HK1205348B - A programmable electrical control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A programmable electrical control device (10) adapted to be programmed by an external programming device, the programmable electrical control device for controlling electrical power supply in cooperation with an electrical switching device (12), the electrical switching device having a body, an electrical power supply input, an electrical power supply output (15) and a manual switch (16), the device (10) including a data connection module; memory; a timing module; a processor; and a switching module, including at least one supply on period, and at least one supply off period, wherein at least a part of the device (10) is capable of being integrated within the body.

Description

Programmable electronic control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a programmable device for a power supply. In particular, the programmable device is suitable for use in an electrical outlet. Furthermore, the programmable device is particularly suitable for residential power outlets.

Background

Electrical devices such as televisions, stereo systems, toasters, ovens and other residential/non-residential electrical appliances are powered through electrical outlets, which are typically equipped with manual switches to allow the mains power supply to the electrical device to be turned on or off. Furthermore, the lamp is controlled to emit light by an electronic switching device (often simply referred to as a light switch) that can turn on and off the power supply to the lamp.

Some electronic switching devices (sockets, light switches and other similar electronic switching devices) provide only means for manually turning the power supply on and off. Such manual switches do not provide the automatic switching function that is often desired by users. Such automatic switching functions are needed for power saving purposes, for switching on and off electronic devices and lamps as a safety measure imitating the effect of a user being present when the user is not present, or for other purposes.

Automatic switching devices include mechanically or electronically operated timing devices that can be plugged into an electrical outlet and set to control the time that power is supplied to or removed from an electrical device, such as a light bulb. The problem with electronic or mechanical timing devices plugged into an electrical outlet is that they are bulky, difficult to program, do not have many programming options for switching power cycles, and are often not accurate enough. Other problems with mechanical devices are that they generate excessive noise, are expensive, and waste energy due to the large amount of power consumed in operating the motor for the timing device.

Other devices include large, complex and elaborate central power control systems that are very expensive and complex to install on a building under construction. It is more complicated to install (retrofit) such a complex central power control system on an already constructed building. Furthermore, these systems are difficult to program because they contain many control options.

As mentioned above, a problem with these devices is that they are not efficient enough to save power. Manufacturers or others claim some devices as power saving devices, but even if these devices can save power, the amount of power saved is relatively small. These devices typically do not achieve a net power savings because they consume too much power to operate themselves.

An example of a prior art device is disclosed in european patent application No.384881(a1), where the device is primarily targeted for economy of operation. However, the device is relatively complex and contains many electronic components, which causes it to consume a relatively large amount of power when operated. Furthermore, the device in this document does not contain any type of timing mechanism for switching the power supply on and off.

Another example of a prior art device is disclosed in us patent No.5,278,771, which is a large device, also having many complex electronic components, making it consume a relatively large amount of power when operated. The device contains a programming interface built into the device, but the interface is not always stably accessible when the device is in use. Furthermore, the programming interface is not simple to use and only one interface can be provided for such a device, so that it is not possible to use other interfaces for programming the device according to the user's choice. Further, the device is configured to be completely outside of the power outlet. Since the device is located outside the outlet, it is not particularly efficient to operate its regular power supply for power savings purposes.

Yet another example of a prior art device is disclosed in U.S. patent No.7,964,989, which contains a unit that is completely outside of and plugged into a power outlet, the unit having an electronic device (e.g., a light bulb) plugged into it. The device of us patent No.7,964,989 can be operated by a remote control device, such as a tablet computer. However, this device does not have any built-in timing and is therefore limited when the user needs to turn on or off the switch for power supply (e.g., for a light bulb). In this case, the device is not able to receive any program instructions for operating the time, which are stored internally in the device. Thus, for timed operation, the device needs to operate in conjunction with a tablet computer, where all time instructions are stored. This presents the problem of a timed switching operation, i.e. the device and the tablet computer must always be used together during the required switching period, which is inconvenient for the user and completely dependent on the work and operation of the tablet computer. Furthermore, the device located outside the power outlet has a similar problem to that of us patent No.5,278,771 in that it is relatively energy inefficient as an external unit and it is difficult to bring about sufficient power saving in operation.

The invention aims to: solves or at least ameliorates at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art; and/or to solve or ameliorate at least one problem in the prior art not mentioned above; and/or to provide at least one useful alternative to existing devices, systems, and/or methods.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a programmable electronic control device adapted to be programmed by an external programming device, the programmable electronic control device being adapted to cooperate with an electronic switching device for controlling the supply of electrical power from an electrical power source, the electronic switching device having: a body, a power supply input, at least one power supply output, and a manual switch for each power supply output, the manual switch having an open and closed position, the programmable electronic control device comprising:

a data connection module for communication of switching time data and/or duration data between the programmable electronic device and an external programming device;

a memory for storing switching time data and/or duration data;

a timing module to provide one or more clock times, calendar dates and durations;

a processor for processing the switching time data and/or the duration data in accordance with one or more clock times and calendar dates to provide a switching time and/or duration; and

a switching module controlled by the processor according to a switching time and/or duration and controlling the power supply through the power supply output together with the manual switch,

wherein the switching time and/or duration includes at least one power supply on period during which the corresponding power supply output is capable of supplying power when each manual switch is in the on position and at least one power supply off period during which the corresponding power supply output is not capable of supplying power when each manual switch is in the off position, and

wherein at least a part of the programmable electronic control means may be integrated into the body.

