US20200389336A1 - Programmable logic switch and system - Google Patents
Programmable logic switch and system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200389336A1 US20200389336A1 US16/635,215 US201816635215A US2020389336A1 US 20200389336 A1 US20200389336 A1 US 20200389336A1 US 201816635215 A US201816635215 A US 201816635215A US 2020389336 A1 US2020389336 A1 US 2020389336A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- signals
- switch
- switches
- programming
- control
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 38
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000003442 weekly effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008672 reprogramming Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
- H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/283—Processing of data at an internetworking point of a home automation network
- H04L12/2834—Switching of information between an external network and a home network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/40—Bus networks
- H04L12/40006—Architecture of a communication node
- H04L12/40013—Details regarding a bus controller
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/50—Circuit switching systems, i.e. systems in which the path is physically permanent during the communication
- H04L12/52—Circuit switching systems, i.e. systems in which the path is physically permanent during the communication using time division techniques
- H04L12/525—Circuit switching systems, i.e. systems in which the path is physically permanent during the communication using time division techniques involving a stored program control
Definitions
- the present invention falls within the field of switches which are preferably installed in buildings (house, offices, boxes, . . . ) for the control of electrical utilities (lamps, motors, fans, air-conditioners, solenoid valves) and to receive signals, if any, from external devices such as photocells, timers, detectors.
- switches which are preferably installed in buildings (house, offices, boxes, . . . ) for the control of electrical utilities (lamps, motors, fans, air-conditioners, solenoid valves) and to receive signals, if any, from external devices such as photocells, timers, detectors.
- switches are preferably (but not exclusively) installed in the common wall boxes and are connected to each other by electric cables.
- US 2014/100854 A1 describes a programmable logic switch for controlling electrical utilities, including one or more control devices of the electrical utilities that are operable by a user and configured for generating respective control signals, and a serial interface for connecting the switch to an electric bus to which other switches can be connected.
- programmable logic switch 1 it is an object of the present invention to show a programmable logic switch 1 and a system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
- the programmable logic switch 1 is called also only switch 1 in the following.
- switches 1 The objects specified are generally achieved by a switch 1 and by a system 100 of switches 1 comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the claims attached to the present description.
- the present invention is directed to a programmable logic switch 1 and a system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 .
- system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 allows to command and control, locally and remotely, the various connected electrical utilities located inside houses, offices, boxes, etc., so that, through the programming of the various control devices, it is possible to define from where and how to control the several electrical utilities.
- the initial configurations can be modified and adapted to new requirements that may occur over time, without the need to intervene on the electric wiring, or making the interventions minimal if necessary.
- each programmable logic switch 1 comprises one or more control devices 2 of the electrical utilities 3 which can be activated by a user and configured to generate respective control signals 4 .
- control devices 2 are buttons/keys or touchscreen displays or other here not expressly mentioned.
- the programmable logic switch 1 comprises a serial interface 5 for connecting the switch 1 to an electric bus 6 (hereinafter also referred to as “network”) to which other switches 1 are connected.
- This serial interface 5 is configured to receive input signals 7 from other switches 1 connected to the electric bus 6 , and to transmit output signals 8 to other switches 1 connected to the electric bus 6 .
- This serial interface 5 is defined by a two-wire serial connection according to the RS485 standard or similar, or by an ethernet port.
- the switch 1 comprises a programming interface 9 configured to generate programming signals 10 as a function of programming data inserted locally or remotely.
- the programming interface 9 can be represented by microswitches 11 or by a cable connected to the electric bus 6 and by a system 100 for communication with a local or web network for programming.
- the programming activity is performed by a user according to which electrical utilities 3 the user wants to command from a specific switch 1 .
- the switch 1 comprises a control unit 24 connected to the serial interface 5 and to the programming interface 9 and configured for:
- the switch 1 sends an output signal 8 on the bus 6 so as to make the data relating to the programming and operation of the switch 1 also available to other switches 1 .
- the switch 1 comprises an output device 12 having output channels 13 respectively connectable to the electrical utilities 3 and separate and independent from each other with respect to the serial interface 5 .
- the output device 12 is the one that connects the electric utility 3 to the switch 1 to be activated or not.
- each output channel 13 comprises a respective built-in protection fuse 33 . It should also be noted that the output channels 13 are independent and may have different supply voltages.
- the output device 12 is connected to the control unit 24 and is configured to generate the control signals 14 of the electrical utilities 3 as a function of the contents of any combination among the control signals 4 , the programming signals 10 and the input signals 7 , so as to control the electrical utilities 3 as a function of the command operated by the user and as a function of the programming data and eventually of the input signals 7 received from the bus 6 .
- the electrical utilities 3 are also controlled as a function of the contents of the input signals 7 .
- the control device 2 is configured to send the control signal 4 to the serial interface 5 to be transmitted in the electric bus 6 so that it is available to all the switches 1 .
- the switch 1 also comprises an input device 15 having input channels 16 respectively connectable to external apparatuses 17 (e.g. sensors, detectors, timers, . . . ) and separated with respect to serial interface 5 and to output device 12 .
- external apparatuses 17 e.g. sensors, detectors, timers, . . .
- each input channel 16 comprises a respective built-in protection fuse 33 . It should also be noted that the input channels 16 are independent of each other and may have different supply voltages.
- This input device 15 is connected to the control unit 24 and is configured to receive the external signals 18 from the external apparatuses 17 and to send them to the control unit 24 .
- the control unit 24 is configured to generate the output signal 8 as a function of the contents of the external signals 18 . Therefore, the output signal 8 also takes into account the status of the external apparatuses 17 which is detected by the input device 15 .
- control unit 24 can comprise a time unit 19 programmable as a function of time and configured to modify the output signal 8 and the control signal 14 of the electrical utilities 3 according to a predefined programming (e.g. daily or weekly or monthly scheduling or more).
- a predefined programming e.g. daily or weekly or monthly scheduling or more.
- the time unit 19 is configured to execute multiple programs at the same time, each program defining a logical relation between one or more operands, which can be chosen in any combination among the input signals 7 , the status of the input channels 16 , the control signals 4 , the functions contained in the time unit 19 , so as to modify the output signal 8 and the control signal 14 of the electrical utilities 3 as a function of time and of said logic relations between the operands above defined.
- the switch 1 can also automatically activate/deactivate the required electrical utilities, according to criteria defined through the programming interface 9 according to predefined logics and interactions between inputs/outputs/timers/etc. of the various control devices connected to each other in the network.
- the switch 1 can also be connected and controlled by a PC by using a dedicated software, and consequently, it can also be controlled via the Internet or email from any device connected to the Internet.
- a connection interface 34 (preferably RS485/Ethernet) is present.
