EP2769271A1

EP2769271A1 - Electric power system for electric devices

Info

Publication number: EP2769271A1
Application number: EP12772967.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric SGARRONI
Original assignee: GREENPRIZ
Current assignee: GREENPRIZ
Priority date: 2011-10-18
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2014-08-27
Also published as: BR112014009182A2; US20140239721A1; FR2981517B1; CA2852838A1; FR2981517A1; WO2013057154A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric power system (100) for electric devices (301, 302, 303) comprising at least a master electric socket, called the primary socket (110A), connectible to both a source of electric power (400) and at least one electric device (301). The system is characterised in that the primary master socket (110A) comprises: means for connection (110i) to a user terminal (200) or to a portable data storage device configured to receive a plurality of digital calendars; means for storing data (110f) capable of storing said plurality of digital calendars; transmission means (111) configured to transmit at least one digital calendar to at least one electric socket (110B). The primary master socket additionally comprises means for control (110h) associated with a processor (110g) and configured to authorise or interrupt the power source to the electric device (301) connectible to the primary master socket (110A) according to a digital calendar stored in the data storage means (110f).

Description

"Electrical supply system for electrical appliances"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a power supply system.

More particularly, the invention is applicable to environments in which a plurality of electrical appliances are supplied with electricity by a power supply network and in which it is desired to control the electric supply time slots of these electrical appliances.

STATE OF THE ART

In constant growth, electricity consumption in France is mainly due to housing and the tertiary sector. Studies have shown that about 66% of the total amount of electrical energy consumed each year comes from homes, 27% from industry when only 2.7% is consumed by the steel industry, 1, 6% by industry. agriculture and 2.9% by urban and rail transport.

Much of the electricity consumption in homes and work environments comes from electrical appliances such as Examples include computers, air conditioning, computer peripherals such as printers and scanners, beverage or candy dispensers, dynamic display screens, and other video and audio devices. These devices are often left in a standby state (also known as stand-by English) but are still connected to electrical outlets. Even in the standby state, the power consumption remains sensitive. In general, for example, a stand-by LED TV can consume from 0.5 to 4W.

Often, electrical appliances are placed between or on furniture that covers electrical outlets. It is therefore difficult to disconnect the power plug when you want to physically interrupt the power supply to the device.

There are solutions in which electrical switches are connected to the main switch of each home. These electrical switches are installed at the time of the creation of the electrical network of the house and allow to physically disable the power supply of a subgroup of electrical appliances. Thus, in a professional environment, for example, the lighting system and computer equipment of the employee workstations can be deactivated in order to reduce the electricity consumption of the screens, without turning off the servers. In points of sale or storage of perishable goods, one can for example turn off the lighting system and computer equipment while leaving the refrigerant equipment connected. In a home environment, for example, you can turn off the connected devices in the living room by leaving the kitchen appliances connected to reduce the electricity consumption of the living room TV without turning off the kitchen refrigerator.

There are solutions in which multi-socket units allow the activation or deactivation of several devices, when manually pressing a key on the power strip.

The power strips and known switches always have the disadvantage of not allowing to automatically manage the times when the electrical devices must be activated. This must be done by hand, whenever the device is to be activated or deactivated.

US2004 / 0051393 teaches a plurality of options (activation for the whole day, always on, always off, adding or subtracting one hour) for managing and programming the activation of a plurality of electronic devices. Document US201 1/0062780 teaches the presence of a slave socket in an electric power distribution unit.

While the known solutions allow to individually manage each of the outlets, the fact remains that it would be advantageous to propose a solution for deploying, managing and simply expanding at a limited cost a set of electrical outlets, each of these outlets may cut off or allow the power supply of an electrical appliance associated therewith.

The present invention aims to provide a solution for achieving at least one of the above objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the present invention is a power supply system for electrical appliances comprising at least one master electrical socket, called primary master socket, capable of being connected between an electric power supply and at least one electrical appliance. The primary master socket includes means for connecting to a user terminal and / or removable data storage means configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars. It also includes data storage means, typically a memory, capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars. In addition, it comprises transmission means configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to another electrical outlet. The primary master socket further comprises control means associated with a processor and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical device that can be connected to the primary master socket according to a computerized calendar stored in the means data storage.

Thus, the present invention makes it possible to transmit computerized calendars between several takes. A single schedule can be dedicated to each outlet and therefore potentially to each electrical device. The invention avoids having to connect each of the jacks with a user terminal for programming the activation and deactivation ranges. A network of outlets can thus be deployed easily, quickly and at a considerably limited cost. In addition, the extension of an existing network is particularly easy, since it is sufficient that additional outlets, controlling newly installed electrical appliances, can receive from a primary master outlet a schedule for these newly installed electrical appliances. The invention thus makes it possible to simplify the integration, within a network of existing outlets, new electrical appliances each controlled by a plug.