In another aspect, the invention provides an electronic control system comprising a programmable electronic control device as described above, wherein said programmable electronic control device is integrated with an electronic switching device also as described above.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a programmable electronic control device, as described in the penultimate paragraph of this section (the preceding paragraph), the method comprising operating an external programming device, as described in the penultimate paragraph of this section, to connect to a data connection module, operating the external programming device to select a switching time to generate switching time data, transferring the switching time data between the external programming device and the data connection module, and operating the external programming device to disconnect from the data connection module.

Disclosure of embodiments of the invention

In one embodiment, the data connection module includes a physical connector. The physical connector may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. In another embodiment, the data connection module comprises a wireless connector, wherein the wireless connector is(Bluetooth) transceiver,A transceiver and/or an infrared transceiver. If the wireless connector isThe transceiver, which may then be a low energy transceiver including an antenna. The data connection module may also allow communication over the internet by providing various internet connections. In this case, the data connection module may also cooperate with cloud computing devices and methods.

In an alternative embodiment, the timing module may be a Real Time Clock (RTC). In another alternative embodiment, the switch module may be any one of a relay, a latching relay, a triode for alternating current (TRIAC), or any other semiconductor switch.

In another alternative embodiment, the timing module need not employ a real time clock, but may employ some means for measuring the duration, for example using the frequency of the AC mains supply. In such an embodiment, a user of the device 10 turns on the device and selects a duration, where the device is used to calculate or derive the duration by counting the number of cycles or other related regularity events.

In one embodiment, the processor may be a microcontroller unit (MCU). In another embodiment, the processor may be integrated with any one or more of the data connection module, the memory, and the time module. In this case, the MCU may include these components in one processing unit.

In yet another embodiment, the programmable electronic control device includes a power module to supply power to any one or more of the data connection module, the memory, the timing module, and the processor. Of course, when the processor includes a data connection module, memory, and a timing module, all of these components may be powered by powering the processor. In some embodiments, the energy supply module comprises a voltage regulator that can convert mains supplied AC current into a stepped down DC power supply. In yet another embodiment, the energizing module comprises an energy storage module, which may be, for example, a capacitor or a battery. If a battery is employed, it may be a rechargeable battery.

In yet another embodiment, the programmable electronic control device includes a synchronizer for synchronizing the timing modules. The synchronizer may be powered by a power source to achieve synchronization. In this case, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the AC power is typically provided in a frequency range that can be resolved to provide such synchronization. In another embodiment, an external programming device communicating with a specified protocol may be employed to set and/or synchronize the timing module via the data connection module. In this case, the external programming means may comprise a specific program for such setting and/or synchronization of the operation timing module.

In one embodiment, the programmable electronic device includes a manual switch monitor for determining whether the manual switch is in an open position or a closed position.

In one embodiment, the electronic switching device is an electrical outlet and the mains power supply output is an electrical outlet socket for receiving a plug of the electronic device, the electrical outlet socket comprising two or more pins (pins)/contacts (terminals) for receiving the two or more pins/contacts of the plug.

In another embodiment, the electronic switching device is a light switch and the power supply output is a light socket.

In yet another embodiment, the data connection module is a USB port and the external programming device communicates with the programmable electronic control device using a communication protocol compatible with USB. Or the data connection module isA receiver/transmitter,A receiver/transmitter or an infrared receiver/transmitter, each of which employs a suitable communication protocol. In addition, the programmable electronic control device may be included for a plurality of different communication types (e.g., simultaneously employingAnd) The tool of (1).

In yet another embodiment, the electrical outlet is a residential electrical outlet, also known as a General Purpose Outlet (GPO), and the programmable electronic control device is located entirely within the body of the residential electrical outlet.

In an alternative embodiment, the programmable electronic control device further comprises an over-ride tool, wherein, during a given power-off cycle, the manual switch may be switched to an open state instead of a closed state, such that the programmable electronic control device becomes the open state and the electronic switching device may be powered. Override control may be maintained until the end of a given power down period.

In another alternative embodiment, the programmable electronic control unit further comprises an indicator for indicating the status of the programmable electronic control unit. The indicator may be a light (e.g., an LED) located in the power outlet panel.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the data connection module is a stand-alone device that can be plugged into at least one pin/connector of an electrical outlet socket, and wherein the at least one pin/connector of the electrical outlet socket is connected for data transfer between the data connection module and the programmable electronic control device. The independent data connection module also includes an indicator for indicating the status of the programmable electronic control unit.

Drawings

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention implemented in a residential outlet. Figure 1 also shows (not to scale) an electronic device plugged into an electrical outlet. In addition, FIG. 1 also shows (not to scale) the programming of the programmable electronic control device via various external programming devices, including: notebook computers (via USB ports); smartphone, etc. and notebook (all via)And)；

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention implemented in a residential power outlet having two outlets or GPOs;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of an alternative view of an operator interface on an external programming device employed by an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overview of components in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit layout in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary circuit layout in another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit topology for a basic Real Time Clock (RTC) AC mains clock synchronization circuit;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a circuit topology for a socket switch monitoring circuit in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the software operating process employed by an embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 11-22 are diagrammatic screenshots of an application program interface operating on an external programming device employed in an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a programmable electronic control device 10 is implemented for controlling the power supply to an electronic switching device (residential power outlet) 12. The power outlet includes a main body (not shown) panel 13 and manual switch (es) 16, the manual switch 16 being used to turn on and off a commercial power supply through a power outlet socket (GPO) into which plugs of electronic devices (refrigerator 18 and visual display unit 20) are inserted.