- switch 1 it is possible to interact with switch 1 with the keys of the control device 2 , as well as by a remote control 20 .
- the programming interface 9 can be configured in an “administrator” mode in which the programming interface 9 accepts the insertion of new programming data and in an “operation” mode in which the programming interface 9 does not accept the insertion of new programming data.
- the programming interface 9 can be configured in the “administrator” mode if an unblocking signal is sent through a predefined combination (password) of the control devices 2 which are connected to the programming interface 9 or through the control by a software of a PC connected to the interface 34 .
- the output device 12 can be configured in a “local” mode, in which it generates control signals 14 of the electrical utilities 3 only as a function of the contents of the control signals 4 and of the programming signals 10 but not of the input signals 7 , or in a “remote” mode in which the output device 12 generates control signals 14 of the electrical utilities 3 also as a function of the contents of the input signals 7 and of the programming data contained within the control unit 24 .
- the programming interface 9 can be configured in the “association” mode in which it is substantially envisaged to associate a push of any button of the control devices 2 to the control of any utility 3 .
- the “association” mode provides that upon activation of a control device 2 , an output signal 8 is generated containing the information on the activated control device 2 (key pushed) to be associated and which allows the remaining switches 1 connected to the bus 6 to receive the respective input signal 7 and associate said control device 2 to all of its output channels 13 which are active at that moment.
- association mode allows, by appropriately programming the switch, to associate the keys pushed on the switch itself, with the output channels currently active on all the switches connected to the network. Therefore, in the remote mode, the associated keys will control the respective associated output channels.
- a system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 also forms the subject of the present invention, comprising a plurality of the previously described programmable logic switches 1 , in which said switches 1 are connected to each other along an electric bus 6 .
- the system 100 comprises at least one first electrical utility 3 connected to an output channel 13 of an output device 12 of a first switch 1 .
- the input signals 7 of a switch 1 correspond to the output signals 8 of other switches 1 connected along the electric bus 6 .
- the output device 12 of the first switch 1 is configured to generate the control signal 14 of said first electrical utility 3 as a function of the data contained in the output signal 8 received from one or more different switches 1 connected along the electric bus 6 . In this way it is possible to control electrical utilities 3 connected electrically to a switch 1 by means of other switches 1 which are connected along the bus 6 .
- FIGS. 1 a , 1 b , 1 c , 1 d show different views of the switch 1 according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a system 100 of switches 1 connected along a bus 6 according to the present invention
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an example of installation of the system 100 of switches 1 ;
- FIG. 4 a is a schematic view of the system 100 of switches 1 connected to the electric bus 6 according to a functional logic
- FIG. 4 b shows a schematic view of the system 100 of switches 1 connected to the electric bus 6 applied to some utilities.
- the system 100 consists of switches 1 connected to each other by a bus 6 (preferably an industrial RS485 serial network). This network allows the devices to communicate even at great distances.
- Each device has a serial interface 5 (RS485), three keys and some microswitches 11 for programming, some LEDs 22 , and three input channels 16 or output 13 of the input device 15 or output device 12 .
- Three of the LEDs 22 display the status of the three input channels 16 or output channels 13 .
- Each device must be powered by a power supply 21 for the control unit 24 and for the serial connection.
- Each switch 1 must be programmed with its own identification address (node) in order to be able to communicate with the other switches 1 in the serial network.
- alias switches with the same “node” (alias), whose operation and behavior are defined according to the relative programming.
- alias switches
- Such “alias” switches advantageously allow the keys of a second switch 1 connected to the same network as a first switch 1 to be replicated.
- the RS485 serial communication is carried out through proprietary software protocol (DOCprotocol).
- DOCprotocol proprietary software protocol
- Each switch 1 can be housed in wall boxes 23 for common mechanical switches and does not require connection to the ground system.
- each switch 1 extends frontally and has a rear volume.
- Said rear volume is such as to fit into a wall box 23 commonly used for known switches.
- the front dimensions are conformed to the front dimensions of the box 23 .
- each switch 1 comprises fuses 33 each associated with a respective input/output channel 16 , 13 .
- the switch 1 has posteriorly housings suitable for facilitating the insertion and removal of said fuses.
- the rear volume with the fuses 33 is such as to be included in the dimensions of known wall boxes.
- Each input/output channel 16 , 13 is opto-isolated from the control electronics and the RS485 serial network, and is completely independent and electrically isolated also from all other channels. Therefore, an input channel 16 can control, for example, a sensor powered at 12 V DC, and another input channel 16 , on board the same device, can control a sensor powered at 24 V DC. The same applies to output channels 13 on board of an output device 12 .
- Input channels 16 can receive information from other devices external to the system 100 (photocells, push-buttons, switches 1 , timers, presence or movement detectors, or contacts in general from sensors or other electronic devices external to the system 100 ).
- the output channels 13 control the electrical utilities 3 connected to them (lamps, motors, fans, solenoid valves, electrical locks, shutters, relays, contactors, or other devices).
- Each output channel 13 can be programmed so that it can be activated/deactivated on command, permanently, or automatically shut off after a settable time.
- Each output channel 13 can also be programmed in such a way that its activation is inhibited if another output channel 13 on board of the device is already active (e.g. shutter opening/closing interlocking).
- Some output channels 13 can be programmed to be activated automatically when another output channel 13 is activated, on board of the same device, and turn off automatically after a time that can be set when the reference channel has been deactivated (e.g. light and fan switching on in a bathroom).
- each switch 1 can be programmed (preferably via the programming interface) to control the output channels 13 by means of a password, which can be entered via the keys of the control device 2 (e.g. opening of an electrical lock from the outside of a room).
- Switches 1 which have output devices can also operate individually, without the need to be connected to the other switches 1 .
- Switches 1 which have input devices 15 are only for the use of switches 1 with output devices, and allow to extend the programming capabilities and functions of the switches 1 with output devices.
- the control unit 24 is configured to relate the status of the various signals of the input channels 16 and output channels 13 exchanged in the network, by simple logics AND, OR, XOR, NOT and timers, so as to automatically activate/deactivate the output channels 13 with respect to all the other switches 1 connected in the network, greatly extending the possibilities of application of the whole system 100 (e.g. activation, with timer, of solenoid valves for watering).
- control unit 24 has one or more programs running in a parallel and independent way from each other, wherein each of the programs determines a pre-defined relation in any combination of signals chosen among the input signals 7 , the external signals 18 , the control signals 4 , the programming signals 10 , the control signals 14 of the electrical utilities 3 , so to generate the output signal 8 that, in use, is received from other switches 1 connected to the electrical bus 6 as an input signal 7 .
