DE3308099A1 - Method for the wireless transmission of the control variable in a closed control loop, and a device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for controlling a variable, above all a method for controlling the temperature of a room, is described. In addition, two devices for carrying out this method are disclosed. The method is distinguished in that the control variable y or the control variable x are transmitted on at least a part of their path to the actuating element or to the controller by means of modulated IR beams. The devices for carrying out the method comprise an IR transmitting diode, which emits IR beams which are modulated corresponding to the signal output of a sensor, are received at the reception end by an IR receiving diode and are supplied, in conditioned form, to the actuating element or to the controller. The latter passes a corresponding control variable y, in a manner known per se, to the actuating element which, in the case of a room-temperature controller, is formed, for example, by the heating valve or an electrical heating apparatus.

Description

The invention relates to a method for wireless transmission

transmission of the manipulated variable or controlled variable in a closed control loop, in particular for regulating the temperature of a room, as well as a device for Implementation of this procedure.

In the case of control loops for regulating the temperature of a room, it is known to arrange at least one temperature sensor in the room and from this sensor to Comparison of the actual value x with a setpoint (reference variable w) a controlled variable x to a controller that sends a corresponding manipulated variable y to a heating valve forwards, which forms the actuator in this control loop.

Such control loops can be designed in various ways. E.g. the sensor can be arranged stationary, and the controlled variable x can be a wire connection to the controller.

The sensor can also form a structural unit with the controller, the manipulated variable y is then fed to the actuator in a wired manner.

However, these systems have the disadvantage that they are arranged in a completely rigid manner are. In addition, it is very expensive if the temperature is not only in one place of the room is to be measured, but if several sensors are distributed throughout the room whose controlled variables must be interconnected and fed to the controller.

Furthermore, high-frequency control systems are known which, although they work wirelessly, but have the disadvantage that for their operation an approval by the telecommunications Post the Federal Post is required.

In addition, there are of course the well-known thermostatic valves that also represent closed control loops, but in which the sensor is connected to the Valve unit is structurally combined. The latter causes the temperature only is measured in the immediate vicinity of the radiator.

For more distant corners of the room, corresponding Surcharges are made.

The invention is based on the object of avoiding all these disadvantages and to specify a method for wireless control of an actuator in which the sensor is not arranged in a stationary manner and also not via special feed lines with the controller or the actuator, preferably the valve of a radiator or the fan of an electric heater.

This object is achieved by a method which is described in the claims specified process step includes.

This process step consists in either setting the manipulated variable y or the controlled variable x through modulated IR beams to the actuator or controller transferred to. These modulated IR rays are rays the are modulated at a certain frequency by means of an oscillator. Such Frequency could e.g.

30 kHz. Other frequencies are also applicable, depending on the local area Circumstances and practical conditions. The modulation can also be called Pulse code modulation take place with the carrier frequency just mentioned.

The modulation has a kind of encryption effect and causes that no IR rays emanating from other light sources (e.g. incandescent lamps, etc.) can interfere with the control loop.

In addition, it is suggested that the modulated IR rays should not be used to send out continuously, but to clock the same. This means that the IR rays, which transmit the manipulated variable y or the controlled variable x, only are sent out or released during a relatively short period of time and then a - comparatively longer - pause occurs. E.g. the transmission time can be of the order of magnitude in the range of about 0.1-1 second, while the pause is about 0.1-1 minute can be long.

Apparatus for performing this method includes a probe for the controlled variable x, a comparator to which a setpoint generator is assigned, and which is followed by an amplifier, a modulating stage with a driver stage and a IR transmitter diode at the output of this driver stage.

The receiver consists of an IR receiving diode with a downstream Preamplifier plus decoder, possibly a comparator with setpoint generator, one Holding circuit and a final switching stage, at the output of which the actuator is located.

The invented control method overcomes the disadvantages outlined above the control method according to the state of the art in an excellent way. Above all If the sensor is not arranged in a stationary manner, it can be placed anywhere of the room. This position can also be changed freely, depending according to which room district should preferably be regulated in terms of temperature, if a device operating according to this method for regulating the temperature of a Space is used.

The operation of a device for performing the method requires also no telecommunications approval by the relevant authorities, but can be used without any authorization.

