JPH04336388A - Load controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the rush currents of respective loads from being applied to each other when plural loads can be driven at the same time. CONSTITUTION:The controller is equipped with a television start switch 7 which commands the driving of a television set, a refrigerator start switch 4 which commands the driving of a refrigerator, a means which judges whether the television set and refrigerator can be driven at the same time, and a means which clocks a specific time. When a power failure is occurred while the television set and refrigerator are both driven and then recovered, the driving of the television set is begun and then the refrigerator begins to be driven the specific time later on condition that both the television set and refrigerator can be driven at the same time. Consequently, the rush currents of the television and refrigerator are never applied to each other.

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 that can control the driving time of a load using a card and can drive a plurality of loads.

0002

[Prior Art] For example, when installing a pay TV and a pay refrigerator, the pay TV and the pay refrigerator are connected to a power source via a load control device in order to collect usage fees according to the usage time of each. There is. The load control device is configured such that a prepaid card storing numerical data can be inserted therein, and when the prepaid card is inserted, the numerical data of the prepaid card is read out.

[0003] Then, before using the pay TV and pay refrigerator, set the usage time for each, calculate the usage fee for the pay TV and pay refrigerator, and if the calculated value is within the numerical value of the read numerical data. , connect the power to the pay TV and pay refrigerator to put them into use. Then, when the set usage time has passed, the power is cut off, the calculated usage fee is subtracted from the numerical data on the prepaid card, the subtracted value is written on the prepaid card, the prepaid card is ejected, and the pay TV and pay refrigerator are removed. Terminate use of.

[0004] Furthermore, this load control device can prevent power outages while using pay television and pay refrigerators.
The remaining usage time of each device is memorized so that it does not disappear, and when the power outage is resolved, power is immediately resumed to the pay TV and pay refrigerator.

[0005]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] By the way, when the power goes out while using a pay television and a pay refrigerator,
When the power outage is resolved and there is remaining usage time for each, the pay television and the pay refrigerator are simultaneously energized, and the inrush current of the pay refrigerator is added to the inrush current of the pay TV. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the current capacity of the power supply circuit through which current flows for both the pay television and the pay refrigerator, and thick cables must be used, which inevitably increases costs.

[0006] Furthermore, as each inrush current is added, the peak value of the inrush current increases, and the control unit that controls the relay that turns on and off the power of pay televisions and pay refrigerators becomes more susceptible to noise caused by the inrush current. There are problems such as the possibility of erroneous control. In view of such problems, the present invention
Load control that prevents inrush current from flowing to each load and prevents the control unit from being affected by inrush current noise even if multiple loads are ready to start driving when a power outage is resolved. The purpose is to provide equipment.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A load control device according to the present invention is configured to start driving the loads at different times when a plurality of loads are in a state where they can start driving at the same time.

[0008]

[Operation] When it is determined that it is possible to start driving a plurality of loads at the same time, driving of one load is started first, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, driving of another load is started. As a result, the times at which driving the plurality of loads are started do not coincide, and the inrush currents of the respective loads do not add to each other.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view. A card insertion slot 2 for inserting a prepaid card, such as a magnetic card MC, is provided on the right side of the front face 1a of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped case 1. In addition, on the upper left side of the front surface 1a, the amount of money, which is the numerical data stored in the magnetic card MC inserted into the card insertion slot 2, and the remaining usage time of the electrical equipment connected to the load control device are selected. For example, a four-digit number display section 8 is provided to display the number.

[0010]The upper right side of the numeric display part 8 includes a time notification display part 9 consisting of an LED to notify that time is being displayed, and the lower part thereof is an LED to notify that a monetary amount is being displayed. An amount notification display section 10 is provided. Then, the number display section 8 and the card insertion slot 2 on the front side 1a.
From the left, there is a TV start switch 7, a sleep timer time switch 6, a refrigerator time setting switch 5,
A refrigerator start switch 4 and a card return switch 3 are provided in that order on the same line and separated by an appropriate length.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
On the left side of b, there is a group of condition setting switches 11, such as a charge setting switch for setting usage charges per unit time and a code setting switch for setting a code to specify the magnetic card MC.
has been established. On the right side of the rear surface 1b, electrical device connection terminals 12 and 13 for connecting the power cords of a television and a refrigerator, which are to be energized, are provided separately. Also, the rear surface 1b
A power cord PC having an outlet plug 14 at its tip is led out from the lower side on the right side.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the load control device. Control unit 2 consisting of a microcomputer
0 is the calculation unit 20a, the memory 20b, and the timer 20
c, 20d built-in. A reader/writer 22 is connected to the input/output port I/O of the control section 20 via a reader/writer drive circuit 21 . A reset circuit 23 that provides a reset signal to the control section 20 when a control voltage is applied to the control section 20 is connected to the input port a1.