Optionally, the system according to the invention may have at least one of the following optional features: said other electrical socket is an extension socket, called a secondary master socket, capable of being connected between a power supply source and at least one electrical apparatus, the extension socket or secondary master socket comprising receiving means configured to receive at least one computerized calendar sent by a primary master socket, data storage means capable of storing the electronic data in a computerized calendar received and control means associated with a processor and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical apparatus connected to the secondary master socket according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means of this secondary master jack .

in the present description, a socket is considered to be a socket that can transmit to a slave socket a command for activating or deactivating the electrical power supply of the electrical device associated with the slave socket. The master jack designation gathers the primary and secondary master sockets. The difference between these two types of plug is the presence of connection means to a user terminal and / or a removable data storage means. Thus, the secondary master jacks provide a relay function of the computerized calendars. They thus make it possible to extend an existing socket network without having to provide multiple connections and other additional wiring between plugs to be added and a primary master socket. Thus, the network can easily be extended while the means of communication between the outlets have relatively short ranges.

the data storage means of the primary master socket contain a first calendar for this primary master socket and at least a second calendar for a secondary master socket.

the system comprises at least one slave socket connectable between a power source and an electrical apparatus, the slave socket comprising receiving means configured to receive a primary master socket or a secondary master socket, an activation or power supply interruption command of the electrical apparatus associated with this slave socket. the master socket is a primary master socket.

the master socket is a secondary master socket, the secondary master socket comprising means for transmitting said command to the slave socket. Thus the slave socket does not need to understand data storage means. The master socket in charge of this slave socket reads the calendar of the latter and sends it an activation or interruption command when this calendar indicates that the electrical apparatus associated with the slave socket must be connected or disconnected from the power supply. power supply.

Advantageously, each socket, master or slave is associated with a separate electrical device.

Advantageously, the outlets are distant from each other.

Typically, the user terminal is a terminal comprising a user interface for selecting or partially defining at least one computerized calendar. The user terminal may be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, PDA, a mobile phone, a graphics tablet, or any dedicated device.

At least one socket includes a power consumption measurement module configured to read the power consumption of the device connected to said socket. Preferably each socket comprises such a survey module. We can thus benefit from a precise history of the consumption for each electrical device.

The slave socket is configured to transmit to at least one primary master socket the power consumption data recorded by the read module of this slave socket.

- The secondary master socket is configured to transmit to at least one primary master socket power consumption data recorded by the read module of the secondary master socket.

The primary master socket is configured to transmit the power consumption data to a user terminal to which this primary master socket is connected continuously or punctually.

At least one socket comprises means for forcing the electrical activation, these forcing means being operable by a user. Preferably, the forcing means comprise a button configured to inhibit the control which is a function of the computerized calendar. Advantageously, the user of the electrical apparatus can thus bypass the deactivation of the electrical appliance by the calendar associated with this electrical appliance. Preferably, the intake admits a forced-on configuration when the key is pressed regardless of the calendar.

at least one tap is configurable by a user according to several modes of extension of activation. Typically, when the planned power outage time approaches, the user may decide to extend the duration of activation for a period of time from among a predetermined number of durations or for a duration that is entered.

At least one socket includes signaling means configured to signal imminent power failure. Typically, before the time provided by the calendar of the suppression of the power supply, a visual or audible signal is emitted. The user is alerted that the power supply will be interrupted shortly. He can either finish his activity before the scheduled time of interruption, or engage the means of forcing.

Each socket includes receiving and transmitting means configured to transmit and receive data to / from remote master sockets. Typically, these other jacks are primary master jacks and / or secondary master jacks.

At least one master socket includes a time reference stage configured to maintain synchronization of the date and time of this master socket with the date and time of the user terminal. Preferably, each master socket comprises the time reference stage. A primary master socket adjusts its time data with the user terminal. Advantageously, it reflects this time frame to the secondary master sockets.

Synchronization is performed on a reference clock external to the socket.

The means for connecting at least one primary master socket comprises a connection port for connection with said user terminal. Alternatively or in combination, the means for connecting at least one primary master socket comprises a connection port for connection to a removable data storage means for receiving said plurality of computerized calendars. Typically, the communication port is a USB type port (universal serial bus) and the removable data storage means is a USB key.

At least one socket comprises means for limiting the electric current delivered to the electrical apparatus. According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a power supply system for electrical appliances comprising at least one master electrical socket, called primary master socket comprising means of connection to a user terminal and / or a means removable data storage device configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars. It also includes data storage means, typically a memory, capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars. In addition, it comprises transmission means configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to another electrical outlet.

All of the optional features mentioned above may be combined with the embodiment of the preceding paragraph.

In a preferred but optional manner, the master socket may be connected between an electrical power source and at least one electrical appliance. The primary master socket further comprises control means associated with a processor and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical device that can be connected to the primary master socket according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means.

Another object of the present invention is a modular power supply system for electrical apparatus comprising at least one extension master socket, also referred to as a secondary master socket. This secondary master socket is likely to be connected between a power source and at least an electrical device. It comprises: receiving means configured to receive at least one computerized calendar, for example from another electrical outlet; data storage means capable of storing the at least one computerized calendar; control means associated with a processor and configured to allow or interrupt power to the electrical apparatus to which the secondary master socket is connectable according to at least one computerized calendar stored in the data storage means . Thus, this secondary master socket or extension master socket does not need to be reachable by the user terminal. To extend the network, from an existing primary master socket, a secondary master socket can easily be added to control additional electrical devices. Optionally, the system according to the invention may have at least one of the following optional features: the secondary master socket is configured to store at least one computerized calendar relating to a slave socket and to send to this slave socket a command activation or interruption of electrical power supply of an electrical device that can be connected to this slave socket according to the computerized calendar relating to this slave socket.

the system comprises at least one slave socket that can be connected between a power source and an electrical apparatus, the slave socket comprising receiving means configured to receive an activation or interruption command from the secondary master socket power supply.

the system comprises a transmission module comprising: connection means to a user terminal and / or a removable data storage means, said connection means being configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars; transmission means configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to the secondary master socket.

the secondary master jack and the transmission module are distant. according to an advantageous alternative, the transmission module is a so-called primary master socket, capable of being connected between a power supply source and at least one electrical appliance, the primary master socket comprising: data storage means capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars received from the user terminal and / or the removable data storage means; transmission means configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to the secondary master socket; control means associated with a processor and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical apparatus to which the primary master socket is connected according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means.