Fig. 1 also shows various methods and devices (program input devices) by means of which commands for the switching times of the electronic switching device 12 can be input to the programmable electronic control device 10 by means of an external programming device.

In one embodiment, the data connection module is a USB port 22 a. In this embodiment, the USB port is shown connected to a laptop computer 24a via a USB cable 26. The notebook computer contains programming software for programming the programmable electronic control device with instructions for switching time and communicating via USB over a selected communication protocol. The software may also receive information transmitted by the programmable electronic control unit via the USB port 22a, which information contains the current on-off time status of the programmable electronic control unit 10.

In other embodiments, the external programming device may be, for example, a smartphone 24b or a laptop 24 c. Such external programming devices may employ a suitable communication protocol viaConnection 22b orConnection 22c to communicate with the programmable electronic control device 10. Similar to the embodiment where the program input is USB port 22a,connection 22b orThe connection 22c may allow the transmission of signals carrying instructions for the switching times (switching time data) sent by the external programming device to the programmable electronic control device 10, and the transmission of signals from the programmable electronic control device 10 to the external programming devices 24b and 24 c. The signal transmitted by the programmable electronic control device 10 shows, for example, the current state of the switching time.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the external programming device may be a tablet computer, for exampleA tablet or smartphone device, or similar device. In addition, an external braidThe range means may be an infrared remote control communication means, or any other suitable means that can communicate via wireless or wired means.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the programmable electronic control device 10 may further include a display for showing a pass throughConnection 22b orThe connection 22c is connected to an indicator of the program input device. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the indicator is a light 28 located on the faceplate 13 of the power outlet 12.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a programmable electronic control device 10, which is implemented in an electrical outlet with two outlet sockets 15 (also referred to as GPO) (the sockets of which are not shown in fig. 2). The power receptacle 12 is a residential power receptacle that includes a base plate 30, a bus bar 32, and a back frame 36. In this embodiment, the programmable electronic control device 10 includes a printed circuit board 34(PCB), the printed circuit board 34 including hardware components of the device 10.

In this embodiment, the electronic switching device (power outlet 12) comprisesA pairing indicator 28, which is an LED and is configured to indicate when the device 10 and the external programming device are in a paired state.

It can be seen that all of the major components of the device 10 of figure 2 are fully integrated into the interior of the body of the electronic switching device (power outlet 12). In this way, the power outlet 12 may be sold as a single unit with the programmable electronic control device 10. Furthermore, providing the programmable electronic device inside the electronic switching device may make the operation of the programmable electronic control device more efficient, thereby saving power consumption. In this case, the programmable electronic control means are located between the mains power supply input and each mains power supply output (which in figure 2 contains an outlet socket 15). This configuration can be compared with the prior art configuration in which the claimed power saving device is located outside the electronic switching device (outlet socket), resulting in a relatively inefficient operation and more power consumption resulting from this operation.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary screenshot of an operator interface 38 in a software application that may be run on an external programming device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or other similar computing device.

To the left of the operator interface 38, there is a switch list 40, which includes switch names 42 of electronic switch devices that have the programmable electronic control device 10 and can therefore be programmed by an external programming device. For example, the switch name may be "kitchen," which indicates that the switch is located in a kitchen, and the switch name 42 may also operate as a button that, when clicked, may cause the time or other details of a particular switch (or GPO with the device 10) to be displayed on the right hand side of the operator interface 38.

On the right hand side of the interface 38, a switch on/off indicator 44 is shown having an "on" indicator 46 and an "off indicator 48. There is also a button 50 for selecting either the "simple" or "advanced" interface display. In the illustrated embodiment, a "simple" interface 38 is shown.

The interface also includes a day indicator 52 and an indicator 54 showing the selection of a day to program. In this example, the day of the week is selected as "Wednesday".

Below the day indicator 52, a "timer on" button 58 is shown for starting and stopping the programming device, above which is the selected day of the week ("wednesday") 56. Next to the "timer on" 58 there is a schedule 60 that increments in one minute and a forward/backward time selection scroll button 62.

Similarly, below the start programming device, there is a stop programming device that includes a day of week indicator 64 and a "timer stop" indicator 66, as well as a schedule 68 and forward/backward time selection scroll button 70.

As shown in this exemplary operator interface 38, the switch (or GPO) name may be shown in multiple positions for clarity. It should also be understood that the diagrams, letters, or numbers displayed on the operator interface 38 may be used as indicators only or as both indicators and buttons. These clickable buttons, when operated to enter, change and/or delete data in the software application, may also be operated to cause the software application to display a new interface, or a new portion of an interface.

FIG. 4 is a diagram 80 of the major system components (subsystems) in an embodiment of the present invention. The components in this embodiment include a trigger 82, a power supply 84, a General Purpose Outlet (GPO)86 (which may also be described as a power outlet or an electrical outlet), and a communication for on-off time data (communication via Radio Frequency (RF) signals) between the programmable control device 10 and an external programming device (via a user interface) 92A transceiver 88. In this embodiment, the device 10 also includes a microprocessor 94, and in some embodiments, the microprocessor 94 may be located in a single unit with other components/subsystems. The apparatus 10 further comprises a mains controller 96 comprising a switching module controlled by the microprocessor 94 (which may also be referred to simply as a processor).

