BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention can be readily understood from the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. In the figures:
FIG. 1 shows the power circuit of a device of the invention when all of the loads constituting the functional group of controlled appliances are connected in parallel, including the main appliance within said functional group:
FIG. 2 shows the power circuit of the device of the invention in an embodiment that differs from the preceding embodiment in that a specific connector is for use with the main appliance of the functional group;
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the device of the invention in a multiple-outlet power strip embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in a compact embodiment;
FIG. 5 shows the electronic circuit of the device of the invention in an analog embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows the electronic circuit of the device of the invention in a digital embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the device implementing parts for locking the connectors of connected controlled appliances and also parts for programming periods of time during which switching on is authorized and others during which it is not authorized;
FIG. 8 shows the device of the invention in an embodiment of the preceding figure having elements for blocking access to the female connectors;
FIG. 9 shows the device of the invention in its multiple-outlet power strip embodiment including the connectors and also integrating display and setting devices together with internal elements enabling sophisticated functions to be made available;
FIG. 10 shows a device of the invention in its compact embodiment;
FIG. 11 shows the device of the invention associated with a lighting function adapted to managing a functional group of audiovisual appliances;
FIG. 12 shows the device of the invention associated with a lighting function adapted to managing a functional group of computer appliances;
FIG. 13 shows the device of the invention associated with an appearance function in which the technical device of the invention is enclosed in a case of arbitrary shape;
FIG. 14 shows the device of the invention associated with an appearance function that changes in appearance, e.g. to make it fun to play with; and
FIG. 15 shows the device of the invention in an embodiment that includes elements for controlling associated remote auxiliary extensions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Other features and advantages of the invention appear further from the following description. In the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples:
The embodiment of FIG. 1 corresponds to the power circuit of the device of the invention when all of the loads constituting the functional group of controlled appliances are connected in parallel, including the so-called “main” appliance within the functional group. The main advantage of this embodiment is that the connector block can be connected to the electronics of the invention by a cable that contains only three conductors. An additional advantage is that it is possible to reduce the connector block to a male plug 6 and a female outlet 8, if necessary making use of external power strips for connecting a plurality of appliances and/or an appliance that needs to be connected to the electricity network permanently. In addition, all of the female connectors 9 are equivalent, except for an optional connector 7 that provides continuous power, thereby reducing the risks of user error. The drawback of this embodiment is little latitude in selecting the powers of the appliances used, both with respect to the main appliance and with respect to the other appliances of the functional group. Nevertheless, in practice it is possible to find a compromise that gives full satisfaction with most appliances. This is the embodiment that is most appropriate for a compact embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 in that it minimizes overall size and the cost of the cable connecting the connector block to the electronics of the device. Naturally, it would not go beyond the ambit of the invention if measurement were to apply to the entire functional group of controlled appliances in an embodiment other than that shown in FIG. 4.
The extension of the wires 1 is for delivering power within the device, the extension of the wires 2 is for the measurement devices, the extension of the wires 3 is for controlling the relay, the components 4 and 5 respectively representing the switching relay and the shunt resistance for measuring the current flowing in the connected controlled loads.
The embodiment of FIG. 2 corresponds to the power circuit of the device of the invention in an embodiment that differs from the preceding embodiment in that a specific connector 10 is for the main appliance of the functional group. The advantage of this preferred embodiment is greater control over the operating characteristics of the device, in particular by completely decoupling the characteristics of said main appliance from those of the other appliances in the functional group. In addition, it is the embodiment that gives the device of the invention the greatest potential for being universal, in particular in that it can operate with a main appliance that consumes less electricity in operation than all or some of the connected secondary appliances. All of the appliances of the functional group are disconnected, but the measurements leading to decisions being taken in accordance with the invention apply only to the consumption of said main appliance. In this embodiment, the connector block is connected to the electronics of the invention by a cable having four conductors. This is the embodiment that is most suitable for a power strip embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, in that the internal cabling of one additional conductor constitutes negligible extra cost. Naturally, it would not go beyond the ambit of the invention if a measurement circuit were to be used that is dedicated solely to the main appliance in an embodiment other than that shown in FIG. 3. References common with FIG. 1 relating to components and to the wire extensions have the same meanings.
