EP3430690B1 - Device for locking a plug on a switchable power socket - Google Patents

Device for locking a plug on a switchable power socket Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3430690B1
EP3430690B1 EP17706978.8A EP17706978A EP3430690B1 EP 3430690 B1 EP3430690 B1 EP 3430690B1 EP 17706978 A EP17706978 A EP 17706978A EP 3430690 B1 EP3430690 B1 EP 3430690B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wall
plug
socket
unit according
connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17706978.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3430690A1 (en
Inventor
Kay-Uwe CLEMENS
Rafael Kirschner
Philip LAUKART
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BSH Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP3430690A1 publication Critical patent/EP3430690A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3430690B1 publication Critical patent/EP3430690B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6397—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap with means for preventing unauthorised use
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6395—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap for wall or panel outlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
    • H01R13/7038—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling making use of a remote controlled switch, e.g. relais, solid state switch activated by the engagement of the coupling parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/28—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly comprising a switch socket and a device for locking a mains plug of an electrical device to the switch socket.
  • Electrical devices that are supplied with electrical energy from a supply network via a mains plug can be provided in publicly accessible areas for communal use.
  • This document describes an example of a system for providing laundry care machines in apartment buildings and / or in dedicated laundromats.
  • an electrical device can be indirectly coupled to the supply network via a switch socket, the switch socket can be controlled via radio in order to activate the electrical device for use if necessary.
  • a fixed lock can be provided between the power plug of the electrical device and the switch socket.
  • a barb plug connection can be provided for this purpose.
  • Such a barb plug connection is disadvantageous, however, since the connection between the plug and the switch socket can typically no longer be released (e.g. for maintenance purposes).
  • the present document is concerned with the technical task of providing a compact and inexpensive device for locking a power plug on a switch socket, which provides reliable protection against pulling the mains plug and which nevertheless enables the plug connection between plug and switch socket to be released without being destroyed if necessary.
  • a device for protecting a plug connection between a first mains plug of an electrical device (e.g. a household appliance, such as a laundry care machine) and a switch socket.
  • the switch socket comprises a socket for receiving the first mains plug and a second mains plug for coupling the switch socket to an electrical supply network.
  • the first power plug and / or the second power plug can be, for example, type C, type E, type F and / or type E + F plugs.
  • the switch socket can, for example, have a cuboid housing, wherein the socket can be located on a rear side of the housing and the second mains plug can be located on an opposite front side of the housing.
  • the switch socket is typically set up to establish or disconnect an electrically conductive connection between the second mains plug and the socket.
  • the switch socket can be set up to receive a control signal via a (in particular wireless) communication connection, by means of which the establishment or disconnection of the electrically conductive connection can be initiated.
  • the electronics required for this can be located in the housing of the switch socket.
  • the device comprises a wall or a wall which is designed to at least partially enclose the switch socket (in particular the housing of the switch socket) with the inserted first mains plug in an installed state.
  • the wall has a plug-side recess at which the second mains plug at least partially penetrates the wall in the installed state.
  • a recess on the plug side ensures that the wall can rest against the rear of the housing of the switch socket (without a substantial gap).
  • the wall can be designed in such a way that the wall at least partially touches the rear of the switch socket in the installed state. In this way, the freedom of movement of the device along a first axis that runs between the rear and the front of the switch socket can be reduced.
  • the wall is designed in such a way that the wall at least partially covers the first mains plug in the installed state in order to prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out of the socket.
  • the wall can be used for this purpose art be designed that the wall in the installed state has a distance to the front of the switch socket, which is smaller than a length of the first power plug in the direction of a contact pin of the first power plug.
  • the wall of the device can thus at least partially cover the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug inserted therein on the front of the housing of the switch socket. Due to the fact that the wall on the back of the housing of the switch socket does not have any substantial freedom of movement, reliable protection of the plug connection between the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug can be provided. In particular, it is possible in this way to reliably prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out.
  • the switch socket can comprise a (in particular cuboid) housing with a rear side (on which the second mains plug is located), with a front side (on which the socket is located) and (typically four) connecting sides between the front and rear side.
  • a first axis can run between the back and the front.
  • a second and a third axis can run perpendicular to the first axis between two connecting sides arranged parallel to one another.
  • the wall of the device can enclose the front, the rear and at least two connecting sides of the housing of the switch socket. In the installed state, the wall of the device can rest against the rear side and against the at least two connecting sides of the housing of the switch socket (in particular without substantial freedom of movement). Reliable protection of the plug connection between the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug can thus be provided.
  • the plug-side recess can be designed in such a way that the wall completely encloses the second mains plug in the installed state. In this way, it can be ensured in an efficient manner that the device cannot be removed from the housing of the switch socket along the second or third axis.
  • the plug-side recess can be arranged on an edge of the wall and have a U-shape.
  • a U-shaped recess can be advantageous in order to be able to push a device with a circumferential wall, which forms a cavity for receiving the housing of the switch socket, onto the switch socket.
  • the wall can have one or more bores via which a connection between the device and the switch socket can be established, in particular by means of one or more screws or bolts that are fixed through the one or more bores in the housing of the switch socket.
  • a connection between the device and switch socket can prevent the device from being pulled from the switch socket along the second or third axis (in particular when using a U-shaped recess on the plug side).
  • the wall can have a socket-side recess which, in the installed state, is arranged at least partially over part of the first mains plug and the socket.
  • a recess on the socket side enables the device to be used in connection with different forms of the first mains plug.
  • the mains cable can be guided out of the first mains plug along an axis of the contact pins of the first mains plug.
  • the mains cable can be guided out of the first mains plug along an axis perpendicular to the contact pins.
  • the socket-side recess can extend to an edge of the wall. Such a recess can be advantageous in order to be able to push a device with a circumferential wall, which forms a cavity for receiving part of the housing of the switch socket, onto the switch socket.
  • the device can comprise a first part with a front wall and a second part with a rear wall.
  • the rear wall is arranged on the rear and the front wall is arranged on the front of the housing of the switch socket.
  • the first part and the second part can be connected to one another via coupling means, so that the wall of the device is created, which forms a cavity for receiving part of the housing of the switch socket.
  • the coupling means can enable a self-locking and / or form-fitting connection, in particular a tongue and groove connection or a grid connection.
  • the coupling means can enable a type of "cable tie grid" between the first part and the second part.
  • the wall can be a one-piece component that forms a cavity for receiving at least part of the housing of the switch socket.
  • the device can be pushed onto the housing of the switch socket.
  • the wall of the device can, for example, have a wall thickness of 2 mm or less.
  • the wall can be made of a plastic (for example by means of an injection molding process).
  • the unit comprises a switch socket which has a socket into which a first mains plug of an electrical device can be plugged, and which has a second mains plug for coupling the switch socket to an electrical supply network.
  • the first power plug and the second power plug can have the same plug type.
  • the unit comprises a device described in this document which is set up to prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out of the socket.
  • the first mains plug can, for example, be connected in an electrically conductive manner to a laundry care machine (in particular to a washing machine or to a tumble dryer).
  • the switch socket can be set up to separate or form an electrically conductive connection between the laundry care machine and an electrical supply source. Furthermore, the switch socket is set up via a communica tion connection to receive a signal that causes the electrically conductive connection to be formed or separated. The device described in this document can thus reliably and efficiently prevent unauthorized use of the laundry care machine.
  • the switch socket comprises a sensor which is set up to detect whether the wall of the device at least partially encloses the switch socket or not.
  • the sensor can comprise a touch sensor.
  • the sensor signal can be transmitted via the communication link to a control unit of a system for shared use of an electrical device. It can thus be determined in a reliable manner whether the plug connection between the first mains plug and the switch socket is protected or not. In particular, an inadmissible removal of the protective device can be detected and countermeasures can be initiated if necessary.
  • a system for shared use of a wired electrical device (in particular a laundry care machine) is also described.
  • the laundry care machine can in particular comprise a washing machine, a tumble dryer and / or a washer-dryer.
  • the system comprises a control unit which is set up to determine that a user would like to use the electrical appliance (in particular the laundry care machine) in a first period of time.
  • the control unit can include a processor, in particular a server.
  • the control unit is typically physically separate from the laundry care machine.
  • the laundry care machine can be arranged in an apartment building or in a laundromat.
  • the control unit can be arranged outside the apartment building or the laundromat, for example in a server room.
  • a control unit is provided for controlling a large number of different laundry care machines, it being possible for the different laundry care machines to be placed at different locations.
  • the system further comprises at least one of the units described in this document with a switch socket and a device for protecting a plug connection.
  • the switch socket can be set up to separate or form an electrically conductive connection between the electrical device (in particular the laundry care machine) and an electrical supply source (e.g. an electrical supply network).
  • the control unit can be set up to cause the switch socket via a WAN communication connection (i.e. via a wide area network, WAN connection) to form the electrically conductive connection for the first period of time.
  • the system thus enables a user to activate or reserve a laundry care machine for use remotely via a central control unit.
  • the device described in this document ensures reliable protection of the plug connection between the power plug of the electrical appliance (in particular the laundry care machine) and a switch socket. In this way, convenient and reliable shared use of a laundry care machine can be provided.
  • FIG Fig. 1 a system 100 for the use of a laundry care machine by a large number of different users is described, in which a device for locking a plug connection can be used.
  • the illustrated system 100 comprises a central control unit 101 which is set up to communicate via a first communication link (in particular via a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network) communication link) 102 with a communication module 120 for a shared laundry care machine 110. Furthermore, the control unit 101 is set up to communicate with an electronic device 140 (for example with a smartphone or a tablet PC) of a user via a second communication connection (in particular via a wireless WAN communication connection) 103.
