JP7444734B2 - time switch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a time switch that turns on and off a load according to a time schedule set by a user.

A time switch is a device that turns a load on and off according to a time schedule set by a user. As such a time switch, Patent Document 1 describes a solar cell that can turn on the load at sunset time and turn off the load at sunrise time by incorporating data of sunrise time and sunset time. A time switch is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-269387

A user of the time switch can perform settings by operating an operation reception unit realized by a hardware key or the like.

The present invention provides a time switch that can improve response to user operations on the operation reception unit.

A time switch according to one aspect of the present invention includes a terminal portion to which a load and a power source are connected, a switch portion that turns on and off electrical connections of the load and power source connected to the terminal portion, and a switch portion that includes an operation reception unit that receives an operation from a user to set an on time when the switch unit is turned on and an off time when the switch unit is turned off; and a control unit that detects an operation on the operation reception unit, the control unit , when the power source is connected to the terminal section, a first cycle is detected for the operation on the operation reception section, and when the power source is not connected to the terminal section, (a) the operation is detected. (b) detecting the first period and detecting a second period longer than the first period in response to an operation on the operation reception section; Performs one cycle of detection.

A time switch according to one aspect of the present invention can improve response to a user's operation on the operation reception unit.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a time switch according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the time switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the basic operation of the time switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the key matrix circuit. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing detection signals having different timings of going low level. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the time switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the time switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the transition operation of the time switch to standby mode according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of the time switch according to the embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a time switch according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the time switch according to the embodiment.

The time switch 10 turns on and off electrical connections of a load (not shown) and a power source (not shown) connected to the terminal unit 11 according to a time schedule set through an operation on the operation reception unit 13. (hereinafter also simply referred to as "turning the load on (off)"). Specifically, the time switch 10 includes a terminal section 11, a switch section 12, an operation reception section 13, a display section 14, a storage section 15, a control section 16, a clock section 17, and a battery section 18. , a detection unit 19.

A load and a power source are connected to the terminal section 11 . Examples of loads include street lights, lighting, and signboards. The terminal portion 11 has a structure in which a load and a power source are fixed using screws, for example. The circuit configuration of the terminal section 11 is not particularly limited. The circuit configuration of the terminal section 11 may be a voltage output configuration in which a power supply voltage is applied between terminals to which a load is connected, or a non-voltage output configuration in which a power supply voltage is not applied between terminals to which a load is connected. It may be an output configuration. A plurality of loads may be attached to the terminal portion 11 in some cases.

The switch section 12 turns on and off electrical connections between a load and a power source connected to the terminal section. The switch unit 12 is realized, for example, by a relay element and a drive circuit for the relay element, but may also be realized by a power transistor and a drive circuit for the power transistor. The contact configuration of the switch section 12 is not particularly limited. The switch section 12 may have a c-contact configuration (that is, single-pole, double-throw) or an a-contact configuration (that is, single-pole, single-throw). Note that when a plurality of loads are attached to the terminal section 11, the time switch 10 may include a plurality of switch sections 12 corresponding to the plurality of loads.

The operation reception unit 13 is a user interface that accepts various operations related to the time switch 10. Specifically, the operation accepting unit 13 accepts an operation for setting an on time when the switch unit 12 is turned on, an operation for setting an off time when the switch unit 12 is turned off, and the like. The operation reception unit 13 is realized by, for example, a hardware key (hardware button), a slide switch, or the like.

The display unit 14 is a display panel that displays information for the user to confirm settings and the like. The display section 14 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but may be realized by another display panel such as an organic EL panel.

The storage unit 15 is a storage device that stores various settings based on operations accepted by the operation reception unit 13 as setting information. The storage unit 15 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 16 is a control device that controls turning on and off of the switch unit 12 (that is, turning on and off the electrical connection of the load and the power source). Specifically, the control unit 16 transmits a control signal to the switch unit 12 based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 15. The control unit 16 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. Note that the storage section 15 may be built in the control section 16.

The clock section 17 is a timer device that measures the current date and time. The clock section 17 is realized by, for example, a real-time clock.

