EP0846990A1 - A time clock arrangement - Google Patents
A time clock arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0846990A1 EP0846990A1 EP97115643A EP97115643A EP0846990A1 EP 0846990 A1 EP0846990 A1 EP 0846990A1 EP 97115643 A EP97115643 A EP 97115643A EP 97115643 A EP97115643 A EP 97115643A EP 0846990 A1 EP0846990 A1 EP 0846990A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- time
- switch
- electrical apparatus
- clock
- arrangement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
- G04G15/006—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals for operating at a number of different times
Definitions
- THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a time clock arrangement, and more particularly relates to a time clock arrangement adapted to control the operation of electrical apparatus.
- time clocks it has been known to provide a time clock arrangement to control the operation of electrical apparatus such as immersion heaters, storage heaters and central heating systems, electric or gas cookers, street lighting and other electrical devices. Such time clocks may also be used for a wide range of other purposes.
- time clocks Whilst mechanical time clocks were in use for a number of years, a substantial proportion of time clocks now available are so-called digital clocks.
- a typical time clock of this type comprises an electronic clock which is associated with a control device for turning the electrical appliance on at a pre-set time and for turning the electrical appliance off at a pre-set time.
- the control device may comprise a micro-processor or the like which is effectively programmed by the operator of the time clock using a key-pad and a display to enter the desired times for turning the appliance on and off.
- time clock once it has been set by the operator, is left to run for a long period of time.
- the clock used in a time clock arrangement should be of the type that is regulated by time signals that are regularly broadcast for that purpose.
- Clocks of this type are becoming more common-place for many uses, and have the advantage of possessing an extremely high degree of accuracy, even if the clock itself is less than perfect, since if the clock should "drift" from the correct time, the time signal will serve to re-set the clock.
- clocks are generally accurate to within a very small tolerance of, typically, less than one second.
- time clocks are of the type that are regulated by a broadcast time signal.
- the problem would be one of a surge in demand for electric power at certain times during the day, and also sudden falls in the demand for electric power at other times during the day.
- time clocks are often used to control central heating systems, which do consume electricity, but which primarily use gas as a fuel, it is envisaged that there may also be similar surges in demand and drops in demand for gas at certain times during the day.
- the present invention seeks to provide an improved time clock.
- a time clock arrangement comprising a clock, the clock being controlled by broadcast or transmitted timing signals, so as to exhibit a high degree of accurate time-keeping; control means and setting means provided to enable the control means to be set, and a switch controlled by the control means and adapted to be connected between a source of mains electricity and an electrical apparatus, the operation of which is to be controlled, the setting means being operable to set the time at which the electrical apparatus is to be activated, and the time at which the electrical apparatus is to be de-activated, wherein the arrangement incorporates off-set means so that the time at which the electrical apparatus is actually activated, and the time at which the electrical apparatus is actually de-activated, are off-set from the time actually set by the setting means.
- the setting means comprise a key-pad and display.
- control means comprises a micro-processor or the like.
- off-set means are embodied in software or programming within the micro-processor.
- off-set means comprise means effectively connected between the key-pad and the micro-processor.
- the off-set means comprise a delay timer connected between the control means and said switch.
- the switch may be an electro-mechanical switch or an electronic switch.
- time off-sets of said times of activation and de-activation are substantially randomly distributed.
- the invention also relates to a method of making a plurality of time switches of the type described above, the method comprising the steps of randomly or quasi-randomly selecting the time off-sets for the times of activation and de-activation.
- a mains electric supply 1 is illustrated which is connected to a time clock arrangement 2.
- the time clock arrangement 2 has a power outlet 3 which is connected to electrical apparatus 4.
- the electrical apparatus 4 may comprise electrically powered apparatus or electrically controlled apparatus.
- the time clock arrangement includes a clock 5 of the type that is regulated by broadcast time signals.
- the clock 5 is thus, in operation, very accurate and keeps time extremely well.
- the time clock 5 is associated with a control arrangement 6 in the form of a micro-processor or the like.
- the micro-processor controls a switch such as a relay switch 7 which is connected between the mains supply 1 and the power outlet 3.
- the relay switch may be of any appropriate design and may comprise an electro-mechanical switch, such as a solenoid activated relay switch, or an electronic switch, such as a power transistor switch.
- the micro-processor 6 is programmed to set the time clock by means of setting means in the form of a key-pad 7 and an associated display 9. Connected between the key-pad 8 and the control arrangement 6 is an off-set generating device 10.
- the off-set generating device 10 is adapted to generate an off-set which may, typically, be of between minus 60 seconds and plus 60 seconds.
- the off-set is automatically added to or subtracted from that time.
- the electrical apparatus 4 will actually be activated at 6.00.30 and will actually be de-activated at 10.15.30.
