EP0852045B1 - Combination of a device for the controlled cashless supply of electric power, gas, water or the like with a handheld-transmitter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a combination of a device for controlled cashless delivery of electrical energy, gas, Water or similar media, using a handheld transmitter.

Such devices are used in particular for distribution electrical energy to end users, such as this. B. in the DE-U-295 01 116 is described. Electrical energy or flowable medium such as gas, water is supplied by the utility company (Electricity supply company) or network operator (e.g. Stadtwerke) usually through a certified (sealed) Electricity meter or general measuring unit to the end user sold. In the case of customers with low payments or in the presence of special circumstances (e.g. in a laundromat, Dorm, etc., where devices are shared by several, not closer recorded consumers are operated) is the use of a so-called prepayment device provided, in which the customer first paid and only then according to the paid Amount of energy can decrease. So far, this prepayment was mostly by installing a coin counter at the customer.

However, the main disadvantage of using coin counters is the risk of breaking open, as there is cash in the device. moreover emptying the cash cassette requires significant personnel costs, and if the selling price changes, costs for the need to change the tariff on each individual meter, as also described in DE-U-94 14 345.

Furthermore, such counter dispensers are also available with a Chip or magnetic card reader equipped as an additional device, which is mounted on the terminal block of the meter and the energy output after reading and checking the on the Unlocks data stored in the data carrier. The energy delivery ends when the prepaid amount is used up or the Power supply is interrupted. The amount of energy delivered is measured by the meter and to calculate the respective Remaining credit used in the additional device. The respective tariff is stored in the data carrier (e.g. magnetic card) and is stored on the Read in the data with transfer.

Although with this known add-on device for chip cards, that too can have a key form, already an essential one Simplification of the advance payment procedure is also possible here is the risk of forgery or manipulation of the magnetic card or chip card. It is also disadvantageous that the customer has the card shop and stock beforehand to have a continuous Ensure supply. The same applies to the Operator side (EVU, Stadtwerke), which is a relatively expensive chipoder Magnetic card programming station and must purchase one Have a supply of data media ready.

GB-A-2.042.777 discloses an apparatus for controlled cashless delivery of electrical energy, the device being a measuring mechanism, an input device, a circuit breaker for controlling the energy output, a control and Evaluation circuit for controlling the line switch in accordance with the Input device entered data and a display module for displaying relevant data from the control and evaluation circuit, the Input device Means for the input of codings in the form of multiple digits Has strings.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device create that eliminates the problems mentioned and increases Tamper protection with simplified operation and low Enables costs.

This object is achieved by the specified in claim 1 Characteristics.

It is provided that by the transfer of Encodings in the form of multi-character strings, especially of Pay an energy output proportional to power and their Billing is controlled. Programming the dispenser is done simply by entering a key number or String (including letters, special characters and the like) the input device, in particular a keyboard, the z. B. 10-digit key number a paid amount of money represents and thus a certain electricity or gas tax results. This code in the form of a secret number is the User after payment of a certain amount of money to the RU or Stadtwerk notified by this, z. B. by post Sending a letter with the special, each different coding (key number) or by phone or by handing out a receipt with the corresponding coding, e.g. a 10-digit string of digits. This multi-digit, coded key number results in a very high security against tampering, especially since this String from the network operator with relatively simple hardware equipment is calculated in a changing manner, namely after a certain system known only to the network operator, which the customer cannot see through. For example the first or last digit of this key number Coding of the released amount of money can be used whereby as a system or test criterion for the verification of the Coding software is determined that z. B. the number at the third digit is the difference or arithmetical sum from fifth and eighth place.

In this coding as a character string according to a predetermined The parameterization data for the dispensing device, namely kWh price for high or low tariff times, Credit line, activation, impulse adjustment to the respective Meter type, basic fees and other setting data included his. Of particular advantage with this is systematic Encoding that this string also has an interface can be entered via radio or infrared transmitter. moreover the network operator does not need a programming station and none Chip card stock more, but can be systematic String on the already existing computer system with calculate appropriate software and at the same time in the Integrate accounting system.

Preferred embodiments result from the dependent ones Claims.

Fig. 1

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Vorrichtung nach einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel in der Seitenansicht mit aufgesetztem Gehäuse;

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht auf die Frontseite der Vorrichtung; und

Fig. 3

ein Blockschaltbild der Vorrichtung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in connection with the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross-sectional view of a device according to a preferred embodiment in side view with attached housing;

Fig. 2

a front view of the front of the device; and

Fig. 3

a block diagram of the device.

In Fig. 1 is a device with a housing 1 and measuring unit 2 housed therein and a circuit breaker 7, a control and evaluation circuit 5, a data input device 4 and a display module 3. The the following description refers to an electricity dispenser, however, the device is also controlled on Delivery of gas, water, district heating and similar media applicable. The housing 1 borders on a network connection area 6, wherein in a gas network, of course, by appropriate Connection valves and pipes would be formed. The individual phases of the network are calibrated by the network connection area 6 Electricity meter 2 (e.g. a three-phase meter with Pulse output; with gas a gas meter) and over the Circuit breaker 7 led to the network output (see. Fig. 3). is the circuit breaker 7 (preferably a contactor; with gas on corresponding switching valve) can be switched on at the mains output electrical energy taken from the Electricity meter 2 is measured. One at the network connection area 6 branched, not shown Power supply supplies the electronics of the control and Evaluation circuit 5 with the necessary operating voltage. The switching position of the circuit breaker 7 is from the preferably equipped with a microprocessor control and Evaluation circuit 5 controlled according to the data that by means of Input device 4 by entering a coded character or Sequence of numbers on the keyboard 4a have been read. This Sequence of numbers or letters for control and also for Operator guidance on the display module 3 by a z. B. 16 digits Number is shown represents an encrypted Encoding or string representing next to the one to be released Amount of money, e.g. B. DM 20 or DM 50, also other parameters, such as Kilowatt hour price, personal overdraft, etc., may contain.

It is essential that the customer with his network operator, EVU or Stadtwerk against payment (cash in advance or Transfer) a string, especially the key number with receives certain encoded data, for example on a Receipt 20 (see FIG. 3) or by telephone, after the RU has checked the receipt of payment. The Key number is in the prepayment device, preferably via the Keyboard 4a, typed in, and after a plausibility check the number is transferred to the control and evaluation circuit 5. Here is z. B. the third digit of the key number for a certain amount of money, here the number 8 z. B. for DM 100 Credit or credit.

After checking the string for that of the operator Systematics that are also used in the control and evaluation circuit 5 for example, is stored by an EEPROM, is after this verification step the circuit breaker 7 (contactor or switching valve) which controls the electrical energy unlocks. The credit will depend on each valid tariff, the z. B. at the seventh position Key number is coded and extracted from the, using the Electricity plant 2 reduced electrical energy. If the credit balance is zero, the circuit breaker interrupts 7 the energy supply. It can also be (e.g. on weekends) granted credit (e.g. in the ninth position of the Key number) can be activated, with each number being different Overdraft amount represents that of a later credit is immediately withdrawn.

If delivery takes place according to time, the time, e.g. B. every ten Seconds in the control and evaluation circuit 5 Integrated clock in parts debited. Since here the actual consumption does not enter the control system in this case on a connection between tax and Evaluation circuit 5 and electricity measuring unit 2 (e.g. an SO interface) to be dispensed with.

Using the keyboard 4a and the entered key number or -coding can also be parameterized (e.g. respective kWh tariff reprogrammed). Of special The advantage is that the utility company can transfer the prepayment device via remote data transmission can lock or unlock. This is a Interface 10 with a receiver 14 (see FIG. 2) on the The front of the housing 1 is provided, also with how through the keyboard 4a, data as an encrypted string can be entered. This can be done optically, by radio or infrared. Especially with radio transmission Depending on the type of so-called city call or call reception, the Key number / coding directly from the RU immediately after payment the user-specific prepayment device can be transmitted without that the user has to type in the coding himself.

This interface 10 can not only be used with the receiver 14 but also be designed bidirectionally as a transmitter, so that the RU can read data from the pre-payment device. This again preferably takes place wirelessly via radio or mobile phone, however, the interface 10 can also be optical or Plug contact (RS 232 serial interface) for authorized maintenance personnel to read out data on To enable usage time, usage time and the like. The Access authorization can again be entered by entering a Secret number on the keyboard 4a. It can also in Periodic reprogramming of the in the EEPROM Control and evaluation circuit 5 stored verification software take place, although this is centrally described by the Network operator from via the interface 10 with receiver 14 per Remote data transmission of a special string takes place.