A switch determination circuit 2 is connected to the input port a2.
4, a condition setting switch group 11, a card return switch 3, a refrigerator start switch 4, a refrigerator time setting switch 5, a sleep timer time switch 6, and a television start switch 7 are connected.

[0014] A remaining usage time storage circuit 25 is connected to the output port b1 and stores the remaining usage time of the timer 20c in the event of a power outage, and the remaining usage time storage circuit 25 is connected to the power supply terminals VDD and VSS. There is. The power terminals VDD and VSS are connected to the output side of a power supply unit 26 that generates a control voltage for the control unit 20, and the input side thereof is connected to a power cord PC provided with an outlet plug 14.

The output port b2 is connected to a numeric display section 8, a time notification display section 9, and an amount notification display section 1 via a display circuit 27.
Connected to 0. Output port b3 is connected to a refrigerator relay 29 via a relay drive circuit 28,
The output port b4 is connected to a television relay 31 via a relay drive circuit 30.

One lead wire of the power cord PC is
It is connected to one side terminal of the electrical equipment connection terminal 12 that connects the television via a contact point (not shown) of the television relay 31,
It is also connected to one side terminal of an electrical equipment connection terminal 13 that connects the refrigerator via a contact point (not shown) of the refrigerator relay 29. The other lead wire of the power cord PC is connected to each of the other terminals of the electrical equipment connection terminals 12 and 13.

In the figure, the part indicated by the thick solid line is a power supply circuit PL that supplies AC power from the outlet plug 14 to the electrical equipment connection terminals 12 and 13. Note that the control unit 20 is backed up by an internal power source (not shown) so that it will not become uncontrollable even in the event of a power outage.

Next, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 show the control contents of the control unit 20 for the operation of the load control device configured as described above.
, will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When using a load control device, a television (not shown) to be controlled for energization is connected to the electrical equipment connection terminal 12, and a refrigerator (not shown) is connected to the electrical equipment connection terminal 13. Further, the condition setting switch group 11 is used to set usage charges per unit time for using the connected television and refrigerator, and also to set a code for specifying a magnetic card that can use the television and refrigerator.

Then, the power cord PC is connected to a predetermined power source (not shown). On the other hand, the magnetic card MC inserted into the card insertion slot 2 stores numerical data representing the amount to pay for the use of the television and refrigerator.

Now, when checking the amount of money stored in the magnetic card MC, insert the magnetic card MC into the card insertion slot 2 (S1). Then, the reader/writer 22 reads out the monetary amount, which is numerical data stored in the inserted magnetic card MC (S2), outputs a signal to the output port b2, and displays the read monetary amount on the numerical display section 8 ( S3)
, lights up the amount notification display section 10. This allows the amount of money stored in the magnetic card MC to be confirmed at a glance.

Thereafter, the card return switch 3 is operated. The control unit 20 checks the input port a2 to determine whether the card return switch 3 has been operated (S4), and when determining that it has been operated, ejects the magnetic card MC to the card insertion slot 2 and returns it (S5); The display on the number display section 8 is erased (S6). Then, the confirmation operation of the amount stored in the magnetic card MC is completed.

Next, when using the refrigerator, insert the magnetic card MC into the card insertion slot 2 (S1). Then, the reader/writer 22 reads the amount stored in the magnetic card MC (S2) and displays it on the number display section 8 (
S3). Here, the usage time of the refrigerator is set using the refrigerator time setting switch 5, and the refrigerator start switch 4 is operated.

The control unit 20 checks the input port a2 to check whether the card return switch 3 has been operated (S4).
If it is determined that the refrigerator time setting switch 5 has not been operated, it is determined whether or not the refrigerator time setting switch 5 has been operated (S7), and if it is determined that it has been operated, the refrigerator time setting switch 5 is operated to determine whether the usage time of the refrigerator has been set. (S)
8). Next, the input port a2 is checked to determine whether or not the refrigerator start switch 4 has been operated (S9). If it is determined that the operation has been performed, it is determined whether the amount read from the magnetic card MC is a predetermined amount that allows the use of the refrigerator for a predetermined period of time (S10).

[0024] When it is determined that there is a predetermined amount, the calculation unit 20a
subtracts the refrigerator usage fee from the read amount (S1
1). Then, a signal is output to the output port b2 to display the remaining usage time on the numerical display section 8 (S12). At this time, the set usage time is displayed as the initial value of the remaining usage time. Next, a signal is output to the input port I/O, the reader/writer 22 writes the remaining amount after subtracting the usage fee to the magnetic card MC (S13), and the magnetic card MC is ejected into the card insertion slot 2 (S14). ).

Then, the output port b3 is set to the "H" level, and the relay drive circuit 28 is controlled to operate the refrigerator relay 29.
is excited to close a contact (not shown) and start supplying electricity to the refrigerator connected to the electrical device connection terminal 13 (S15).
. This puts the refrigerator in use and the timer 20c
starts counting down the set time, and the display time on the number display section 8 decreases. The control unit 20 determines whether or not the remaining usage time has reached 0 (S16), and when the remaining usage time has disappeared, it sets the output port b3 to the "L" level, demagnetizes the refrigerator relay 29, and stops energizing the refrigerator. Then (S17), use of the refrigerator is ended.

[0027] If it is determined in step (S10) that there is no predetermined amount of money, the electricity to the refrigerator is stopped (
S17) Prohibit the use of refrigerators. When the refrigerator is used in this way and the remaining amount after subtracting the usage fee is written in the magnetic card MC in step (S13), the magnetic card MC is ejected and the returned magnetic card is used again. By inserting the card into the card insertion slot 2, it is possible to use the TV as well as the refrigerator.

[0028] If the TV is to be used with a preset usage time, the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2 (S1). Then, the reader/writer 22 reads out the amount of money stored in the magnetic card MC (S2), and displays the read out amount on the numeric display section 8 (S3). Here, the sleep timer time switch 6 is operated to preset the TV usage time. When the control unit 20 determines that the card return switch 3 is not operated (S4), and subsequently determines that the refrigerator time setting switch 5 is not operated (S7),
It is determined whether the sleep timer time setting switch 6 has been operated (S18).

[0029] And sleep timer time setting switch 6
If it is determined that the operator has operated the button, it is determined whether or not the amount read from the magnetic card MC is sufficient to use the television for a predetermined period of time (S19). If it is determined that the predetermined amount is available, the calculation unit 20a subtracts the television usage fee from the read amount (S20). Then, the remaining usage time of the television is displayed on the numerical display section 8 (S21). The initial value of this remaining usage time is the time set by the sleep timer time setting switch 6.

Next, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee from the read amount is written to the magnetic card MC by the reader/writer 22 (S22), and the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion slot 2.
(S23). And output port b4
to "H" level to control the relay drive circuit 30,
The television relay 31 is energized and its contacts (not shown) are closed to start energizing the television connected to the electrical device connection terminal 12 (S24). This puts the television into use, the timer 20c starts counting down the set time, and the display time on the numeric display section 8 decreases.

The control unit 20 determines whether the remaining usage time has reached 0 or not (S25), and when the remaining usage time has disappeared, the control unit 20 sets the output port b4 to the "L" level and sets the TV relay 31 to the "L" level.
is demagnetized and power supply to the television is stopped (S26), thereby ending the use of the television. In addition, in step (S19), if it is determined that there is no predetermined amount of money, the power supply to the television is stopped (S26) and use of the television is prohibited. In this way, the television will be used only for a preset time. Also, you can use the refrigerator and TV at the same time.

Next, when using the TV without setting the usage time in advance, insert the magnetic card MC into the card insertion slot 2 as described above (S1) and input the amount of money stored in the magnetic card MC. Read (S2) and display the amount on the numerical display section 8.
(S3). Now operate the TV start switch 7. The control unit 20 determines that the card return switch 3 is not operated (S4), then determines that the refrigerator time setting switch 5 is not operated (S7), and further operates the sleep timer time setting switch 6. If it is determined that the TV start switch 7 has not been operated (S18), it is determined whether the TV start switch 7 has been operated (S27), and if it is determined that it has been operated, unusable data is written to the magnetic card MC by the reader/writer 22 (S28). .

[0033] This allows the magnetic card MC to be inserted into the card insertion slot 2.
This prevents the magnetic card MC from being misused by being intentionally pulled out by appropriate means after the magnetic card MC is inserted into the card. Next, magnetic card M
Determine whether the amount read from C is 0 (S29),
If it is determined that the value is not 0, the television relay 31 is excited to start supplying electricity to the television as described above (S30). The calculation unit 20a subtracts the usage fee from the read amount according to the energization time. Further, the decreasing balance is displayed on the numerical display section 8.

[0034]Then, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the remaining amount after subtracting the usage fee is 0 (S31), and continues energizing until the remaining amount becomes 0. In such a state of use of the television, if the user wishes to stop using the television, the card return switch 3 is operated. Then, when the control unit 20 determines that the card return switch 3 has been operated (
S32), as described above, the power to the TV is stopped (S33), the remaining amount at that time is written to the magnetic card MC by the reader/writer 22 (S34), and the magnetic card MC is ejected to the card insertion slot 2. (S35).

[0035] Then, the TV can be used without having to end the TV usage state and set the usage time in advance. Note that the read amount is 0 in step (S29).
If it is determined that the balance is 0 in step (S31), the power to the TV is stopped (S3
3). Prohibit the use of television. In this way, the television can be used at the same time as the refrigerator.

[0036] If a power outage occurs next, the power supply terminal VDD
, VSS disappears. Then, the remaining usage time storage circuit 25 stores the remaining usage time counted by the timer 20c (S40). Then, the control unit 20 checks the power supply terminals VDD and VSS to determine whether the power outage has been resolved (S41), and when determining that the power outage has been resolved, determines whether the remaining usage time of the TV is 0 or not (S42). If it is determined that the remaining usage time is not 0, it is then determined whether the remaining usage time of the refrigerator is 0 (S43), and if it is determined that the remaining usage time is not 0, the TV relay 31 is energized ( S4
4) Restart power supply to the television (S45). Then, the timer 20d starts counting time.

The control unit 20 determines whether or not the timer 20d has counted a predetermined time (S46), and when it is determined that the predetermined time has been counted, the refrigerator relay 29 is energized (S47) to turn on electricity to the refrigerator. (S48)
. As a result, if the remaining usage time of both the TV and refrigerator is stored, power to the refrigerator will be restarted after a predetermined period of time has passed after power is restarted to the TV, and power to the TV and refrigerator will be restarted at the same time. Never.

If the control unit 20 determines that the remaining usage time of the television is 0 (S42), it is determined whether the remaining usage time of the refrigerator is 0 (S49). If it is determined that the remaining usage time of the refrigerator is not 0, the refrigerator relay 29 is energized (S50), and power supply to the refrigerator is restarted (S51). If it is determined that the remaining usage time is 0 (S49), the refrigerator relay 29 is kept demagnetized (S52). Furthermore, if it is determined that the remaining usage time of the refrigerator is 0 (S43), the television relay 31 is energized (S53), and power supply to the television is restarted (S54). If the remaining usage time of either the television or the refrigerator is memorized in this way, the power will be restarted when the power outage is resolved.

[0039] In this way, if the remaining operating time of the television and refrigerator is stored, even if the power outage is resolved, they will not be energized at the same time, so the inrush currents of each will not be added. do not have. Therefore, the current capacity of the power supply circuit PL can be reduced, and the cost of the power supply circuit PL can be reduced. Further, since no large noise is generated due to the addition of inrush current, the control section is not affected by noise due to inrush current, and erroneous control will not occur.

In this embodiment, the case where the load control device is used for a television and a refrigerator has been explained, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to electrical equipment such as a washing machine, a rice cooker, etc., or to power supply control for hot water supply. can also be used. Further, although two electrical device connection terminals are provided, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect even if two or more electrical device connection terminals are provided. Furthermore, the card for storing numerical data such as the amount of money is not limited to a magnetic card, but a memory card can also be used.

[0041]

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when driving a plurality of loads can be started at the same time, the inrush current of each load is reduced by starting the driving of each load at different times. This can prevent simultaneous occurrence and addition. Therefore, the current capacity of the power supply circuit through which the current of each load flows can be reduced, and the cost of the power supply circuit can be reduced. Furthermore, since the inrush current is not added, the control section is not affected by noise caused by the inrush current, and there is no risk of erroneous control.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a load control device according to the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a load control device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control details of a control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control details of a control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit during a power outage.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit during a power outage.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Case 2 Card insertion slot 3 Card return switch 4
Refrigerator start switch 5 Refrigerator time setting switch 6 Sleep timer time switch 7 TV start switch 8 Numeric display section 12, 13 Electrical device connection terminal 20
Control unit 20a Arithmetic unit 20c, 20d Timer 25 Remaining time storage circuit MC Magnetic card

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A load control device for driving a plurality of loads by controlling driving time for each load using numerical data stored in a card coupled to enable data transmission; When a device is equipped with a means for issuing a command, a means for determining whether or not a plurality of loads are in a state where they can start driving at the same time, and a means for timing a predetermined time, and it is possible to start driving a plurality of loads at the same time, A load control device characterized in that the time point at which driving of each load is started is made different by measuring the predetermined time.