- To allow or interrupt power to the electrical appliance, the secondary master jack only receives computerized calendars from the primary master socket. It does not receive an activation / deactivation command to execute when it receives its reception. According to another aspect, the invention relates to a modular power supply system for electrical appliances, comprising at least one socket electrical master, called primary master socket, capable of being connected between a power supply and at least one electrical device, characterized in that the master socket comprises means of connection to a user terminal and / or a means of removable data storage device configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars, data storage means capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars, transmission means configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to another electrical socket capable of storing this at less a computerized calendar and adapted to be connected between a power source and at least one electrical device, at least one of the primary master and the other socket comprising control means associated with a processor and configured for authorize or interrupt the power supply of the electrical appliance, to which it is st connected according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means. The invention also relates to a method of managing a plurality of sockets forming part of a power supply system for electrical appliances, each socket being electrically connected between a power supply source and at least one electrical appliance, the characterized in that it comprises transmitting at least one computerized calendar from a primary master socket belonging to the plurality of sockets to another one of the plurality of sockets.

Optionally, the method according to the invention may have at least one of the following optional steps and characteristics: the at least one computerized calendar is transmitted from a primary master socket to a secondary master jack belonging to the plurality of taken and wherein the at least one computerized calendar is stored in data storage means of the secondary master socket.

advantageously, said other plug and the primary master plug are distant.

according to an alternative embodiment, the at least one computerized calendar is related to the secondary master socket and wherein the secondary master socket activates or deactivates the power supply of the electrical apparatus to which it is connected according to said computerized calendar.

according to another variant embodiment, the at least one computerized calendar relates to a slave socket and in which the secondary master socket sends to the slave socket an activation or interruption of power supply command according to said computerized calendar.

the primary master socket transmits an enable or disable command to a slave socket of the power supply system.

- The slave socket, upon receipt of said command, activates the power supply of the electrical device if the command is an activation command or disables the electrical supply of the electrical device if the command is a deactivation command.

the method comprises a step of storing a plurality of computerized calendars in the storage means of the primary master socket and comprises, before the storage step, a step of transmitting the computerized calendars from a user terminal connected to the master socket primary.

the method comprises a step of reporting electrical consumption data from the electrical appliances to the primary master socket. the power consumption data are transmitted from the primary master socket to a user terminal connected to said primary master socket and / or to a removable data storage means temporarily connected to said primary master socket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The objects, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a modular power supply system for electrical apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematization of the commands that can be exchanged between two jacks forming part of the system according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a master socket designated primary master socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a master socket referred to as a secondary master socket, or extension socket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a socket designated slave socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a sequence of steps for adding calendars or updating calendars and / or network parameters from a removable data storage means such as a USB key.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a sequence of steps for recovering consumption data on a removable data storage means such as a USB key that is connected to a primary master socket.

The accompanying drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a modular power supply system 100 for electrical appliances 301 -303.

Electrical appliances are for example placed in a building, such as a dwelling, in which there is an electrical network 400 comprising a plurality of electrical son 401. Typically in a domestic environment, these wires are two in number and the electric current is alternating and two-phase. The system according to the present invention can also be used in an industrial environment with a three-phase current at 380V, for example. The electrical wires 401 are connected to a general switch 402, which makes it possible to deactivate the power supply of the network 400 when a user requires it.

A plurality of wall outlets 403 are connected to the electrical wires 401 to allow connection of a plurality of electrical appliances 301 -303 such as household appliances, audio and video equipment, computer equipment, air conditioning equipment, etc.

Advantageously, the system according to the present invention comprises at least one primary master socket 1 10A, installed between an electrical appliance 301 and a wall socket 403. In detail, the primary master socket 1 10A comprises a plug that can be connected to the socket wall 403, and a plug may be connected to the power supply of the electrical apparatus 301 via a power cord for example.

The primary master socket 1 10A also comprises an input, capable of being connected to a user terminal 200 which, according to FIG. 1, is represented in the form of a computer, but which can also be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a graphic tablet or a dedicated box. More generally, the user terminal comprises a user interface, means for entering, programming or selecting data and means for transmitting this data. Alternatively or in combination with a communication port with a user terminal, the primary master socket 1 10A may comprise a communication port with a removable data storage means, typically a removable memory. Removable data storage means is an equipment that a user can physically connect to the master socket. A typical example of removable data storage means is a USB key (Serial Universal Bus).

In FIG. 1, the removable data storage means and the terminal are represented under the references 201 and 200 respectively. The transmission and reception of data between the primary master socket 1 10A and the user terminal 200 or the removable data storage means 201 is represented with the hatched arrow A. In the remainder of the description, for the sake of brevity and clarity Reference will mainly be made to the embodiment in which the computerized calendars are transmitted from the user terminal 200. Nevertheless, all the features mentioned for this embodiment are also applicable to the embodiment in which the computerized calendars are transmitted from the removable data storage means 201.