Fig. 5 is a diagram of a circuit layout (circuit topology) 100 for an embodiment of the invention. The circuit has a mains power supply 102 (also referred to as a mains power input), which in this and other described embodiments is an Alternating Current (AC). The components in the circuit include a Real Time Clock (RTC)104, also referred to as a timing module, and an off-line power supply 106 that provides a suitable power supply, typically a step-down Direct Current (DC) power supply, for a microcontroller unit (MCU) 108. The circuit diagram 100 also shows two sockets: a first GPO 110 and a second GPO 112. The device 110 may allow or prevent power to the GPOs 110, 112 by operating a first relay 114, a second relay 116, respectively. These relays are controlled via a micro control unit 108.

The circuit diagram 100 also shows a first GPO switch 118 and a second GPO switch 120, which are illustrations of manual switches in an electronic switching device. In this embodiment, the circuit also includes a first GPO switch detect 122 and a second GPO switch detect 124 for detecting whether the corresponding GPO is turned on or off, respectively.

The device 10 also includes a power-off capacitor (power output capacitor)126 for powering the RTC 104 during, for example, a power-off or other power-off event.

The MCU108 includes low powerTransceiver 128, the low powerTransceiver 128 includes a transceiver for communicating on-off time data between programmable electronic control unit 10 and an external programming deviceAn antenna 130.

Fig. 6 is a diagram 140 of a circuit topology for another embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration 140, different components of the AC power source are shown, including a "neutral" indicator 142, a "live" indicator 144, and an "earth" indicator 146. It will be appreciated that these represent common reference numerals applied to three component AC power in australia, but may equally represent similar types of power in other regions. In fig. 6, the thick lines and arrows represent components 142, 144 and 146 of the mains AC power supply.

In FIG. 6, the illustration 140 includes an indication that the device is in communication with an external programming deviceLED indicator 148 of the match status. Activation by button 150Matched and received by antenna 152And (4) communication.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes an offline AC/DC regulator 154, the offline AC/DC regulator 154 being a low drop-out regulator that steps down the supply voltage of the MCU 108. The voltage regulator is employed to allow the energy storage system (energy storage and charging controller 166) to charge to the higher voltage required to drive the RTC 104 for the duration of the power down event. The apparatus 10 also includes a mains clock synchronizer 156 that can synchronize the RTC 104 using the frequency of the AC mains supply.

The illustration 140 also shows a first outlet switch monitor 158 and a second switch monitor 160 for indicating whether the outlet switches 118 and 120 are open or closed. The programmable electronic control unit 10 may allow or prevent power to the GPOs 110, 112 through the AC power switches 162 and 164. These AC power switches may be implemented as relays, latching relays or mains switches TRIAC. It is understood that a TRIAC is considered to be superior to a relay or latching relay in operation, continuity with a microcontroller, package size and cost. However, a TRIAC has the disadvantage of drawing power when off and losing energy when on.

Also shown in the diagram 140 is a "DC" indicator 168, which indicates that DC power is flowing from the offline AC/DC regulator 154 to the energy storage and charging controller 166, and that DC current is flowing from the energy storage and charging controller 166 to the MCU 108. The illustration also shows an "SW on" indicator 170, which shows the communication of the socket switch monitors 158, 160 to the MCU108 in the switch open state. Also shown in the illustration is a "POK" indicator, which is a power OK communication from the energy storage and charging controller 166 to the MCU 108.

It will be appreciated that the hardware design, components and circuit layout illustrated in fig. 5 and 6 all attempt to achieve low power consumption operation, so that power can be conserved when the device 10 is programmed to shut down power as often and for as long as possible, depending on the needs of the user. In this case, the specific topology and components are selected and designed to maximize the reduction in power consumption during operation given other constraints and issues (e.g., regulatory safety specifications and manufacturing costs).

Figure 7 is a diagram 180 of the details of the circuit topology of the basic RTC AC mains clock synchronization circuit. The clock synchronization circuit includes a clock sync 182, a ground line 184, and a Schmitt trigger (Schmitt trigger) 86.

Similarly, fig. 8 is a diagram of a circuit topology 190 of a receptacle switch monitoring assembly, which also has a schmitt trigger 192.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram 200 of the component layers of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The system includes a plurality of layers: an application layer 202, an application logic layer 204, a driver layer 206, a hardware layer 208, and external device(s) 210.

The application logic layer 204 is contained in the application layer 202 and interacts with components in the driver layer 206. The driver layer includes a configuration manager 228, a flash memory driver 230, a,A driver 232, an event manager 234, a General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) driver 236, and a hardware timer driver 238. The hardware layer 208 includes240. A crystal 242, a voltage stabilizer 244,A pair of buttons 246,A companion LED248, a first outlet switch monitor 250, a first AC power switch 252, a second outlet switch monitor 254, a second AC power switch 256, and a mains clock synchronizer 258. The external device 210 includesThe smart device 260.

In the component diagram 200, configuration data 212 is shown exchanged between the configuration manager 228 and the application logic layer 204. The wireless data 214 is inThe driver 232 and the application logic layer 204. The command 216 is transmitted by the application logic layer 204 toA driver 232. The update 218 is transmitted by the application logic layer 204 to the RTC 224 and the time (including the clock time/calendar date) 220 is transmitted by the RTC 224 back to the application logic layer 204. The event 222 is communicated to the application logic layer 204 by the event manager 234. Again, the command 226 is transmitted by the application logic layer 204 to the GPIO driver 236.