The housing 1 in Fig. 1 continues to enclose a common Base plate 9, on which all subassemblies of the dispenser Interposition of a mounting plate 8 are attached. As in 2, are the display module 3 and that equipped with a counter display Electricity measuring device 2 by means of two embedded in the housing 1 Window 11 or 12 to recognize, so that the entered numbers or String as well as the kWh consumption by the user can be controlled. The device can be certified can be set up in two different ways: the electricity meter 2 a certified by itself AC or three-phase meter so that when you open the Housing 1 does not expire the certification of the device. To the others, the entire device can be authenticated as a unit and be sealed.

3 is a block diagram of the innovation Device in the version for controlled power delivery shown. The customer receives a practical version when paying a receipt 20, one from the computer the system operator's systematically calculated string, here contains a ten-digit key number. This key number the customer gives on the input device 4, here the keyboard 4a so that this key number is only available from the test software of Control and evaluation circuit 5 can be decrypted to the corresponding, prepaid amount of money at least partially unlock. To facilitate the entry of the Coding (key number) can be done by the network operator Receipt of payment also sent to a handheld device 13 (see FIG. 2) be owned by the customer, e.g. B. a city call or Scall receiver. This anyway for receiving characters or Handheld device 13 designed for number sequences then only needs to be in Near the interface 10 held with a suitable receiver 14 the key number to the control and evaluation circuit 5 to be transmitted (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Overall, the invention results in a prepayment device simple construction and simple operation as well as high security against incorrect operation and manipulation. It should be noted that the input device 4, in particular keyboard 4a, with Control and evaluation circuit 5 and display module 3 and with Receiver 14 of the interface 10 also as a separate device from the electrical measuring and switching components 2 and 7 separately in can be accommodated in a separate housing. So can for example the input device 4 with the interface 10 be arranged in one apartment of a tenement house and in the manner of a door intercom with the control and Evaluation circuit 5 for controlling the central Circuit breaker 7 be coupled. 3 would thus be a separation in the lower third of the border shown there possible. The data transfer of the key numbers or - Coding can also be done via optical fibers or modulated signals on mains cables. Likewise can the coding can be formed by a bar code on the Document 20 is printed and then as a barcode reader Input device 4 or interface 10 of the evaluation circuit 5 for decoding and corresponding current release of z. B. ten kilowatt hours is supplied.

This version is particularly suitable for retrofitting of existing meter dispensers to which the new ones Device can then be coupled, for. B. as a piggyback or Anflanschgerät. The display module 3 can be a simple one LED display or preferably a multi-line LCD display Be prompted.

Claims (7)

1. A combination of a device for the controlled cashless supply of electrical power, gas, water or like media, and comprising a handheld-transmitter (13) for transmitting data into this device,
   wherein said device comprises a meter mechanism (2), an input device (4), a power switch (7) for controlling the power/media supply, a control and evaluation circuit (5) for controlling the power switch (7) in accordance with the data entered in the input device (4), and a display module (3) for displaying relevant data from the control and evaluation circuit (5),
   wherein the input device (4) is designed as a receiver to the control and evaluation circuit (5) and includes means for the reception of codings in the form of multi-place sequences of symbols,
   wherein the receiver additionally includes means for reception of the codings via radio, telephone, infrared or ultrasound and the receiver (14) is controlled for transfer of the coding, especially a code number sequence, from a handheld-transmitter.
2. A combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical/electronic components (2, 3, 4, 5, 7) are disposed on a common base plate (9) and enclosed in a common housing (1).
3. A combination according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sequence of symbols is a multi-place code number which can be verified in the control and evaluation circuit (5).
4. A combination according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control and evaluation circuit (5) has at least one stored check criterion for checking the coding entered at the input device (4).
5. A combination according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the meter mechanism (2) is a calibrated alternating current or three-phase electricity meter.
6. A combination according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiver (14) is controlled directly by the grid operator.
7. A combination according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the input device (4) comprises a transmitter for bidirectional data exchange.

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