  • a first communication link in particular via a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network) communication link
  • a communication module 120 for a shared laundry care machine 110.
  • the control unit 101 is set up to communicate with an electronic device 140 (for example with a smartphone or a tablet PC) of a user via a second communication connection (in particular via a wireless WAN communication connection) 103.
  • the electronic device 140 has an input / output module (for example with a touch-sensitive screen) via which the user can make inputs and view outputs.
  • a software application (a so-called app) can run on the electronic device 140, which enables a user to send a request to the control unit 101 to use the laundry care machine 110.
  • a user can thereby be enabled to reserve a period of time for the use of the laundry care machine 110 via the electronic device 140.
  • the control unit 101 can maintain a digital calendar for the use of the laundry care machine 110, and the user can be enabled to reserve a specific time period in the digital calendar.
  • the control unit 101 is further set up to control the communication module 120 of the laundry care machine 110 as a function of an input from the user.
  • the communication module 120 can be set up to connect an electrical supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 to an electrical supply network 130 (or to a connection line 131 to the supply network 130) or to disconnect the electrical supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 from the electrical supply network 130.
  • the communication module 120 can include a controllable switch 122 (e.g. a relay) which is set up to establish or disconnect the electrically conductive connection between the supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 and the electrical supply network 130.
  • the communication module 120 further comprises a control element 121 (which has, for example, a processor) which is set up to receive a control signal via the first communication connection 102 from the control unit 101 and to close or open the switch 122 as a function of the control signal.
  • the control unit 101 can cause the communication module 120 to close the switch 122 during a period in which the laundry care machine 110 was reserved by a user. The laundry care machine 110 is then connected to the electrical supply network 130 during this period and can thus be used by the user.
  • the control unit 101 can cause the communication module 120 to open the switch 122 during a period in which there is no reservation for the laundry care machine 110. The laundry care machine 110 is then not connected to the electrical supply network 130 during this period and can therefore not be used. In this way, unauthorized use of the laundry care machine 110 can be avoided.
  • Laundry care machines 110 are often set up in basement rooms in which wireless communication is often restricted (in particular communication via a wireless local area network, WLAN).
  • the communication module 120 can therefore be set up to communicate via a global system for mobile communications, GSM, network, in particular via the GSM data services such as GPRS and / or EDGE.
  • GSM global system for mobile communications
  • a communication module 120 can have a suitable antenna 124 for establishing the first communication connection 102.
  • the communication module 120 can further comprise a current sensor 123 (in particular an electricity meter) which is set up to detect an indicator for the amount of electrical energy that was drawn from the supply network 130 by the laundry care machine 110 during a reserved period of time.
  • the amount of electricity consumed can be recorded as an indicator of the amount of electrical energy.
  • the indicator for the amount of electrical energy can be transmitted to the central control unit 101 via the first communication connection 102.
  • the control unit 101 can calculate the use of the laundry care machine 110 for the user as a function of the indicator for the amount of electrical energy. For example, for this purpose an electronic billing of the use (e.g. by means of stored billing data) can be carried out. In this way, the convenience of using a shared laundry care machine 110 can be increased.
  • the laundry care machine 110 typically includes an input / output module 111 via which a user can control the laundry care machine 110.
  • the user can select a suitable operating program and / or activate or deactivate the laundry care machine 110.
  • the laundry care machine 110 further comprises a control element 112 which is set up to operate the laundry care machine 110 as a function of an input from the user.
  • the communication module 120 can be independent of the type or the manufacturer of the laundry care machine 110.
  • the communication module 120 can possibly only be connected to the laundry care machine 110 via the electrical supply line 114.
  • the communication module 120 can be designed as a switch socket and comprise a socket or socket into which a (typically standardized) power plug or mains plug of the electrical supply line 114 (eg a plug of type C (CEE 6/17), a plug of type E (CEE 7/5), a plug of type F (CEE 7/4) or a plug of type E + F (CEE 7/7)) can be inserted.
  • a generic (and thus cost-efficient) communication module 120 can thus be used for different types of laundry care machines 110 are provided. Nevertheless, by recording an indicator for the amount of electrical energy, precise usage-dependent and possibly operating program-dependent billing can take place.
  • Fig. 2 shows an exemplary communication module 120 designed as a switch socket in a side view.
  • the switch socket 120 comprises a socket 210 into which a first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 (in particular a laundry care machine 110) can be plugged.
  • the switch socket 120 comprises a second mains plug 230, which can be plugged into the socket of a supply network 130 (for example, to the in Fig. 1 Establish connection service 131 shown).
  • the socket 210 and / or the second mains plug 230 can, for example, each correspond to one of the above types.
  • Fig. 2 further shows a device 200 with which the first mains plug 211 can be prevented from being pulled out of the socket 210.
  • the device 200 can prevent the switchable socket 120 from being bridged by pulling out the first mains plug 211, for example in order to enable unauthorized use of the electronic device 110 that is connected to the first mains plug 211.
  • the device 200 can thus be used in connection with Fig. 1 system 100 for sharing an electrical device 110 in a reliable manner.
  • Fig. 3 shows a sketch of an exemplary protection device 200, which encloses a switch socket 120 and a first power plug 211 inserted therein.
  • the protective device 200 is designed as a hollow cuboid with a circumferential wall 310, 320, 330 which partially encloses the housing of the switch socket 120.
  • the circumferential wall 310, 320, 303 comprises a rear wall 320, two side walls 333 and a front wall 310.
  • the rear wall 320 is arranged on the side of the switch socket 120 on which the second power plug 230 of the switch socket 120 is located (this side is in this Document also referred to as the back of the switch socket 120).
  • the front wall 310 is arranged on the side of the switch socket 120 on which the socket 210 is located (this side is also referred to in this document as the front of the switch socket 120).
  • the protective device 200 encloses the switch socket 120 in such a way that a user is prevented from pulling the first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 from the socket of the switch socket 120.
  • the front wall 310 of the protective device 200 has a distance 311 from the front of the switch socket 120 which is smaller than the length of the first mains plug 211 (in the direction of the contact pins of the mains plug 211).
  • the protective device 200 comprises fastening means which prevent the protective device 200 from being removed from the switch socket 120.
  • exemplary fastening means are in the Figures 4a and 4b shown.
  • the protective device 200 shown comprises a closed recess 421 on the rear wall 320 for receiving the second mains plug 230 of the switch socket 120.
  • Such a closed recess 421 can prevent the protective device 200 from being removed from the switch socket 120 along the sides of the switch socket 120 is deducted.
  • an inexpensive pull-off protection can be provided.
  • Figure 4b shows the rear wall 320 of a protective device 200 with a (possibly open) recess 422 which is designed, for example, to partially enclose the second mains plug of the switch socket 120.
  • the rear wall 320 comprises one or more bores 423 which can be used to fasten the protective device 200 to the housing of the switch socket 120, for example by means of screws and / or bolts.
  • the bores 423 can be arranged in such a way that the screws and / or bolts used can also serve to close the housing of the switch socket 120. In this way, the protective device 200 can be efficiently fastened to the switch socket 120.
  • the provision of an open recess 422 is advantageous since it enables the protective device 200 to be pushed onto the housing of the switch socket 120.
  • the front wall 310 of the protective device 200 is designed to prevent a mains plug 211 from being pulled out of the socket 210 of the switch socket 120.
  • the front wall 310 of the protective device 200 covers the socket 210 of the switch socket 120 and the first power plug 211 inserted therein at least partially in the installed state.
  • the front wall 310 can have a (possibly open) recess 411 which, when the protective device 200 is installed, is at least partially above the socket 210 of the switch socket 120.
  • the provision of such a recess 411 is advantageous in order to enable the use of different variants or shapes of first mains plugs 211.
  • first mains plugs 211 can be used in which the connecting cable 114 is led out of the mains plug 211 in the longitudinal direction to the contact pins.
  • the use of an open recess 411 on the front side 310 also enables the protective device 200 to be slid on along the sides of the switch socket 120.
  • the protective device 200 can be manufactured as a single part, which forms a cavity for receiving the switch socket 120 and which can be pushed onto the switch socket 120 with an inserted mains plug 211, and can be fixed to the housing of the switch socket 120 (e.g. by means of one or more bores 423).
  • Figure 4d shows a protective device 200 in a side view, the protective device 200 having a first part 431 (with the front wall 310) and a second part 432 (with the rear wall 320).
  • the first part 431 and the second part 432 can each form a section of the side walls 330 of the protective device 200.
  • the respective sections of the side walls 330 can be connected to one another via coupling means 433, so that the protective device 200 encloses the sides of the switch socket 120, and so that the two parts 431, 432 of the protective device 200 only return with a relatively high expenditure of force can be separated from each other.
  • the coupling means 433 can, for example, enable the two parts 431, 432 to be latched.
  • the first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 (for example a laundry care machine 110) can thus be connected to the socket 210 of a switch plug or a switch socket 120.
  • the protective device 200 can be guided over the plugged-together pairing of the first mains plug 211 and the switch socket 120. Via a locking mechanism 433 (comparable with the mechanism of a cable tie) the protective device 200 can be closed and the removal of the protective device 200 prevented.
  • the presence of a protective device 200 can be electrically detected by a sensor attached to the switch socket 120.
  • the switch socket 120 can comprise a sensor which is set up to detect whether the plug connection between the mains plug 211 of the electrical device 110 and the socket 210 is protected by a protective device 200.
  • the protective device 200 can be designed in such a way that the removal of the protective device 200 requires the destruction of the protective device 200. In this way, unnoticed removal and reattachment of the protective device can be prevented. On the other hand, the mains plug 211 and the switch socket 120 remain intact when the protective device 200 is removed, which is advantageous for maintenance, for example.
  • the assembly of the protective device 200 can be carried out in a simple manner (if necessary without tools) (e.g. by sliding it on or by locking it into place). If necessary, the installation and / or the state of the protective device 200 can be checked remotely by using a sensor. For example, an attempt to open the door can also be detected remotely.
  • the protective device 200 described in this document thus represents an efficient and cost-effective option for locking the plug connection between a mains plug 211 and a switch socket 120.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Aggregat umfassend eine Schaltsteckdose und eine Vorrichtung zur Verriegelung eines Netzsteckers eines Elektrogeräts an der Schaltsteckdose.The invention relates to an assembly comprising a switch socket and a device for locking a mains plug of an electrical device to the switch socket.