- the switches 1 can be programmed by means of appropriate software running on a PC connected to the RS485 serial network of the system 100 through the interface 34 (Ethernet/RS485).
- the switches 1 can be entirely programmed locally also by means of keys, microswitches 11 and LEDs located on board of the devices themselves.
- microswitches 11 defines the function to be programmed; the keys are used to program the various configurations of the selected function. Some LEDs indicate the setting made.
- Each switch 1 is equipped with a cover ( FIG. 1 a ) that fits on the front of switch 1 , after installation inside the wall box.
- This cover is configured to be able to interact with the system 100 and to allow a comfortable key pushing.
- This cover is advantageously flush with respect to the box during the closing condition (preferably by joint).
- Each switch 1 must preferably be supplied with a DC voltage, and the terminals of the two-wire bus 6 of the RS485 network are connected in parallel to all the switches 1 connected in the network, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2 also shows switch 1 , interface 34 (Ethernet/RS485) and a receiver for remote control.
- the serial communication along the bus 6 among all the connected switches 1 is preferably of a multi-master type.
- Each switch 1 has three operating modes: “administrator”, “local”, and “remote”.
- the “administrator” mode is used to access the programming of switch 1 .
- the microswitches 11 allow to select the function to be programmed.
- the selected function is configured by using the keys and the LEDs on board of the switch 1 .
- the programming of the switch 1 can also be carried out via the RS485 network by using a dedicated software running on a PC (the PC must be connected to the switch 1 via the Ethernet/RS485 interface).
- the “local” mode is used to control the individual output channels 13 of the switch 1 , by pushing the buttons on board of the switch 1 .
- the switch 1 does not switch the output channels 13 of the output device 12 as a function of the signals received via the bus 6 .
- the “local” mode also serves to associate the keys of the switch 1 to the output channels 13 of all the switches 1 connected in the network.
- the “remote” mode allows to control the output channels 13 of the switches 1 connected in the network, depending on the pushing of the keys and the status of the input/output channels 16 , 13 of any other switch 1 also connected in RS485 network, following the rules programmed in the various switches 1 .
- each switch 1 For communicating in “remote” mode, each switch 1 must be set with a network address (node).
- Multiple switches 1 can be set with the same identification address (alias switches 1 ) so as to increase the maximum number of switches 1 that can be connected to the same network, and to replicate the functions of the buttons of the switch 1 with the same node.
- Multiple networks can be connected together via PC and interface 34 .
- a software running on the PC can relate the key signals and the status of the output channels 13 and input channels 16 of the switches 1 of a network with those of the other one, in order to control the output channels 13 of the switches 1 of both the RS485 networks.
- PC Through appropriate software on PC, it is also possible to track and record on disk all the network activity of connected switches 1 , and to schedule actions on the occurrence of certain events (for example, the PC can be programmed to send an email if a presence or movement sensor is activated).
- Switches 1 with output channels 13 if in “Remote” mode, can activate/deactivate their output channels 13 autonomously, even without being connected to the network, by programming the keys on board of the switch 1 and the operating modes set for its output channels 13 .
- Each output channel 13 can be programmed to operate in various ways, depending on the type of connected electric utility 3 .
- the combination of the microswitches 11 of the programming interface 9 determines the possible settings for each channel.
- a password can be associated which allows to activate and deactivate the connected electric utility 3 , if the switch 1 is in “Remote” mode, when the relative code is entered using the keys.
- the output channel 13 turns on/off following the set operating mode.
- an output channel 13 is set with an impulsive operating mode, by typing the relative password while the switch 1 is in “Remote” mode, the channel will be activated for the programmed impulsive time (e.g. to control an electric lock from the outside of a room).
- the switch 1 In “Remote” mode and in “Association” mode, each time one of the keys is pushed (if no password is assigned to any of the output channels 13 of the switch 1 ), the switch 1 emits a signal in the network where own address and pushed key are indicated. If the microswitches 11 of the transmitting switch 1 are set with a predefined code, and the switch 1 is in “association” mode, the transmitted signal contains the information necessary to define that the key indicated in the telegram must be associated with the output channels 13 at that time active on the receiver switch 1 or on the receiver switches 1 .
- Each switch 1 with the output channels 13 keeps in its internal memory, for each output channel 13 , all the associated keys for all the switches 1 connected in the network.
- Each output channel 13 can be set to not be activated if the other output channels 13 on the same switch 1 are already active, or if a pre-settable time has elapsed since their deactivation.
- the function and interlock time can be activated for each individual output channel 13 .
- the interlock works only between the output channels 13 , on board of the same switch 1 , which have the interlock function enabled. This function is advantageously useful, for example, for activating an interlock between the opening and closing of shutters.
- the channel interblocking timer starts when the channel turns off. The other channels will not be able to activate until this time has elapsed.
- FIG. 3 shows the plan of a hypothetical house/office/workshop with some rooms in which are installed electrical utilities 3 (lamps, shutter, electric lock, fans) controlled by a system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 (PLS) connected to each other on the network.
- electrical utilities 3 lamps, shutter, electric lock, fans
- the outlet channel 13 of the bathroom fan 1 A.L 3 is programmed to turn on automatically when the lamp 1 A.L 1 is turned on, and to turn off automatically five minutes after the lamp 1 A.L 1 has switched off.
- the electric lock 1 B.L 1 of the entrance door is controlled, from outside the home, by means of the switch 2 B, whose output channel 13 is configured to act in an impulsive manner with pulse time of 0.2 seconds, and with a password that can be entered by using the buttons of switch 2 B.
- the switch 1 comprises LEDs 22 associated to input channels 16 and output channels 13 , which always indicate the “active” or “inactive” status of the related channel.
- they are switched on with a steady light if the status of the relevant channel is active or are switched off if the status of the relevant channel is deactivated.
- LEDs 22 indicate, by means of the switching on or flashing mode, the function active at any time, or the function being programmed or its value.
- Each switch 1 with input channels 16 has some weekly calendars ( FIG. 4 a ), used to manage and synchronize the configurable programs that allow commands to be sent to the other switches 1 through a network connection.
- the activation date and time and the deactivation date and time can be configured.
- each switch 1 with input channels 16 has a clock, used to activate/deactivate the weekly calendars.
- the periodic calendars define additional input variables that are included in the programming signals for the processing performed by the control unit 24 .
- the calendars are further operands of the programs that are processed by the control unit 24 .
- Each switch 1 with input channels 16 has some configurable programs which allow to extend the functionality of the entire system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 installed.
- the switches 1 connected to each other in the network can exchange information on the status of the inputs and outputs of the entire system 100 , and relate them to each other through simple binary operations AND, OR, XOR and NOT, so as to be able to automatically activate/deactivate the output channels 13 available throughout the system 100 , depending on the logics to be implemented.
- the data lie within the system itself and the instructions are executed one after the other according to the implemented flow control; even in the case of several traditional connected processors among them in the network, each processor would execute the instructions sequentially, according to the programmed flow control.
- each program of each switch 1 can be considered as a single instruction of the traditional processor. These instructions (the programs) no longer follow a predefined and sequential flow control, but are executed in parallel and independently from each other according to time bases and events defined for each of them.
- the events such as keystroke, photocell status or output channels, etc. that condition the execution of the single instructions (programs), constitute the data of the system 100 , and are distributed, shared between the various switches 1 , and rendered available to all instructions (programs), via the network to which all switches 1 that form the entire system 100 are connected.
- the instructions (programs) of the system 100 by reading and modifying the data of all switches 1 via the network connection, determine the intensity of the data traffic that is generated from time to time in the system 100 .
- the system 100 allows to control electrical utilities that are connected to any one of the switches 1 along the bus, through any of the other switches 1 connected along the bus after appropriate programming.
- the system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 is designed to be economical, flexible, and easy to install, making extremely easy and quick to define and configure from which stations to control the various electrical utilities 3 located inside houses, offices, sheds, boxes, etc. without the need to intervene on electrical wiring, or making them minimal if they were necessary; the system 100 is expandable and allows the addition of other functionalities which allow to automate, in a customizable way and without additional costs, the control and use of the various connected electrical utilities 3 .
- the network connection between the switches 1 allows to control electrical utilities 3 also located at great distances between them.
- the opto-insulated input 16 and output channels 13 allow to connect the external apparatuses 17 and the electrical utilities 3 with different supply voltages.
- the reduced dimensions of the switches 1 allow an immediate installation in the wall-mounted boxes for the normal mechanical switches, and also make it possible to immediately replace a block of known mechanical switches with a switch 1 according to the present invention.
- Switches 1 with output channels 13 can be configured to operate independently, or to be connected with several switches 1 to each other via the network.
- the system 100 can be entirely programmed by means of the keys and the LEDs on board of the switches 1 themselves.
- the systems according to the present invention also enable the electrical utilities 3 to be controlled, with different levels of security, by entering passwords.
- the systems of programmable logic switches 1 combine the typical features of home automation with the flexibility features of PLCs (programmable logic controllers) used in industry and, together with the key associations and the programs running parallel on the various switches 1 , allow multiple configurations of automation to be implemented, and, in an economic and fast way, all the needs that can emerge from time to time to be satisfied, without the need of programming experts.
- PLCs programmable logic controllers
Abstract
Description
- The present invention falls within the field of switches which are preferably installed in buildings (house, offices, boxes, . . . ) for the control of electrical utilities (lamps, motors, fans, air-conditioners, solenoid valves) and to receive signals, if any, from external devices such as photocells, timers, detectors.
- These switches are preferably (but not exclusively) installed in the common wall boxes and are connected to each other by electric cables.
- Today, the known switch systems provide that, once the switches have been installed on the wall and electrically connected to the respective electrical utilities to be controlled, it is no longer possible to modify the control configuration, or to control different utilities that are not originally provided unless there is an intervention on electrical wiring, masonry works and power distribution in the electric system.
- Other known solutions are based on the use of so-called “home automation” systems in which all the devices, including switches and utilities, are connected along a bus connected in turn to a central control unit. The central control unit can be programmed by the user, locally or remotely, to configure the switches and the corresponding utilities that are controlled by the switches.
- This system is rather flexible, but it implies several drawbacks due to the fact that:
- the entire electrical system must have been designed according to home automation logics (therefore this system is not applicable to old systems already installed);
it is necessary to use different “smart” components which entail a significant increase in costs during the construction phase of the electric system. - US 2014/100854 A1 describes a programmable logic switch for controlling electrical utilities, including one or more control devices of the electrical utilities that are operable by a user and configured for generating respective control signals, and a serial interface for connecting the switch to an electric bus to which other switches can be connected.
- In this context, it is an object of the present invention to show a
programmable logic switch 1 and asystem 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 which overcomes the aforementioned problems. Theprogrammable logic switch 1 is called also only switch 1 in the following. - In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
switch 1 and asystem 100 ofswitches 1 that allows to be configurable in a flexible manner and without increasing the complexity of the system and the costs too much. - The objects specified are generally achieved by a
switch 1 and by asystem 100 ofswitches 1 comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the claims attached to the present description. - The present invention is directed to a
programmable logic switch 1 and asystem 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1. - In particular, the
system 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 allows to command and control, locally and remotely, the various connected electrical utilities located inside houses, offices, boxes, etc., so that, through the programming of the various control devices, it is possible to define from where and how to control the several electrical utilities. - Through successive reprogramming, the initial configurations can be modified and adapted to new requirements that may occur over time, without the need to intervene on the electric wiring, or making the interventions minimal if necessary.