The battery section 18 includes a battery and a battery accommodating section (a recess in which the battery is accommodated) that accommodates the battery, and supplies power to each component (control section 16, etc.) included in the time switch 10. The battery may be a dry battery or a storage battery (a rechargeable battery).

The detection unit 19 detects whether or not the terminal unit 11 is connected to a power source. The detection unit 19 is, for example, a circuit that monitors the voltage between two terminals to which a power source is connected, but may also be a circuit that detects a weak current flowing between the two terminals.

[basic action]
Next, the basic operation of the time switch 10 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the basic operation of the time switch 10.

First, the operation receiving unit 13 receives an initial setting operation from the user (S11). The initial setting operation includes setting the current time, setting the region in which the time switch 10 is used, and the like.

Next, the operation receiving unit 13 receives from the user an operation for setting an on time at which the switch unit 12 is turned on (S12). When the operation accepting unit 13 accepts the on-time setting operation, the on-time setting information is stored in the storage unit 15.

The options for setting the on time include three settings: sunset setting, sunrise setting, and regular time setting. The sunset setting is a setting in which the switch section 12 is turned on at sunset time. The sunrise setting is a setting in which the switch unit 12 is turned on at sunrise time. The fixed time setting is a setting in which the switch section 12 is turned on at a time specified by the user.

Next, the operation accepting unit 13 accepts an operation for setting an off time when the switch unit 12 is turned off (S13). When the off-time setting operation is accepted by the operation receiving unit 13, the off-time setting information is stored in the storage unit 15.

Options for setting the off time include three settings: sunset setting, sunrise setting, and regular time setting. The sunset setting is a setting in which the switch section 12 is turned off at sunset time. The sunrise setting is a setting in which the switch section 12 is turned off at sunrise time. The fixed time setting is a setting in which the switch unit 12 is turned off at a time specified by the user.

Next, the control unit 16 controls turning on and off of the switch unit 12 based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 15 (S14). Specifically, the control unit 16 turns on the switch unit 12 when the current time measured by the clock unit 17 reaches the on time set in step S12. Further, the control unit 16 turns off the switch unit 12 when the current time measured by the timer unit 17 reaches the off time set in step S13. That is, the switch section 12 is in the on state from the on time to the off time.

[Key matrix circuit]
The operation reception unit 13 includes a key matrix circuit, and the control unit 16 detects a user's operation on the operation reception unit 13 (hardware key) based on a signal output from the key matrix circuit. Here, the key matrix circuit will be explained. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the key matrix circuit. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, a key matrix circuit 13a having 16 hardware keys, and the hardware keys are written as SW1 to SW16.

The control unit 16 includes four input terminals IN1 to IN4 and four output terminals OUT1 to OUT4. By the key matrix circuit 13a, OUT1 is connected to IN1 via SW1, IN2 via SW5, IN3 via SW9, and IN4 via SW13. Further, by the key matrix circuit 13a, OUT2 is connected to IN1 via SW2, IN2 via SW6, IN3 via SW10, and IN4 via SW14.

Similarly, the key matrix circuit 13a connects OUT3 to IN1 via SW3, to IN2 via SW7, to IN3 via SW11, and to IN4 via SW15. By the key matrix circuit 13a, OUT4 is connected to IN1 via SW4, IN2 via SW8, IN3 via SW12, and IN4 via SW16.

The four input terminals IN1 to IN4 are connected to pull-up resistors and are normally at a high level. The control unit 16 outputs detection signals having different low-level timings from each of OUT1 to OUT4 at a detection period T. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing detection signals having different timings of going low level. For example, while SW1 is being pressed by the user, the detection signal output from OUT1 is input to IN1. When the control unit 16 detects that the signal input to IN1 becomes low level n times in a row (for example, n=4) in synchronization with the detection signal output from OUT1, it determines that SW1 has been pressed. do. The control unit 16 can make similar determinations regarding SW2 to SW16. In this way, the control unit 16 can determine which of SW1 to SW16 has been operated (pressed) based on the signal output from the key matrix circuit 13a.

