GB2436868A - Air conditioning system with lock - Google Patents
Air conditioning system with lock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2436868A GB2436868A GB0607024A GB0607024A GB2436868A GB 2436868 A GB2436868 A GB 2436868A GB 0607024 A GB0607024 A GB 0607024A GB 0607024 A GB0607024 A GB 0607024A GB 2436868 A GB2436868 A GB 2436868A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- key
- premises
- air conditioning
- switch
- heating
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
- F24F11/63—Electronic processing
- F24F11/65—Electronic processing for selecting an operating mode
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H27/00—Switches operated by a removable member, e.g. key, plug or plate; Switches operated by setting members according to a single predetermined combination out of several possible settings
- H01H27/06—Key inserted and then turned to effect operation of the switch
- H01H27/08—Key inserted and then turned to effect operation of the switch wherein the key cannot be removed until the switch is returned to its original position
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
An air conditioning system, for example in a hotel room, with a secure on/off control system. The system can only be activated when a key is inserted and in the on position and the key can only be removed from the system when it is in the off position. The key may be a separate key to the room key or the same key. If it is a separate key it may be on a tamperproof key ring.
Description
PAHEBA527 07/04/06 ^H-OOODO
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AIR CONDITIONING
The present invention relates to improving in or relating to air conditioning and/or heating systems. The invention may be applied to domestic and industrial premises 5 including homes, apartments, factories, warehouses, schools, offices, hotels, halls of residence and the like. The invention may also be used in for example, cabins in shipping and the like.
Air conditioning and/or heating systems consume considerable amounts of energy 10 and furthermore are often left in operation at times when the heating or cooling effect they provide is not required. For example property owners or those leasing properties may leave the property for several hours and either inadvertently or deliberately fail to switch off the air conditioning and/or heating system. This can be extremely wasteful of valuable energy and can also lead to unnecessary expense.
15
Systems are known in which the electricity supply to an environment such as a hotel room are controlled by means of a key. This is sometimes accomplished by means of the same key which is frequently a card key which as the key that is used to gain access to the room. Often a slot is provided close to the entry door into which the 20 card key can be inserted in order to activate the electricity. This activation can also activate the power supply to the air conditioning and/or heating system.
A difficulty with these systems is that they can be easily overridden, can be abused by others who have access to the room resulting in unauthorised use of the air 25 conditioning and/or heating systems. There is therefore a need for a more secure, easy to use air conditioning and/or heating control system.
The present invention therefore provides a system for the activation and deactivation of an air conditioning and/or heating system comprising an on/off switch for activation 30 or deactivation of the system and a key wherein the key can be removed from the switch only when the switch is in the off position.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the key is combined with the key that provides access to the premises that is subject to the air conditioning and/or 35 heating such as a hotel room, apartment and the like. The two keys may be combined in any suitable manner. For example it may be a single key constructed so as to operate both the entrance premises and the activation of the air conditioning
1
PA HF BA527 07/04 /05
and/or heating system. Alternatively the keys may be separated but may be mounted together on a tamper proof key ring so that they cannot be separated. In this way it is not possible to leave the premises without removing the key from the air conditioning and/or heating on/off switch and therefore it is not possible to leave the 5 premises without switching off the air conditioning and/or heating system. The system may readily be switched on on re-entry to the premises.
Switches in which the key can only be removed when in the off position are known and any such system may be used. The switch is preferably located close to the 10 inside of the entry door to the premises so that the air conditioning and/or heating system can be activated immediately upon entry to the premises. This location also facilitates the turning off of the system as the occupant leaves the premises. The communication from the switch to the air conditioning and/or heating system may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example it may be accomplished by an 15 electrical signal, a radio frequency signal or an optical signal such as by an infra red beam.
The system of the present invention may be used in any premises which employ air conditioning and/or heating systems. They may be installed during construction or 20 the may be supplied to already existing constructions. Examples of premises where the present invention can be used includes private residences, homes, apartments etc, rental accommodation, business premises including offices, warehouses. The invention may also be used in cabins of shipping and the like.
25 The present invention is illustrated but in no way limited by reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 shows an on/off switch system according to the present invention and Figure 2 shows the switch system of Figure 1 provided with a key in the "off' position. Figure 1 shows a switch (1) provided with a slot (2) for receipt of a key. Once the key is inserted into the slot while it is in the "off" position it 30 can be turned to bring the slot into the "on" position. In the "on" position electric current is caused to flow through the circuitry shown to activate an air conditioning unit (4) from the supply means (3). When the switch is in the "on" position the key cannot be removed from the slot. However, once turned to the "off position it can be removed.
35
2
PA H E BAti/! 0 / ,'04/06
Figure 2 shows the key (5) in the slot in the "off position and also provided with a tamper proof key ring. In a preferment of the invention (not shown) the key for entry to the premises is also provided on the tamperproof ring (6).
