the current flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the rated voltage is applied to all the selected heaters (3A, 3B) until the warm-up operation time of the first selected heater (3A) elapses. In addition, after the warm-up operation time has elapsed, the power supply to each of the heaters (3A, 3B) is intermittently performed.
On the other hand, when the value of the current flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, first, the supply of the rated voltage to the first selected heater (3A) is stopped, and all the selected heaters (3A, 3A, 3B), the voltage applied to the heaters (3A, 3B) is limited so that the value of the current flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value until the control operation time elapses, and then the control operation time elapses. Performs intermittent power supply to the heaters (3A, 3B),
When another heater (3B) is selected while the power supply is intermittently performed for the first selected heater (3A),
When the current value flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, the power supply to all of the heaters (3A, 3B) is intermittently performed,
On the other hand, when the value of the current flowing to the heater side exceeds the allowable value, the intermittent power supply to the first selected heater (3A) is stopped, and first, all the selected heaters are stopped. For (3A, 3B), until the control operation time elapses, the voltage applied to the heater (3A, 3B) is limited so that the sum of the current values flowing to the heater side is less than the allowable value, and then the control operation is performed. A power supply method characterized by intermittently supplying power to each of the selected heaters (3A, 3B) after a lapse of time. A current control device for carrying out the power supply method according to claim 1 or 2,
Current detection means (4) for detecting the current value flowing to the heater side;
A thyristor (6) for controlling the current value flowing to the heater side;
Gate signal generating means (7) for generating a gate signal to be input to the thyristor (6);
A control section (5) for controlling the operation of the gate signal generating means (7) and the entire apparatus;
A switch for giving a predetermined instruction to the control means (7),
The gate signal generating means (7) is capable of controlling the voltage value applied to the heater and the first gate signal generating means (8) for generating a gate signal for enabling the rated voltage to be applied to the heater. A limiter circuit (9) for generating a gate signal for
The switch sets at least an allowable value setting switch (12A) for setting an allowable value of a current value flowing to the heater side, a warming time setting switch (12B) for setting a warming operation time, and a control operation time. Based on the settings of the control time setting switch (12C), the energization rate setting switch (12D) for setting the cycle for supplying power to the heater, and the allowable value setting switch (12A) A current control device, comprising: a control value setting switch (12E) for setting a control current value for limiting a voltage applied to the heater so that a flowing current value is equal to or less than an allowable value.

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