Note that the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 4 is an example. For example, the four input terminals IN1 to IN4 are connected to pull-down resistors, and the control unit 16 outputs detection signals whose high level timings differ from each other at a detection period T from each of OUT1 to OUT4. Good too.

[Operation example 1]
In a general time switch, while the power source is connected to the terminal section 11, detection is performed at the detection cycle T=T1 (for example, 15.625 ms), and while the power source is not connected to the terminal section 11, Detection is performed at a detection period T=T2 (for example, 500 ms). The second period T2 is a period longer than the first period T1. This has the advantage of suppressing current consumption while the power supply is not connected to the terminal section 11, but since it is confirmed that the operation reception section 13 (hardware key) has been pressed after T2 x n seconds. , the response to user operations becomes worse. In other words, a common time switch has a problem in that it responds poorly to user operations when the power source is not connected to the terminal section 11.

In response to such a problem, the time switch 10 performs detection in the first period T1 when there is a high possibility that the user will perform an operation even when the power source is not connected to the terminal section 11. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example 1 of operation of such a time switch 10.

First, the control unit 16 determines whether a power source is connected to the terminal unit 11 (S21). Specifically, the control unit 16 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 19 and determines whether or not the terminal unit 11 is connected to a power source based on the acquired detection result.

When the control unit 16 determines that the power supply is connected to the terminal unit 11 (Yes in S21), the control unit 16 responds to the user's operation (pressing a hardware key) to the operation reception unit 13 at a first period T1 (for example, , 15.625ms) (S22). Specifically, the control unit 16 outputs detection signals having different low-level timings from each of OUT1 to OUT4 in the second period T2.

On the other hand, when the control unit 16 determines that the power supply is not connected to the terminal unit 11 (No in S21), the control unit 16 determines whether or not the standby mode is being operated (S23). In the standby mode, the control unit 16 performs processing such as causing the display unit 14 to display the current time. The standby mode is a mode in which it is considered that the user does not operate the operation reception unit 13 frequently.

When the control unit 16 determines that the standby mode is operating (Yes in S23), the control unit 16 detects a second cycle T2 (for example, 500 ms) in response to the user's operation on the operation reception unit 13 (S24). . Specifically, the control unit 16 outputs detection signals having different low-level timings from each of OUT1 to OUT4 in a first cycle T1.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the control unit 16 is operating in another mode different from the standby mode (No in S23), the control unit 16 responds to the user's operation on the operation reception unit 13 with a first cycle T1 (15.625 ms). is detected (S22). The other modes are modes in which the user is expected to perform operations on the operation reception unit 13 more frequently than in the standby mode. Other modes include, for example, a setting mode in which the user sets the on time and off time, but are not particularly limited.

In this way, the time switch 10 uses both the detection of the first period T1 and the detection of the second period T2, which is longer than the first period T1, when the power source is not connected to the terminal section 11. Specifically, even when the power supply is not connected to the terminal section 11, the time switch 10 operates in a mode different from the standby mode (for example, a mode in which operations are frequently performed), the second Detection is performed in a first cycle T1 that is shorter than the cycle T2. Such a time switch 10 can improve response to user operations when a power source is not connected to the terminal section 11.

[Operation example 2]
In operation example 1, the second period T2 is detected in the standby mode, but in the standby mode, key input interrupt processing (signal edge detection) may be performed instead of detecting the second period T2. . FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second example of the operation of such a time switch 10. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 7 shows the operation when the terminal section 11 is not connected to a power source. Although not shown in FIG. 7, in the second operation example as well, the control unit 16 detects the first period T1 when the terminal unit 11 is connected to the power source.

When the control unit 16 transitions to the standby mode (S31), it does not perform periodic detection (that is, outputs detection signals from OUT1 to OUT4) and outputs low-level signals from OUT1 to OUT4 (S32). As a result, when some operation is performed on the operation reception unit 13 (specifically, any one of SW1 to SW16 is pressed), one of the signals input from the key matrix circuit 13a to IN1 to IN4 changes from high level to Changes to low level. That is, a falling edge of the signal occurs at IN1 to IN4.

The control unit 16 determines whether a falling edge of the signal has occurred at IN1 to IN4 (S33). The output of the low level signal in step S32 and the determination in step S32 are repeated until a falling edge occurs (No in S33). When the control unit 16 determines that a falling edge has occurred (Yes in S33), it uses this as an opportunity to start detecting the first cycle T1 (S34). Specifically, the control unit 16 outputs detection signals having different low-level timings from each of OUT1 to OUT4 in a first cycle T1.

Next, the control unit 16 determines whether any operation has been performed on the operation reception unit 13 based on the detection of the first period T1 (S35). When the control unit 16 determines that some kind of operation has been performed (Yes in S35), it performs processing according to the operation (S36). In this case, the detection of the first period T1 is continued until returning to the standby mode.

On the other hand, if the control unit 16 determines that no operation has been performed (for example, no hardware key has been pressed for a certain period of time after starting detection of the first cycle T1) (No in S35), ), the detection of the first period T1 is stopped and low level signals are output from OUT1 to OUT4 (S32).

In this way, the time switch 10 performs detection in the first period T1, which is shorter than the second period T2, even when the power source is not connected to the terminal section 11. Such a time switch 10 can improve response to user operations when a power source is not connected to the terminal section 11.

[Transition to standby mode]
As described above, when the power supply is not connected to the terminal section 11, the control section 16 operates in a mode other than the standby mode (for example, a setting mode that accepts settings, an example of the first mode) and a standby mode. (an example of the second mode) is selectively performed. Here, the operation when transitioning from another mode to standby mode will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the transition operation to standby mode.

The control unit 16 detects the first cycle T1 (S42) during operation in another mode (S41). By detecting the first period T1, the control unit 16 determines whether an operation instructing a transition from another mode to the standby mode has been performed (S43). When the control unit 16 determines that an operation instructing a transition from another mode to the standby mode has been performed (Yes in S43), the control unit 16 transitions to the standby mode (S44).

On the other hand, if the control unit 16 determines that an operation instructing a transition from another mode to the standby mode has not been performed (No in S43), the control unit 16 sends an instruction to the operation reception unit 13 to instruct the transition to the standby mode within a certain period of time. It is determined whether any operation other than the operation for instructing has been performed (S45). If the control unit 16 determines that some operation has been performed on the operation reception unit 13 within a certain period of time (Yes in S45), the control unit 16 maintains the operation in the other mode (S41). Note that if it is determined in step S45 that an operation instructing a transition to a mode other than the standby mode has been performed, a process of transitioning to the instructed mode is performed.

On the other hand, if the control unit 16 determines that no operation has been performed on the operation reception unit 13 for a certain period of time (No in S45), the control unit 16 transitions to the standby mode (S44).

As explained above, when the control unit 16 determines that an operation instructing a transition from another mode to the standby mode has been performed by detecting the first cycle during operation of another mode, and for a certain period of time, the control unit 16 If it is determined that no operation is performed on the operation reception unit 13 during this period, the mode transitions to standby mode.

[Effects etc.]
As described above, the time switch 10 includes a terminal section 11 to which a load and a power source are connected, a switch section 12 that turns on and off the electrical connection of the load and power source connected to the terminal section 11, and a switch section The control unit 13 includes an operation reception unit 13 that receives operations from a user to set an on time when the switch unit 12 is turned on and an off time when the switch unit 12 is turned off, and a control unit 16 that detects an operation on the operation reception unit 13. The control unit 16 detects the first period in response to the operation on the operation reception unit 13 when the terminal unit 11 is connected to the power supply, and when the terminal unit 11 is not connected to the power supply, the control unit 16 detects the first period (a). ) detecting the first period T1 and detecting the second period T2 which is longer than the first period T1 in response to the operation to the operation reception section 13; or (b) for the operation to the operation reception section 13. On the other hand, the first cycle T1 is detected.

Such a time switch 10 detects an operation at the same cycle even when the terminal section 11 is not connected to the power source as when the terminal section 11 is connected to the power source. Therefore, the time switch 10 can improve the response to the operation on the operation receiving section 13 compared to a general time switch that lengthens the detection cycle when the terminal section 11 is not connected to the power source.

Further, for example, when the terminal section 11 is not connected to a power source, the control section 16 selectively performs the first mode operation and the second mode operation. The control unit 16 detects a first cycle T1 in response to an operation on the operation reception unit 13 in the first mode of operation, and detects a second period T1 in response to an operation on the operation reception unit 13 in the second mode of operation. By detecting the period T2, the detection of the first period T1 and the detection of the second period T2 are used together. The first mode is another mode in the above embodiment, and the second mode is a standby mode in the above embodiment.

Such a time switch 10 can give priority to reducing power consumption during operation in the second mode, and can prioritize improving response to operations on the operation reception unit 13 during operation in the first mode. If a mode in which the frequency of user operations is considered to be low is adopted as the first mode, the response to operations on the operation reception unit 13 can be efficiently improved.

Further, for example, when the control unit 16 determines that (a) an operation instructing a transition from the first mode to the second mode has been performed by detecting the first period T1 during operation in the first mode; , (b) If it is determined that no operation has been performed on the operation reception unit 13 for a certain period of time, the mode changes to the second mode.

Such a time switch 10 can employ a standby mode (a mode to which it changes when no operation is performed for a certain period of time) as a first mode.

Further, for example, the operation reception unit 13 includes a key matrix circuit 13a. When the terminal section 11 is not connected to the power source, the control section 16 detects the edge of the signal output by the key matrix circuit 13a, and when the terminal section 11 is not connected to the power supply, the control section 16 controls the operation of the operation reception section 13 to perform a first period T1. Detection is performed.

Such a time switch 10 suppresses power consumption by outputting a low level signal for edge detection instead of outputting a detection signal from OUT1 to OUT4 when a power supply is not connected to the terminal section 11. At the same time, priority can be given to improving the response to operations on the operation reception unit 13.

Further, for example, the time switch 10 further includes a detection section 19 that detects whether or not a power source is connected to the terminal section 11.

Such a time switch 10 can detect whether or not the terminal section 11 is connected to a power source.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, although the time switch according to the above embodiment has been described as having a solar function, the time switch does not need to have a solar function. In other words, the time switch may be a time switch that cannot be set for sunset or sunrise.

Further, for example, in the above embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

Further, the order of processing described in the flowchart of the above embodiment is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Moreover, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Further, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes such forms.

10 Time switch 11 Terminal section 12 Switch section 13 Operation reception section 13a Key matrix circuit 16 Control section 19 Detection section

Claims (4)

A terminal section to which a load and a power source are connected;
a switch unit that turns on and off electrical connections of a load and a power source connected to the terminal unit;
an operation reception unit that receives an operation from a user to set an on time when the switch unit is turned on, and an off time when the switch unit is turned off;
a control unit that detects an operation on the operation reception unit ;
and a detection unit that detects whether a power source is connected to the terminal unit ,
The control unit includes:
acquiring a detection result of the detection unit, and determining whether or not the power source is connected to the terminal unit based on the acquired detection result;
When the power source is connected to the terminal section, detecting a first cycle in response to an operation on the operation reception section;
When the power source is not connected to the terminal section, (a) detecting the first cycle and detecting a second cycle longer than the first cycle are used together for the operation on the operation receiving section; or (b) a time switch that detects the first cycle in response to an operation on the operation reception unit. The control unit includes:
selectively performing a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation when the power source is not connected to the terminal portion;
In the first mode of operation, the first cycle is detected for the operation on the operation reception unit, and in the second mode of operation, the second cycle is detected for the operation on the operation reception unit. The time switch according to claim 1, wherein the first period detection and the second period detection are used together by performing the detection. When the control unit determines that (a) an operation instructing a transition from the first mode to the second mode has been performed by detecting the first period during operation of the first mode; The time switch according to claim 2, wherein: b) the time switch transitions to the second mode when it is determined that no operation is performed on the operation reception unit for a certain period of time. The operation reception unit includes a key matrix circuit,
When the power source is not connected to the terminal unit, the control unit controls the first control unit in response to an operation to the operation reception unit, upon detecting an edge of a signal output by the key matrix circuit. The time switch according to claim 1, wherein the time switch detects a cycle.

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