Elektrische Geräte, die über einen Netzstecker mit elektrischer Energie aus einem Versorgungsnetz versorgt werden, können in öffentlich zugänglichen Bereichen zur gemeinschaftlichen Nutzung bereitgestellt werden. In diesem Dokument wird beispielhaft ein System zur Bereitstellung von Wäschepflegemaschinen in Mehrparteienhäusern und/oder in dedizierten Waschsalons beschrieben. Zur Verwaltung der gemeinschaftlichen Nutzung kann ein elektrisches Gerät indirekt über eine Schaltsteckdose mit dem Versorgungsnetz gekoppelt sein, wobei die Schaltsteckdose über Funk angesteuert werden kann, um das elektrische Gerät bei Bedarf für die Nutzung freizuschalten.Electrical devices that are supplied with electrical energy from a supply network via a mains plug can be provided in publicly accessible areas for communal use. This document describes an example of a system for providing laundry care machines in apartment buildings and / or in dedicated laundromats. To manage the shared use, an electrical device can be indirectly coupled to the supply network via a switch socket, the switch socket can be controlled via radio in order to activate the electrical device for use if necessary.

Um eine widerrechtliche Nutzung eines elektrischen Geräts zuverlässig unterbinden zu können, kann eine feste Verriegelung zwischen dem Netzstecker des elektrischen Geräts und der Schaltsteckdose vorgesehen werden. Beispielsweise kann zu diesem Zweck eine Widerhaken-Steckverbindung vorgesehen werden. Eine solche Widerhaken-Steckverbindung ist jedoch nachteilig, da die Verbindung zwischen Stecker und Schaltsteckdose typischerweise nicht mehr gelöst werden kann (z.B. für Wartungszwecke).In order to be able to reliably prevent illegal use of an electrical device, a fixed lock can be provided between the power plug of the electrical device and the switch socket. For example, a barb plug connection can be provided for this purpose. Such a barb plug connection is disadvantageous, however, since the connection between the plug and the switch socket can typically no longer be released (e.g. for maintenance purposes).

Das vorliegende Dokument befasst sich mit der technischen Aufgabe, eine kompakte und kostengünstige Vorrichtung zur Verriegelung eines Netzsteckers an einer Schaltsteckdose bereitzustellen, die einen zuverlässigen Schutz vor Abziehen des Netzsteckers bereitstellt und die dennoch bei Bedarf ein zerstörungsfreies Lösen der Steckverbindung zwischen Stecker und Schaltsteckdose ermöglicht.The present document is concerned with the technical task of providing a compact and inexpensive device for locking a power plug on a switch socket, which provides reliable protection against pulling the mains plug and which nevertheless enables the plug connection between plug and switch socket to be released without being destroyed if necessary.

Die Aufgabe wird durch den Gegenstand des unabhängigen Patentanspruchs gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sind insbesondere in den abhängigen Patentansprüchen definiert, in nachfolgender Beschreibung beschrieben oder in der beigefügten Zeichnung dargestellt.The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent claims, described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawing.

Es wird eine Vorrichtung zum Schutz einer Steckverbindung zwischen einem ersten Netzstecker eines elektrischen Gerätes (z.B. eines Haushaltsgeräts, etwa einer Wäschepflegemaschine) und einer Schaltsteckdose beschrieben. Die Schaltsteckdose umfasst eine Buchse zur Aufnahme des ersten Netzsteckers und einen zweiten Netzstecker zur Kopplung der Schaltsteckdose mit einem elektrischen Versorgungsnetz. Der erste Netzstecker und/oder der zweite Netzstecker können z.B. Stecker vom Typ C, vom Typ E, vom Typ F und/oder vom Typ E+F sein. Die Schaltsteckdose kann z.B. ein quaderförmiges Gehäuse aufweisen, wobei sich die Buchse auf einer Rückseite des Gehäuses und der zweite Netzstecker auf einer dazu entgegengesetzten Vorderseite des Gehäuses befinden können. Die Schaltsteckdose ist typischerweise eingerichtet, eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen dem zweiten Netzstecker und der Buchse herzustellen bzw. zu trennen. Zu diesem Zweck kann die Schaltsteckdose eingerichtet sein, über eine (insbesondere drahtlose) Kommunikationsverbindung ein Steuersignal zu empfangen, durch das das Herstellen bzw. das Trennen der elektrisch leitenden Verbindung veranlasst werden kann. Die dazu erforderliche Elektronik kann sich im Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose befinden.A device is described for protecting a plug connection between a first mains plug of an electrical device (e.g. a household appliance, such as a laundry care machine) and a switch socket. The switch socket comprises a socket for receiving the first mains plug and a second mains plug for coupling the switch socket to an electrical supply network. The first power plug and / or the second power plug can be, for example, type C, type E, type F and / or type E + F plugs. The switch socket can, for example, have a cuboid housing, wherein the socket can be located on a rear side of the housing and the second mains plug can be located on an opposite front side of the housing. The switch socket is typically set up to establish or disconnect an electrically conductive connection between the second mains plug and the socket. For this purpose, the switch socket can be set up to receive a control signal via a (in particular wireless) communication connection, by means of which the establishment or disconnection of the electrically conductive connection can be initiated. The electronics required for this can be located in the housing of the switch socket.

Die Vorrichtung umfasst eine Wand bzw. eine Wandung, die ausgelegt ist, in einem eingebauten Zustand die Schaltsteckdose (insbesondere das Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose) mit dem eingesteckten ersten Netzstecker zumindest teilweise zu umschließen. Dabei weist die Wand eine Stecker-seitige Aussparung auf, an der im eingebauten Zustand der zweite Netzstecker zumindest teilweise die Wand durchdringt. Durch eine Stecker-seitige Aussparung wird bewirkt, dass die Wand an der Rückseite des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose (ohne einen substantiellen Spalt) anliegen kann. Mit anderen Worten, die Wand kann derart ausgelegt sein, dass die Wand im eingebauten Zustand die Rückseite der Schaltsteckdose zumindest teilweise berührt. So kann der Bewegungsfreiraum der Vorrichtung entlang einer ersten Achse, die zwischen der Rückseite und der Vorderseite der Schaltsteckdose verläuft, reduziert werden.The device comprises a wall or a wall which is designed to at least partially enclose the switch socket (in particular the housing of the switch socket) with the inserted first mains plug in an installed state. The wall has a plug-side recess at which the second mains plug at least partially penetrates the wall in the installed state. A recess on the plug side ensures that the wall can rest against the rear of the housing of the switch socket (without a substantial gap). In other words, the wall can be designed in such a way that the wall at least partially touches the rear of the switch socket in the installed state. In this way, the freedom of movement of the device along a first axis that runs between the rear and the front of the switch socket can be reduced.

Des Weiteren ist die Wand derart ausgelegt, dass die Wand im eingebauten Zustand den ersten Netzstecker zumindest teilweise verdeckt, um ein Abziehen des ersten Netzsteckers aus der Buchse zu verhindern. Insbesondere kann die Wand zu diesem Zweck der art ausgelegt sein, dass die Wand im eingebauten Zustand einen Abstand zu der Vorderseite der Schaltsteckdose aufweist, der kleiner als eine Länge des ersten Netzsteckers in Richtung eines Kontaktstiftes des ersten Netzsteckers ist.Furthermore, the wall is designed in such a way that the wall at least partially covers the first mains plug in the installed state in order to prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out of the socket. In particular, the wall can be used for this purpose art be designed that the wall in the installed state has a distance to the front of the switch socket, which is smaller than a length of the first power plug in the direction of a contact pin of the first power plug.

Die Wand der Vorrichtung kann somit auf der Vorderseite des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose die Buchse der Schaltsteckdose und den darin eingesteckten ersten Netzstecker zumindest teilweise verdecken. Aufgrund der Tatsache, dass die Wand auf der Rückseite des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose keinen substantiellen Bewegungsfreiraum aufweist, kann ein zuverlässiger Schutz der Steckverbindung zwischen der Buchse der Schaltsteckdose und dem ersten Netzstecker bereitgestellt werden. Insbesondere kann so in zuverlässiger Weise ein Abziehen des ersten Netzsteckers verhindert werden.The wall of the device can thus at least partially cover the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug inserted therein on the front of the housing of the switch socket. Due to the fact that the wall on the back of the housing of the switch socket does not have any substantial freedom of movement, reliable protection of the plug connection between the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug can be provided. In particular, it is possible in this way to reliably prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out.

Die Schaltsteckdose kann ein (insbesondere quaderförmiges) Gehäuse mit einer Rückseite (an der sich der zweite Netzstecker befindet), mit einer Vorderseite (an der sich die Buchse befindet) und (typischerweise vier) Verbindungseiten zwischen der Vorder- und Rückseite umfassen. In einem kartesischen Koordinatensystem kann eine erste Achse zwischen der Rückseite und der Vorderseite verlaufen. Eine zweite und eine dritte Achse können senkrecht zu der ersten Achse zwischen jeweils zwei parallel zueinander angeordneten Verbindungsseiten verlaufen. Die Wand der Vorrichtung kann die Vorderseite, die Rückseite und zumindest zwei Verbindungseiten des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose umschließen. Dabei kann die Wand der Vorrichtung im eingebauten Zustand an der Rückseite und an den zumindest zwei Verbindungseiten des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose anliegen (insbesondere ohne substantiellen Bewegungsfreiraum). So kann ein zuverlässiger Schutz der Steckverbindung zwischen der Buchse der Schaltsteckdose und dem ersten Netzstecker bereitgestellt werden.The switch socket can comprise a (in particular cuboid) housing with a rear side (on which the second mains plug is located), with a front side (on which the socket is located) and (typically four) connecting sides between the front and rear side. In a Cartesian coordinate system, a first axis can run between the back and the front. A second and a third axis can run perpendicular to the first axis between two connecting sides arranged parallel to one another. The wall of the device can enclose the front, the rear and at least two connecting sides of the housing of the switch socket. In the installed state, the wall of the device can rest against the rear side and against the at least two connecting sides of the housing of the switch socket (in particular without substantial freedom of movement). Reliable protection of the plug connection between the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug can thus be provided.