The primary master socket 1 10A includes a memory capable of storing data and in particular storing a plurality of computerized activation and deactivation calendars transmitted by the user terminal 200.

Each computerized calendar can include a time division, not only for a whole day, but also for every minute of the day over a plurality of years. These computerized calendars define ranges of activation / deactivation of electrical devices in relation to the power supply.

Thus, for each time sub-division of the calendar, the calendar comprises an activation command (for example a bit 1) or a deactivation command (for example a 0 bit) from the power supply to the electrical device. Thus, at a certain time, the primary master socket 1 10A, on its computerized calendar, finds a command 1, it activates the power supply of the connected electrical apparatus; on the other hand, when the control changes from 1 to 0, it disables the power supply of the connected electrical device.

The primary master socket 1 10A may store in its memory several activation schedules for a plurality of taps as described below.

Preferably, the primary master socket 1 10A can also store in the memory

1 10 the consumption of the electrical appliance 301 connected. Advantageously, the system 100 also comprises secondary master jacks 1 10B also referred to as the extension master jack. These secondary master jacks 1 10B differ from the primary master jacks 1 10A in that they have less means of connection to the user terminal 200. Each sub master jacks 1 1 0B nevertheless comprises receiving means 1 1 0e configured to receive at least one computerized calendar sent by the primary master socket 1 10A.

As for the primary master socket 1 10A, the extension master terminal 1 10B is also installed between an electrical apparatus 302 and a wall socket 403 and includes a plug connectable to the wall socket 403, and a plug capable of to be connected to the plug of the power cord of the electrical apparatus 302. Thus, the system 100 comprises several master jacks 1 10, at least one of the master jacks being a primary master jack 1 10A and at least one another of these jacks 1 being a 10 10 master secondary jack. In the rest of the description, the reference 1 10 is used to designate both a primary master 1 10A and a secondary master 1B.

Thus, each primary master socket 1 10A is directly connected to the user terminal 200 in a continuous or punctual manner. Furthermore, it includes in addition to the memory already discussed, a 1 10e transceiver for retransmitting digital data and, in particular, computerized calendars for activation / deactivation of electrical devices.

The transmission and reception of data between the master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B is indicated with the hatched arrows T.

The system according to the present invention also comprises one or more slave jacks 120, which are different from the master jacks 1 10 especially in that they do not have memory for storing computerized calendars. They are configured to receive activation and deactivation commands from the electrical devices 303 connected to them. These commands are sent to them by the master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B. The slave jacks 120 can also transmit consumption data to a master socket 1 10A, 1 10B. As for the master jacks 110, the slave jacks 120 also include a transceiver stage for generally receiving the digital data and, in particular, the activation schedules and optionally for transmitting power consumption data.

The data exchanges between the primary master jacks 1 1A, secondary master 1 10B and slave 120 can advantageously be done according to any of the known communication technologies, preferably wireless, Bluetooth, ZigBee, IEEE 802.15.4-2006, Wireless USB, UWB etc or a proprietary protocol or by means of a wired network, for example CPL (Online Carrier Current, whose principle consists in superimposing on the alternating electric current a signal with higher frequency and low energy). These technologies have the advantage of offering a good modularity of the system 100 without having cables laid in the house for the transmission and reception of the calendars between the master sockets 1 10.

Figure 2 summarizes the types of commands that can be exchanged between the different outlets. In more detail, between two master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B, one can exchange computerized activation calendars whose transmission is indicated with a double arrow 600.

Furthermore, between two jacks 1 10A, 1 10B, it is possible to exchange power consumption data 601. These power consumption data exchanged between a secondary master jack 1 10B and a primary master jack 1 10A are related to the consumption of the electrical apparatus is associated with this secondary master jack 1 10B; is associated with another secondary master socket 1 10B able to exchange (sufficiently close for example) with the secondary master jack; is associated with a slave socket 120. The transmission is at the same level of hierarchy can therefore happen to any one of the primary master sockets 1 10A.

Between a master socket 1 10A, 1 10B and a slave socket 120, one can have two types of messages. The first typology consists of the activation or deactivation commands of the slave socket 120, which are sent by a master socket 1 10A, 1 10B at the moment when the calendar that the latter stores in its memory identifies, for the slave socket in question, an activation or deactivation command. Thus, the sending of the activation or deactivation commands from a master socket 1 10 to a slave socket 120 corresponds to the times when there is a change of state of the computerized calendar dedicated to the slave socket 120. The command messages activation or deactivation of the slave socket 120 can therefore be known as status change messages 602 of a slave socket 1 10. A slave socket 120 can not send this type of message, but only receive it. For this reason, in FIG. 2, the arrow has only one direction towards the slave socket 120

The second typology consists of power consumption data 603, which are transmitted from the slave socket 120 to a master socket 1 10A, 1 10B; power consumption data can not be transmitted to the slave jacks, because they remain at a lower (or subordinate) hierarchical level than the master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show in greater detail the respective structures of each primary master jack 1 10A, secondary master jack 1 10B and slave 120.

The primary master 10A and secondary 10B master sockets include:

- A supply stage 1 10a, which is connected to the electrical network 400 via the wall socket 403.

- A power circuit 1 10b, comprising an input electrically connected to the supply stage 1 10a and which acts to activate the power supply when an activation signal is sent on its control input 1 10b.

- A power consumption measurement module 1 10c which comprises an input electrically connected to the power circuit 1 10b and an output 1 10d carrying digital data representing an electrical consumption (for example, Watts / h) which passes through the circuit of power

1 10b). Preferably, this module also performs an analysis of these statements.