The embodiment of FIG. 3 corresponds to a power strip embodiment that is connected to the electricity network by a cable terminated in a male plug 6. The electronics of the device is placed in the same one-piece housing as the connectors. In addition to the connectors for the functional group 9, 10, it is possible to add a connector 7 that is powered continuously, and when the internal wiring is as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to have a specific connector 10 for the main appliance. Where appropriate, on/off control 11 can be provided remotely or duplicated at 12 without going beyond the ambit of the invention. Remote on/off control devices considerably improve the ease of use and the appearance of the device of the invention in that only the remote control devices is visible and positioned in a location that is easy to access. The main block can advantageously remain on the floor and if possible it can be hidden. The term “remote control devices” is used to designate any device enabling the user to switch on the functional group of controlled appliances without it being necessary to act physically on the main portion of the device of the invention. This may be constituted merely by a remote pushbutton 11 connected by a cable to the main portion of the device of the invention, which button may also include a receiver 13 for infrared remote control signals. The remote control device 12 may also advantageously be connected to the device by a wireless connection, e.g. by radio with coding devices to ensure that its association with the device of the invention for which it is intended is exclusive, so as to ensure that a remote control button is associated with only one device of the invention. It is also possible for the remote on/off control button to be virtual by adding devices for receiving infrared remote control signals, devices for picking up and recognizing characteristic sound signals such as whistling or clapping the hands, voice recognition devices, even simplified voice recognition devices, without that going beyond the ambit of the invention.
The embodiment of FIG. 4 corresponds to the compact embodiment. The electronics of the device is separated from the connector block which, in its minimum version, may be constituted by a nested male/female connector at the end of a single cable, or connectors at the ends of two separate cables, one fitted with a male plug for connection to the electricity network and the other cable terminated by a female outlet for the functional group of controlled appliances, that may possibly be constituted by no more than said main appliance. The electronics of the device of the invention is housed in a housing 14 that is placed in a location that is easy to access. If the electronic device includes device 13 for receiving infrared remote control signals and is used with audiovisual appliances, then it needs to be placed in such a manner as to be able to receive these signals, e.g. on the TV set. The connector block may comprise a male plug 6 and a plurality of female outlets, with a ground connection 10 or without a ground connection 9 depending on the applications concerned, and with or without one or more continuous power connectors 7 connected in parallel to the main connection 6 for powering appliances that need to be powered unconditionally. Depending on whether the measurement relates to the overall consumption of said functional group or only to the consumption of said main appliance, the cable connecting the main housing 14 to the connector block 15 will have respectively three conductors or four conductors.
The embodiment of FIG. 5 corresponds to the analog embodiment of the device of the invention. A signal representative of the current and thus of the power passing through the load(s) concerned is extracted from the terminals of the shunt resistor 5. This resistor may be inserted in a power circuit, e.g. of the kind shown in FIG. 1 or of the kind shown in FIG. 2. This resistor advantageously has a resistance that is as small as possible, e.g. 0.10 ohms (Ω) to 0.47Ω, so as to be capable of dissipating little heat even with load powers that might exceed 500 watts (W), while nevertheless being capable of being constituted by a resistor of a model that is relatively compact and inexpensive, e.g. a resistor having nominal power lying in the range 3 W to 7 W. The half-wave that is not used by the following asymmetrical electronics is advantageously removed from the symmetrical AC signal taken from the terminals of the shunt resistor a diode 26 connected the appropriate way round. The signal is advantageously presented to a first resistor-capacitor (RC) network 25 acting both as a low-pass filter and an integrator. This network contributes to attenuating the instantaneous current peaks that certain chopper power supplies produce in certain controlled appliances connected to the device. The filtered signal is then amplified in a manner that is selectively greater for its low frequency components, typically those that are less than or equal to the frequency of the electricity network. This is done by at least one capacitor 27 in the feedback circuit of one or more operational amplifiers possibly connected in cascade in order to obtain the total gain needed to ensure that the device of the invention operates properly. A sensitivity setting 28 with at least two positions can advantageously be added in the amplifier system so as to be able to cover the entire range of needs corresponding to all sizes of TV set and also to the characteristics of computers from laptop models up to the largest configurations. The signal is then applied to an RC network 30 via a diode and a resistor 31 to deliver a constant voltage that is substantially representative of the mean power consumed by the load. The charging resistor 31 connected in series, and the discharging resistor connected in parallel with the capacitor are dimensioned so as to obtain a compromise that is relatively insensitive to transient phenomena such as surges on switching on, so as to obtain a reaction time that is appropriate during all stages of operation of the device, and so that its sensitivity corresponds to the powers of the controlled appliances to be connected. The DC voltage that is substantially representative of the mean power consumed by the connected load(s) is presented to a comparator in charge of decision making that either keeps the load switched on or switches it off by making comparison with a predetermined threshold, e.g. in the form of a reference voltage 37 applied to the inverting input of the comparator. Hysteresis is advantageously added, e.g. by placing a positive feedback resistor 36 between the outlet from the comparator and its non-inverting input, in order to eliminate any risk of instability. The output from the comparator controls the state of the power relay via an appropriate interface 23, e.g. constituted by an NPN transistor, its base resistor, and a protective diode. The principle of operation is as follows: at rest the contacts of the relay are open and the functional group of controlled appliances is disconnected from the electricity network. A user seeking to make use of equipment connected to the device of the invention causes it to be switched on by devices that may be direct or indirect. For example, depending on the devices implemented in the device, this can be done by pressing on a pushbutton that is local to the device or that is remote therefrom, by emitting a signal by a radio or infrared remote control devices that may be specific to the invention or shared with some other appliance, by emitting a characteristic sound signal, or by any other devices having the effect of applying a voltage greater than the threshold for deciding to maintain the on state of the device, and that lasts for a substantially predetermined length of time. This transient action causes the contacts of the relay to close and consequently powers said group of controlled appliances during a length of time that is substantially determined by the RC network 30. During this time lapse, the user must confirm that the appliances are to be switched on, where appropriate by causing said appliance to go from the standby state to the working state by using the devices provided for this purpose for that appliance. If there is no confirmation of the on state observed by the device of the invention within the time provided by the consumed power going over the off decision threshold, the relay contacts open and the appliances of the functional group are disconnected from the electricity network. At any moment, even after observing conditions for maintaining an on state, the device of the invention switches off the power supply to all of the appliances of the functional group if the power consumed by the main appliance goes below the off decision threshold. This may happen equally well by said main appliance being switched off completely or by it being put on standby by the appropriate circuitry, where applicable. The optional subassembly 29 is arranged to receive the signals emitted by the remote controls usually provided with audiovisual appliances. A standard integrated detector 33, e.g. a model comprising a demodulator for signals at a carrier frequency of 38 kilohertz (kHz), and having an output that is active in the low state, serves to load the series RC network 30 with pulse trains at the power supply voltage of the comparator via a PNP transistor. The connection between the output from the detector 33 and the base of the transistor takes place via a series RC network 34 having a value that is a compromise that serves to enable the influence of interfering signals generated by light sources, for example, to be reduced, while nevertheless making the device functional, if possible, with all remote control standards on the market. The PNP transistor intrinsically acts as a diode enabling the RC network 30 to charge to the highest voltage amongst the available sources. Any other switch-on circuitry must deliver a sufficient voltage to the RC network 30 via the PNP transistor or a diode 32 having its anode directed towards the voltage source and together with a resistor connected in series with the voltage source, where appropriate. Resistors having appropriate resistances are advantageously connected in series with the voltage sources for charging the RC network 30 so as to cause the reaction times to vary in appropriate manner depending on the source. Thus, pressing the on button 35 will have an effect that is immediate because its charging resistance is zero, while the remote control signal receiver will require a key press for a duration of about 10 s, for example, in order to eliminate any risk of a false start, and the measurement circuit offers a time constant that reduces the influence of transient phenomena. In addition, the resistance of the charging resistor 31 connected to the output of the measurement circuit is associated with the decision thresholds in that it forms a voltage divider bridge with the resistor for discharging the RC network 30 before comparison. Naturally, it would not go beyond the ambit of the invention if amplifier and/or filter stages were to be added, if components were to be added for improving operating stability and immunity to interference, if bipolar transistors to be replaced by MOS transistors or by any other devices having equivalent functions, if both half-waves of the measurement signal were to be used, if the electronics were to be powered with symmetrical voltages, if the hysteresis of the comparator were obtained by modifying the threshold voltage as a function of the output state instead of modifying the input voltage.
The low voltage power supply 20 for the device advantageously makes use of one or more capacitors 18 as elements serving to drop the voltage of the electricity network. In addition to advantages of cost and compactness compared with a conventional solution using a low power voltage-dropping transformer, the phase shift imparted by the capacitor eliminates practically all active consumption by the device, thus making its operation free for the user since electricity meters do not measure reactive energy. This characteristic can also be considered as an advantage for the supplier of electricity in that the capacitors connected to the network contribute to compensating for losses due to inductive loads, which are in the majority. The capacitor power supply includes a resistor 17 connected in series with the capacitor to limit current peaks to values that can be withstood by the semiconductors performing voltage regulation functions during the working half-cycles, and the flow of current during the non-used half-cycles, as is done for example by the zener diode 19. Such current peaks can appear during transients and in the presence on the electricity network of interference signals of high energy with having high values for dV/dt. A discharge resistor is advantageously connected in parallel with the capacitor 18 to eliminate any risk of electricity being discharged into the fingers of a user touching the contacts of the power supply immediately after unplugging the device. The volume and the cost of the capacitor 18 is directly linked with the magnitude of the current to be delivered. In order to minimize these factors, it is advantageous to power the power relay at a first voltage 21 that is relatively high, e.g. 24 V or 48 V, in order to minimize the current that needs to be delivered to the relay for a given power of coil. A second voltage regulation stage provides a second voltage 22 matching the requirements of the electronics that enables the device to function. Other capacitive power supply topologies could be used without going beyond the ambit of the invention.
The embodiment of FIG. 6 corresponds to a digital embodiment of the device of the invention. This embodiment is more preferred in that the behavior of the device can be controlled better than it can by implementing by analog solutions, and additional functions can be added at a marginal cost that is small or zero. Most of the hardware resources are identical to those of FIG. 5, and in particular the power supply circuits 6, 16, 20 the switching circuits 4, 23, 24, and the measurement input circuits 5, 25, 26. The basic functions of the device of the invention are implemented in this example by a microcontroller 39 having on-board resources that are adapted to requirements and in which an appropriate program is implemented. It is preferable to use a microcontroller 39 having low electricity consumption and a wide range of power supply voltages 45, and that includes: an analog-to-digital converter 41 with its reference voltage source and presenting resolution of at least 10 bits, having its inputs protected; a clock source 40 for saving in terms of cost and size; a logic and arithmetic calculation unit 44; a scratch pad random access memory 43; a read-only memory or flash memory 42 containing the program specific to the device of the invention; one or more hardware timers 47; input/output resources 46 for interfacing, if necessary, with external control devices 35, 29 or action devices 23, and where appropriate, a non-volatile memory for storing operating parameters e.g. flash or ferom type of memory having self writing capability. Of course, it can also be a memory of the EEPROM type. The “ATtiny25” from “Atmel” (registered trademark) can be used for example, but other models from the same supplier and its competitors can also be suitable. The use of a microcontroller is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the cost of adding additional functions. When adding control devices for switching on, such as device 29 for receiving infrared signals, it is possible to make a direct connection with a standard detector 33, given that the interference filtering and signal processing can be performed by software. Similarly, when adding sound signal control devices, the hardware interface between the microphone and the microcontroller can be kept to a minimum, with the signal processing and recognition work being implemented using digital techniques. Furthermore, the device of the invention can be made ergonomic by adding indicator lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or by adding buttons for making it easier to adjust operating parameters in procedures that can associate presses on the buttons with flashes of the lights.
The embodiment of FIG. 7 corresponds to the embodiment 53 of the device that makes use both of devices 49, 52 for locking the connectors 50 for connection to the controlled appliances, and also of devices for programming time periods during which switching on is authorized and others during which it is not authorized. This embodiment is more particularly intended for controlling the use of audiovisual and computer appliances by teenagers in a family or institutional context. Mechanical mans 48 mounted to pivot about an axis, and capable of being unlocked, e.g. by a key 49 and devices 52, give access to the female connectors 50 so as to enable any male connector 51 to be freely connected thereto.
The embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponds to the embodiment 53 of the preceding figure with the devices 48, 52, 56 for blocking access to the female connectors 50 being shown in the locked position, preventing any of the male connectors 51 from being removed. When locked, the device is arranged to prevent any setting that might enable the controlled appliances to be switched on, e.g. by the on control 11, other than during those time periods where switching-on is authorized. Setting the clock and programming periods during which switching-on is authorized or not authorized can be performed by any device, e.g. using buttons 54 and a display 55. Naturally, the device is arranged to make it impossible to modify the time periods whenever it is in the locked position.
The embodiment of FIG. 9 corresponds to a power strip embodiment that includes the connectors 50 and that also includes display devices 55 and setting device 54 together with internal devices enabling sophisticated functions to be made available. These functions can be measuring or evaluating the energy consumption of the loads connected and/or evaluating the savings achieved by implementing the invention, or indeed any setting of the operating parameters of the device. The on control(s) 11 may advantageously be positioned remotely at 12.
The embodiment of FIG. 10 corresponds to the compact embodiment. The device presents the same characteristics and the same operating potential as in FIG. 9. The electronics, the control devices 11, 54, and the display devices 55 are united in a housing 14 that is different from the housing 15 containing the connectors 6, 50.
The embodiment of FIG. 11 corresponds to the device of the invention associated with a lighting function that is adapted to managing a functional group of audiovisual appliances. In this example, although the core of the device of the invention presents a universal nature relating to the type of controlled appliances that can be connected, it is associated with an additional function that is dedicated to a specific kind of use. That does not go outside the ambit of the invention. The lamp 57 contains the electronics of the device in its base and the connectors are positioned remotely in the form of a block 15. The lamp is preferably arranged to provide indirect lighting complying with ergonomic requirements, and if possible using a low-consumption source for the sake of being compatible with the object of the invention. The on control device 11, advantageously associated with a remote control signal receiver 13 are arranged to facilitate use. Naturally, it is possible to opt for a power strip embodiment to be used in this functional association without going beyond the ambit of the invention.
The embodiment of FIG. 12 corresponds to the device of the invention associated with a lighting function adapted to managing a functional group of computer appliances. The lamp 57 that is most suitable under such circumstances is of the desk lamp type. The on control button 11 is advantageously integrated in the base of the lamp. A switch connected in series with the power supply for the light source or indeed a lighting level detector associated with appropriate switch part(s) can be added to save respectively manually or automatically on the energy that would be used for lighting when no lighting is necessary. Naturally, it is possible to opt for the compact embodiment in this functional association with going beyond the ambit of the invention.
The embodiment of FIG. 13 corresponds to the device of the invention associated with an appearance function in which the technical device 14 of the invention is housed in a case of arbitrary shape 58. The shape of pleasing appearance is arranged to give access to the on control device 11 or to transmit the action of a user thereto. The external shape may include a function that is auxiliary to the invention, for example a piggy bank, a clock, a thermometer, a pencil box, a photo frame, a “post-it” support, etc. Where necessary, a communication function 59 can be added in order to display a trademark and/or a message. Such a message could be for example “I save energy!”, “I protect the planet!”. . . . Naturally, it is possible to opt for the power strip embodiment with this functional association without thereby going beyond the ambit of the invention. Under such circumstances, it is the remote control devices, referenced 12 in the figures, that is housed by the case chosen for its appearance, for its auxiliary function, and/or as a communication medium.