There is communication among various components within the driver layer 206, including: a reset 262 is communicated by the flash memory driver 230 to the configuration manager 228 and the permissions 64 are communicated by the configuration manager 228 to the flash memory driver 230.The driver 232 willEvent 265 is transmitted to event manager 234, hardware timer driver 238 transmits a "tick" event 268 to event manager 234, and GPIO driver 236 transmits a GPIO event 270 to event manager 234. The event manager also transmits a "tick" event 266 to RTC 224.

The following communications occur between components of the hardware layer 208 and components of the driver layer 206.The antenna 240 willRF 272 transmission toDriver 232, crystal 242 transmits timing 274 to hardware timer driver 238, voltage regulator 244 transmits "POK" (POWER OK)276 to GPIO driver 236,the pairing button 246 sends a pairing switch press communication 278 to the GPIO driver,paired LED248 receives on/off information from GPIO driver, first socket switch monitor 250 sends on/off information to GPIO driver, first AC power switch 252 receives on/off information from GPIO driver, second socket switch monitor 254 sends on/off information to GPIO driver, second AC power switch 256 receives on/off information 288 from GPIO driver, and mains clock sync 258 sends pulse 290 to GPIO driver 236.

In the external device layerIn the smart device 260 and hardware layer 208Between the antennas 240RF communication 292.

It should be appreciated that in such an embodiment, both the PCB of the programmable electronic control device and the components on the PCB should be formed into the shapes required to integrate the PCB and components into the GPO. It will also be appreciated that the PCB may, due to its relatively small size, result in inherently small gaps between the conductors therein, thus increasing the risk of dendritic growth and contamination (creep) between the PCB's wires. With standard electrical outlets, this problem is not usually caused by the large and wide spaces between the metal bus bars. Thus, in embodiments, it is contemplated that additional PCB insulation layers may provide beneficial results. In an alternative embodiment, the PCB insulation layer may be obtained by insulating the PCB as a module in a potting compound at the time of fabrication.

Texas can be used in the programmable electronic control device 10(Texas instruments Inc.) CC2541 acts as a microcontroller unit (MCU). This particular MCU provides for integration togetherLow energy transceiver (V4.0 compatible protocol stack) and general purpose I/O (including GPIO pins and ADC channels). The MCU is specified to have a relatively low power consumption, with a current of only 1 μ Α in sleep mode where the internal RTC (if employed) is running.

Since the electronic equipment is enclosed in an insulating housing, a separate AC/DC power supply may be employed. An exemplary Power supply is a Monolithic Power(monolithic power supply) 156, which provides a monolithic power supply with minimal supporting components, can provide up to 3W of DC regulated output power from an input supply of 85-265VAC, 50-60 Hz. The MP156 also has an operating temperature range of about-40 to +125 deg.C, since it is a switching regulatorThe time is more efficient and consumes less power than a non-switching power supply design.

In one embodiment, a low dropout voltage regulator (voltage regulator) employs a buck to power the MCU. This is done to allow the energy storage system to be charged to a higher voltage as needed to enable the RTC to be powered for the duration of the desired, e.g., power down, event. An exemplary regulator is Fremont MicroFT531JA, a low quiescent current low drop out regulator (LDO) rated at 6V.

It will also be appreciated that the standard internal layout of the GPO (including internal bus bars) needs to be changed to accommodate the additional electronic components of the programmable electronic control unit. In an embodiment, two mains socket switches are reserved to control, together with the back-screw type wiring connector, each socket in series with the mains control switching element of the programmable electronic control unit.

For switching the mains socket, the programmable electronic control device may employ a relay, a latching relay or a mains switch TRIAC. One exemplary relay is TERTD14005F, which has a switch rating of 16A at 250VAC and a maximum switch voltage of 400 VAC. In addition, the relay has a mechanical durability rating of 30 x 10 at 16A at a temperature of 85 deg.C⁶Cycle (time), trip rating of 30 x 10³And (4) period. Assuming that two switching cycles are used on average per day over 15 years, the relay may allow for about 11000 cycles.

In addition, if a latching relay is employed, one example is TE8-1393239-6 latching relay. However, such relays are generally more expensive than conventional relays.

Another option is to employ a TRIAC, which is superior to relays in terms of operating speed, connectivity to the MCU, package size and cost. However, a TRIAC has the disadvantage of drawing power when off and losing energy when on. An exemplary TRIAC is NXPBTA316B-800B,118。

To provide RTC clock synchronization from the mains AC power supply, a schmitt trigger circuit may be employed. An example of such a schmitt trigger is FairchildNC7NZ 17. Further, an exemplary RTC is NXPPCF2123BS/1, 512. The RTC has a relatively low current (100nA) when operating with a back-up power supply, thus minimizing the size of the RTC battery or capacitor required. In addition, if the internal MCU RTC is used instead of the low current external RTC, the power down protection time will be reduced by 10%. This may be advantageous in some situations.

In some embodiments, a power storage component may be employed to allow the RTC to operate for a minimum of 72 hours in a power down condition. An exemplary energy storage component is a capacitor of 10mF or greater, which is required to provide the required battery life when powering the RTC. An exemplary capacitor is Panasonic ElectronicECA-1AM153, which is an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. However, one disadvantage of this capacitor is that it is physically oversized and has a diameter of up to about 18mm in diameter and a height of about 12.2 mm. Other capacitors having smaller capacitance values but also smaller dimensions may also be used.

In an embodiment, the programmable electronic control device comprises means for monitoring the AC voltage for each outlet (GPO) to determine whether the outlet is open or closed. A schmitt trigger may be employed for this purpose, as shown in fig. 8.