A reception-transmission stage 1 10e which comprises a radio communication module (or radiofrequency communication) to which at least one antenna is electrically connected;

In a preferred but optional manner, the master socket 1 10 also includes a transmission timer module designed to determine when to send the consumption data to the master socket 1 10.

- Data storage means 1 10f forming a storage stage, non-volatile type, in which are saved the activation schedules.

Since the storage stage is non-volatile, in the event of a power failure, the data will remain stored in the socket and will therefore be effective as soon as the power supply on the grid is restored.

- An electronic data processing unit, or processor 1 10g, designed to perform all the processes that are necessary for the operation of the master socket 1 10.

A control unit 1 10h comprising a plurality of ports to which the processor 1 10g is electrically connected, the data storage means 1 10f, the reception-transmission stage 1 10e, the power consumption measurement module 1 10c and the power circuit 1 10b. When the calendar associated with the master socket 1 10 in question arrives on a change of state from the activated position to the deactivated position or vice versa, the control unit 1 1 Oh transmits an activation command to the input control 1 10b of the power circuit 1 10b.

The primary master socket 1 10A, as explained above, also has the possibility of being connected to a user terminal 200 such as a computer. Thus, the primary master socket 1 10A differs from the secondary master jack 1 10B extension in that it also has a communication stage 700 to a computer network.

As shown in FIG. 3, the communication stage 700 of the primary master socket 1 10A comprises a data reception stage 1 10i, electrically connected to the processor 1 10g. It also comprises a control stage, equipped for example with a USB port 1 10j, connected to the processor 1 10g and allowing the exchange of data to the user terminal 200. It also includes a switch circuit 1 10k which allows the exchange data to the computer 200 via Ethernet ports 1 10m, 1 1 On.

In detail, the USB socket 1 10j can receive for example a USB key containing the different calendars of the jacks 1 10A, 1 10B, 120 of the system 100. Each jack is in this case programmed individually.

The Ethernet ports 1 10m, 1 1 are used to connect the primary master socket 1 10A with a user terminal 200, with the aim of being able to receive the information and configuration data of the operating hours of the plugs or activation calendars. . The ports are preferably two to allow, when using the socket with a device using the Ethernet network (for example, a printer), to connect this device to the network through a first port and to keep an available port to connect the primary master socket 1 10A with a user terminal for controlling and monitoring electrical devices. The Ethernet ports of the socket allow to receive and transmit data in Mbit / s, thanks to an Ethernet controller for example 10/100 base T.

The timer module further allows each master socket 1 10 to maintain the date and time. Whenever the primary master socket 1 10A is connected to a user terminal 200, a synchronization will be made to avoid clock drifts. This synchronization can then be retransmitted to the secondary master jacks 1 10B

Typically, it is a Network Time Protocol (NTP), protocol that synchronizes, via a computer network, the local clock (in this case the decision) on a reference of time (in this case the computer 200) or an external reference. For example, if the user terminal 200 is connected to the Internet, the external reference may consist of an NTP server that is typically directly connected to a reference clock.

Finally, the master socket 1 10, whether primary or secondary comprises an activation key 1 10p and a signaling means indicating the state of the socket. The signaling means is for example a LED 1 10g located on a front face of the socket, especially the face that remains visible once the plug is connected to the wall socket 403. The LED 1 10g can indicate whether the socket is switched on or off or to indicate a warning range before its extinction to allow the user to prolong the use of the socket by pressing the activation key 1 10p and also to indicate a possible malfunction.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a slave socket 120 according to the present invention.

The slave socket 120 comprises:

a supply stage 120a, which is connected to the electrical network 400 and in particular to the wall socket 403.

A power circuit 120b, comprising an input electrically connected to the power stage 120a and which acts to energize the power supply when an enable signal is sent to its control input 120b '.

An electrical consumption measurement module 120c which comprises an input electrically connected to the power circuit 120b and an output 120d carrying digital data representing power consumption (for example, in Watts / hr passing through the power circuit 120b).

A receiving-transmission stage 120e which comprises a radio communication module (or radiofrequency communication), to which is electrically connected at least one antenna for the transmission of data to master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B.

A control unit 120h, comprising a plurality of ports to which are electrically connected the receiving-transmission stage 120e, the power consumption measurement module 120c and the power circuit 120b. On the ports of the control unit 120h, the control data is exchanged between the units and the stages of the slave socket

120. As for the master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B, the slave jack 120 includes an activation key 1 10p, and a LED 1 10q or other means of signaling indicating the state of the outlet. Here again, the LED is used to indicate whether the socket is on or off, to indicate a warning range before switching off the socket to give the user the possibility of prolonging the use of the socket by pressing on the activation key 1 10p and also indicate a possible fault.

The slave socket 120 is therefore different from the master jacks 1 10A, 1 10B in that it has no memory, processor or communication stage 700 to a computer network. It is therefore considerably simplified and less expensive than a master socket 1 10A, 1 10B. It can therefore be deployed in large numbers.

Preferably, the system according to the present invention is designed to allow a single primary master socket 1 10A to transmit data to a system management software 100 stored in the memory of the user terminal 200.

The system management software 1 00 makes it possible to configure the transmission schedule of the consumption data of each socket. For this reason, each take at a set time which will involve a transmission of daily consumption data. Preferably, but not exclusively, this transmission will be done at off-peak times.

