FR3094100A1 - Energy management clock - Google Patents

Abstract

A clock (1) capable of being powered by a battery comprising a set of hands (3) rotating about an axis so that the position of said set of hands indicates the current time. The clock further comprises: - at least one set of indicators (4) whose position defines a time range by superimposition with the travel of the set of hands, and - a communication module able to connect to a remote server and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the position of the at least one set of indicators. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Energy management clock

The invention relates to the field of aggregation and provision of energy information in the home.

Devices intended to be fixed in a building and to display the current time, commonly called clocks, are known from the prior art. It is also known to transmit to users information relating to their energy consumption via a display integrated into the equipment for metering the energy consumed and/or via a web or mobile application interface.

Despite the diversity of possible displays of information relating to energy consumption, this information is difficult to understand for non-technicians, especially when devoid of context. Electrical units, for example, are complex to understand when they are not contextualized for the user. Conventional representation modes (bargraph, linechart for example) are displayed by certain devices and are designed to facilitate data analysis. However, these devices are used in a professional context and intended for technicians and not in a domestic context or intended for non-technicians. Furthermore, the known devices generally broadcast a large amount of information, which makes understanding the data complex for the user. Finally, such dedicated devices are added to existing devices and therefore find it difficult to find their place in a home. They are perceived as intrusive for users.

The invention improves the situation.

Indeed, energy information is thus embedded in an everyday object and combined with its native information. The indicators displayed are few in number but relevant and adapted to the context of use of the user.

A clock capable of being powered by a battery is proposed comprising a set of hands rotating around an axis so that the position of said set of hands indicates the current time. The clock further includes:
- at least one set of indicators whose position defines a time range by superposition with the stroke of the set of hands, and
- a communication module capable of connecting to a remote server and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the position of the at least one set of indicators.

In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising:
- a clock as defined above, and
- a device capable of connecting to the server so as to form a user interface, so that the user can select the parameters defining each set of indicators.

The characteristics exposed in the following paragraphs can, optionally, be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

A clock is proposed, in which each set of indicators comprises a pair of hands per range to be indicated.

A clock is proposed, in which the refresh rate of the set of values is twice a day.

A clock is proposed, in which the communication module is able to connect to the server via at least one wireless connection.

A clock is proposed, in which the set of values determining the position of the set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range presenting specific consumption conditions.

A clock is proposed, in which the set of values determining the position of the set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range during which specific meteorological conditions are forecast.

A clock is proposed, in which the set of values determining the position of the set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range during which the quantity of electrical energy generated on the local network exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

A clock is proposed, in which at least one set of indicators includes an additional pair of hands rotatably mounted around the axis of the set of hands indicating the current time.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a clock according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2

shows an exploded view of a clock according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3

shows a flowchart of a system according to one embodiment.

The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, certain elements. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, where applicable.

Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 represent a clock 1 according to one embodiment. The clock 1 described here comprises a background element 2, a main set of hands 3, two sets of indicators 4 and 5 each including a pair of hands, and an intermediate mask 6. Here, the clock 1 comprises in addition :
- a communication module 7;
- a motor 8;
- A box 9 suitable for receiving batteries from the clock 1;
- batteries 10;
- A cover 11 in order to close the opening intended for the batteries 10 of the case 9;
- a control module 14.

In this embodiment, the clock offers for reading:
- the current time by means of the main set of hands 3 in front of the background element 2,
- two distinct time ranges by means of each of the two sets of indicators 4 and 5 here taking the form of parentheses as can be seen in the figures.

In the example described here, needles forming the two sets of indicators 4 and 5 are positioned between the bottom element 2 and the intermediate mask 6 while the set of needles 3 is placed in front of the intermediate mask 6 according to a point of view of a user looking at clock 1 from the front. The set of hands is mounted to rotate around a common central axis.

The bottom element 2 and the intermediate mask 6 are here circular in shape, concentric with each other and centered on the axis of rotation of the hands.

The bottom element 2 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the stroke of the end of the main needles 3 and the needles of the sets of indicators 4 and 5. In other words, the length of the needles is selected less than the radius of the bottom element 2 so that a free end portion of each hand moves in front of bottom element 2 in the eyes of a user looking at clock 1 from the front. The superposition of the end portions of the hands and of the bottom element 2 allows rapid and instinctive reading by the user, of the current time as well as time slots.

The intermediate mask 6 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the stroke of the end of the needles of the sets of indicators 4 and 5. In other words, the length of the needles is selected greater than the radius of the intermediate mask 6 so that a portion of the free end of each needle of the sets of indicators 4 and 5 protrudes from the periphery of the intermediate mask 6. Each of said end portions therefore remains visible while the rest of each needle is masked by the intermediate mask 6. needles of the main set of needles 3 are positioned in front of the intermediate mask 6 and are therefore entirely visible.

The background element 2 and/or the intermediate mask 6 can take different dimensions and shapes such as polygonal, square or rectangular for example. As a variant, the background element 2 and/or the intermediate mask 6 may be absent. In the absence of the background element 2, the reading of the information can be done by superimposing the position of the hands with another frame of reference, even devoid of inscription.

The two pairs of hands of sets of indicators 4 and 5 may have different colors and/or shapes to make it easier to distinguish between the two time slots. Alternatively, the sets of indicators can take different shapes from the hands, for example a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the position of the lit diodes visually defining the time slots. Similarly, sets of indicators 4 and 5 may have shapes and/or colors that distinguish them from the main set of hands 3.

In the present embodiment, the motor 8 comprises a quartz mechanism known per se. As a variant, the motor 8 can be devoid of a quartz mechanism and comprise, for example, mechanisms with a mechanical movement, generally rendered mobile by means of a mechanical energy storage element such as a spring or a mass with " go up" regularly.

In the example described here, the communication module 7 is a wireless communication module, for radio communication. The communication module 7 is arranged to allow communication with a remote server. The communication module 7 is controlled by the control module 14. In addition to controlling the communication module 7, the control module 14 controls the motor 8. Via the motor 8, the control module 14 can move the needles sets of indicators 4 and 5 to vary the time ranges to be indicated. As a variant, the control module 8 can control other components (for example light-emitting diodes) to vary the time slots to be indicated. As a variant, the links can be wired.

Clock 1 is powered by batteries 10 positioned in case 9, itself closed by cover 11. Alternatively, clock 1 can be powered by other types of batteries, such as a rechargeable battery, or by mains connection.

In figure 1, the current time is 9:30 a.m. on clock 1 and sets of indicators 4 and 5 respectively indicate a first time slot between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and a second time slot between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Time slots can indicate, for example:
- a time slot with specific consumption characteristics such as so-called "off-peak" or "peak" hours,
- a time slot with specific weather conditions such as rain or sunshine during the day.

By “specific consumption characteristics”, we mean here to target time slots during which it is expected, for example, low consumption, respectively high (consumption peaks) on a given distribution network. Thus, in the event that the current time falls within a so-called "peak hours" time range, the user can choose to postpone at least some of his activities generating electricity consumption. At his level, the user can thus spontaneously participate in the temporal homogenization (or smoothing) of consumption on a network, which limits the risks of consumption peaks and the triggering of generally more polluting means of electricity production. Administrative and commercial measures may also be provided to reward such behavior.

Indicating “specific weather conditions” is more specifically aimed at users with means of electricity production sensitive to weather conditions, such as solar panels and wind turbines. Typically, such means of production can be connected to a sub-network such as the domestic electricity network and not directly to the national network. In this respect, the user may prefer to consume electricity produced by his own means of production rather than using energy from the general distribution network. He can therefore adapt his electricity consumption according to the time slots indicated and postpone certain uses.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 representing a flowchart of a system comprising the clock 1, a remote server 13 and a device 12 forming a user interface such as a smartphone (or “smartphone”) for example.

In the example described here, the device 12 comprises an application offering the user to configure the type of information presented by the clock 1. Thus, the user can choose to display on the clock 1 the time slots corresponding to specific consumption characteristics, presenting specific weather conditions, or even personalizing the time slots to be indicated.

The device 12 is connected to a remote server 13. Server 13 is connected to clock 1 via communication module 7.

The data defining the time slots that the user wishes to see displayed are sent by the device 12 to the server 13, here via the mobile telephone network. Alternatively, other types of connections may be used depending on the environment.

The control module 14 of the clock 1 generates the transmission of a request intended for the server 13 to receive in response a set of values determining the position of the set of indicators 4 and 5. In the example described here, the request is transmitted via the communication module 7. The communication module 7 forms a communication interface of the clock 1 with its environment. In particular, the communication module 7 is arranged to connect to the remote server 13. The communication module 7 allows the reception of a set of values determining the time slots displayed, or to be displayed.

The communication module 7 allows computer requests to be sent to the remote server 13 to receive sets of values in response. For example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests can take the form of a “GET” command. As a variant, other protocols can be used such as the WebSocket or MQTT (for "MQ Telemetry Transport"). The communication module 7 implements a wireless communication protocol, for example LoRaWAN. The LoRaWAN protocol has the advantage of being suitable for wireless communication while consuming little energy. As a variant, other types of wireless communications can be used, such as short range (typically Wifi), very short range (typically the Bluetooth standard) or even low-power (and low-speed) wireless networks. for the Internet of Things (typically the one known commercially under the company name "Sigfox").

Here, the communication module 7 accesses the remote server 13 via a local relay to which it connects wirelessly, typically a home internet gateway, commonly called a "box" in France, then via the wired internet network. The remote server 13 can be managed by a service provider so as to supply a plurality of clocks 1 with sets of values.

In response to the requests received, the server 13 sends the communication module 7 the expected sets of values. Here, the sets of values are sent in JSON format (for " JavaScript Object Notation "). The set of values is then used as input data by the control module 14 to adapt the information displayed by the sets of indicators 4 and 5.

In the example described here, the control module 14 of the clock 1 generates two requests per day intended for the server 13. The communication module 7 receives in response to each request a series of four values determining the position of each hand sets of indicators 4 and 5. The current time is updated twice a year when summer or winter time changes. Alternatively, the information refresh rate may be different.

As a variant, the communication module 7 can receive sets of values sent on the initiative of the server 13, that is to say without it being necessary to send a request beforehand (so-called “ push ” operation) .

With such a clock, the user is offered the possibility of optimizing his energy consumption by indicating to him the periods of the day that he himself considers to be the most relevant.

The invention is not limited to the examples of clocks and systems described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that those skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought. .

Claims (9)

Clock (1) capable of being powered by a battery comprising a set of hands (3) rotating around an axis so that the position of said set of hands indicates the current time,
characterized in that the clock further comprises:
- at least one set of indicators (4) whose position defines a time range by superposition with the stroke of the set of hands, and
- a communication module (7) capable of connecting to a remote server (13) and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the position of the at least one set of indicators. Clock according to Claim 1, in which each set of indicators (4) and (5) comprises a pair of hands per range to be indicated. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the refresh rate of the set of values is twice a day. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication module is able to connect to the server via at least one wireless connection. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the set of values determining the position of each set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range presenting specific consumption conditions. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the set of values determining the position of each set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range during which specific meteorological conditions are forecast. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the set of values determining the position of each set of indicators corresponds to at least one time range during which the quantity of electrical energy generated on the local network exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one set of indicators includes an additional pair of hands mounted for rotation around the axis of the set of hands indicating the current time. System comprising:
- a clock according to one of the preceding claims, and
- a device (12) capable of connecting to the remote server so as to form a user interface, so that the user can select the parameters defining the set of indicators.