- In particular, each
programmable logic switch 1 comprises one ormore control devices 2 of theelectrical utilities 3 which can be activated by a user and configured to generaterespective control signals 4. - Preferably,
such control devices 2 are buttons/keys or touchscreen displays or other here not expressly mentioned. - Moreover, the
programmable logic switch 1 comprises aserial interface 5 for connecting theswitch 1 to an electric bus 6 (hereinafter also referred to as “network”) to whichother switches 1 are connected. Thisserial interface 5 is configured to receiveinput signals 7 fromother switches 1 connected to theelectric bus 6, and to transmitoutput signals 8 toother switches 1 connected to theelectric bus 6. - This
serial interface 5 is defined by a two-wire serial connection according to the RS485 standard or similar, or by an ethernet port. - Moreover, the
switch 1 comprises aprogramming interface 9 configured to generateprogramming signals 10 as a function of programming data inserted locally or remotely. - The
programming interface 9 can be represented by microswitches 11 or by a cable connected to theelectric bus 6 and by asystem 100 for communication with a local or web network for programming. - The programming activity is performed by a user according to which
electrical utilities 3 the user wants to command from aspecific switch 1. - Moreover, the
switch 1 comprises acontrol unit 24 connected to theserial interface 5 and to theprogramming interface 9 and configured for: - receiving the
input signals 7 from theelectrical bus 6,
receiving thecontrol signals 4 from thecontrol device 2,
receiving theprogramming signals 10,
generating theoutput signal 8 as a function of the contents of any combination among theinput signals 7, thecontrol signals 4, theprogramming signals 10, and other programming data contained inside the control unit 24 (for example data relating to previous programming operations). - Practically, in this way, the
switch 1 sends anoutput signal 8 on thebus 6 so as to make the data relating to the programming and operation of theswitch 1 also available toother switches 1. - Moreover, the
switch 1 comprises anoutput device 12 havingoutput channels 13 respectively connectable to theelectrical utilities 3 and separate and independent from each other with respect to theserial interface 5. In other words, theoutput device 12 is the one that connects theelectric utility 3 to theswitch 1 to be activated or not. - In detail, each
output channel 13 comprises a respective built-inprotection fuse 33. It should also be noted that theoutput channels 13 are independent and may have different supply voltages. - The
output device 12 is connected to thecontrol unit 24 and is configured to generate thecontrol signals 14 of theelectrical utilities 3 as a function of the contents of any combination among thecontrol signals 4, theprogramming signals 10 and theinput signals 7, so as to control theelectrical utilities 3 as a function of the command operated by the user and as a function of the programming data and eventually of theinput signals 7 received from thebus 6. In other words, theelectrical utilities 3 are also controlled as a function of the contents of theinput signals 7. - The
control device 2 is configured to send thecontrol signal 4 to theserial interface 5 to be transmitted in theelectric bus 6 so that it is available to all theswitches 1. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, theswitch 1 also comprises aninput device 15 havinginput channels 16 respectively connectable to external apparatuses 17 (e.g. sensors, detectors, timers, . . . ) and separated with respect toserial interface 5 and tooutput device 12. In the case ofmultiple input channels 16, they are preferably independent of one another. - In detail, each
input channel 16 comprises a respective built-inprotection fuse 33. It should also be noted that theinput channels 16 are independent of each other and may have different supply voltages. - This
input device 15 is connected to thecontrol unit 24 and is configured to receive theexternal signals 18 from theexternal apparatuses 17 and to send them to thecontrol unit 24. Thecontrol unit 24 is configured to generate theoutput signal 8 as a function of the contents of theexternal signals 18. Therefore, theoutput signal 8 also takes into account the status of theexternal apparatuses 17 which is detected by theinput device 15. - It should also be noted that the
control unit 24 can comprise atime unit 19 programmable as a function of time and configured to modify theoutput signal 8 and thecontrol signal 14 of theelectrical utilities 3 according to a predefined programming (e.g. daily or weekly or monthly scheduling or more). - In particular, the
time unit 19 is configured to execute multiple programs at the same time, each program defining a logical relation between one or more operands, which can be chosen in any combination among theinput signals 7, the status of theinput channels 16, thecontrol signals 4, the functions contained in thetime unit 19, so as to modify theoutput signal 8 and thecontrol signal 14 of theelectrical utilities 3 as a function of time and of said logic relations between the operands above defined. - The
switch 1 can also automatically activate/deactivate the required electrical utilities, according to criteria defined through theprogramming interface 9 according to predefined logics and interactions between inputs/outputs/timers/etc. of the various control devices connected to each other in the network. - The
switch 1 can also be connected and controlled by a PC by using a dedicated software, and consequently, it can also be controlled via the Internet or email from any device connected to the Internet. In the event that theswitch 1 is connected and controlled by a PC, a connection interface 34 (preferably RS485/Ethernet) is present. - It should be noted that it is possible to interact with
switch 1 with the keys of thecontrol device 2, as well as by aremote control 20. - According to another aspect of the present invention, the
programming interface 9 can be configured in an “administrator” mode in which theprogramming interface 9 accepts the insertion of new programming data and in an “operation” mode in which theprogramming interface 9 does not accept the insertion of new programming data. Preferably, theprogramming interface 9 can be configured in the “administrator” mode if an unblocking signal is sent through a predefined combination (password) of thecontrol devices 2 which are connected to theprogramming interface 9 or through the control by a software of a PC connected to theinterface 34. - Moreover, the
output device 12 can be configured in a “local” mode, in which it generatescontrol signals 14 of theelectrical utilities 3 only as a function of the contents of thecontrol signals 4 and of theprogramming signals 10 but not of theinput signals 7, or in a “remote” mode in which theoutput device 12 generatescontrol signals 14 of theelectrical utilities 3 also as a function of the contents of theinput signals 7 and of the programming data contained within thecontrol unit 24. - In addition, the
programming interface 9 can be configured in the “association” mode in which it is substantially envisaged to associate a push of any button of thecontrol devices 2 to the control of anyutility 3. - The “association” mode provides that upon activation of a
control device 2, anoutput signal 8 is generated containing the information on the activated control device 2 (key pushed) to be associated and which allows theremaining switches 1 connected to thebus 6 to receive therespective input signal 7 and associate saidcontrol device 2 to all of itsoutput channels 13 which are active at that moment. - In other words, the “association” mode allows, by appropriately programming the switch, to associate the keys pushed on the switch itself, with the output channels currently active on all the switches connected to the network. Therefore, in the remote mode, the associated keys will control the respective associated output channels.
- A
system 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 also forms the subject of the present invention, comprising a plurality of the previously describedprogrammable logic switches 1, in which saidswitches 1 are connected to each other along anelectric bus 6. - Preferably, the
system 100 comprises at least one firstelectrical utility 3 connected to anoutput channel 13 of anoutput device 12 of afirst switch 1. Theinput signals 7 of aswitch 1 correspond to theoutput signals 8 ofother switches 1 connected along theelectric bus 6. - The
output device 12 of thefirst switch 1 is configured to generate thecontrol signal 14 of said firstelectrical utility 3 as a function of the data contained in theoutput signal 8 received from one or moredifferent switches 1 connected along theelectric bus 6. In this way it is possible to controlelectrical utilities 3 connected electrically to aswitch 1 by means ofother switches 1 which are connected along thebus 6. - Further features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the indicative, and therefore not limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a
switch 1 and asystem 100 ofswitches 1, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: -
FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d show different views of theswitch 1 according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of asystem 100 ofswitches 1 connected along abus 6 according to the present invention; -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an example of installation of thesystem 100 ofswitches 1; and -
FIG. 4a is a schematic view of thesystem 100 ofswitches 1 connected to theelectric bus 6 according to a functional logic; -
FIG. 4b shows a schematic view of thesystem 100 ofswitches 1 connected to theelectric bus 6 applied to some utilities. - In the following description, the identical reference numerals indicate parts identical or corresponding in the different views.
- The
system 100 consists ofswitches 1 connected to each other by a bus 6 (preferably an industrial RS485 serial network). This network allows the devices to communicate even at great distances. - Each device has a serial interface 5 (RS485), three keys and some
microswitches 11 for programming, someLEDs 22, and threeinput channels 16 oroutput 13 of theinput device 15 oroutput device 12. Three of theLEDs 22 display the status of the threeinput channels 16 oroutput channels 13. Each device must be powered by apower supply 21 for thecontrol unit 24 and for the serial connection. - Each
switch 1 must be programmed with its own identification address (node) in order to be able to communicate with theother switches 1 in the serial network. - In a same network there can be switches with the same “node” (alias), whose operation and behavior are defined according to the relative programming. Such “alias” switches advantageously allow the keys of a
second switch 1 connected to the same network as afirst switch 1 to be replicated. - The RS485 serial communication is carried out through proprietary software protocol (DOCprotocol).
- Each
switch 1 can be housed inwall boxes 23 for common mechanical switches and does not require connection to the ground system. - In other words, each
switch 1 extends frontally and has a rear volume. Said rear volume is such as to fit into awall box 23 commonly used for known switches. The front dimensions are conformed to the front dimensions of thebox 23. - From the figures it is also possible to note that each
switch 1 comprisesfuses 33 each associated with a respective input/output channel switch 1 has posteriorly housings suitable for facilitating the insertion and removal of said fuses. The rear volume with thefuses 33 is such as to be included in the dimensions of known wall boxes. - Each input/
output channel input channel 16 can control, for example, a sensor powered at 12 V DC, and anotherinput channel 16, on board the same device, can control a sensor powered at 24 V DC. The same applies tooutput channels 13 on board of anoutput device 12. -
Input channels 16 can receive information from other devices external to the system 100 (photocells, push-buttons, switches 1, timers, presence or movement detectors, or contacts in general from sensors or other electronic devices external to the system 100). - The
output channels 13 control theelectrical utilities 3 connected to them (lamps, motors, fans, solenoid valves, electrical locks, shutters, relays, contactors, or other devices). - Each
output channel 13 can be programmed so that it can be activated/deactivated on command, permanently, or automatically shut off after a settable time. - Each
output channel 13 can also be programmed in such a way that its activation is inhibited if anotheroutput channel 13 on board of the device is already active (e.g. shutter opening/closing interlocking). - Some
output channels 13 can be programmed to be activated automatically when anotheroutput channel 13 is activated, on board of the same device, and turn off automatically after a time that can be set when the reference channel has been deactivated (e.g. light and fan switching on in a bathroom). - The output devices of each
switch 1 can be programmed (preferably via the programming interface) to control theoutput channels 13 by means of a password, which can be entered via the keys of the control device 2 (e.g. opening of an electrical lock from the outside of a room). -
Switches 1 which have output devices can also operate individually, without the need to be connected to the other switches 1. -
Switches 1 which haveinput devices 15 are only for the use ofswitches 1 with output devices, and allow to extend the programming capabilities and functions of theswitches 1 with output devices. In fact, in this case, thecontrol unit 24 is configured to relate the status of the various signals of theinput channels 16 andoutput channels 13 exchanged in the network, by simple logics AND, OR, XOR, NOT and timers, so as to automatically activate/deactivate theoutput channels 13 with respect to all theother switches 1 connected in the network, greatly extending the possibilities of application of the whole system 100 (e.g. activation, with timer, of solenoid valves for watering). - Practically, the
control unit 24 has one or more programs running in a parallel and independent way from each other, wherein each of the programs determines a pre-defined relation in any combination of signals chosen among the input signals 7, theexternal signals 18, the control signals 4, the programming signals 10, the control signals 14 of theelectrical utilities 3, so to generate theoutput signal 8 that, in use, is received fromother switches 1 connected to theelectrical bus 6 as aninput signal 7. Theswitches 1 can be programmed by means of appropriate software running on a PC connected to the RS485 serial network of thesystem 100 through the interface 34 (Ethernet/RS485). - Alternatively, the
switches 1 can be entirely programmed locally also by means of keys,microswitches 11 and LEDs located on board of the devices themselves. - The combination of
microswitches 11 defines the function to be programmed; the keys are used to program the various configurations of the selected function. Some LEDs indicate the setting made. - Each
switch 1 is equipped with a cover (FIG. 1a ) that fits on the front ofswitch 1, after installation inside the wall box. This cover is configured to be able to interact with thesystem 100 and to allow a comfortable key pushing. - This cover is advantageously flush with respect to the box during the closing condition (preferably by joint).
- Switch Power Supply
- Each
switch 1 must preferably be supplied with a DC voltage, and the terminals of the two-wire bus 6 of the RS485 network are connected in parallel to all theswitches 1 connected in the network, as shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 2 also showsswitch 1, interface 34 (Ethernet/RS485) and a receiver for remote control. - The serial communication along the
bus 6 among all theconnected switches 1 is preferably of a multi-master type. - Operating Mode
- Each
switch 1 has three operating modes: “administrator”, “local”, and “remote”. The “administrator” mode is used to access the programming ofswitch 1. In this case, themicroswitches 11 allow to select the function to be programmed. The selected function is configured by using the keys and the LEDs on board of theswitch 1. The programming of theswitch 1 can also be carried out via the RS485 network by using a dedicated software running on a PC (the PC must be connected to theswitch 1 via the Ethernet/RS485 interface). - The “local” mode is used to control the
individual output channels 13 of theswitch 1, by pushing the buttons on board of theswitch 1. In “local” mode, theswitch 1 does not switch theoutput channels 13 of theoutput device 12 as a function of the signals received via thebus 6. The “local” mode also serves to associate the keys of theswitch 1 to theoutput channels 13 of all theswitches 1 connected in the network. The “remote” mode allows to control theoutput channels 13 of theswitches 1 connected in the network, depending on the pushing of the keys and the status of the input/output channels other switch 1 also connected in RS485 network, following the rules programmed in thevarious switches 1. - For communicating in “remote” mode, each
switch 1 must be set with a network address (node). -
Multiple switches 1 can be set with the same identification address (alias switches 1) so as to increase the maximum number ofswitches 1 that can be connected to the same network, and to replicate the functions of the buttons of theswitch 1 with the same node. - Multiple networks can be connected together via PC and
interface 34. In this case, a software running on the PC can relate the key signals and the status of theoutput channels 13 andinput channels 16 of theswitches 1 of a network with those of the other one, in order to control theoutput channels 13 of theswitches 1 of both the RS485 networks. - Through appropriate software on PC, it is also possible to track and record on disk all the network activity of
connected switches 1, and to schedule actions on the occurrence of certain events (for example, the PC can be programmed to send an email if a presence or movement sensor is activated). -
Switches 1 withoutput channels 13, if in “Remote” mode, can activate/deactivate theiroutput channels 13 autonomously, even without being connected to the network, by programming the keys on board of theswitch 1 and the operating modes set for itsoutput channels 13. - Operation for Output Channels of Output Device
- Each