The recipient of the control loop is expediently in the immediate Be near the actuator to be arranged to the transmission path of the manipulated variable to keep the actuator as short as possible. Therefore, for room temperature control proposed to attach the receiver directly to the heating valve in which the Thermostatic valves from well-known pistons in connection with a small, from the Receiver controlled heating coil represents the actuator It should be expressly noticed that the invented control method, although it is here with strong reference to the regulation of the temperature of a room is described, in principle also for all possible other closed control loops are suitable. The most essential feature of the invented control method consists in the fact that for the transmission of the controlled variable x or the manipulated variable y modulated IR rays can be used.

In the drawing, the invention is in several exemplary embodiments shown. There are shown: FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of a device to carry out the process in a closed control loop for heating of a room with IR transmission of the manipulated variable y, FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram As in Fig. 1, but with IR transmission of the controlled variable x.

3 shows a transmitter module in a schematic, perspective illustration, for use with a device according to Fig.1 In Fig.1 is with 1 denotes a room, the temperature of which is controlled by a valve V (actuator) controlled radiator HK is to be regulated. On the one hand, a sensor is used for this purpose 2 used with downstream electronic components, which are indicated in the dashed line indicated transmitter module 3 are included, and on the other hand is a receive module 4 is used, which controls the valve V by means of the output stage 16.

To carry out the method according to claim 1 (IR transmission of the manipulated variable y) a comparator 5 is initially connected to sensor 2 in encoder module 3, which contains a potentiometer 5a (setpoint input) whose voltage together with the voltage supplied by the sensor 2 is fed to a comparator 6. At the exit of the comparator there is a signal which is fed to a modulating stage 7.

A modulator 8 and a clock generator 9 are contained in the modulating stage 7. At the output of the modulating stage 7, in the cycle specified by the clock generator (e.g. 1 s on, 1 min off) generates a frequency or pulse code modulated signal that is transmitted over a driver stage 11 of an IR-LED 12 is fed. The latter therefore sends during the duration of the cycle modulated IR light of, for example, 950 nm wavelength the end.

Depending on the comparator circuit and the modulator structure, the manipulated variable of course with one, two (1- or 2-point control) or any number of states (continuous regulation) can be transmitted by IR light.

This light is captured by an IR receiving diode 13, the part of the receiving module 4 is. The signals generated in the diode 13 are a Preamplifier plus decoder 14 supplied, which in turn receives the clocked signal of a Holding circuit 15 supplies. In this circuit, the value of the received manipulated variable y buffered for the duration of the pause between two IR transmission pulse packets (clocks), until a new value of y is received.

The holding circuit 15 is followed by an output stage, e.g.

in the form of the switching relay 16a with contact 16b (1-point control). The contact closes a circuit 18 through which the manipulated variable y is applied to the valve V is transmitted, which in the present embodiment is the actuator of the control loop forms. For example, a piston controlling the passage of hot water can be installed in the valve thermally or be moved inductively. Instead of the valve, a Electric heater switched on and off or by a triac control in the output stage 16 are continuously regulated.

The path from the radiator arrives on the path indicated by the circular arc HK outgoing heat flow or radiation on feeler 2, see above that the control cycle is closed.

FIG. 3 shows the encoder module 3 for the device shown in FIG shown schematically in perspective view. The entire block is in Contain a box 20, on the front of which an adjuster 21 for the potentiometer 5a can be seen, the scale of which is divided into temperature degrees, primarily of course in degrees Celsius.

In addition, a timer 22 can be seen with which the encoder module at preselected times automatically to one of the set temperature values different value can be switched. This can e.g. for night setback can be used for room temperature control.

The sensor 2 can be detected between the adjuster 21 and the timer 22, and on top of the box 20 is the opening 20a, behind which the LED 12 is seated and emits the IR rays.

2 shows an apparatus for carrying out the method according to Claim 2 (IR transmission of the controlled variable).

In this device is the actual controller with setpoint adjustment and comparator housed in receiving module 41. In the encoder block 31 therefore only the signal coming from the sensor 21 is amplified in the amplifier 101 and then controls the modulating stage 71 and, via the drive interconnection 111, the IR-LED 121 on again. The one contained in the modulation of the IR radiation In this method, information does not mean the value of the manipulated variable, such as in the device according to Figure 1, but the value of the controlled variable. Here too will the modulated IR radiation is also clocked.

In the receiving module 41, the IR signal is as in the first embodiment received with the analog parts diode 131 and preamplifier plus decoder 141, reinforced and decorated, but then to be fed to a comparator 51, to which the setpoint input is connected with a potentiometer 51a. At the exit of the comparator 51 is then a signal proportional to the manipulated variable y when is being sent. Of course, a hold circuit 151 is also used here below required that the manipulated variable y on the until the arrival of the next send clock holds the last value that is generated by the output stage 161 (here as continuously controllable Phase cut circuit shown with triac) again on the actuator, i.e.

is given to the valve V1.