- the off-sets provided by the off-set devices will, effectively, be “randomly” selected.
- the off-set devices may be such that the off-set times may be purely “randomly” selected, or, alternatively, may be quasi-randomly selected by manufacturing a number of devices with different off-sets within the available range of off-sets.
- an off-set by-pass is illustrated.
- the by-pass may be controlled by a switch selectively to over-ride the effect of the off-set generating device.
- the off-set device has been shown in Figure 1 as a separate device, it is to be understood that the function of the off-set could be incorporated within the software or programming present within the micro-processor that constitutes the control arrangement 6.
- control arrangement is connected to the switch 7 by means of a delay timer 12.
- the duration of the delay provided by the delay timer may be randomly or quasi-randomly selected. Thus the times utilised may each measure a time that is randomly selected. Alternatively, each delay may be determined by a number whenever the timer is activated. The delay is proportional to the random number generated.
- the electrical apparatus will be switched on shortly after 6.00 a.m., after a delay determined by the delay timer and will be switched off a short period of time after 10.15 a.m., again in accordance with a period of time measured by the delay timer.
- a time by-pass 13 is provided which can be selectively activated to over-ride the delay effect of the timer.
- a time clock as described may be used with any type of electrical apparatus, or electrically controlled apparatus, that is to be turned on at a pre-set time such as, for example, a storage heater, an electric or gas oven, a gas or electric central heating system, or an electrically powered water pump.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
Abstract
In a time clock arrangement a clock(5) is controlled by a
broadcaster or transmitted timing signals so as to be very
accurate. A control means(6) is provided associated with
setting means(8) to enable the control means to be set to
switch on a switch(7) at a selected time, and to turn the
switch off at another selected time. The switch(7) is
connected between a source(1) for mains electricity and
electrical apparatus(4). The arrangement incorporates off-set
means(10,12) so that the time at which the electrical
apparatus is actually activated, and the time at which the
electrical apparatus is actually de-activated, are off-set
from the time actually set by the setting means(8). This
prevents a large number of time switches turning on
apparatus at precisely the same instant and causing an
undesirable power surge.
Description
THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a time clock arrangement,
and more particularly relates to a time clock arrangement
adapted to control the operation of electrical apparatus.
It has been known to provide a time clock
arrangement to control the operation of electrical
apparatus such as immersion heaters, storage heaters and
central heating systems, electric or gas cookers, street
lighting and other electrical devices. Such time clocks
may also be used for a wide range of other purposes.
Whilst mechanical time clocks were in use for a
number of years, a substantial proportion of time clocks
now available are so-called digital clocks.
A typical time clock of this type comprises an
electronic clock which is associated with a control device
for turning the electrical appliance on at a pre-set time
and for turning the electrical appliance off at a pre-set
time.
The control device may comprise a micro-processor
or the like which is effectively programmed by the operator
of the time clock using a key-pad and a display to enter
the desired times for turning the appliance on and off.
Typically, such a time clock, once it has been set
by the operator, is left to run for a long period of time.
In the interest of accurate time-keeping, it has
now been proposed that the clock used in a time clock
arrangement should be of the type that is regulated by time
signals that are regularly broadcast for that purpose.
Clocks of this type are becoming more common-place for many
uses, and have the advantage of possessing an extremely
high degree of accuracy, even if the clock itself is less
than perfect, since if the clock should "drift" from the
correct time, the time signal will serve to re-set the
clock. Thus, such clocks are generally accurate to within
a very small tolerance of, typically, less than one second.
It has been found that when people set time clocks,
there is a tendency for them to set the time clock to turn
electrical appliance on and to turn the electrical
appliance off either at the hour, or at the quarter or
half-hour. Thus, when a person is setting a time clock for
a domestic immersion heater, they may set the immersion
heater to come on at 6.00 a.m., and to go off again at
10.15 a.m.
It is envisaged that a problem will arise, should
a substantial number of time clocks be of the type that are
regulated by a broadcast time signal. The problem would be
one of a surge in demand for electric power at certain
times during the day, and also sudden falls in the demand
for electric power at other times during the day.
Since time clocks are often used to control central
heating systems, which do consume electricity, but which
primarily use gas as a fuel, it is envisaged that there may
also be similar surges in demand and drops in demand for
gas at certain times during the day.
It is to be understood that the control of
electrically activated water valves by such time clocks may
also lead to surges in the water mains.
It is very difficult for the utility companies to
cope with very sudden surges in demand and very sudden
falls in demand.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved
time clock.