5 We have found that the systems of the present invention are effective in ensuring that air conditioning and/or heating systems are not in operation when premises are empty and are used only when they are required. Accordingly the present invention helps to save energy, reduce waste and save money.
10 Figure 3 is an exploded view of the key switch design and circuitry. The device shown in Figure 3 works via a micro switch that is activated by a key barrel. When the key is inserted into the barrel in the off position it may be turned to the on position via a slight tension spring built into the barrel. This movement operates a peg which in turn depresses a peg on the micro switch allowing current to pass through the 15 micro switch and activate the heating and/or air conditioning unit. In reverse when the key is turned back to the off position the flow of current is stopped, the heating and/or air conditioning unit is deactivated and the key may be removed.
3
PAHEBA52.7 07/04/06
Claims (10)
1 A system for the activation and deactivation of an air conditioning and/or heating system comprising an on/off switch for activation or deactivation of 5 the system and a key wherein the key can be removed from the switch only when the switch is in the off position.
2. A system according to Claim 1 wherein the key is combined with the key that provides access to the premises that is subject to the air conditioning and/or 10 heating, such as a hotel room, apartment and the like.
3. A system according to Claim 2 wherein the key comprises a single key constructed so as to operate both the entrance to the premises and the activation of the air conditioning and/or heating system.
15
4. A system according to Claims 2 wherein the key is mounted together with the key for entrance to the premises on a tamper proof key ring so that they cannot be separated.
20
5. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the key is mounted within the premises whose environment is to be controlled by the heating and/or air conditioning system.
6. A system according to Claim 5 in which the switch is located close to the
25 inside of the entry door to the premises.
7. A system according to any of the preceding claims in which the communication from the switch to the air conditioning and/or heating system is accomplished by an electrical signal, a radio frequency signal or an optica!
30 signal such as by an infra red beam.
8. A system according to any of the preceding claims adapted to be installed during construction of the premises.
35
9. A system according to any of Claims 1 to 7 adapted to be supplied and fitted into already existing constructions.
4
PAHEBA527 07/04/06
10. A system according to any of the preceding claims installed in private residences, homes, apartments, rental accommodation, business premises including offices and warehouses, cabins of shipping and the like.
5
10
15
20
25
30
5
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0607024A GB2436868A (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-04-07 | Air conditioning system with lock |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0607024A GB2436868A (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-04-07 | Air conditioning system with lock |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0607024D0 GB0607024D0 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
| GB2436868A true GB2436868A (en) | 2007-10-10 |
Family
ID=36539524
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0607024A Withdrawn GB2436868A (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2006-04-07 | Air conditioning system with lock |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2436868A (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4293026A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-10-06 | Day Jerome A | Energy conserver |
| GB2199186A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1988-06-29 | Bowden Ind Limited | Key operated switch |
| US6237854B1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2001-05-29 | Ed Avni | Air conditioning automatic shut-off system |
-
2006
- 2006-04-07 GB GB0607024A patent/GB2436868A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4293026A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-10-06 | Day Jerome A | Energy conserver |
| GB2199186A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1988-06-29 | Bowden Ind Limited | Key operated switch |
| US6237854B1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2001-05-29 | Ed Avni | Air conditioning automatic shut-off system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0607024D0 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6236303B1 (en) | System for indicating the status of a hotel or similar room | |
| EP2156525B1 (en) | Electrical supply devices | |
| CN103048983A (en) | Hotel guest room intelligent control system | |
| CA2147780C (en) | Security system remote control | |
| CN203084528U (en) | Hotel guest room intelligent control system | |
| SE463678B (en) | DEVICE AT LAASHUS | |
| US5521585A (en) | Protector | |
| JP2011021327A (en) | Automatic door opening/closing apparatus using radio unit | |
| NZ580061A (en) | An electromagnetic lock also held by a mechanical means if there is an attempt to force the lock | |
| US20100259360A1 (en) | Computer Room Security | |
| US20210407280A1 (en) | Security system | |
| GB2464520A (en) | Frame-mounted lock comprising electromechanical control | |
| Radhakrishnan et al. | Design of an intelligent and efficient light control system | |
| GB2436868A (en) | Air conditioning system with lock | |
| US4189692A (en) | Lock controlled power shut-off system | |
| US3623088A (en) | Alarm system with manually selectable time delay | |
| US20210264704A1 (en) | Sharing state information of an auxiliary door | |
| CN104504785A (en) | Multifunctional comprehensive intelligent access control system | |
| US20080143475A1 (en) | Utility conservation system and method therefor | |
| KR101476259B1 (en) | System and method of providing building energy management service with portable complex card | |
| US10297124B2 (en) | Interface assembly | |
| CN106548424B (en) | Method for realizing intelligent lamp control unit and door lock control system thereof | |
| US12008888B1 (en) | Security system | |
| CN109972920A (en) | There are three the smart locks of position for tool with motor machine key | |
| WO2010111981A2 (en) | Modular control and indicating panel, its use and a method of controlling building alarm systems |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |