Time variable thermostat

• US 3,948,441 A
• Filed: 08/13/1974
• Issued: 04/06/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company (Schneider Electric SE)
• Original Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company (Schneider Electric SE)
• Inventors: Goodhouse, Carl J., Perkins, Charles H., Nurnberg, Richard K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wayner, William E.
• Application Number:
  US05/497,151
• Time in Patent Office: 602 Days
• Field of Search: 236/46, 236/47, 337/302, 337/303, 307/66
• US Class Current: 236/46.00R
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1904 variable in time
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/275 with sensing element expanding, contracting, or fusing in response to changes of temperature

Abstract

A self-powered set-back electrical thermostatic device for use in a control circuit of a temperature control system requiring no additional wiring that includes a battery powered, motor driven timing mechanism for changing the ambient temperature setting of a thermostat at selected times.

Claims

1. A unitary electrical time variable set point thermostatic device adapted for use in a two wire control circuit of a heating or cooling system without additional wiring comprising:

a. thermostatic control means having temperature set points and responsive to ambient temperature for opening and closing a thermostatic switch therein, said switch energizing said control circuit to operate said heating or cooling system when said ambient temperature varies a determined amount from said set point;

b. electric timer means for cyclically changing said set point of said thermostatic means from an initial value at a selected time to a second value and at a selected time thereafter restoring said set point to said initial value;

c. electrical energy storage means for continuously energizing said timer means independent of said two wire control circuit, said electrical energy storage means comprising a battery connected to said electric timer means; and

d. means connected in said control circuit for charging said battery during periods when said switch of said thermostatic control means is open.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said electric timer means includes an electric motor connected to said thermostatic control means for mechanically changing said set point of said thermostatic control means at said selected times.

3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said charging means comprises:

a. a diode; and

b. a charging resistor series connected with said diode and said battery, said diode blocking current flow from said battery except through said motor when said switch of said thermostatic control means is closed.

4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said thermostatic control means comprises:

a. two thermostatic control means responsive to ambient temperatures, each of said thermostatic control means including a switch connected in said control circuit and responsive to and having an ambient temperature set point, one being higher than the other, each of said thermostatic control means opening its switch to turn off said heating or cooling system when said ambient temperature is above or below its respective set point, that thermostatic control means having the highest ambient temperature set point in either a heating or cooling system dominating the other; and

b. switch means in said timer means connected in series with said switch of said thermostatic control means having said highest ambient temperature set point, said motor arranged to open and close said switch selected times.

5. A device as defined in claim 1 electrically connected in series with a heating element in a line voltage control circuit.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein said battery recharging means includes:

a. full wave alternatinv current voltage rectifier means; and

b. capacitor means series connected with said rectifier means for fixing the voltage in said control circuit appearing across said rectifier means.