The embodiment of FIG. 14 corresponds to the device of the invention associated with an appearance function that changes, e.g. in order to make it fun to play with. The technical devices such as the on control 11 or any display lights and/or sensors 60 are advantageously integrated in characteristic elements of the shape, such as, for example, the ears, or the eyes when the case represents an animal.
The embodiment of FIG. 15 corresponds to the device of the invention in an embodiment that includes devices for controlling associated remote auxiliary extensions. The figure shows two devices of the invention with two extensions that are used in a single network for sharing computer resources. The network comprises a first computer 61 connected to the device 65, a second computer 70 connected to the device 72, a remote printer 66 connected to the extension 67, and a remote modem-router 73 connected to the extension 74. The computer appliances are capable of operating together by networking devices external to the invention, e.g. by WiFi, by a wired local area network, by carrier currents, etc.
Each device 65, 72 and each extension 67, 74 of the invention include devices enabling a network code to be assigned thereto. Each device 65, 72 includes communications devices, operating at least in transmission, e.g. a radio transmitter in the ISM band, enabling it to transmit control messages to one or more associated extensions 67, 74. Each extension includes communications devices, operating at least in reception, arranged to receive control messages transmitted by the devices of the invention, and to take account only of messages that relate to the same network code.
In addition, the devices may advantageously include radio receiver and decoder devices suitable for receiving on commands coming from wireless remote control devices 12 as shown for the device 65. The wireless remote control devices include a button 11, a radio transmitter, and appropriate encoding devices. The association uniting each remote control devices with the device of the invention that is allocated thereto can advantageously be set up by pushbuttons 60, 63 using a button-pressing procedure in a given time interval both on the remote control and on the device of the invention to be associated therewith so that the device records the unique code of the associated transmitter. Any other devices for allocating an identical code for the transmitter and the associated receiver can be suitable, such as, for example: code wheels, or multiple switches. The optional remote control device 12 may also be connected to the device by devices of a cable as shown for the device 72.
Said extensions which, a priori, do not include measurement devices, are arranged to switch the connected appliances on so long as at least a main device possessing the same network code is in the on state, and to switch the connected appliances off when all of the main devices having the same network code are off. A simple way of obtaining the expected operation is to arrange the devices of the invention so that they send repeatedly and without interruption a control message that is encoded as a function of the selected network code, but only when said devices are in a state in which said local functional group is powered. The extensions receiving control messages corresponding to the same network code as their own, deliver power to the controlled appliances connected thereto and reinitialize an internal time-out. If no message is received corresponding to the same network code within a substantially determined time period, then the internal time-out comes to an end and causes the controlled appliances connected thereto to be switched off. The duration of the time-out is selected so as to have practically zero probability of not receiving at least one valid control message from at least one device in the on state on the same network. In practice, a time-out of about 10 min can be suitable. The probability of proper operation can be considerably improved by reducing the risk of collisions between messages by repeating message transmissions at instants that are substantially random or at a frequency capable of varying over time or from one item to another, e.g. by incorporating a variable element in the frequency generator, such as a thermistor, or by making the frequency depend on a voltage that is not accurately regulated.
In addition to their ability to control remote extensions 67, 74, the devices 65, 72 provide locally the basic functions of the invention. Thus, when the user switches on the central unit 61 by pressing the button 11 and then starting the computer using the devices provided for that purpose, the appliances 62 forming the local functional group are powered. These appliances 62 were switched off together with the central unit last time the central unit was on standby or switched off. The same applies to the appliances connected to the device 74 of the invention.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples described above and numerous alterations can be applied to those examples without going beyond the ambit of the invention, in particular concerning the numbers, the types, and the positions of the connectors, the way in which controls are enabled to be remote, and/or the way in which they set up links of association, and transmit and/or encode information within a network of devices of the invention.
Patent Application
20070297112