In implementingIn embodiments of the invention, a combination of a socket switch (manual switch) and a socket switch monitor that employ a GPO may be used to implementA pairing button. The change from on-state to off-state and then back to on-state of each manual switch (in two switches/two GPO electrical outlets) activatesPairing mode.

It has been found that the assembly shown in figure 6 can draw up to 30mW of power from mains power under no load conditions. This condition is equivalent to a state when both power outlets are off, the MCU is in low power mode, and only the RTC timer is running. Depending on the selected switching scheme (switching module) of the socket, additional standby power consumption may be generated. If TRIACs are used, each TRIAC will generate a leakage current of 0.5 mA. At 240VAC, this results in 0.24W of additional power consumption.

If a relay is employed for the switching module, it will be appreciated that the relay switch does not leak current in the off state. However, the relay will continuously draw about 0.4W of power when it is running.

If latching relays are used for the switching modules, they only dissipate power when switched from one state to another. It is considered the most efficient solution in some embodiments.

Fig. 10 shows a flow chart 300 of the operation of software on an external programming device (e.g., a laptop or smartphone). A user operating the software activates the software using a start/stop control 302, which may be implemented as a clickable on-screen button. The software then displays (304) the detected programmable electronic control unit 10 within proximity of the external programming unit. The user may then select (306) a particular programmable electronic control device 10 for configuration, wherein the software detects whether the device is selected (308). If the answer is yes (334), the software may retrieve the device configuration (312) and then display the device configuration (316). If the device is implemented as an electronic switching device having two power supply outputs, the user selects which output (e.g., left or right output) to configure (320), and then the software displays (324) the configuration of the particular power supply output.

When the configuration of the output is displayed (324), the user may select an on/off date and time interval (326) representing the period of power on and power off as controlled by the device 10. When the user enters the on-off time (326), the software uploads the on-off time data (328) by communicating the on-off time data from the external programming device to the data connection module of the programmable electronic control device. The software then detects whether the configuration is uploaded (communicated) (330), and if the answer is yes (342), the software is operated to display the detected device (304). If the answer is no (340), the software retrieves programmable device configuration information (312).

Returning to the decision point in the software as to which particular device (308) was selected by the user, if the answer is "no" (332), then the software may check for a device (310). The software will then determine whether a device is actually detected (314). If the answer is "no" (336), the software returns to the step of displaying the detected devices (304). If the answer is "yes" (338), the software may adjust the device clock (318) and then add the device to the device list (322), and thereby return to displaying the detected devices (304).

It will be appreciated that the software flow diagram in fig. 10 is merely an example of how software may run on an external programming device. It will be appreciated that the external programming device and its software are not an integral part of the programmable control device 10, but are implemented as part of an electronic control system that includes the programmable electronic control device and the external programming device (including its operating software).

Fig. 11-22 are illustrations of a smartphone 350 having a screen 352, on which screen 352 a plurality of different software interface styles are displayed. Smartphone 350 is an example of an external programming device that operates in conjunction with programmable electronic device 10. The smartphone 350 includes a smartphone run button 354.

All interface screens 352 show the product trademark 356 of the programmable electronic control device and/or the particular software product used to operate on the external programming device to program the programmable control device 10.

FIG. 11 shows a screen displaying "detected devices" (358) indicating that at least one programmable electronic control device has been detected by the software.

The screen display software shown in FIG. 12 invites the user to "connect" (360) and also has "Yes" (362) and "No" (364) screen buttons.

Fig. 13 shows a screen of an interface including a "set to default" screen button 366 and a "set programming function" screen button 368. If the user selects "set to default", the software may use default programming settings including standard on-off times and communicate these on-off times from the external programming device to the programmable electronic control unit via the data connection module. If the user selects "set programming function", the user can set a power supply on period and a power supply off period for the selected date and time.

FIG. 14 shows an interface indicating that the software is operating for "synchronize time and date" (370), and also shows a progress indicator 372.

FIG. 15 shows a screen displaying an interface for the user that "synchronize time and date" has "succeeded" (374), which is indicated by a success indicator 376, which is a tick symbol.

Fig. 16 shows a screen of an interface inviting a user to select a "left or right" outlet jack 380 in an electronic switching device (e.g., a universal power outlet) for the "program" 378.

The user may select "left or right" power outlets, which are programmed with the on-off time in software, and then communicated as on-off time data between the external programming device and the data connection module in the programmable electronic control device, thereby controlling the power on period and the power off period for the selected power outlet. The software then displays the screen shown in fig. 17, which is adapted to receive an input to the "set switch on time" 382. The interface screen includes screen buttons for selecting dates on weekdays 384 (monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday) and days on weekends 386. Each of these dates has an indicator below the date name to show whether the date is selected. In this example, black circles represent selected dates and white circles represent unselected dates. The screen also includes an hour input selector 388, a minute input selector 390, and an AM/PM selector input 392. When the user selects a date and an on time in those dates, the user may then press the "set" screen button 394 to update the configuration information in the software for the receptacle jack in the selected electronic switching device. Similarly, fig. 18 shows a screen allowing the user to "set switch off time" 396 with all of the above-described input buttons and indicators for setting date and time on the screen of fig. 17.

Once the user has entered the desired on-off time for the power on and power off cycles for the selected outlet in the electronic switching device, the software may then display a screen as shown in fig. 19 asking the user if "programming the other side is desired" and providing the user with a "yes" screen button 400 and a "no" screen button 402 that may be pressed. If the user clicks "yes" 400, the user returns to the screens in FIGS. 17 and 18 to set the on and off switch times to be programmed into the programmable electronic control unit to operate the jack on the other side of the electronic switch unit. If the user selects "No" 402, the software will perform optional "System check" 404 and display a System check progress indication 406, as shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 21 shows a screen showing that the software has determined "system check successful" 408 by an additional tick indicator 410.