The transmission of the daily consumption data is subject to a query by the software which, via the primary master socket 1 10A connected to the user terminal 200, transmits commands for sending daily consumption data in turn to each take. In detail, each command for sending the daily consumption data transmitted by the above-mentioned primary master socket 1 10A is received at the reception / transmission stage 1 10th, 120th via the antennas which is electrically connected to the wireless communication model.

According to one embodiment, in the event of a power failure, the data not downloaded to the software will be lost.

The calendar configuration software makes it possible to manage all the calendars of a site and preferably the calendars of each of primary master sockets 1 10A, secondary 1 10B and slave 120 of a site. The term "site" refers to the housing of an individual, the premises of a business or, for example, an educational institution. Each master socket 1 10 or slave 120 is associated with a computerized calendar for the electrical device to which it is connected, this calendar defining the operating ranges of this device. In return, a status is displayed in the software. The user chooses the calendars to be stored in each of the jacks.

When a large number of outlets are installed per site or per dwelling, it becomes necessary to be able to configure the outlets of the system 100 in groups. The configuration software thus makes it possible to define groups of outlets according to a sorting by geographical location or by type of connected electrical apparatus 302 or, in the case where the system 100 is installed in an enterprise, by sector of work (for example, sales, production, distribution, research and development).

In summary, each socket of the system, either primary master 1 10A, or secondary master 1 10B or slave 120, can operate according to the following modalities:

a controlled operation according to the programmed schedule

a forced engagement operation, when a user forces the activation of the electric utility by pressing the activation key

1 10p, 120p

a prolonged operation of use, where at the moment when the LED indicates the imminent stop of the taking, a pressing on the key of activation 1 10p, 120p can delay the deactivation of the catch and thus the cut of the electrical current towards the electrical appliance to which it is connected.

In addition, with respect to the data uploads of sockets 1 10A, 1 10B, 120 from system 100 to the software:

the primary master socket 1 10A which is connected to the user terminal 200 returns the status of activation and deactivation of the outlets to the software; each extension master socket 10B returns the activation and deactivation statuses itself as well as the slave jacks 120 which it controls to the primary master jack 10A which is connected to the user terminal 200;

each extension master socket 10B returns the power consumption d on ns itself and the slave jacks 120 it controls to the primary master socket 1 10A which is connected to the user terminal 200.

the slave jacks 120 return only the consumption data to a primary master jack 10A directly via a secondary jack 120. Thus, in addition to collecting consumption data, the user terminal 200 makes it easy to check the status of the plugs and consequently if the devices are in their proper operating state. A user can easily detect that a device is not powered while it should or is powered when it should not be.

In practice, the invention proposes the following steps. A user defines through a user terminal operating ranges for each socket connecting an electrical device to a power supply. It defines a computerized activation calendar for each outlet. The primary master socket receives these calendars by one of its ports connected to the terminal or bluetooth for example. She stores them in her memory. It sends the computerized calendars of the secondary master sockets as well as the computerized calendars of the slave sockets to the secondary master sockets which save them. Each secondary master socket thus saves the schedule associated with the electrical appliance to which it is connected as well as the slave slave calendars that control this secondary master socket. The secondary master jacks send to the slave jacks the on / off commands at the times indicated on the calendars of these slave jacks. According to an advantageous embodiment, the secondary master jacks collect the consumption data of the slave jacks and send back to the primary master jack the consumption data of the slave jacks as well as their own consumption data. If new jacks are installed on the network, just set new calendars via the user terminal and these new jacks, sub master or slave will be automatically controlled by their computerized calendars.

Thus, the invention proposes a simple solution for installing and extending a network of outlets. For example, in points of sale or storage of perishable goods, one can for example turn off the lighting system and computer equipment while leaving the refrigerant equipment connected. All operating ranges can be centrally defined. In these environments, it may be possible to re-energize disconnected devices overnight shortly before the arrival of employees to accelerate the start of the day.

Finally, it should be noted that advantageously each power circuit 1 10b, 120b can be limited in terms of current supplied. For example we can have a limitation to 16 A, to prevent a short circuit that could damage the socket.

According to a more general variant embodiment, the secondary master jack 1 10B receives the computerized calendars of a transmission module. The latter can be a primary master socket 1 10A but it can also be a module not allowing to block or allow the power supply of an electrical device. The function of this module can thus be reduced to the reception of computerized calendars from a user terminal 200, to the transmission of these calendars to the extension jacks 1 10B. Optionally, this module can control slave sockets. As an option, this method can emanate, receive, retransmit and possibly analyze power consumption data.

Alternative embodiments, already mentioned above, will now be described in more detail. These variants can be combined with the embodiments described above in which the primary master socket 1 10A communicates with a user terminal 200.

According to these variants, the primary master socket 1 10A comprises at least one communication port with a removable data storage means such as a USB key, the USB key being a non-limiting example.

Thus, the slave master socket 1 10A can receive computerized calendars or network parameters from the removable data storage means after inserting the latter into the dedicated port.

Furthermore, the primary master socket 1 10A can transfer by means of removable data storage consumption data from the primary master socket 1 10A and preferably also secondary master jacks and slave jacks.

In a particularly advantageous manner, this embodiment makes it possible to dispense with the need to have a user terminal within reach of the primary master socket 1 10A or to have a server within reach of the primary master socket 1 10A for a connection with a user terminal 200. In a very beneficial manner also, one can thus have a first person dedicated to the network configuration and / or the definition of calendars and a second person, on site and having a data storage means removable, which is responsible for transferring these changes to the network.