Regarding the timing of the IR transmission signal, it should be noted that that this has two advantages over continuous transmission: First, there is aging (i.e. the decrease in radiation power) of the IR transmitter diode is significantly lower, than at continuous sending. With a transmission time of e.g. 1 s opposite a pause time of 1 min (ratio 1:60) the aging is by the same factor less. That means greater reliability and a longer lifespan.

Second is the average power consumption of the transmitting facility also lower by this factor than with continuous transmission. For all transmission pulses high peak currents can therefore be selected without further ado, which increases the range the transmission improved accordingly. In addition, the power supply can be supplied with small, simple and inexpensive components or even with batteries.

In most cases it does not matter for the regulation that the manipulated variable y or the controlled variable x not constantly, but only briefly in certain Time intervals is transmitted if a hold circuit is provided that the last value buffered. Because with many controls, especially with room temperature controls, these sizes change only very slowly. However, by shortening the Cycle times also faster regulations can be realized without further ado.

Finally, I would like to emphasize two features again of the invented control procedure pointed out: t. The encoder module 3 or 31 is in no way connected to the receiving module 4 or 41 by wires or other fixed lines connected. The encoder module is freely movable and can can be set up anywhere in the room. This gives the opportunity to regulate the temperature of a certain point in the room, the If you want to regulate the temperature of another part of the room, that is easy Box 20 moved without any difficulty.

2. It is entirely up to the user what size he is with wants to regulate the invented procedure.

The method and the devices described offer themselves to control the temperature of a room, but this does not mean that the temperature is the only variable that can be regulated according to the procedure. Almost any other size such as humidity, engine speed or whatever, can be according to the procedure are regulated. All that is required is the device to be trained accordingly to carry out the procedure.

Claims (9)

Claims method for wireless transmission of the manipulated variable in a closed control circuit, in particular for regulating the temperature of a room, characterized in that the manipulated variable y by modulated infrared rays to Actuator is transmitted. 2.) Method for wireless transmission of the controlled variable in a closed Control circuit, in particular for regulating the temperature of a room, characterized in that, that the controlled variable x is transmitted to the actuator by modulated infrared rays will. 3.) Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that that the modulated infrared rays transmitting the manipulated variable y or the controlled variable x are pulsed pulse packages. 4.) The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission did the IR rays lie in the order of magnitude of approx. 0.1 - 1 s and the one in between Pause is about 0.1 - 1 minute. 5.) Device for performing the method according to the claims 1, 3 and 4, characterized by the following features: a it is an encoder module (3) provided that the emits modulated IR rays, and it is a receiving module (4) is provided which receives the emitted IR rays and forwards a corresponding manipulated variable y to the actuator (V), b the encoder module (3) contains a sensor (2) for recording the controlled variable x (actual value) and a comparator (5) in the form of a differential amplifier and a modulating stage (7) and a driver stage (11) are connected downstream, at the output of which an IR transmitter diode (12) is connected is, c the receiving module (4) contains an IR receiving diode (13) to which a preamplifier plus decoder (14) and a driver module (16) connected via a holding circuit (15) are, which in turn is connected to the actuator (V). 6.) Device for performing the method according to the claims 2 to 4, characterized by the following features: a it is an encoder module (31) provided, which emits the modulated IR rays, and it is a receiving module (41) is provided, which receives the emitted IR rays and a manipulated variable y forwards to the actuator (V1), b the encoder module (31) contains a sensor (21) to detect the controlled variable x (actual value), which via an amplifier (101) the Modulation level (71) drives; this according to the controlled variable x modulated signal controls the infrared transmitter diode via a driver stage (111), c the receiving module (41) contains an IR receiver (131) to which a preamplifier and decoder (141) is connected; the output signal of the decoder is in a Comparator stage (51) compared with the set target value, and a subsequent one The hold circuit (151) and a driver module (161) are used to send the manipulated variable y to the Actuator (V1) given. 7.) Device according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that that the modulating stage (7; 71) has a clock generator (9; 91) in addition to the modulator (8; 81) contains, the cyclically only one short modulated IR transmission pulse with relative long pause generated. Device according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the power supply of the encoder module and the receiver module through built-in Batteries. 9.) Device according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that that the transmitter module and the receiver module can be plugged into sockets and the power supply for these modules is provided by the network.