At the end of the software operation illustrated in fig. 11 to 21, the software will display an interface screen as shown in fig. 22 to indicate "end programming" 412, with an additional indicator to show the successful end (hook) of the program 414, and with an indication 416 that the software assumes "delete pairing" and an additional indicator 418 that indicates that the software is to stop the match of communication between the external programming device and the data connection module of the programmable electronic control device 10.

In another embodiment (not shown), the data connection module is implemented as a stand-alone device that can be plugged into an electrical outlet socket of the electronic switching device 12. For convenience, this separate data connection module will be referred to as a "dongle" in this specification.

In different countries, electrical outlet sockets are configured with two or more pins or contacts. For example, in australia, a standard electrical outlet socket comprises three connectors, and most plugs have corresponding three pins for insertion into the three connectors.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of the dongle includes three prongs to plug into the prongs of a corresponding Australian standard electrical outlet socket. The dongle includes a data connection means to an external programming device, e.g., a USB port, using a suitable communication protocol,Transmitter/receiver orA transmitter/receiver. In addition, the dongle further comprises a plurality of different external programming devices that use different data communication protocolsAnd connecting the data with a tool. In other alternative embodiments, the dongle also has two or more pins/tabs for insertion into two or more pins/tabs of a corresponding socket.

The dongle also includes indicator lights or other displays to show connection status or other information. The display may also be implemented as an LCD, or similar display for displaying status or other information.

One benefit of providing program input through a separate device (dongle) is that the complexity of the programmable electronic control device (or part thereof) located in the electronic switching device can be greatly reduced. In other words, the programmable electronic control device located in the power outlet need not include a receiving/transmitting assembly for receiving instructions and transmitting status information from and to the external programming device.

Another benefit of having a separate dongle is that the user purchases, for example, multiple power outlets that incorporate (or are part of) the programmable electronic control unit, but only needs to purchase one dongle that can be plugged into the power outlet socket of each power outlet as needed to individually program the respective programmable electronic control unit.

It is clear that such an alternative embodiment would allow a reduction in the complexity of manufacturing the programmable electronic control means to be integrated into each power socket and would also reduce the manufacturing costs of such a unit.

In embodiments, the present invention may be designed so as to be integrated with an electronic switching device (e.g., a residential power outlet or an optical switch). Such units may be employed when building new structures or when retrofitting existing structures.

In retrofitting a programmable electronic control unit integrated with, for example, an electrical outlet, the existing electrical outlet (without the programmable electronic control unit) may be removed and a new electrical outlet integrated with the programmable electronic control unit connected to the electrical power source, which may then be programmed by the user using an external programming device.

When a stand-alone dongle is provided as a program input, a user may desire to install (or retrofit) multiple power outlets into a building. In such an example, a user may purchase, for example, five power outlets integrated with programmable electronic control devices and one dongle for programming all of these devices. The user (or electrician) installs these power outlets (each of which incorporates a respective programmable electronic control device). When installed, the dongle can be plugged into these outlets. The user then employs external programming devices to connect to these dongles and employs these external programming devices to command the on and off times via the dongles to program the programmable electronic control devices. The dongle can then be unplugged from the electrical outlet and plugged into another electrical outlet to program the programmable electronic control of the other electrical outlet.

In another embodiment, the dongle can be stored in or attached to the body or panel of the power outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the power outlet has a cavity in which the dongle can be received, and a spring compression release and compression receiving system is included in the cavity. The dongle can also be attached to a power outlet via a clamping device. By the method, the user cannot easily lose the electronic dog.

According to the invention, the programmable electronic control unit 10 can be programmed with a switching time comprising at least one period of power supply on (programmable electronic control unit in on state) to supply power when the manual switch is on, or with a switching time comprising at least one period of power supply off (programmable electronic control unit in off state) to supply power when the manual switch is not on or off.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the on-off time may include any number of power on periods and power off periods in a 24 hour schedule, for example. Furthermore, it is understood that the programmable electronic control device can be programmed in the following way: the same cycle of power on and power off periods in a 24 hour schedule is repeated for any number of consecutive days. Furthermore, the electronic control device may be programmed to repeat a non-24 hour cycle of the power-on period and the power-off period, for example, one or several weeks.

In another alternative embodiment, the programmable electronic control device may be programmed with instructions for the switching times, which may be random or semi-random power on and power off periods. Of course, these random, or semi-random, power-on and power-off periods may be limited to have a minimum time and a maximum time.

Embodiments of the programmable electronic control device may also include an override tool. The override tool allows the electronic switching device to be powered during a power off period.

The override is implemented using a manual switch of the electronic switching device. In an exemplary scenario, the programmable electronic control device is in a power supply off period, and in order to override the power supply off period, the manual switch of the electronic switching device is switched to its off position and the manual switch is opened. The opening of the manual switch during the power-off period activates the override means, so that the programmable electronic control device switches to the power-on period and the electronic switching device can be powered.

The override tool activated in a particular power off cycle is continuously activated for a programmed first power off cycle that will subsequently change to the next power on cycle (in which the power source is programmed to be powered by the electronic switching device). Upon the next programmed change to the power off cycle, the power supply is stopped by the programmable electronic control device regardless of whether the manual switch is in the on or off position.