Referring to Figure 6, the updating of calendars or network data will now be detailed.

In step 601, a user modifies in a dedicated software program, here designated 'MyGreenPriz', at least one network parameter and / or at least one calendar. In step 602, the file 603 containing these changes is exported to a removable data storage means 201 such as a USB key. It can be noted at this point that the creator of the update may be remote from the USB key. Indeed, the file 603 can be created from a terminal before being sent, for example by email, to another terminal or another user who will then export this file 603 to the USB key.

In step 604, the removable data storage means 201 is then connected to the primary master socket 1 10A. In the case of a USB key, it is inserted into the USB Host connector.

Step 605, optional, consists in activating a button present on the primary master socket 1 10A in order to trigger the taking into account of the files 603 of modifications by the primary master socket 1 10A. An alternative would be to provide that the insertion of the key into the primary master socket 1 10A is enough to trigger the taking into account of the 603 files by the primary master socket 1 10A.

Step 606 illustrates the processing, by the primary master socket 1 1 0A, of the modifications and instructions included in the file 603. Thus, the data stored in the key update all or part of the network and / or the new calendars are taken into account. These calendars can then be propagated from the primary master socket 1 10A to the other jacks of the network as detailed previously.

Referring to Figure 7, the recovery of the network consumption data will now be detailed.

In step 701, the removable data storage means 201 is connected to the primary master socket 1 10A.

Step 702, optional, is to activate a button present on the primary master socket 1 10A to trigger the recovery of consumption data and their transfer to the removable data storage means 201. An alternative would be to provide that the insertion of the key into the primary master socket 1 10A is sufficient to trigger the recovery of consumption data and their transfer to the removable data storage means 201.

Step 703 illustrates the transfer of the consumption data from the primary master socket 1 1 0A to the removable data storage means 201. It is understood that these consumption data come from a plurality and preferably from all the outlets of the network which depend on the primary master socket 1 10A. This data will have been collected beforehand by the latter, or their collection will have been triggered by the insertion of the removable data storage means 201 or the solicitation of the button in step 702. The removable data storage means 201 is then removed from the primary master socket 1 10A and can be inserted into a user terminal as illustrated in step 704.

Step 708 illustrates the processing of consumption data from or from a user terminal.

These two embodiments illustrate the advantages in terms of simplification of equipment and freedom of use that provides a primary master socket 1 1 0A with a communication port with a removable data storage means 201.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments but extends to any embodiment in accordance with its spirit

Claims

1. Electrical supply system (100) for electrical appliances (301, 302, 303) comprising at least one master electrical socket, called primary master socket (1 10A), connectable between a power supply (400) and at least one electrical apparatus (301), characterized in that the primary master socket (1 10A) comprises connection means (1 10i) to a user terminal (200) and / or to a removable data storage means ( 201) configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars, data storage means (1 1 Of) capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars, transmission means (1 1 1) configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to a computerized calendar, another electrical socket (1 10B), the primary master socket further comprising control means (1 10 h) associated with a processor (1 10g) and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the device el electrical (301) connectable to the primary master socket (1 10A) according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means (1 10f).

2. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said other electrical outlet is a master socket, called secondary master socket (1 10B), connectable between a power source (400) and at least one electrical apparatus (302), the secondary master jack (1 10B) comprising receiving means (1 10e) configured to receive at least one computerized calendar sent by a primary master jack (1 10A), storage means of data (1 1 Of) able to store the at least one computerized calendar received and control means (1 1 Oh) associated with a processor (1 10g) and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical device (301) connected to the secondary master socket (1 10B) according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means (1 1 Of) of this secondary master socket (1 10B).

3. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the data storage means (1 12) of the primary master socket (1 10A) contain a first calendar for this primary master socket (1 10A) and the minus a second schedule for a secondary master jack (1 10B).

A power supply system (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims, comprising at least one slave socket (120) connectable between a power source (400) and an electrical apparatus (303). ), the slave socket (120) comprising receiving means (120e) configured to receive from a primary master socket (1 10A) or a secondary master socket (1 10B), an activation or interruption command power supply (400) of the electrical apparatus.

5. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the master socket is a primary master socket (1 10A).

6. Power supply system (100) according to claim 4 wherein the master socket is a secondary master socket (1 1 0B), the secondary master socket (1 10B) comprising transmission means (1 10e) of said command to the slave socket.

A power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one tap (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) comprises a power consumption measurement module (1 10c, 120c) configured to raise the power consumption of the apparatus (301, 303) connected to said socket.

The power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the slave socket (120) is configured to transmit to at least one primary master socket (1). 10A) of the power consumption data recorded by the read module of this slave socket (120c).

The power supply system (100) according to any of the two preceding claims taken in combination with claim 2 wherein the secondary master jack (110B) is configured to transmit to at least one primary master jack (1). 10A) of the power consumption data recorded by the read module of this secondary master socket (1 10B).

The power supply system (100) according to any of the three preceding claims wherein the primary master socket (1 10A) is configured for transmitting the power consumption data to a user terminal (200).

1 1. An electrical power system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said primary master plug connection means (1 10A) comprises at least one communication port with a removable data storage means (201) and wherein the primary master socket (1 10A) is configured to transmit the power consumption data to a removable data storage means.

Typically, the communication port is a USB type port (universal serial bus) and the removable data storage means is a USB key.

12. Power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one socket (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) comprises means for forcing the electrical activation, these forcing means being operable by a user.

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein at least one tap (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) is configurable by a user according to several modes of activation extension.

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one tap (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) comprises signaling means (1 10q, 120q) configured to signal imminent deactivation. of the power supply.

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each socket (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) comprises receiving and transmitting means (1 10e, 120e) configured to transmit and receive data to / from remote master sockets (1 10A, 1 10B).

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one master socket (1 10A, 1 10B) comprises a time reference stage configured to maintain a synchronizing the date and time of this master socket (1 10A, 1 10B) with the user terminal (200).

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection means (1 10i) of at least one primary master socket (1 10A) comprises a connection port (1 10 j, 1 10m, 1 1 On) for connection with a user terminal (200) to receive said plurality of computerized calendars.

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection means (1 10i) of at least one primary master socket (1 10A) comprises a connection port (1 10j, 1 10m, 1 10n) for connection to a removable data storage means (201) for receiving said plurality of computerized calendars.

19. Modular power supply system (100) for electrical appliances (301, 302, 303) comprising at least one master socket designated as secondary master (1 1 B), connectable between a power supply ( 400) and at least one electrical apparatus (302), characterized in that the secondary master socket (1 10B) comprises: reception means (1 10e) configured to receive at least one computerized calendar; data storage means (1 10f) capable of storing the at least one computerized calendar; control means (1 1 Oh) associated with a processor (1 10g) and configured to allow or interrupt the power supply of the electrical apparatus (302) to which the secondary master jack (1 10B) is connectable to function of at least one computerized calendar stored in the data storage means (1 1 Of).

20. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the secondary master socket (1 10B) is configured to store at least one computerized calendar relating to a slave socket (120) and to send to this slave socket ( 120) an activation or interruption control of electrical power supply (400) of electrical apparatus (303) that can be connected to this slave socket (120) according to the computerized calendar relating to this slave socket (120) .

21. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one slave socket (120) connectable between a power source (400) and an electrical apparatus (303), comprising receiving means (120e) configured to receive from the secondary master jack (1 10B) an activation or power interruption command (400).

The power supply system (100) according to any one of the three preceding claims comprising a transmission module (1 10A) comprising: connection means (1 10i) to a user terminal (200) and / or a removable data storage means (201), said connection means (1 10i) being configured to receive a plurality of computerized calendars; transmission means (1 1 1) configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to the secondary master socket (1 10B).

23. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the secondary master jack (1 10B) and the transmission module (1 10A) are distant.

24. Power supply system (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the transmission module (1 10A) is a so-called primary master socket

(1 10A), connectable between a power source (400) and at least one electrical apparatus (301), the primary master socket (1 10) comprising: data storage means (1 1 Of ) capable of storing the plurality of computerized calendars received from the user terminal (200) or the removable data storage means (201); transmission means (1 1 1) configured to transmit at least one computerized calendar to the secondary master socket (1 10B); control means (1 1 0h) associated with a processor (1 10g) and configured to allow or interrupt power to the electrical apparatus (301) to which the primary master jack (1 10A) is connected according to a computerized calendar stored in the data storage means (1 10f).

A method of managing a plurality of outlets (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) forming part of an electrical power supply system (100) for electrical appliances (301, 302, 303) each outlet being electrically connected between a power source (400) and at least one electrical apparatus (301, 302, 303), the method being characterized by comprising transmitting at least one computerized calendar from a primary master socket (1 10A) belonging to the plurality of sockets (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) to another socket (1 10) out of the plurality of sockets (1 10B, 120), a calendar defining activation / deactivation ranges of an electrical appliance with respect to the power supply.

The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one computerized calendar is transmitted from a primary master jack (1 10A) to a secondary master jack (1 10B) belonging to the plurality of jacks (1 10A, 1 10B, 120) and wherein the at least one computerized calendar is stored in data storage means of the secondary master socket (1 10B).

27. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one computerized calendar is relative to the secondary master socket (1 10B) and wherein the secondary master socket (1 10B) activates or deactivates the power supply (400) of the electrical apparatus (302) to which it is connected according to said computerized calendar.

28. The method according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one computerized calendar relates to a slave socket (120) and in which the secondary master socket (1 10B) sends to the slave socket (120). an activation or power supply interruption command (400) according to said computerized calendar.

The method of any of the four preceding claims, wherein the primary master jack (110A) transmits an enable or disable command to a slave socket (120) of the power supply system (100).

30. A method according to any one of the two preceding claims, in which the slave socket (120), upon receipt of said command, activates the power supply of the electrical apparatus if the command is an activation command or deactivates the power supply of the electrical apparatus if the command is a deactivation command.

31. A method according to any one of the six preceding claims, comprising a step of storing a plurality of computerized calendars in the storage means of the primary master socket (1 10A) and comprising, prior to the step of storage, a step of transmitting the computerized calendars from a user terminal (200) connected to the primary master socket (1 10A) or from a removable data storage means (201) connected to the primary master socket (1 10A).

32. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein comprising a step of reporting power consumption data of the electrical appliances, (301 -303) to the primary master socket (1 10A).

33. The method according to the preceding claim wherein, the power consumption data are transmitted from the primary master socket (1 10A) to a user terminal (200) connected to said primary master socket (1 10A) or to a means of removable data storage (201) connected to the primary master socket (1 10A).