Die Stecker-seitige Aussparung kann derart ausgebildet sein, dass die Wand den zweiten Netzstecker im eingebauten Zustand vollständig umschließt. So kann in effizienter Weise bewirkt werden, dass die Vorrichtung nicht entlang der zweiten bzw. dritten Achse von dem Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose abgezogen werden kann.The plug-side recess can be designed in such a way that the wall completely encloses the second mains plug in the installed state. In this way, it can be ensured in an efficient manner that the device cannot be removed from the housing of the switch socket along the second or third axis.

Andererseits kann die Stecker-seitige Aussparung an einer Kante der Wand angeordnet sein und eine U-Form aufweisen. Eine U-förmige Aussparung kann vorteilhaft sein, um eine Vorrichtung mit einer umlaufenden Wand, die einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose bildet, auf die Schalsteckdose schieben zu können.On the other hand, the plug-side recess can be arranged on an edge of the wall and have a U-shape. A U-shaped recess can be advantageous in order to be able to push a device with a circumferential wall, which forms a cavity for receiving the housing of the switch socket, onto the switch socket.

Die Wand kann ein oder mehrere Bohrungen aufweisen, über die eine Verbindung zwischen der Vorrichtung und der Schaltsteckdose erstellt werden kann, insbesondere mittels ein oder mehrerer Schrauben oder Bolzen, die durch die ein oder mehreren Bohrungen in dem Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose fixiert werden. Durch eine derartige Verbindung zwischen Vorrichtung und Schalsteckdose kann ein Abziehen der Vorrichtung von der Schaltsteckdose entlang der zweiten bzw. dritten Achse verhindert werden (insbesondere bei Verwendung einer U-förmigen Stecker-seitigen Aussparung).The wall can have one or more bores via which a connection between the device and the switch socket can be established, in particular by means of one or more screws or bolts that are fixed through the one or more bores in the housing of the switch socket. Such a connection between the device and switch socket can prevent the device from being pulled from the switch socket along the second or third axis (in particular when using a U-shaped recess on the plug side).

Die Wand kann eine Buchsen-seitige Aussparung aufweisen, die im eingebauten Zustand zumindest teilweise über einem Teil des ersten Netzsteckers und der Buchse angeordnet ist. Durch eine Buchsen-seitige Aussparung kann bewirkt werden, dass die Vorrichtung in Zusammenhang mit unterschiedlichen Formen des ersten Netzsteckers verwendet werden kann. Beispielsweise kann bei einer ersten Form des ersten Netzsteckers das Netzkabel entlang einer Achse der Kontaktstifte des ersten Netzsteckers aus dem ersten Netzstecker geführt werden. Andererseits kann bei einer zweiten Form des ersten Netzsteckers das Netzkabel entlang einer Achse senkrecht zu den Kontaktstiften aus dem ersten Netzstecker geführt werden. Durch die Bereitstellung einer Buchsen-seitige Aussparung kann für derart unterschiedliche Formen des ersten Netzsteckers ein zuverlässiger Schutz der Steckverbindung zwischen der Buchse der Schaltsteckdose und dem ersten Netzstecker bereitgestellt werden.The wall can have a socket-side recess which, in the installed state, is arranged at least partially over part of the first mains plug and the socket. A recess on the socket side enables the device to be used in connection with different forms of the first mains plug. For example, in the case of a first form of the first mains plug, the mains cable can be guided out of the first mains plug along an axis of the contact pins of the first mains plug. On the other hand, in the case of a second form of the first mains plug, the mains cable can be guided out of the first mains plug along an axis perpendicular to the contact pins. By providing a recess on the socket side, reliable protection of the plug connection between the socket of the switch socket and the first mains plug can be provided for such different shapes of the first mains plug.

Die Buchsen-seitige Aussparung kann sich bis zu einer Kante der Wand erstrecken. Eine solche Aussparung kann vorteilhaft sein, um eine Vorrichtung mit einer umlaufenden Wand, die einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme eines Teils des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose bildet, auf die Schalsteckdose schieben zu können.The socket-side recess can extend to an edge of the wall. Such a recess can be advantageous in order to be able to push a device with a circumferential wall, which forms a cavity for receiving part of the housing of the switch socket, onto the switch socket.

Die Vorrichtung kann ein erstes Teil mit einer Vorderwand und ein zweites Teil mit einer Rückwand umfassen. Dabei sind im eingebauten Zustand die Rückwand an der Rückseite und die Vorderwand an der Vorderseite des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose angeordnet.The device can comprise a first part with a front wall and a second part with a rear wall. In the installed state, the rear wall is arranged on the rear and the front wall is arranged on the front of the housing of the switch socket.

Das erste Teil und das zweite Teil können über Kopplungsmittel miteinander verbunden werden, so dass die Wand der Vorrichtung entsteht, die einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme eines Teils des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose bildet. Die Kopplungsmittel können dabei eine selbstverriegelnde und/oder formschlüssige Verbindung, insbesondere eine Nut-Feder Verbindung oder eine Rasterverbindung, ermöglichen. Insbesondere können die Kopplungsmittel eine Art "Kabelbinder-Rasterung" zwischen dem ersten Teil und dem zweiten Teile ermöglichen. Die Bereitstellung von mehreren Teilen ermöglicht eine einfache Montage der Vorrichtung an der Schaltsteckdose.The first part and the second part can be connected to one another via coupling means, so that the wall of the device is created, which forms a cavity for receiving part of the housing of the switch socket. The coupling means can enable a self-locking and / or form-fitting connection, in particular a tongue and groove connection or a grid connection. In particular, the coupling means can enable a type of "cable tie grid" between the first part and the second part. The provision of several parts enables the device to be easily installed on the switch socket.

Andererseits kann die Wand ein einteiliges Bauteil sein, das einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme zumindest eines Teils des Gehäuses der Schaltsteckdose bildet. In diesem Fall kann die Vorrichtung auf das Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose aufgeschoben werden.On the other hand, the wall can be a one-piece component that forms a cavity for receiving at least part of the housing of the switch socket. In this case, the device can be pushed onto the housing of the switch socket.

Die Wand der Vorrichtung kann z.B. eine Wandstärke von 2 mm oder weniger aufweisen. Die Wand kann aus einem Kunststoff gefertigt sein (beispielsweise mittels eines Spritzgussverfahrens).The wall of the device can, for example, have a wall thickness of 2 mm or less. The wall can be made of a plastic (for example by means of an injection molding process).

Gemäß der Erfindung wird ein Aggregat aus mehreren Teil-Komponenten beschrieben. Das Aggregat umfasst eine Schaltsteckdose, die eine Buchse aufweist, in die ein erster Netzstecker eines elektrischen Geräts gesteckt werden kann, und die einen zweiten Netzstecker zur Kopplung der Schaltsteckdose mit einem elektrischen Versorgungsnetz aufweist. Der erste Netzstecker und der zweite Netzstecker können dabei den gleichen Steckertyp aufweisen. Außerdem umfasst das Aggregat eine in diesem Dokument beschriebene Vorrichtung, die eingerichtet ist, ein Abziehen des ersten Netzsteckers aus der Buchse zu verhindern.According to the invention, an assembly consisting of several sub-components is described. The unit comprises a switch socket which has a socket into which a first mains plug of an electrical device can be plugged, and which has a second mains plug for coupling the switch socket to an electrical supply network. The first power plug and the second power plug can have the same plug type. In addition, the unit comprises a device described in this document which is set up to prevent the first mains plug from being pulled out of the socket.

Der erste Netzstecker kann z.B. elektrisch leitend mit einer Wäschepflegemaschine (insbesondere mit einer Waschmaschine oder mit einem Wäschetrockner) verbunden sein. Die Schaltsteckdose kann eingerichtet sein, eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen der Wäschepflegemaschine und einer elektrischen Versorgungsquelle zu trennen bzw. zu bilden. Des Weiteren kann die Schaltsteckdose eingerichtet ist, über eine Kommunika tionsverbindung ein Signal zu empfangen, durch das veranlasst wird, dass die elektrisch leitende Verbindung gebildet oder getrennt wird. Durch die in diesem Dokument beschriebene Vorrichtung kann somit in zuverlässiger und effizienter Weise eine unzulässige Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine verhindert werden.The first mains plug can, for example, be connected in an electrically conductive manner to a laundry care machine (in particular to a washing machine or to a tumble dryer). The switch socket can be set up to separate or form an electrically conductive connection between the laundry care machine and an electrical supply source. Furthermore, the switch socket is set up via a communica tion connection to receive a signal that causes the electrically conductive connection to be formed or separated. The device described in this document can thus reliably and efficiently prevent unauthorized use of the laundry care machine.