output channel 13 can be programmed to operate in various ways, depending on the type of connectedelectric utility 3. - The combination of the
microswitches 11 of theprogramming interface 9 determines the possible settings for each channel. - For each
output channel 13, a password can be associated which allows to activate and deactivate the connectedelectric utility 3, if theswitch 1 is in “Remote” mode, when the relative code is entered using the keys. Theoutput channel 13 turns on/off following the set operating mode. - If for example an
output channel 13 is set with an impulsive operating mode, by typing the relative password while theswitch 1 is in “Remote” mode, the channel will be activated for the programmed impulsive time (e.g. to control an electric lock from the outside of a room). - In “Remote” mode and in “Association” mode, each time one of the keys is pushed (if no password is assigned to any of the
output channels 13 of the switch 1), theswitch 1 emits a signal in the network where own address and pushed key are indicated. If themicroswitches 11 of the transmittingswitch 1 are set with a predefined code, and theswitch 1 is in “association” mode, the transmitted signal contains the information necessary to define that the key indicated in the telegram must be associated with theoutput channels 13 at that time active on thereceiver switch 1 or on the receiver switches 1. - Each
switch 1 with theoutput channels 13, keeps in its internal memory, for eachoutput channel 13, all the associated keys for all theswitches 1 connected in the network. - Interlocking of the Output Channels
- Each
output channel 13 can be set to not be activated if theother output channels 13 on thesame switch 1 are already active, or if a pre-settable time has elapsed since their deactivation. - The function and interlock time can be activated for each
individual output channel 13. - The interlock works only between the
output channels 13, on board of thesame switch 1, which have the interlock function enabled. This function is advantageously useful, for example, for activating an interlock between the opening and closing of shutters. The channel interblocking timer starts when the channel turns off. The other channels will not be able to activate until this time has elapsed. - Example of application of the system of programmable logic switches
FIG. 3 shows the plan of a hypothetical house/office/workshop with some rooms in which are installed electrical utilities 3 (lamps, shutter, electric lock, fans) controlled by asystem 100 of programmable logic switches 1 (PLS) connected to each other on the network. - The various wiring, the power supplies, the network connection between the
various switches 1, the network addresses of theswitches 1, and the relative nomenclatures of theelectrical utilities 3 according to their connection to theswitches 1 are schematically shown. - By programming the associations of the
output channels 13 with the keys of theswitches 1, and the configuration of the operating mode of theoutput channels 13, it is possible to decide to control theelectrical utilities 3 in various ways. - For example, the
outlet channel 13 of the bathroom fan 1A.L3 is programmed to turn on automatically when the lamp 1A.L1 is turned on, and to turn off automatically five minutes after the lamp 1A.L1 has switched off. - In the same way, the electric lock 1B.L1 of the entrance door is controlled, from outside the home, by means of the
switch 2B, whoseoutput channel 13 is configured to act in an impulsive manner with pulse time of 0.2 seconds, and with a password that can be entered by using the buttons ofswitch 2B. - Talking LEDs As shown in
FIG. 4b , theswitch 1 comprisesLEDs 22 associated to inputchannels 16 andoutput channels 13, which always indicate the “active” or “inactive” status of the related channel. - In particular, they are switched on with a steady light if the status of the relevant channel is active or are switched off if the status of the relevant channel is deactivated.
- Other two
LEDs 22 indicate, by means of the switching on or flashing mode, the function active at any time, or the function being programmed or its value. - Programming Each
switch 1 withinput channels 16 has some weekly calendars (FIG. 4a ), used to manage and synchronize the configurable programs that allow commands to be sent to theother switches 1 through a network connection. - For each weekly calendar, the activation date and time and the deactivation date and time can be configured.
- In addition, each
switch 1 withinput channels 16 has a clock, used to activate/deactivate the weekly calendars. - In other words, the periodic calendars define additional input variables that are included in the programming signals for the processing performed by the
control unit 24. In practice, the calendars are further operands of the programs that are processed by thecontrol unit 24. - Each
switch 1 withinput channels 16 has some configurable programs which allow to extend the functionality of theentire system 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 installed. - Through these programs, the
switches 1 connected to each other in the network, can exchange information on the status of the inputs and outputs of theentire system 100, and relate them to each other through simple binary operations AND, OR, XOR and NOT, so as to be able to automatically activate/deactivate theoutput channels 13 available throughout thesystem 100, depending on the logics to be implemented. Compare a traditional processor system with thesystem 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 according to the present invention. In the traditional processor system the data lie within the system itself and the instructions are executed one after the other according to the implemented flow control; even in the case of several traditional connected processors among them in the network, each processor would execute the instructions sequentially, according to the programmed flow control. In thesystem 100 ofprogrammable logic switches 1 according to the present invention, each program of eachswitch 1 can be considered as a single instruction of the traditional processor. These instructions (the programs) no longer follow a predefined and sequential flow control, but are executed in parallel and independently from each other according to time bases and events defined for each of them. - The events such as keystroke, photocell status or output channels, etc. that condition the execution of the single instructions (programs), constitute the data of the
system 100, and are distributed, shared between thevarious switches 1, and rendered available to all instructions (programs), via the network to which allswitches 1 that form theentire system 100 are connected. - The instructions (programs) of the
system 100, by reading and modifying the data of allswitches 1 via the network connection, determine the intensity of the data traffic that is generated from time to time in thesystem 100. - The
switches 1 and thesystem 100 described above allow to achieve the intended purposes. - Advantageously, the
system 100 allows to control electrical utilities that are connected to any one of theswitches 1 along the bus, through any of theother switches 1 connected along the bus after appropriate programming. - In particular, the
system 100 of programmable logic switches 1 is designed to be economical, flexible, and easy to install, making extremely easy and quick to define and configure from which stations to control the variouselectrical utilities 3 located inside houses, offices, sheds, boxes, etc. without the need to intervene on electrical wiring, or making them minimal if they were necessary; thesystem 100 is expandable and allows the addition of other functionalities which allow to automate, in a customizable way and without additional costs, the control and use of the various connectedelectrical utilities 3. - The configurations and programs available in
switches 1 are not present in the current home automation systems and allow the user to be freed from the wiring. - The network connection between the
switches 1, allows to controlelectrical utilities 3 also located at great distances between them. Moreover, the opto-insulatedinput 16 andoutput channels 13 allow to connect theexternal apparatuses 17 and theelectrical utilities 3 with different supply voltages. - The reduced dimensions of the
switches 1 allow an immediate installation in the wall-mounted boxes for the normal mechanical switches, and also make it possible to immediately replace a block of known mechanical switches with aswitch 1 according to the present invention. - Furthermore, no other junction boxes are required, but simply insert and connect the power supply into the main box of the electrical system.