According to one aspect of this invention there is
provided a time clock arrangement, the time clock
arrangement comprising a clock, the clock being controlled
by broadcast or transmitted timing signals, so as to
exhibit a high degree of accurate time-keeping; control
means and setting means provided to enable the control
means to be set, and a switch controlled by the control
means and adapted to be connected between a source of mains
electricity and an electrical apparatus, the operation of
which is to be controlled, the setting means being operable
to set the time at which the electrical apparatus is to be
activated, and the time at which the electrical apparatus
is to be de-activated, wherein the arrangement incorporates
off-set means so that the time at which the electrical
apparatus is actually activated, and the time at which the
electrical apparatus is actually de-activated, are off-set
from the time actually set by the setting means.
Preferably the setting means comprise a key-pad and
display.
Conveniently the control means comprises a micro-processor
or the like.
Advantageously the off-set means are embodied in
software or programming within the micro-processor.
Alternatively the off-set means comprise means
effectively connected between the key-pad and the micro-processor.
In a further embodiment the off-set means comprise
a delay timer connected between the control means and said
switch.
The switch may be an electro-mechanical switch or
an electronic switch.
Preferably the time off-sets of said times of
activation and de-activation are substantially randomly
distributed.
The invention also relates to a method of making a
plurality of time switches of the type described above, the
method comprising the steps of randomly or quasi-randomly
selecting the time off-sets for the times of activation and
de-activation.
In order that the invention may be more readily
understood, and so that further features thereof may be
appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which
Referring initially to Figure 1 of the accompanying
drawings, a mains electric supply 1 is illustrated which is
connected to a time clock arrangement 2. The time clock
arrangement 2 has a power outlet 3 which is connected to
electrical apparatus 4. The electrical apparatus 4 may
comprise electrically powered apparatus or electrically
controlled apparatus.
The time clock arrangement includes a clock 5 of
the type that is regulated by broadcast time signals. The
clock 5 is thus, in operation, very accurate and keeps time
extremely well.
The time clock 5 is associated with a control
arrangement 6 in the form of a micro-processor or the like.
The micro-processor controls a switch such as a relay
switch 7 which is connected between the mains supply 1 and
the power outlet 3. The relay switch may be of any
appropriate design and may comprise an electro-mechanical
switch, such as a solenoid activated relay switch, or an
electronic switch, such as a power transistor switch.
The micro-processor 6 is programmed to set the time
clock by means of setting means in the form of a key-pad 7
and an associated display 9. Connected between the key-pad
8 and the control arrangement 6 is an off-set
generating device 10.
The off-set generating device 10 is adapted to
generate an off-set which may, typically, be of between
minus 60 seconds and plus 60 seconds.
When the key-pad 8 and display 9 are utilised to
enter a time, either for switching the electrical
apparatus 4 on, or for switching the electrical apparatus 4
off, the off-set is automatically added to or subtracted
from that time.
Thus, for example if the key-pad and display are
operated to set the time clock so that the electrical
apparatus 4 is switched on at 6.00 a.m. and is switched off
at 10.15 a.m., and if the off-set provided by the off-set
device is plus 30 seconds, the electrical apparatus 4 will
actually be activated at 6.00.30 and will actually be de-activated
at 10.15.30.
It is envisaged that when a number of time clocks
are manufactured, the off-sets provided by the off-set
devices will, effectively, be "randomly" selected. The
off-set devices may be such that the off-set times may be
purely "randomly" selected, or, alternatively, may be
quasi-randomly selected by manufacturing a number of
devices with different off-sets within the available range
of off-sets.
It is to be understood that by use of this
expedient, the risk of a sudden surge in demand for
electric power or for gas, or for water, may be obviated.
In the illustrated embodiment an off-set by-pass is
illustrated. In some circumstances it may be essential for
the time clock to activate the electrical appliance at
precisely the set time. The by-pass may be controlled by
a switch selectively to over-ride the effect of the off-set
generating device.
Whilst, for purposes of explanation, the off-set
device has been shown in Figure 1 as a separate device, it
is to be understood that the function of the off-set could
be incorporated within the software or programming present
within the micro-processor that constitutes the control
arrangement 6.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, there
is no off-set device associated with the control
arrangement. Instead, the control arrangement is connected
to the switch 7 by means of a delay timer 12. The duration
of the delay provided by the delay timer may be randomly or
quasi-randomly selected. Thus the times utilised may each
measure a time that is randomly selected. Alternatively,
each delay may be determined by a number whenever the timer
is activated. The delay is proportional to the random
number generated.
Thus, in operation of the embodiment as shown in
Figure 2, under the conditions given by way of example
above, the electrical apparatus will be switched on shortly
after 6.00 a.m., after a delay determined by the delay
timer and will be switched off a short period of time after
10.15 a.m., again in accordance with a period of time
measured by the delay timer.
A time by-pass 13 is provided which can be
selectively activated to over-ride the delay effect of the
timer.
It is to be understood that alternative expedients
may be utilised to achieve the same effect including having
an off-set provided between the part of the clock that
receives the timing signals, and the actual timing
mechanism.
It is to be appreciated that a time clock as
described may be used with any type of electrical
apparatus, or electrically controlled apparatus, that is to
be turned on at a pre-set time such as, for example, a
storage heater, an electric or gas oven, a gas or electric
central heating system, or an electrically powered water
pump.
The features disclosed in foregoing description, in
the following Claims and/or in the accompanying drawings
may, both separately and in combination thereof, be
material for realising the invention in diverse forms
thereof.
Claims (10)
- A time clock arrangement, the time clock arrangement comprising a clock(5), the clock being controlled by broadcast or transmitted timing signals, so as to exhibit a high degree of accurate time-keeping; control means(6) and setting means(8) provided to enable the control means to be set, and a switch(7) controlled by the control means and adapted to be connected between a source(1) of mains electricity and an electrical apparatus(4), the operation of which is to be controlled, the setting means(8) being operable to set the time at which the electrical apparatus is to be activated, and the time at which the electrical apparatus is to be de-activated, characterised in that the arrangement incorporates off-set means(10,12) so that the time at which the electrical apparatus(4) is actually activated, and the time at which the electrical apparatus(4) is actually de-activated, are off-set from the time actually set by the setting means(8).
- An arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the setting means comprise a key-pad(8) and display(9).
- An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the control means(6) comprises a micro-processor or the like.
- An arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the off-set means are embodied in software or programming within the micro-processor(6).
- An arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the off-set means comprise means(10) effectively connected between the key-pad and the micro-processor(6).
- An arrangement according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the off-set means comprise a delay timer(12) connected between the control means and said switch.
- An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the switch is an electro-mechanical switch(4).
- An arrangement according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the switch is an electronic switch.
- A plurality of time control arrangements according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the time off-sets of said times of activation and de-activation are randomly distributed.
- A method of making a plurality of time switches according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 comprising the steps of randomly or quasi-randomly selecting the time off-sets for the times of activation and de-activation.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9625437 | 1996-12-06 | ||
GBGB9625437.0A GB9625437D0 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 1996-12-06 | Improvements in or relating to a clock arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0846990A1 true EP0846990A1 (en) | 1998-06-10 |
Family
ID=10804086
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97115643A Withdrawn EP0846990A1 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 1997-09-09 | A time clock arrangement |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0846990A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9625437D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN1332282C (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2007-08-15 | 恩益禧电子股份有限公司 | Multilayer system and clock control method |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4213063A (en) * | 1978-04-27 | 1980-07-15 | Jones John L Sr | Room occupancy power programmer |
GB2060953A (en) * | 1979-10-02 | 1981-05-07 | Central Electr Generat Board | Automatic synchronizing of time- pieces, e.g. time switches, by radio |
DE3202323A1 (en) * | 1982-01-26 | 1983-07-28 | Gerhard-Günter 7300 Esslingen Gaßmann | Circuit for preventing high surge loads |
DE3407393A1 (en) * | 1984-02-29 | 1985-08-29 | Rainer 6072 Dreieich Bauer | Circuit for intermediate connectors for freely run electrical lines |
EP0436163A2 (en) * | 1989-12-13 | 1991-07-10 | Gerhard Martin | Electric burglary protection device |
GB2293465A (en) * | 1994-09-14 | 1996-03-27 | Smiths Industries Plc | Programmable time switch |
-
1996
- 1996-12-06 GB GBGB9625437.0A patent/GB9625437D0/en active Pending
-
1997
- 1997-09-09 EP EP97115643A patent/EP0846990A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4213063A (en) * | 1978-04-27 | 1980-07-15 | Jones John L Sr | Room occupancy power programmer |
GB2060953A (en) * | 1979-10-02 | 1981-05-07 | Central Electr Generat Board | Automatic synchronizing of time- pieces, e.g. time switches, by radio |
DE3202323A1 (en) * | 1982-01-26 | 1983-07-28 | Gerhard-Günter 7300 Esslingen Gaßmann | Circuit for preventing high surge loads |
DE3407393A1 (en) * | 1984-02-29 | 1985-08-29 | Rainer 6072 Dreieich Bauer | Circuit for intermediate connectors for freely run electrical lines |
EP0436163A2 (en) * | 1989-12-13 | 1991-07-10 | Gerhard Martin | Electric burglary protection device |
GB2293465A (en) * | 1994-09-14 | 1996-03-27 | Smiths Industries Plc | Programmable time switch |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN1332282C (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2007-08-15 | 恩益禧电子股份有限公司 | Multilayer system and clock control method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9625437D0 (en) | 1997-01-22 |
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