Die Schaltsteckdose umfasst einen Sensor, der eingerichtet ist, zu detektieren, ob die Wand der Vorrichtung die Schaltsteckdose zumindest teilweise umschließt oder nicht. Der Sensor kann z.B. einen Berührungssensor umfassen. Das Sensorsignal kann über die Kommunikationsverbindung an eine Steuereinheit eines Systems zur gemeinschaftlichen Nutzung eines elektrischen Geräts übermittelt werden. So kann in zuverlässiger Weise ermittelt werden, ob ein Schutz der Steckverbindung zwischen dem ersten Netzstecker und der Schaltsteckdose besteht oder nicht. Insbesondere können so ein unzulässiges Entfernen der Schutz-Vorrichtung detektiert und ggf. Gegenmaßnahmen eingeleitet werden.The switch socket comprises a sensor which is set up to detect whether the wall of the device at least partially encloses the switch socket or not. For example, the sensor can comprise a touch sensor. The sensor signal can be transmitted via the communication link to a control unit of a system for shared use of an electrical device. It can thus be determined in a reliable manner whether the plug connection between the first mains plug and the switch socket is protected or not. In particular, an inadmissible removal of the protective device can be detected and countermeasures can be initiated if necessary.

Auch wird ein System zur gemeinschaftlichen Nutzung eines kabelgebundenen Elektrogerätes (insbesondere einer Wäschepflegemaschine) beschrieben. Die Wäschepflegemaschine kann insbesondere eine Waschmaschine, einen Wäschetrockner und/oder einen Wasch-Trockner umfassen. Das System umfasst eine Steuereinheit, die eingerichtet ist, zu ermitteln, dass ein Nutzer das Elektrogeräte (insbesondere die Wäschepflegemaschine) in einem ersten Zeitraum nutzen möchte. Dabei kann die Steuereinheit einen Prozessor, insbesondere eine Server, umfassen.A system for shared use of a wired electrical device (in particular a laundry care machine) is also described. The laundry care machine can in particular comprise a washing machine, a tumble dryer and / or a washer-dryer. The system comprises a control unit which is set up to determine that a user would like to use the electrical appliance (in particular the laundry care machine) in a first period of time. The control unit can include a processor, in particular a server.

Die Steuereinheit ist typischerweise örtlich getrennt von der Wäschepflegemaschine. Beispielsweise kann die Wäschepflegemaschine in einem Mehrparteienhaus oder in einem Waschsalon angeordnet sein. Andererseits kann die Steuereinheit außerhalb des Mehrparteienhauses oder des Waschsalons angeordnet sein, z.B. in einem Server-Raum. Typischerweise wird eine Steuereinheit für die Steuerung einer Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen Wäschepflegemaschinen bereitgestellt, wobei die unterschiedlichen Wäschepflegemaschinen an unterschiedlichen Orten platziert sein können.The control unit is typically physically separate from the laundry care machine. For example, the laundry care machine can be arranged in an apartment building or in a laundromat. On the other hand, the control unit can be arranged outside the apartment building or the laundromat, for example in a server room. Typically, a control unit is provided for controlling a large number of different laundry care machines, it being possible for the different laundry care machines to be placed at different locations.

Das System umfasst weiter zumindest eines der in diesem Dokument beschriebenen Aggregate mit einer Schaltsteckdose und einer Vorrichtung zum Schutz einer Steckverbindung. Die Schaltsteckdose kann eingerichtet sein, eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen dem Elektrogerät (insbesondere der Wäschepflegemaschine) und einer elektrischen Versorgungsquelle (z.B. einem elektrischen Versorgungsnetz) zu trennen oder zu bilden. Die Steuereinheit kann eingerichtet sein, die Schaltsteckdose über eine WAN-Kommunikationsverbindung (d.h. über eine Wide Area Network, WAN Verbindung) zu veranlassen, die elektrisch leitende Verbindung für den ersten Zeitraum zu bilden.The system further comprises at least one of the units described in this document with a switch socket and a device for protecting a plug connection. The switch socket can be set up to separate or form an electrically conductive connection between the electrical device (in particular the laundry care machine) and an electrical supply source (e.g. an electrical supply network). The control unit can be set up to cause the switch socket via a WAN communication connection (i.e. via a wide area network, WAN connection) to form the electrically conductive connection for the first period of time.

Das System ermöglicht es somit einem Nutzer, eine Wäschepflegemaschine aus der Ferne über eine zentrale Steuereinheit für die Nutzung freizuschalten bzw. zu reservieren. Dabei wird durch die in diesem Dokument beschriebene Vorrichtung ein zuverlässiger Schutz der Steckverbindung zwischen dem Netzstecker des Elektrogeräts (insbesondere der Wäschepflegemaschine) und einer Schaltsteckdose gewährleistet. So kann eine komfortable und zuverlässige gemeinschaftliche Nutzung einer Wäschepflegemaschine bereitgestellt werden.The system thus enables a user to activate or reserve a laundry care machine for use remotely via a central control unit. The device described in this document ensures reliable protection of the plug connection between the power plug of the electrical appliance (in particular the laundry care machine) and a switch socket. In this way, convenient and reliable shared use of a laundry care machine can be provided.

Im Weiteren wird die Erfindung anhand von in der beigefügten Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher beschrieben. Dabei zeigen

Figur 1
ein Blockdiagramm eines beispielhaften Systems zur Steuerung einer gemeinschaftlich genutzten Wäschepflegemaschine;
Figur 2
eine Seitendarstellung einer Steckverbindung zwischen einem Netzstecker und einem Kommunikationsmodul;
Figur 3
eine Skizze einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung zur Verriegelung der Steckverbindung zwischen einem Netzstecker und einem Kommunikationsmodul; und
Figuren 4a bis 4d
unterschiedliche Darstellungen einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung zur Verriegelung der Steckverbindung zwischen einem Netzstecker und einem Kommunikationsmodul.
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing. Show it
Figure 1
Figure 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling a shared laundry care machine;
Figure 2
a side view of a plug connection between a power plug and a communication module;
Figure 3
a sketch of an exemplary device for locking the plug connection between a power plug and a communication module; and
Figures 4a to 4d
different representations of an exemplary device for locking the plug connection between a power plug and a communication module.

Wie eingangs dargelegt, befasst sich das vorliegende Dokument mit der zuverlässigen Verriegelung einer Steckverbindung zwischen einem Netzstecker und einer Schaltsteckdose, so dass bei Bedarf ein zerstörungsfreies Lösen der Steckverbindung ermöglicht wird. In diesem Zusammenhang wird zunächst beispielhaft mit Bezug auf Fig. 1 ein System 100 zur Nutzung einer Wäschepflegemaschine durch eine Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen Nutzern beschrieben, bei dem eine Vorrichtung zur Verriegelung einer Steckverbindung zum Einsatz kommen kann.As stated at the beginning, the present document is concerned with the reliable locking of a plug connection between a mains plug and a switch socket, so that, if necessary, the plug connection can be released without being destroyed. In this context, reference is first made to FIG Fig. 1 a system 100 for the use of a laundry care machine by a large number of different users is described, in which a device for locking a plug connection can be used.

Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte System 100 umfasst eine zentrale Steuereinheit 101, die eingerichtet ist, über eine erste Kommunikationsverbindung (insbesondere über eine drahtlose WAN (Wide Area Network) - Kommunikationsverbindung) 102 mit einem Kommunikationsmodul 120 für eine gemeinschaftlich genutzte Wäschepflegemaschine 110 zu kommunizieren. Des Weiteren ist die Steuereinheit 101 eingerichtet, über eine zweite Kommunikationsverbindung (insbesondere über eine drahtlose WAN-Kommunikationsverbindung) 103 mit einem elektronischen Gerät 140 (z.B. mit einem Smartphone oder einem Tablet-PC) eines Nutzers zu kommunizieren.This in Fig. 1 The illustrated system 100 comprises a central control unit 101 which is set up to communicate via a first communication link (in particular via a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network) communication link) 102 with a communication module 120 for a shared laundry care machine 110. Furthermore, the control unit 101 is set up to communicate with an electronic device 140 (for example with a smartphone or a tablet PC) of a user via a second communication connection (in particular via a wireless WAN communication connection) 103.

Das elektronische Gerät 140 weist ein Eingabe/Ausgabe-Modul (z.B. mit einem berührungsempfindlichen Bildschirm) auf, über das der Nutzer Eingaben tätigen und Ausgaben einsehen kann. Insbesondere kann auf dem elektronischen Gerät 140 eine SW-Applikation (eine sogenannte App) laufen, die es einem Nutzer ermöglicht, eine Anfrage zur Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 an die Steuereinheit 101 zu stellen. Dabei kann es einem Nutzer ermöglicht werden, über das elektronische Gerät 140 einen Zeitraum für die Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 zu reservieren. Beispielsweise kann die Steuereinheit 101 einen digitalen Kalender für die Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 pflegen, und der Nutzer kann befähigt werden, in dem digitalen Kalender einen bestimmten Zeitraum zu reservieren.The electronic device 140 has an input / output module (for example with a touch-sensitive screen) via which the user can make inputs and view outputs. In particular, a software application (a so-called app) can run on the electronic device 140, which enables a user to send a request to the control unit 101 to use the laundry care machine 110. A user can thereby be enabled to reserve a period of time for the use of the laundry care machine 110 via the electronic device 140. For example, the control unit 101 can maintain a digital calendar for the use of the laundry care machine 110, and the user can be enabled to reserve a specific time period in the digital calendar.

Die Steuereinheit 101 ist weiter eingerichtet, das Kommunikationsmodul 120 der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 in Abhängigkeit von einer Eingabe des Nutzers zu steuern. Das Kommunikationsmodul 120 kann eingerichtet sein, eine elektrische Versorgungsleitung 114 der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 mit einem elektrischen Versorgungnetz 130 (bzw. mit einer Verbindungsleitung 131 zu dem Versorgungsnetz 130) zu verbinden bzw. die elektrische Versorgungsleitung 114 der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 von dem elektrischen Versorgungnetz 130 zu trennen. Zu diesem Zweck kann das Kommunikationsmodul 120 einen steuerbaren Schalter 122 (z.B. ein Relais) umfassen, der eingerichtet ist, die elektrische leitende Verbindung zwischen der Versorgungsleitung 114 der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 und dem elektrischen Versorgungnetz 130 herzustellen bzw. zu trennen.The control unit 101 is further set up to control the communication module 120 of the laundry care machine 110 as a function of an input from the user. The communication module 120 can be set up to connect an electrical supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 to an electrical supply network 130 (or to a connection line 131 to the supply network 130) or to disconnect the electrical supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 from the electrical supply network 130. For this purpose, the communication module 120 can include a controllable switch 122 (e.g. a relay) which is set up to establish or disconnect the electrically conductive connection between the supply line 114 of the laundry care machine 110 and the electrical supply network 130.

Das Kommunikationsmodul 120 umfasst weiter ein Steuerelement 121 (das z.B. einen Prozessor aufweist), das eingerichtet ist, ein Steuersignal über die erste Kommunikationsverbindung 102 von der Steuereinheit 101 zu empfangen und den Schalter 122 in Abhängigkeit von dem Steuersignal zu schließen bzw. zu öffnen. Beispielsweise kann die Steuereinheit 101 das Kommunikationsmodul 120 veranlassen, den Schalter 122 in einem Zeitraum zu schließen, in dem die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 durch einen Nutzer reserviert wurde. Die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 ist dann in diesem Zeitraum an das elektrische Versorgungsnetz 130 angeschlossen und kann somit durch den Nutzer verwendet werden. Andererseits kann die Steuereinheit 101 das Kommunikationsmodul 120 veranlassen, den Schalter 122 in einem Zeitraum zu öffnen, in dem keine Reservierung für die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 vorliegt. Die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 ist dann in diesem Zeitraum nicht an das elektrische Versorgungsnetz 130 angeschlossen und kann somit nicht verwendet werden. So kann eine unzulässige Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 vermieden werden.The communication module 120 further comprises a control element 121 (which has, for example, a processor) which is set up to receive a control signal via the first communication connection 102 from the control unit 101 and to close or open the switch 122 as a function of the control signal. For example, the control unit 101 can cause the communication module 120 to close the switch 122 during a period in which the laundry care machine 110 was reserved by a user. The laundry care machine 110 is then connected to the electrical supply network 130 during this period and can thus be used by the user. On the other hand, the control unit 101 can cause the communication module 120 to open the switch 122 during a period in which there is no reservation for the laundry care machine 110. The laundry care machine 110 is then not connected to the electrical supply network 130 during this period and can therefore not be used. In this way, unauthorized use of the laundry care machine 110 can be avoided.

Wäschepflegemaschinen 110 werden häufig in Kellerräumen aufgestellt, in denen drahtlose Kommunikation häufig eingeschränkt ist (insbesondere eine Kommunikation über ein Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN). Das Kommunikationsmodul 120 kann daher eingerichtet sein, über ein Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, Netzwerk zu kommunizieren, insbesondere über die GSM-Datendienste wie GPRS und/oder EDGE. Durch die Verwendung von GSM kann in effizienter und zuverlässiger Weise eine drahtlose Kommunikationsverbindung zwischen einer zentralen Steuereinheit 101 (z.B. mit einem Backend-Server) und einer Vielzahl von verteilten Kommunikationsmodulen 120 (für eine entsprechende Vielzahl von verteilten Wäschepflegemaschinen 110) bereitgestellt werden. Ein Kommunikationsmodul 120 kann zum Aufbau der ersten Kommunikationsverbindung 102 eine geeignete Antenne 124 aufweisen.Laundry care machines 110 are often set up in basement rooms in which wireless communication is often restricted (in particular communication via a wireless local area network, WLAN). The communication module 120 can therefore be set up to communicate via a global system for mobile communications, GSM, network, in particular via the GSM data services such as GPRS and / or EDGE. By using GSM, a wireless communication link between a central control unit 101 (for example with a backend server) and a multiplicity of distributed communication modules 120 (for a corresponding plurality of distributed laundry care machines 110) are provided. A communication module 120 can have a suitable antenna 124 for establishing the first communication connection 102.

Das Kommunikationsmodul 120 kann weiter einen Stromsensor 123 (insbesondere einen Stromzähler) umfassen, der eingerichtet ist, einen Indikator für die Menge an elektrischer Energie zu erfassen, die von der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 während eines reservierten Zeitraums aus dem Versorgungsnetz 130 bezogen wurde. Insbesondere kann die konsumierte Strommenge als Indikator für die Menge an elektrischer Energie erfasst werden. Der Indikator für die Menge an elektrischer Energie kann über die erste Kommunikationsverbindung 102 an die zentrale Steuereinheit 101 übermittelt werden. Des Weiteren kann die Steuereinheit 101 dem Nutzer die Nutzung der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 in Abhängigkeit von dem Indikator für die Menge an elektrischer Energie berechnen. Beispielsweise kann zu diesem Zweck eine elektronische Abrechnung der Nutzung (z.B. mittels hinterlegter Abrechnungsdaten) erfolgen. So kann der Komfort der Nutzung einer gemeinschaftlich genutzten Wäschepflegemaschine 110 erhöht werden.The communication module 120 can further comprise a current sensor 123 (in particular an electricity meter) which is set up to detect an indicator for the amount of electrical energy that was drawn from the supply network 130 by the laundry care machine 110 during a reserved period of time. In particular, the amount of electricity consumed can be recorded as an indicator of the amount of electrical energy. The indicator for the amount of electrical energy can be transmitted to the central control unit 101 via the first communication connection 102. Furthermore, the control unit 101 can calculate the use of the laundry care machine 110 for the user as a function of the indicator for the amount of electrical energy. For example, for this purpose an electronic billing of the use (e.g. by means of stored billing data) can be carried out. In this way, the convenience of using a shared laundry care machine 110 can be increased.

Die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 umfasst typischerweise ein Eingabe/Ausgabe-Modul 111, über die ein Nutzer die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 steuern kann. Insbesondere kann der Nutzer ein geeignetes Betriebsprogramm auswählen und/oder die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 aktivieren bzw. deaktivieren. Die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 umfasst weiter ein Steuerelement 112, das eingerichtet ist, die Wäschepflegemaschine 110 in Abhängigkeit von einer Eingabe des Nutzers zu betreiben.The laundry care machine 110 typically includes an input / output module 111 via which a user can control the laundry care machine 110. In particular, the user can select a suitable operating program and / or activate or deactivate the laundry care machine 110. The laundry care machine 110 further comprises a control element 112 which is set up to operate the laundry care machine 110 as a function of an input from the user.

Das Kommunikationsmodul 120 kann unabhängig von dem Typ bzw. von dem Hersteller der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 sein. Insbesondere kann das Kommunikationsmodul 120 ggf. nur über die elektrische Versorgungsleitung 114 mit der Wäschepflegemaschine 110 verbunden sein. Beispielsweise kann das Kommunikationsmodul 120 als Schaltsteckdose ausgelegt sein und eine Buchse bzw. Steckdose umfassen, in die ein (typischerweise standardisierter) Stromstecker bzw. Netzstecker der elektrischen Versorgungsleitung 114 (z.B. ein Stecker vom Typ C (CEE 6/17), ein Stecker vom Typ E (CEE 7/5), ein Stecker vom Typ F (CEE 7/4) oder ein Stecker vom Typ E+F (CEE 7/7)) eingesteckt werden kann. Es kann somit ein generisches (und damit Kosten-effizientes) Kommunikationsmodul 120 für unterschiedliche Typen von Wäschepflegemaschinen 110 bereitgestellt werden. Dennoch kann durch die Erfassung eines Indikators für die Menge an elektrischer Energie eine präzise Nutzungs-abhängige und ggf. Betriebsprogramm-abhängige Abrechnung erfolgen.The communication module 120 can be independent of the type or the manufacturer of the laundry care machine 110. In particular, the communication module 120 can possibly only be connected to the laundry care machine 110 via the electrical supply line 114. For example, the communication module 120 can be designed as a switch socket and comprise a socket or socket into which a (typically standardized) power plug or mains plug of the electrical supply line 114 (eg a plug of type C (CEE 6/17), a plug of type E (CEE 7/5), a plug of type F (CEE 7/4) or a plug of type E + F (CEE 7/7)) can be inserted. A generic (and thus cost-efficient) communication module 120 can thus be used for different types of laundry care machines 110 are provided. Nevertheless, by recording an indicator for the amount of electrical energy, precise usage-dependent and possibly operating program-dependent billing can take place.

Fig. 2 zeigt ein beispielhaftes, als Schaltsteckdose ausgelegtes, Kommunikationsmodul 120 in der Seitenansicht. Die Schaltsteckdose 120 umfasst eine Buchse 210, in die ein erster Netzstecker 211 eines elektrischen Geräts 110 (insbesondere einer Wäschepflegemaschine 110) gesteckt werden kann. Des Weiteren umfasst die Schaltsteckdose 120 einen zweiten Netzstecker 230, der in die Steckdose eines Versorgungsnetzes 130 gesteckt werden kann (z.B. um die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Verbindungsleistung 131 herzustellen). Die Buchse 210 und/oder der zweite Netzstecker 230 können z.B. jeweils einem der o.g. Typen entsprechen. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary communication module 120 designed as a switch socket in a side view. The switch socket 120 comprises a socket 210 into which a first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 (in particular a laundry care machine 110) can be plugged. Furthermore, the switch socket 120 comprises a second mains plug 230, which can be plugged into the socket of a supply network 130 (for example, to the in Fig. 1 Establish connection service 131 shown). The socket 210 and / or the second mains plug 230 can, for example, each correspond to one of the above types.

Fig. 2 zeigt weiter eine Vorrichtung 200, mit der ein Abziehen des ersten Netzsteckers 211 aus der Buchse 210 verhindert werden kann. Insbesondere kann durch die Vorrichtung 200 verhindert werden, dass durch Abziehen des ersten Netzsteckers 211 die Schaltsteckdose 120 überbrückt wird, z.B. um eine unzulässige Nutzung des elektronischen Geräts 110 zu ermöglichen, das an den ersten Netzstecker 211 angeschlossen ist. Die Vorrichtung 200 kann somit dazu verwendet werden, das in Zusammenhang mit Fig. 1 beschriebene System 100 zur gemeinschaftlichen Nutzung eines elektrischen Geräts 110 in zuverlässiger Weise bereitzustellen. Fig. 2 further shows a device 200 with which the first mains plug 211 can be prevented from being pulled out of the socket 210. In particular, the device 200 can prevent the switchable socket 120 from being bridged by pulling out the first mains plug 211, for example in order to enable unauthorized use of the electronic device 110 that is connected to the first mains plug 211. The device 200 can thus be used in connection with Fig. 1 system 100 for sharing an electrical device 110 in a reliable manner.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine Skizze einer beispielhaften Schutz-Vorrichtung 200, die eine Schaltsteckdose 120 und einen darin eingesteckten ersten Netzstecker 211 umschließt. In dem in Fig. 3 dargestellten Beispiel ist die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 als ein hohler Quader mit einer umlaufenden Wand 310, 320, 330 ausgebildet, die das Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose 120 teilweise umschließt. Die umlaufende Wand 310, 320, 303 umfasst eine Rückwand 320, zwei Seitenwände 333 und eine Vorderwand 310. Die Rückwand 320 ist an der Seite der Schaltsteckdose 120 angeordnet, an der sich der zweite Netzstecker 230 der Schaltsteckdose 120 befindet (diese Seite wird in diesem Dokument auch als die Rückseite der Schaltsteckdose 120 bezeichnet). Die Vorderwand 310 ist an der Seite der Schaltsteckdose 120 angeordnet, an der sich die Buchse 210 befindet (diese Seite wird in diesem Dokument auch als die Vorderseite der Schaltsteckdose 120 bezeichnet). Fig. 3 shows a sketch of an exemplary protection device 200, which encloses a switch socket 120 and a first power plug 211 inserted therein. In the in Fig. 3 In the example shown, the protective device 200 is designed as a hollow cuboid with a circumferential wall 310, 320, 330 which partially encloses the housing of the switch socket 120. The circumferential wall 310, 320, 303 comprises a rear wall 320, two side walls 333 and a front wall 310. The rear wall 320 is arranged on the side of the switch socket 120 on which the second power plug 230 of the switch socket 120 is located (this side is in this Document also referred to as the back of the switch socket 120). The front wall 310 is arranged on the side of the switch socket 120 on which the socket 210 is located (this side is also referred to in this document as the front of the switch socket 120).

Die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 umschließt die Schaltsteckdose 120 derart, dass ein Nutzer daran gehindert wird, den ersten Netzstecker 211 eines elektrischen Geräts 110 aus der Buchse der Schaltsteckdose 120 zu ziehen. Zu diesem Zweck weist die Vorderwand 310 der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 einen Abstand 311 zur Vorderseite der Schaltsteckdose 120 auf, der kleiner ist, als die Länge des ersten Netzsteckers 211 (in Richtung der Kontaktstifte des Netzsteckers 211).The protective device 200 encloses the switch socket 120 in such a way that a user is prevented from pulling the first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 from the socket of the switch socket 120. For this purpose, the front wall 310 of the protective device 200 has a distance 311 from the front of the switch socket 120 which is smaller than the length of the first mains plug 211 (in the direction of the contact pins of the mains plug 211).

Die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 umfasst Befestigungs-Mittel, die verhindern, dass die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 von der Schaltsteckdose 120 entfernt werden kann. Beispielhafte Befestigungs-Mittel sind in den Figuren 4a und 4b dargestellt. Die in Fig. 4a dargestellte Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 umfasst an der Rückwand 320 eine geschlossene Aussparung 421 zur Aufnahme des zweiten Netzsteckers 230 der Schaltsteckdose 120. Durch eine derartige geschlossene Aussparung 421 kann verhindert werden, dass die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 entlang der Seiten der Schaltsteckdose 120 von der Schaltsteckdose 120 abgezogen wird. Durch die Verwendung einer geschlossenen Aussparung 421, die den Stecker 230 einer Schaltsteckdose 120 umschließt, kann ein kostengünstiger Abziehschutz bereitgestellt werden.The protective device 200 comprises fastening means which prevent the protective device 200 from being removed from the switch socket 120. Exemplary fastening means are in the Figures 4a and 4b shown. In the Figure 4a The protective device 200 shown comprises a closed recess 421 on the rear wall 320 for receiving the second mains plug 230 of the switch socket 120. Such a closed recess 421 can prevent the protective device 200 from being removed from the switch socket 120 along the sides of the switch socket 120 is deducted. By using a closed recess 421 which encloses the plug 230 of a switch socket 120, an inexpensive pull-off protection can be provided.

Fig. 4b zeigt die Rückwand 320 einer Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 mit einer (ggf. offenen) Aussparung 422, die ausgelegt ist, z.B. teilweise den zweiten Netzstecker der Schaltsteckdose 120 zu umschließen. Des Weiteren umfasst die Rückwand 320 ein oder mehrere Bohrungen 423, die dazu verwendet werden können, die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 z.B. über Schrauben und/oder Bolzen an dem Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose 120 zu befestigen. Die Bohrungen 423 können dabei derart angeordnet werden, dass die verwendeten Schrauben und/oder Bolzen auch dazu dienen können das Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose 120 zu verschließen. So kann eine effiziente Befestigung der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 an der Schaltsteckdose 120 bewirkt werden. Die Bereitstellung einer offenen Aussparung 422 ist vorteilhaft, da sie das Aufschieben der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 auf das Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose 120 ermöglicht. Figure 4b shows the rear wall 320 of a protective device 200 with a (possibly open) recess 422 which is designed, for example, to partially enclose the second mains plug of the switch socket 120. Furthermore, the rear wall 320 comprises one or more bores 423 which can be used to fasten the protective device 200 to the housing of the switch socket 120, for example by means of screws and / or bolts. The bores 423 can be arranged in such a way that the screws and / or bolts used can also serve to close the housing of the switch socket 120. In this way, the protective device 200 can be efficiently fastened to the switch socket 120. The provision of an open recess 422 is advantageous since it enables the protective device 200 to be pushed onto the housing of the switch socket 120.

Die Vorderwand 310 der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 ist ausgebildet, um ein Abziehen eines Netzsteckers 211 aus der Buchse 210 der Schaltsteckdose 120 zu verhindern. Zu diesem Zweck deckt die Vorderwand 310 der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 die Buchse 210 der Schaltsteckdose 120 und den darin eingesteckten ersten Netzstecker 211 im eingebauten Zustand zumindest teilweise ab. Darüber hinaus kann die Vorderwand 310 eine (ggf. offene) Aussparung 411 aufweisen, die sich im eingebauten Zustand der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 zumindest teilweise über der Buchse 210 der Schaltsteckdose 120 befindet. Die Bereitstellung einer derartigen Aussparung 411 ist vorteilhaft, um die Verwendung von unterschiedlichen Varianten bzw. Formen von ersten Netzsteckern 211 zu ermöglichen. Beispielsweise können so erste Netzstecker 211 verwendet werden, bei denen das Anschlusskabel 114 in Längsrichtung zu den Kontaktstiften aus dem Netzstecker 211 geführt wird. Die Verwendung einer offenen Aussparung 411 auf der Vorderseite 310 ermöglicht darüber hinaus ein Aufschieben der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 entlang der Seiten der Schaltsteckdose 120.The front wall 310 of the protective device 200 is designed to prevent a mains plug 211 from being pulled out of the socket 210 of the switch socket 120. For this purpose, the front wall 310 of the protective device 200 covers the socket 210 of the switch socket 120 and the first power plug 211 inserted therein at least partially in the installed state. In addition, the front wall 310 can have a (possibly open) recess 411 which, when the protective device 200 is installed, is at least partially above the socket 210 of the switch socket 120. The provision of such a recess 411 is advantageous in order to enable the use of different variants or shapes of first mains plugs 211. For example, first mains plugs 211 can be used in which the connecting cable 114 is led out of the mains plug 211 in the longitudinal direction to the contact pins. The use of an open recess 411 on the front side 310 also enables the protective device 200 to be slid on along the sides of the switch socket 120.

Die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 kann als ein einziges Teil gefertigt sein, das einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme der Schaltsteckdose 120 bildet und das auf die Schaltsteckdose 120 mit einem eingesteckten Netzstecker 211 aufgeschoben werden kann, und an dem Gehäuse der Schaltsteckdose 120 fixiert werden kann (z.B. mittels ein oder mehrerer Bohrungen 423).The protective device 200 can be manufactured as a single part, which forms a cavity for receiving the switch socket 120 and which can be pushed onto the switch socket 120 with an inserted mains plug 211, and can be fixed to the housing of the switch socket 120 (e.g. by means of one or more bores 423).

Fig. 4d zeigt eine Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 in einer Seitenansicht, wobei die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 ein erstes Teil 431 (mit der Vorderwand 310) und ein zweites Teil 432 (mit der Rückwand 320) aufweist. Das erste Teil 431 und das zweite Teil 432 können jeweils einen Abschnitt der Seitenwände 330 der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 bilden. Die jeweiligen Abschnitte der Seitenwände 330 können über Kopplungsmittel 433 miteinander verbunden werden, so dass die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 die Seiten der Schaltsteckdose 120 umschließt, und so dass die beiden Teile 431, 432 der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 nur noch mit einem relativ hohen Kraftaufwand wieder voneinander getrennt werden können. Die Kopplungsmittel 433 können z.B. eine Verrasterung der beiden Teile 431, 432 ermöglichen. Figure 4d shows a protective device 200 in a side view, the protective device 200 having a first part 431 (with the front wall 310) and a second part 432 (with the rear wall 320). The first part 431 and the second part 432 can each form a section of the side walls 330 of the protective device 200. The respective sections of the side walls 330 can be connected to one another via coupling means 433, so that the protective device 200 encloses the sides of the switch socket 120, and so that the two parts 431, 432 of the protective device 200 only return with a relatively high expenditure of force can be separated from each other. The coupling means 433 can, for example, enable the two parts 431, 432 to be latched.

Der erste Netzstecker 211 eines elektrischen Geräts 110 (z.B. einer Wäschepflegemaschine 110) kann somit mit der Buchse 210 eines Schaltsteckers bzw. einer Schaltsteckdose 120 verbunden werden. Zur Herstellung der Auszugs-Sicherung kann die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 über die zusammengesteckte Paarung aus dem ersten Netzstecker 211 und der Schaltsteckdose 120 geführt werden. Über einen Einrast-Mechanismus 433 (vergleichbar mit dem Mechanismus eines Kabelbinders) kann die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 verschlossen und das Entfernen der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 verhindert werden. Optional kann das Vorhandensein einer Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 durch einen an der Schaltsteckdose 120 angebrachten Sensor elektrisch detektiert werden. Mit anderen Worten, die Schaltsteckdose 120 kann einen Sensor umfassen, der eingerichtet ist, zu detektieren, ob die Steckverbindung zwischen dem Netzstecker 211 des elektrischen Geräts 110 und der Buchse 210 durch eine Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 geschützt ist.The first mains plug 211 of an electrical device 110 (for example a laundry care machine 110) can thus be connected to the socket 210 of a switch plug or a switch socket 120. To produce the pull-out safety device, the protective device 200 can be guided over the plugged-together pairing of the first mains plug 211 and the switch socket 120. Via a locking mechanism 433 (comparable with the mechanism of a cable tie) the protective device 200 can be closed and the removal of the protective device 200 prevented. Optionally, the presence of a protective device 200 can be electrically detected by a sensor attached to the switch socket 120. In other words, the switch socket 120 can comprise a sensor which is set up to detect whether the plug connection between the mains plug 211 of the electrical device 110 and the socket 210 is protected by a protective device 200.

Die Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 kann derart ausgelegt sein, dass das Entfernen der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 eine Zerstörung der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 erfordert. So kann ein unbemerktes Entfernen und Wiederanbringen der Schutz-Vorrichtung verhindert werden. Andererseits bleiben der Netzstecker 211 und die Schaltsteckdose 120 bei einem Entfernen der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 unversehrt, was z.B. für die Wartung von Vorteil ist.The protective device 200 can be designed in such a way that the removal of the protective device 200 requires the destruction of the protective device 200. In this way, unnoticed removal and reattachment of the protective device can be prevented. On the other hand, the mains plug 211 and the switch socket 120 remain intact when the protective device 200 is removed, which is advantageous for maintenance, for example.

Die Montage der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 kann in einfacher Weise (ggf. ohne Werkzeug) erfolgen (z.B. durch Aufschieben oder durch Einrasten). Ggf. können durch Verwendung eines Sensors die Montage und/oder der Zustand der Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 aus der Ferne überprüft werden. Beispielsweise kann auch ein Öffnungsversuch aus der Ferne detektiert werden. Die in diesem Dokument beschriebene Schutz-Vorrichtung 200 stellt somit eine effiziente und kostengünstige Möglichkeit zur Verriegelung der Steckverbindung zwischen einem Netzstecker 211 und einer Schaltsteckdose 120 dar.The assembly of the protective device 200 can be carried out in a simple manner (if necessary without tools) (e.g. by sliding it on or by locking it into place). If necessary, the installation and / or the state of the protective device 200 can be checked remotely by using a sensor. For example, an attempt to open the door can also be detected remotely. The protective device 200 described in this document thus represents an efficient and cost-effective option for locking the plug connection between a mains plug 211 and a switch socket 120.

Claims (14)

  1. Unit, which comprises:
    - a switchable power socket (120) which comprises a receptacle (210) into which a first power plug (211) of an electrical device (110) can be inserted and which comprises a second power plug (230) for coupling the switchable power socket (120) to an electrical supply network (130); and
    - a device (200) for protecting a plug connection between the first power plug (211) and the switchable power socket (120), wherein
    - the device (200) has a wall (310, 320, 330) which is configured in an installed state at least partially to enclose the switchable power socket (120) with the inserted first power plug (211);
    - the wall (310, 320, 330) comprises a plug-side recess (421, 422) at which, in the installed state, the second power plug (230) at least partially penetrates the wall (310, 320, 330); and
    - the wall (310, 320, 330) is configured such that, in the installed state, the wall (310, 320, 330) at least partially covers the first power plug (211) in order to prevent a withdrawal of the first power plug (211) from the receptacle (210),
    characterised in that
    - the switchable power socket (120) comprises a sensor which is configured to detect whether the wall (310, 320, 330) of the device (200) at least partially surrounds the switchable power socket (120) or not, wherein the switchable power socket (120) is configured to transfer a signal of the sensor via a communication connection to a control unit of a system for communal use of the electrical device (110).
  2. Unit according to claim 1, wherein the plug-side recess (421, 422) is configured such that, in the installed state, the wall (310, 320, 330) fully encloses the second power plug (230).
  3. Unit according to claim 1, wherein the plug-side recess (421, 422) is arranged at one edge of the wall (310, 320, 330) and has a U-shape.
  4. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (310, 320, 330) comprises one or more bores (423) by means of which a connection between the device (200) and the switchable power socket (120) can be established, in particular by means of one or more screws or bolts.
  5. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (310, 320, 330) comprises a receptacle-side recess (411) which, in the installed state, is arranged at least partially over a part of the first power plug (211).
  6. Unit according to claim 5, wherein the receptacle-side recess (411) extends as far as one edge of the wall (310, 320, 330).
  7. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (310, 320, 330) is configured such that, in the installed state, the wall (310, 320, 330) touches one side of the switchable power socket (120) on which the second power plug (230) is arranged.
  8. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (310, 320, 330) is configured such that, in the installed state, the wall (310, 320, 330) has a spacing (311) from one side of the switchable power socket (120) on which the receptacle (210) is arranged that is smaller than a length of the first power plug (211) in the direction of a contact pin of the first power plug (211).
  9. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
    - the device (200) comprises a first part (431) with a front wall (310) and a second part (432) with a rear wall (320); and
    - the first part (431) and the second part (432) can be connected to one another by coupling means (433) so that the wall (310, 320, 330) comes into being which forms a hollow space for receiving the switchable power socket (120).
  10. Unit according to claim 9, wherein the coupling means (433) enables a self-locking interlocking connection, in particular a tongue-and-groove connection or a latching connection.
  11. Unit according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the wall (310, 320, 330) is a single-part component.
  12. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-side recess (421, 422) is configured for a second power plug of type C, type E, type F and/or of type E+F.
  13. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises the first power plug (211).
  14. Unit according to claim 13, wherein
    - the first power plug (211) is connected electrically conductively to a laundry care machine (110);
    - the switchable power socket (120) is configured to break and/or to make an electrically conductive connection between the laundry care machine (110) and an electrical supply source (130); and
    - the switchable power socket (120) is configured to receive a signal via a communication connection (102), by means of which the electrically conductive connection is caused to be made or broken.
EP17706978.8A 2016-03-18 2017-02-20 Device for locking a plug on a switchable power socket Active EP3430690B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016204505.9A DE102016204505A1 (en) 2016-03-18 2016-03-18 Device for locking a plug to a switch socket
PCT/EP2017/053791 WO2017157616A1 (en) 2016-03-18 2017-02-20 Device for locking a plug on a switchable power socket

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3430690A1 EP3430690A1 (en) 2019-01-23
EP3430690B1 true EP3430690B1 (en) 2021-04-07

Family

ID=58159061

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17706978.8A Active EP3430690B1 (en) 2016-03-18 2017-02-20 Device for locking a plug on a switchable power socket

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10971869B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3430690B1 (en)
CN (1) CN108780970B (en)
DE (1) DE102016204505A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017157616A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112271481A (en) * 2020-10-19 2021-01-26 杨爱明 Firm in connection just prevents power supply unit of electric shock
FR3133488B1 (en) * 2022-03-08 2024-04-19 Univ Grenoble Alpes ENCAPSULATION BOX FOR A CONNECTED SOCKET

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3327087C1 (en) 1983-07-27 1984-08-16 Franz 8018 Grafing Lechner Adaptor for protecting mains plugs against unauthorised apparatus use
FR2650708B1 (en) * 1989-08-04 1993-09-24 Luquiau Francois DEVICE FOR PREVENTING THE UNUSUAL USE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
CN2726165Y (en) * 2004-08-20 2005-09-14 赖丽纯 Socket power supplyl controlling structure
JP5119112B2 (en) * 2008-07-30 2013-01-16 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 Male connector, female connector and connector
CN204088786U (en) * 2014-09-22 2015-01-07 山东科技大学 There is the intelligent control socket of safety lock bit architecture
CN204497484U (en) * 2015-04-18 2015-07-22 国家电网公司 A kind of machine room PDU preventing attaching plug from coming off

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN108780970A (en) 2018-11-09
US20200295515A1 (en) 2020-09-17
DE102016204505A1 (en) 2017-09-21
CN108780970B (en) 2020-08-21
US10971869B2 (en) 2021-04-06
EP3430690A1 (en) 2019-01-23
WO2017157616A1 (en) 2017-09-21

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