In this specification, the terminology used is slightly different from that used in australian provisional application No.2012901567 (which claims priority to a part of the present invention). An exemplary expression index is given below:

those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will appreciate that the terms used in the foregoing description are not necessarily the exact terms used for each and every term, but rather some terms may be varied throughout the description to more clearly describe and define the invention.

Variations, modifications, and/or additions to the invention may be made beyond the specifically described embodiments and persons skilled in the art will recognize that the invention, including all such variations, modifications, and/or additions, is within the scope of the claims.

In this specification and claims, except where the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element/step or group of elements/steps but not the exclusion of any other element/step or group of elements/steps.

Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (30)

1. A programmable electronic control unit adapted to be programmed by an external programming unit, said programmable electronic control unit being adapted to cooperate with an electronic switching unit for controlling the supply of electrical power from an electrical power source, said electronic switching unit having: a body, a power supply input, at least one power supply output, and a manual switch for each power supply output, the manual switch having an open and closed position, the programmable electronic control device comprising:

a data connection module for communicating switching time data and/or duration data between the programmable electronic control unit and the external programming unit;

a memory for storing switching time data and/or duration data;

a timing module to provide one or more clock times, calendar dates and durations;

a processor for processing said switching time data and/or said duration data in accordance with one or more of said clock time and said calendar date to provide a switching time and/or duration; and

a switching module controlled by the processor according to the switching time and/or the duration and controlling power supply through the power supply output together with the manual switch,

wherein the switching time and/or the duration includes at least one power supply on period during which the corresponding power supply output of the power supply is able to supply power when each of the manual switches is in the on position and at least one power supply off period during which the corresponding power supply output of the power supply is not able to supply power when each of the manual switches is in the on position or the off position, and

wherein at least a portion of the programmable electronic control device may be integrated into the body.

2. The programmable electronic control device of claim 1, wherein the data connection module comprises a physical connector.

3. The programmable electronic control device of claim 2, wherein the physical connector is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

4. The programmable electronic control unit of claim 1, wherein the data connection module comprises a wireless connector.

5. A programmable electronic control device as in claim 4 wherein said wireless connector isA transceiver,A transceiver and/or an infrared transceiver.

6. The programmable electronic control device of claim 5, wherein saidThe transceiver is a low energy transceiver that includes an antenna.

7. A programmable electronic control device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the timing module is a Real Time Clock (RTC).

8. A programmable electronic control device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch module is any of a relay, a latching relay, a triode for alternating current (TRIAC).

9. A programmable electronic control device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor is a microcontroller unit (MCU).

10. A programmable electronic control as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the processor is integrated with any one or more of the data connection module, the memory and the timing module.

11. A programmable electronic control as in any of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a power module to supply power to any one or more of the data connection module, the memory, the timing module and the processor.

12. A programmable electronic control device as in claim 11 wherein said energizing module comprises a voltage regulator.

13. The programmable electronic control device of claim 11, wherein the energy supply module comprises an energy storage module.

14. The programmable electronic control device of claim 13, wherein the energy storage module is any one of a capacitor and a battery.

15. The programmable electronic control device of claim 1, further comprising a synchronizer for synchronizing the timing module.

16. The programmable electronic control device of claim 15, wherein the synchronizer employs mains power for synchronization.

17. The programmable electronic control unit of claim 1, further comprising a manual switch monitor for determining whether the manual switch is in an open position or a closed position.

18. The programmable electronic control unit of claim 1, further comprising override means, wherein the manual switch is operable to override a selected power-off period so that the power supply output of the power source can supply power until the power-off period is complete.

19. The programmable electronic control device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator for indicating a status of the programmable electronic control device.

20. The programmable electronic control device of claim 1, wherein the entire programmable electronic control device is located within the body.

21. A programmable electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic switching device is an electrical outlet and said electrical power supply output is an electrical outlet socket for receiving a plug of an electronic device, said electrical outlet socket comprising two or more pins and/or contacts to receive two or more corresponding pins and/or contacts of said plug.

22. The programmable electronic control unit of claim 21, wherein the power outlet is a general purpose power outlet (GPO) suitable for residential use.

23. The programmable electronic control device of claim 21, wherein said data connection module comprises a stand-alone device insertable into said power outlet socket, and wherein said pins/contacts of said power outlet socket are connected for data transfer between said data connection module and said programmable electronic control device.

24. The programmable electronic control unit of claim 1, wherein said electronic switching device is a light switch and said power supply output is a light socket.

25. A programmable electronic control unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external programming means is any one of the following: personal computers, including notebook computers, desktop computers; a smart phone; and (5) remote control.

26. An electronic control system comprising a programmable electronic control device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said programmable electronic control device is integrated with an electronic switching device according to claim 1.

27. The electronic control system of claim 26, further comprising an external programming device, the external programming device being the external programming device of claim 1.

28. A method of operating a programmable electronic control device, the programmable electronic control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, the method comprising:

operating the external programming device of claim 1 to connect to the data connection module;

operating the external programming device to select a switching time to generate switching time data;

communicating said on-off time data between said external programming device and said data connection module; and

operating the external programming device to disconnect from the data connection module.

29. A method of operating a programmable electronic control device according to claim 28, further comprising operating the electronic switching device of claim 1 to place the manual switch in an on position or an off position.

30. A method of operating a programmable electronic control device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the connection to the data connection module further comprises operating a matching button to match the external programming device and the programmable electronic control device.