-
Switches 1 withoutput channels 13 can be configured to operate independently, or to be connected withseveral switches 1 to each other via the network. - The
system 100 can be entirely programmed by means of the keys and the LEDs on board of theswitches 1 themselves. - The systems according to the present invention also enable the
electrical utilities 3 to be controlled, with different levels of security, by entering passwords. - Therefore, the systems of
programmable logic switches 1, combine the typical features of home automation with the flexibility features of PLCs (programmable logic controllers) used in industry and, together with the key associations and the programs running parallel on thevarious switches 1, allow multiple configurations of automation to be implemented, and, in an economic and fast way, all the needs that can emerge from time to time to be satisfied, without the need of programming experts.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102017000093038 | 2017-08-10 | ||
IT102017000093038A IT201700093038A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2017-08-10 | Programmable logic switch and programmable logic switch system |
PCT/IB2018/055906 WO2019030651A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2018-08-06 | Programmable logic switch and system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200389336A1 true US20200389336A1 (en) | 2020-12-10 |
US10868690B1 US10868690B1 (en) | 2020-12-15 |
Family
ID=61006017
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/635,215 Active US10868690B1 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2018-08-06 | Programmable logic switch and system |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10868690B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3649763B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110999224B (en) |
CA (1) | CA3070054C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2949407T3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT201700093038A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3649763T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2744106C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019030651A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113242188B (en) * | 2021-04-22 | 2022-06-21 | 中国电子科技集团公司第二十九研究所 | Microwave channel full-switching network construction method, control method and coding and decoding method |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1892593A1 (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2008-02-27 | Siemens Schweiz AG | System for controlling devices in a building |
RU69281U1 (en) * | 2007-08-14 | 2007-12-10 | Валерий Ильич Потапенко | MULTI-PROCESSOR SYSTEM OF RELAY PROTECTION, AUTOMATION, CONTROL AND SIGNALING OF SECTIONAL AND INPUT CIRCUIT BREAKERS |
CN101425408A (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-05-06 | 安研科技股份有限公司 | Switch capable of addressing |
CN201174802Y (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2008-12-31 | 何敬 | Interconnection type house lamp controlling switch |
CN101477350B (en) * | 2009-01-13 | 2011-10-19 | 庄松林 | Function-adjustable intelligent switch and its implementing method |
US8795290B2 (en) | 2012-10-05 | 2014-08-05 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Ear pressure equalizing tube and insertion device |
CN102902253B (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2015-07-15 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Intelligent switch with voice control function and intelligent control system |
CN103257600B (en) * | 2013-03-04 | 2017-02-08 | 杨如祥 | Device and method of household appliance intelligent control |
US20160110977A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-04-21 | Umbrela Smart Inc. | Wall-Mounted Smart Switches and Outlets for Use in Building Wiring for Load Control, Home Automation, and/or Security Purposes |
US20160274611A1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-09-22 | Cielo WiGle Inc. | Smart electrical switch with engery metering capability |
CN106843096A (en) * | 2017-04-25 | 2017-06-13 | 郑州科技学院 | Smart button is switched and its switches set |
-
2017
- 2017-08-10 IT IT102017000093038A patent/IT201700093038A1/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-08-06 ES ES18753255T patent/ES2949407T3/en active Active
- 2018-08-06 CN CN201880050896.0A patent/CN110999224B/en active Active
- 2018-08-06 EP EP18753255.1A patent/EP3649763B1/en active Active
- 2018-08-06 WO PCT/IB2018/055906 patent/WO2019030651A1/en unknown
- 2018-08-06 PL PL18753255.1T patent/PL3649763T3/en unknown
- 2018-08-06 RU RU2020104981A patent/RU2744106C1/en active
- 2018-08-06 US US16/635,215 patent/US10868690B1/en active Active
- 2018-08-06 CA CA3070054A patent/CA3070054C/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10868690B1 (en) | 2020-12-15 |
ES2949407T3 (en) | 2023-09-28 |
CA3070054A1 (en) | 2019-02-14 |
CA3070054C (en) | 2021-09-14 |
CN110999224B (en) | 2021-09-14 |
RU2744106C1 (en) | 2021-03-02 |
CN110999224A (en) | 2020-04-10 |
IT201700093038A1 (en) | 2019-02-10 |
WO2019030651A1 (en) | 2019-02-14 |
PL3649763T3 (en) | 2023-07-31 |
EP3649763A1 (en) | 2020-05-13 |
EP3649763B1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
EP3649763C0 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7865252B2 (en) | Upgradeable automation devices, systems, architectures, and methods | |
US9575472B1 (en) | Automation devices, systems, architectures, and methods for energy management and other applications | |
WO2015020975A9 (en) | System and method for automating electrical devices at a building structure | |
US10868690B1 (en) | Programmable logic switch and system | |
EP2592810B1 (en) | Terminal instrumentation node for a self-configuring and a secure building automation system | |
EP3258326B1 (en) | Automated control system for homes | |
JP2010533325A (en) | Automation device for the operational functionality of one or more loads in the environment | |
DK3050188T3 (en) | CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CONTROLS WHICH CAN BE CONTROLLED BY INFRARED CONTROL SIGNALS | |
EP2654382A1 (en) | Device for controlling an electric power supply | |
RU2628289C1 (en) | Intelligent hybrid modular building management system (smart house) "insyte" | |
US20130211548A1 (en) | Distributed control system operation and configuration | |
KR20080082516A (en) | System and methods for linking utility control devices | |
CN210573290U (en) | Intelligent standard electric box | |
Sărăcin et al. | Programmable logic controllers used in electric drives of an intelligent building | |
US9779902B2 (en) | Configurable modular intelligent electronic overload device and system with embedded programming tool | |
KR102077464B1 (en) | System for automatic controlling building by integration dde of air conditioning, air-conditioner, lighting and power | |
EP3742239A1 (en) | Smart building system for the wireless control and command of electric interfaces/actuators | |
EP4164341A1 (en) | Lighting device and method for configuring a lighting device | |
KR20220149646A (en) | Plug adapter switching based power control system | |
Merz et al. | Building automation with LonWorks® | |
Ivanenko et al. | Security system development for “Smart House” | |
Rashid et al. | Smart and Energy Efficient Wireless Embedded Home Automation System | |
EA042500B1 (en) | CONTROLLER WITH PROCESSOR SUBMODULE | |
WO2016067273A1 (en) | System for controlling one or more electrical or electronic appliances | |
Menéndez Puigdemunt | Implementation of KNX in Domotics Laboratory |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO MICRO (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: MICR); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO MICRO (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: MICR); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, MICRO ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M3551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |