WO2001020749A1

WO2001020749A1 - Remote control system for at least an electrical apparatus, and modules component modules of said system

Info

Publication number: WO2001020749A1
Application number: PCT/FR2000/002492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erven Prigent
Original assignee: Erven Prigent
Priority date: 1999-09-15
Filing date: 2000-09-08
Publication date: 2001-03-22
Also published as: FR2798499B1; AU7426200A; FR2798499A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a remote control system for at least an electrical apparatus (L1, L2) comprising: activating/deactivating means, designed to be installed in series between an electric power source (P1, P2) and at least an electrical apparatus (L1, L2) to be activated/deactivated, and remote control means for said activating/deactivating means. The invention is characterised in that the remote control means include: means for detecting changes of state in an electrical connection element (1) controlled by a switch (I); means for monitoring said activating/deactivating means, on the basis of detected changes.

Description

Remote control system for at least one electrical appliance, and modules constituting this system.

The field of the invention is that of home automation.

More specifically, the invention relates to remote control systems for electrical devices (lamps, televisions, computers, etc.).

A wide range of remote control systems of all kinds are currently offered to potential consumers. The most advanced are expensive and difficult to install for a novice, while others are simple but completely ineffective. Traditionally, these remote control systems include one or more radio controlled activation / deactivation devices and a multifunction radio control unit. Each radio control device is intended to be placed in series between an electrical power source (generally, a power outlet or a light socket whose associated switch is kept in the "on" position) and an electrical device to activate / off. The radio control box allows the user who has it in hand to act remotely on the various activation / deactivation devices, so as to selectively activate / deactivate the various electrical devices.

The major drawback of these known systems is the need for the user to permanently hold the radio control unit. Indeed, it is frequent that this box is lost or difficult to access, because from one use to another the user is often led to put it somewhere. Thus, it is not uncommon that when entering a dark room, the user must first look for the remote control unit which will allow him to operate in particular the different lighting means of this room!

Another drawback stems from the frequent presence of a large number of radio-controlled activation / deactivation devices. Indeed, in this case, either a single multifunction radio control box is used, but the latter becomes bulky, complex and therefore difficult to use, or several radio control boxes are used, but this diversity seems difficult to accept by the user d 'from a practical point of view. The invention particularly aims to overcome these various drawbacks of the state of the art. Specifically, one of ^the objectives of the present invention is to provide a remote control system for electrical devices that requires no remote control unit.

The invention also aims to provide such a system which is very effective, modular and inexpensive.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a system which is easily installed and removed.

A complementary objective of the invention is to provide such a system which remains compatible with traditional home automation modules (radio-controlled activation / deactivation devices), and therefore offers the possibility of using in addition a conventional remote control to modify remotely the 'condition of various electrical devices without moving.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide such a system which does not affect the normal operation of the electrical installation, in particular as regards the lighting control.

These various objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved according to the invention using a remote control system for at least one electrical appliance, of the type comprising: activation means / deactivation, intended to be placed in series between an electrical power source and at least one electrical device to be activated / deactivated; means for remote control of said activation / deactivation means. According to the present invention, said remote control means comprise: means for detecting changes of state of an electrical connection element controlled by a switch; means for controlling said activation / deactivation means, as a function of the changes of states detected. The general principle of the invention therefore consists in controlling the activation / deactivation means by a switch, the latter controlling in a conventional manner. an electrical connection element. Simple presses of the user on the switch cause the state of the electrical connection element to change. The control of the activation / deactivation means (one or more devices) is a function of these changes of state. Thus, the system of the invention makes it possible to control remotely, by means of a simple switch (and not a remote control unit), a plurality of electrical devices. As the switch is generally placed near the door, it is in particular possible, when entering a dark room, to easily activate various means of lighting, and in addition to switch on a television set, a stereo system, etc. Advantageously, said electrical connection element controlled by a switch belongs to the group comprising the light sockets and the sockets. Thus, no modification of the existing electrical infrastructure is necessary. In particular, there is no need to install specific switches.

Advantageously, said electrical power source belongs to the group comprising the light sockets, the associated switch of which is kept in the "on" position, and the sockets.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, all the means constituting said remote control means are included in the same local control module, intended to be adapted to said electrical connection element controlled by a switch.

Advantageously, said control means comprise means for transmitting at least one control signal, and said activation / deactivation means are included in an activation / deactivation module which is remote from said local control module and which comprises means for receiving said at least one control signal. Preferably, said system comprises a plurality of activation / deactivation modules, each making it possible to activate / deactivate at least one separate electrical appliance.

In a second advantageous embodiment of the invention, said means for detecting changes of state of said electrical connection element themselves comprise: in a retransmission module, intended to be adapted to said electrical connection element: means for transmitting status signals, as a function of the successive electrical states of said electrical connection element controlled by a switch; - in a remote control module: means for receiving said status signals and means for detecting changes in state of said electrical connection element from said received status signals: and said remote control module further comprises said means for controlling said activation / deactivation means. In this case, all of the remote control means are distributed between the retransmission module and the remote control module (while in the first embodiment, they are grouped together in a single local control module). In a first preferred example of the second embodiment of the invention, said control means comprise means for transmitting at least one control signal, and said activation / deactivation means are included in an activation module / deactivation which is remote from said remote control module and which comprises means for receiving said at least one control signal. In addition, said system may include a plurality of activation / deactivation modules, each enabling the activation / deactivation of at least one separate electrical appliance. In other words, a single remote control module controls one or more activation / deactivation modules.

Advantageously, said remote control module further comprises other activation / deactivation means, controlled directly by said control means, so as to activate / deactivate at least one other electrical appliance, said control module being placed in series between an electrical power source and said at least one other electrical device.

In a second preferred example of the second embodiment of the invention, said activation / deactivation means are included in said remote control module, said piloting means directly controlling said activation / deactivation means. Furthermore, said system can include a plurality of remote control modules, each allowing to activate / deactivate at least one separate electrical device.

In other words, one or more remote control modules each directly activate / deactivate at least one electrical appliance. There is no activation / deactivation module.

Preferably, said at least one control signal belongs to the group comprising the radio control signals and the microwave control signals, superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network, according to the carrier current technique. Said state signals belong to the group comprising the radio state signals and the microwave state signals, superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network, according to the carrier current technique.

Said status signal transmission means transmit at least the following two status signals: a low status signal and a high status signal. It is clear, however, that these lists are by no means exhaustive. Advantageously, said system further comprises means for assessing the state of at least part of the system.

Preferably, said system has at least the following two operating modes: a basic mode, activated by a single press on said switch; at least one advanced mode, each advanced mode being activated by a predetermined multiple press on said switch, corresponding to a distinct number of close presses and greater than one and causing transmission by said transmission means included in said means of control of a particular control signal, called transition signal, and specific to said advanced mode. Thus, in the absence of multiple press (it is recalled that a multiple press consists of a succession of close presses) the switch normally controls the lighting of the room, whether an advanced mode is locked or not.

Advantageously, the system returns from said at least one advanced mode to said basic mode when a return procedure is carried out, said return procedure belonging to the group comprising: automatic return after a predetermined duration in said or one of said advanced mode (s); manual return after a particular multiple press, called locking.

Optionally, means may be provided (for example switches) allowing the user to select one of these two return procedures in basic mode. We speak of multiple locking support because returning to basic mode amounts to locking without limit of time the advanced mode or modes, each in a particular configuration.

Preferably, in each operating mode, said transmission means included in said control means further transmit at least the following two control signals, specific to said operating mode: a connection signal; a disconnection signal.

Preferably, in at least one given operating mode, at least one first electrical appliance is activated after the first transmission of said connection signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said connection signal, and, in said at least one operating mode given, at least one second electrical appliance is activated after the first transmission of said disconnection signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said disconnection signal.

Advantageously, in at least one given operating mode, said connection signal and said disconnection signal are identical, so that at least one electrical appliance is activated after each transmission of said connection signal and deactivated after each transmission of said disconnection signal .

Advantageously, said electrical connection element controlled by said switch is deactivated when passing through said at least one advanced mode. Preferably, at least one separate electrical device is activated after the first transmission of a transition signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said transition signal.

Preferably, all the electrical devices are deactivated simultaneously after the emission of a particular multiple press signal, called the initialization signal. Optionally, it is possible to provide means (for example switches) allowing the user to select the number of presses of the initialization signal. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the activation / deactivation of a device can also consist of an adjustment, continuous or not, of at least one operating parameter of said device. Thus, for example, between the transmission of the connection signal and the transmission of the disconnection signal, a control signal is continuously activated. The applications of this variant are numerous, such as for example controlling the variation of light intensity of a lamp, or even controlling electric roller shutters.

The invention also relates to each of the modules included in the above-mentioned remote control system, namely the local (first embodiment) or remote (second embodiment) control module, the activation / deactivation module and the retransmission module. .

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of a first embodiment of a control system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 presents a simplified diagram of a particular embodiment of the local control module and of one of the activation / deactivation modules appearing in FIG. 1; - Figure 3 shows a simplified diagram of a second embodiment of a control system according to the present invention; FIG. 4 presents a simplified diagram of a particular embodiment of the retransmission module, of the remote control module and of one of the activation / deactivation modules appearing in FIG. 3; - Figure 5 shows a simplified diagram of a third embodiment of a control system according to the present invention; FIG. 6 presents a simplified diagram of a particular embodiment of the retransmission module and of one of the remote control modules appearing in FIG. 5; - Figure 7 shows a simplified diagram of an embodiment of the local control module appearing in Figures 1 and 2; FIG. 8 presents a plurality of time diagrams making it possible to explain an example of pulse management within the local control module of FIG. 7; and FIG. 9 illustrates an example of application of the first embodiment of the system according to the invention, as presented in FIG. 1.

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, a first embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

In this first embodiment, the remote control system comprises a local control module MCL and a plurality of activation / deactivation modules MAD1, MAD2, ...

Each activation / deactivation module MAD1, MAD2, ... is placed in series between a socket PI, P2, ... and a lamp Ll, L2, ... to be activated / deactivated. More generally, it can be placed in series between any electrical power source (for example, in addition to a power outlet, a lighting socket whose associated switch is kept in the "on" position) and one (or even several , in series) any electrical device (s) (for example a radio receiver, a television set, a Hi-Fi system, a microcomputer, a printer, etc.).

The local control module MCL is adapted to a lighting socket 1 controlled by a switch I. It receives the bulb A intended initially to be fixed to the socket 1. It can also be adapted to an electrical outlet, or more generally on any electrical connection element controlled by a switch

I.

In the particular embodiment presented in FIG. 2, the local control module MCL comprises: - means 2 for detecting changes in electrical state. In fact, depending on the user's presses on the switch, the light socket receives either a high SEH (220 V) status signal or a low SEB (0 V) status signal; means 3 for controlling, as a function of the changes of detected states, means 5 for activation / deactivation included in each module activation / deactivation. These control means 3 themselves comprise means 31 for transmitting command signals SC. In the example illustrated, this emission uses the conventional hertzian technique: the control signals SC emitted are hertzian signals. It is clear that other types of emission can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the transmission can use the carrier current technique: the control signals transmitted are then microwave signals superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network.

Furthermore, each activation / deactivation module (as illustrated for MAD1 in FIG. 2) comprises, in addition to the activation / deactivation means 5, means 4 for receiving the control signals SC.

In the application example illustrated in FIG. 9, the system according to the invention has a basic mode and three advanced modes, each with an associated transition. For the sake of simplicity only, it is again assumed that each activation / deactivation module controls a single electrical device, namely a lamp.

The basic mode is automatically engaged, as soon as the user makes a single press on the switch I (that is to say without specific manipulation). It makes it possible to normally control the bulb A. In addition, it makes it possible to control two lamps Ll, L2, by virtue of the emission by the emission means 31 included in the control means 3 (themselves included in the module local control signal MCL) of the following two control signals: a connection signal SCI, sent on each detection of a transition from the low state signal SEB (0 V) to the high state signal SEH (220 V), and a disconnection signal SC2, emitted on each detection of a transition from the high state signal SEH to the low state signal SEB. In summary, the operation of the basic mode is as follows: after a first press on the switch (first emission of the connection signal SCI), the bulb A and the first lamp Ll light up; after a second press on the switch (first emission of the disconnection signal SC2), the bulb A goes out and the second lamp L2 lights up; - after a third press on the switch (second transmission of the SCI connection signal), the bulb A lights up and the first lamp Ll goes out; after a fourth press on the switch (second emission of the disconnection signal SC2), the bulb A and the second lamp L2 go out.

It should be noted that the connection signals SCI and disconnection SC2 can be identical. In this case, the bulb A and the first and second lamps L1, L2 all light up when the switch is pressed, then they all go out when the next press is made.

The first advanced mode is engaged when the user makes a double press (two very close presses) on the switch I. This first transition, between the basic mode and the first advanced mode, also makes it possible to control a third lamp L3 , thanks to the transmission by the above-mentioned transmission means 31 of the following control signal: a transition signal SC3, transmitted on each detection of a double press (rapid succession of the following status signals: low / high / low ). In summary, the operation of the first transition is as follows: after a first double press on the switch (first transmission of the transition signal SC3), the first advanced mode is activated and the third lamp L3 lights up; after a second double press on the switch (second transmission of the transition signal SC3), the third lamp L3 goes out. In order to avoid "flashing" of bulb A. the light socket is automatically deactivated when switching to the first advanced mode. It is therefore only ordered in basic mode.

Furthermore, when the system returns from advanced mode to basic mode, the lamps controlled in this advanced mode are locked in their operating state (off or on). Provision can be made for the system to automatically return to basic mode, after a predetermined duration in this advanced mode.

One can also provide a manual return, after a particular multiple press, called locking. The two variants of the return to basic mode procedure can be offered simultaneously or alternatively.

Optionally, a particular multiple press, called initialization, makes it possible to switch off all the lamps Ll to LU simultaneously. If there is no third advanced mode, the multiple initialization press is for example a quadruple press, which replaces the third transition signal which no longer needs to exist. In this case, upon each detection of a quadruple press, the aforementioned transmission means 31 emit an initialization signal (not shown in FIG. 9).

After it has been activated, the first advanced mode makes it possible to control two lamps L4, L5. by means of the transmission by the above-mentioned transmission means 31 of the following two control signals: a connection signal SC4, transmitted on each detection of a transition from the low state signal SEB to the high state signal SEH, and a disconnection signal SC5, emitted on each detection of a transition from the high state signal SEH to the low state signal SEB. In summary, the operation of the first advanced mode is as follows: after a first press on the switch (first transmission of the connection signal SC4), the fourth lamp L4 lights up; after a second press on the switch (first emission of the disconnection signal SC5), the fifth lamp L5 lights up; - after a third press on the switch (second transmission of the connection signal SC4), the fourth lamp L4 goes out; after a fourth press on the switch (second transmission of the disconnection signal SC5), the fifth lamp L5 goes out.

It should be noted that the connection signals SC4 and disconnection SC5 can be identical. In this case, the fourth and fifth lamps L4, L5 both light up when the switch is pressed, then both go out when the next press is made.

The second advanced mode is engaged when the user makes a triple press (three very close presses) on the switch I. This second transition, between the basic mode and the second advanced mode, also makes it possible to control a sixth lamp L6 . After it has been activated, the second advanced mode makes it possible to control two lamps L7, L8.

The third advanced mode is engaged when the user makes a quadruple press (four very close presses) on the switch I. This third transition, between the basic mode and the third advanced mode, also makes it possible to order a ninth L9 lamp. After it has been activated, the third advanced mode makes it possible to control two lamps L10, Ll 1.

The operation of these second and third transitions is deduced directly from that of the first transition. Likewise, the operation of the second and third advanced modes is deduced directly from that of the first advanced mode.

We now discuss in detail, in relation to the simplified diagram of FIG. 7, a particular embodiment of the local control module MCL. There are the means 2 for detecting changes in electrical state and the control means 3. In addition to the means 31 for transmitting the control signals, the control means 3 comprise: a calibrated pulse generator 32, a counter 33, a memory 34 and a multiplexer 35.

The change of state detector 2 detects changes in the electrical state (voltage) of the socket (passage from 0 V to 220 V, also called "connection", or passage from 220 V to 0 V, also called "disconnection" ) and sends an uncalibrated, connection or disconnection pulse, depending on the change of state detected.

The calibrated pulse generator 32 calibrates the control (see definition below), transition, connection and disconnection pulses.

The counter 33 ensures the counting of the connection and disconnection pulses during a time period fixed by the control pulse. The memory 34 allows the storage of the data supplied by the counter 33.

This part of the circuit makes it possible to memorize the control stage (that is to say one of the advanced modes) for a programmable delay. After this time, the memory is cleared and the system returns to basic mode.

The option "manual return to basic mode" allows manual return to basic mode at the level of a preselected stage.

The multiplexer 35 manages the pulses delivered by sending them to the selected outputs thanks to the address inputs.

Relay 6 cuts the power to the light bulb A (that is to say to deactivate the socket 1) during each passage in one of the advanced modes. In relation to the plurality of time diagrams in FIG. 8, an example of pulse management within the local control module is now explained. shown above and illustrated in Figure 7. In Figure 8. "C" and "D" mean "connection" and "disconnection" respectively.

The first time diagram 81 represents the voltage on the socket 1 (low or high state, 0 or 220 V), depending on whether or not it is connected to the mains supply, as a function of pressing the switch.

The second time diagram 82 represents the uncalibrated connection pulses. As soon as the voltage on the socket goes from a low state to a high state, an uncalibrated connection pulse is generated.

The third time diagram 83 represents the uncalibrated disconnection pulses. As soon as the voltage on the socket goes from a high state to a low state, an uncalibrated disconnection pulse is generated.

The fourth time diagram 84 represents the sum of the uncalibrated connection and disconnection pulses.

The fifth time diagram 85 represents the control pulses. Each uncalibrated connection or disconnection pulse triggers a calibrated control pulse. This control pulse is no longer sent in advanced mode. The duration of this control pulse constitutes a delay making it possible both to increment the counter but also to prevent the emission of inadvertent connection or disconnection pulses (that is to say of inadvertent control signals), for devices managed in basic mode, in the event of close pulses.

Each of these connection or disconnection pulses (or control signals) is only emitted in calibrated form, that is to say after a delay equal to the duration of the associated control pulse.

The sixth time diagram 86 represents the calibrated connection pulses. Each uncalibrated connection pulse generates a calibrated connection pulse, after the corresponding control pulse has stopped, leading to a command execution delay. This delay then disappears in advanced mode, by deleting the control pulse.

The seventh time diagram 87 represents the calibrated disconnection pulses. The preceding remarks concerning the calibrated connection pulses can easily be transposed to this seventh diagram. The eighth time diagram 88 represents the calibrated transition pulses. They are issued during each transition to a control stage (that is to say to an advanced mode).

The ninth time diagram 89 represents the output of the counter. The latter can only be incremented in the presence of a control pulse. Each stop of the latter automatically initializes the counter. In this way, only very close pulses can increment the counter.

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of a control system according to the present invention. In this second embodiment, the remote control system comprises a retransmission module MR, a remote control module MCD and a plurality of activation / deactivation modules MADl, MAD2, ...

As in the first embodiment discussed above, each activation / deactivation module MADl, MAD2, ... is placed in series between a socket PI, P2, ... and a lamp Ll, L2 , ... to activate / deactivate. More generally, it can be placed in series between any electrical power source and one (or more, in series) any electrical device (s).

The retransmission module MR is adapted to a lighting socket 1 controlled by a switch I. It retransmits to the remote control module MCD the status signals, high or low, received successively by the socket, depending on the presses of the user on the switch I. In addition, he receives the bulb A intended initially to be fixed on the socket 1. It can also be adapted on an outlet, or more generally on any electrical connection element controlled by a switch I. The remote control module MCD plays the same role as the local control module MCL of the first embodiment, namely controlling the various activation / deactivation modules as a function of changes in the electrical state of the socket 1 (that is to say depending on the user's presses on the switch). The only difference is that it receives re-transmitted status signals SEH ', SEB' and not directly the status signals SEH, SEB arriving on the socket. In the particular embodiment presented in FIG. 4, the retransmission module MR comprises means 7 for transmitting "retransmitted" state signals SEH ′, SEB ′ as a function of the successive electrical states of the socket. In other words, this module MR receives status signals SEH, SEB in the form of a voltage associated with each (220 V for SEH and 0 V for SEB) and then retransmits them in another form. In the example illustrated, this retransmission uses the carrier current technique: the retransmitted state signals are microwave signals superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network. It is clear that other types of reissue can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the retransmission can use the conventional hertzian technique: the re-emitted state signals are then hertzian signals.

The remote control module MCD comprises: means 8 for receiving the retransmitted status signals SEH ', SEB'; means 9 for detecting changes in electrical state, on the basis of the re-emitted state signals SEH ', SEB' received; means 10 for controlling, as a function of the changes of detected states, means 13 for activation / deactivation included in each activation / deactivation module. These control means 10 themselves comprise means 101 for transmitting command signals. In the example illustrated, this transmission uses the carrier current technique: the control signals transmitted SCI, SC2 are microwave signals superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network. It is clear that other types of emission can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the emission can use the conventional hertzian technique: the emitted control signals are then hertzian signals.

Furthermore, each activation / deactivation module (as illustrated for MADl in FIG. 4) comprises, in addition to the means 13 for activation / deactivation, means 12 for receiving the control signals.

Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the remote control module MCD can also comprise other means 1 1 for activation / deactivation (for example a relay 6), controlled directly by the means 10 control, so as to activate / deactivate at least one other electrical device. In this case, the control module is placed in series between an electrical power source (PI socket) and this other electrical device (L1 lamp). For this (cf. fig. 7), one of the channels of the multiplexer 35 directly controls the relay 6 to activate or deactivate the lamp L1 (which in this case replaces the bulb A of the first embodiment).

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6, a third embodiment of a control system according to the present invention. This differs from the second embodiment presented above only in that a remote control module MCD1, MCD2, MCD3 is placed between each socket PI, P2, P3, ... and each associated piloted lamp Ll, L2 , L3, ... There is therefore a plurality of remote control modules but no activation / deactivation module. In this configuration, within the control means included in each remote control module, only the channel of the multiplexer 35 (cf. fig. 7) controlling the relay 6 is used.

Optionally, the system according to the present invention may also include means for assessing, visually and / or audibly, the state of at least part of the system. This option is particularly advantageous when the system makes it possible to control, from a switch located in a first room, devices located in other rooms. This allows for example, just before getting up, turn on the coffee maker located in the kitchen using the bedside lamp switch.

To this end, the local control module MCL (see fig. 1, first embodiment), the single remote control module MCD (see fig. 3, second embodiment), or each of the control modules. remote MCD1, MCD2, ... (cf. fig. 5, third embodiment) comprises means for transmitting a plurality of signals for monitoring the operation of the system, each containing at least one particular item of information, such as by example: the operating state (on or off) of a given device; switching to a given operating mode (basic mode, advanced modes); etc. Furthermore, the means for assessing the state of the system, which are for example in the form of an MV display module adaptable on socket, include means for receiving the signals for monitoring the operation, and means for transcription (for example in visual and / or audio form) of the information contained therein.

It is clear that many other embodiments can be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, the activation / deactivation of a device can also consist of an adjustment, continuous or not, of at least one operating parameter of this device. In the case of continuous adjustment, the transmission means 31 (cf. fig. 2 and 7) emit a continuous control signal and not a pulse control signal. For example, the continuous control signal is sent from each connection (passage from 0 to 220 V), and until the next disconnection (passage from 220 to 0 V). This variant of the invention is particularly useful for controlling electric shutters or for varying the light intensity of a lamp.

Furthermore, in order to adapt to the personal requirements of the user, the latter may be offered to make certain choices, by means of simple switches. These choices can be offered to it at three levels: for the entire system, for a given control stage (that is to say a given operating mode), or for a given control signal SCI, SC2,. .. Among these choices, there may be mentioned in particular the choice between automatic and manual procedures for returning to basic mode, the choice between an impulse or continuous control signal, or the choice between identical connection and disconnection signals or distinct.

Claims

1. Remote control system for at least one electrical appliance (L1 to L1), of the type comprising: means (5; 11; 13) of activation / deactivation, intended to be placed in series between a source of power supply (PI, P2) and at least one electrical device (L1 to L1) to activate / deactivate; remote control means of said activation / deactivation means; characterized in that said remote control means comprise: - means (2; 7 to 9) for detecting changes of state of an electrical connection element (1) controlled by a switch (I); means (3; 10) for controlling said activation / deactivation means, as a function of the changes of states detected.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said electrical connection element controlled by a switch belongs to the group comprising: the lighting sockets (1); electrical outlets.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said electrical power source belongs to the group comprising: - the lighting sockets whose associated switch is kept in the "on" position; sockets (PI, P2).

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the means (2, 3) constituting said remote control means are included in the same local control module (MCL), intended to be adapted on said electrical connection element (1) controlled by a switch (I).

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that said control means (3) comprise means (31) for transmitting at least one control signal (SC), and in that said means (5) d activation / deactivation are included in an activation / deactivation module (MADl, MAD2) which is remote from said control module local (MCL) and which comprises means (4) for receiving said at least one control signal.

6. System according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of activation / deactivation modules (MADl, MAD2), each making it possible to activate / deactivate at least one separate electrical device ( Ll, L2).

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said means for detecting changes of state of said electrical connection element themselves comprise: in a retransmission module (MR), intended to be adapted on said electrical connection element (1): means (7) for transmitting status signals (SEH ', SEB'), as a function of the successive electrical states of said electrical connection element controlled by a switch; in a remote control module (MCD): means (8) for receiving said status signals and means (9) for detecting changes in state of said electrical connection element from said received status signals (SEH ', SEB'); and in that said remote control module (MCD) further comprises said means (10) for controlling said means (13) of activation / deactivation.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said means (10) for piloting comprise means (101) for transmitting at least one control signal

(SCI, SC2), and in that said activation / deactivation means (13) are included in an activation / deactivation module (MAD1, MAD2) which is remote from said remote control module (MCD) and which comprises means (12) for receiving said at least one control signal.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of activation / deactivation modules (MADl, MAD2), each making it possible to activate / deactivate at least one separate electrical appliance (L2, L3).

10. System according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said remote control module (MCD) further comprises other means (11) of activation / deactivation, directly controlled by said means (10) piloting, so as to activate / deactivate at least one other electrical appliance (LL), said remote control module (MCD) being placed in series between a source of electrical supply (PI) and said at least one other electrical appliance (LL).

11. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said means (11) for activation / deactivation are included in said remote control module (MCD), said means (10) for piloting directly controlling said means (1 1) d activation / deactivation.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of remote control modules (MCD1, MCD2, MCD3), each making it possible to activate / deactivate at least one separate electrical appliance (Ll, L2, L3) .

13. System according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that said at least one control signal (SC; SCI to SCl 1) belongs to the group comprising: the radio control signals; - the microwave control signals, superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network, using the carrier current technique.

14. System according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that said status signals (SEH ', SEB') belong to the group comprising: - radio status signals; microwave status signals. superimposed on the normal voltage, on the electrical network, according to the technique of carrier currents.

15. System according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that said means for transmitting status signals transmit at least the following two status signals: a low status signal (SEB '); a high status signal (SEH ').

16. System according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises means for assessing the state of at least part of the system.

17. System according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has at least the following two operating modes: a basic mode, activated by a single press on said switch; at least one advanced mode, each advanced mode being activated by a predetermined multiple press on said switch, corresponding to a distinct number of close presses and greater than one and causing transmission by said transmission means included in said control means of a particular control signal, said transition signal (SC3, SC6, SC9), and specific to said advanced mode.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the system returns from said at least one advanced mode to said basic mode when a return procedure is carried out, said return procedure belonging to the group comprising: automatic return after a predetermined duration in said or one of said advanced mode (s); manual return after a particular multiple press, called locking.

19. System according to claim 17 or 18 and any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that in each operating mode, said transmission means included in said control means further transmit at least the two signals of following command, specific to said operating mode: a connection signal (SCI, SC4, SC7, SC 10); a disconnection signal (SC2, SC5, SC8, SCl l).

20. The system as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, in at least one given operating mode, at least one first electrical appliance is activated after the first transmission of said connection signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said connection signal, and in that, in said at least one given operating mode, at least one second electrical appliance is activated after the first transmission of said disconnection signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said disconnection signal.

21. System according to any one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that, in at least one given operating mode, said connection signal and said disconnection signal are identical, so that at least one electrical appliance is activated after each transmission of said connection signal and deactivated after each transmission of said disconnection signal.

22. System according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that said electrical connection element (1) controlled by said switch (I) is deactivated when passing through said at least one advanced mode.

23. System according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that at least one separate electrical device (L3, L6, L9) is activated after the first transmission of a transition signal and deactivated after the second transmission of said transition signal.

24. System according to claims 23, characterized in that all the electrical appliances are deactivated simultaneously after the emission of a particular multiple support signal, called the initialization signal.

25. System according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the activation / deactivation of an apparatus can also consist of an adjustment, continuous or not, of at least one operating parameter of said apparatus.

26. Local control module (MCL) of the type included in a remote control system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 and 13 to 25.

27. Remote control module (MCD; MCD1, MCD2, MCD3) of the type included in a remote control system according to any one of claims 7 to 25.

28. Activation / deactivation module (MAD1, MAD2) of the type included in a remote control system according to any one of claims 5 to 25.

29. A retransmission module (MR) of the type included in a remote control system according to any one of claims 7 to 25.