Power output device
The power output device addresses the challenge of controlling and monitoring electricity consumption in shared spaces by integrating user detection and plug sensing to manage current flow, ensuring secure and efficient power distribution and billing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MANGANI MARCO
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Controlling and monitoring electricity consumption in shared spaces is difficult due to the ease of removal of power output control devices and the inability of charging stations to function as standard household outlets.
A power output device with integrated means for controlling and measuring current flow, user detection, and plug sensing, which is designed to be non-manipulable by users, utilizing sensors and control devices to manage access and consumption based on user recognition and network communication.
Enables controlled and measured power distribution, preventing unauthorized use and overload, while allowing user-specific billing and networked management of electrical outlets.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025084397_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] POWER OUTPUT DEVICE
[0002] TECHNICAL AREA
[0003] The present invention relates to a power output device, in particular a socket outlet, which, by means of suitable means, both controls access to electric current and measures the amount of electric current drawn.
[0004] STATE OF THE ART
[0005] Controlling and monitoring electricity consumption in rooms accessed by multiple people is difficult. This leads to an increasing number of publicly accessible spaces lacking accessible electrical outlets. Current technologies include, in particular, power output control devices that plug into an existing outlet and can therefore be easily removed, or charging stations for electric vehicles, which, however, cannot be used as standard household outlets.
[0006] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a power output system that enables the control and measurement of the power output via a socket and at the same time offers a design that is difficult or impossible for the user to manipulate.
[0008] This problem is solved by the current output device with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the current output device, as well as a current output network comprising at least two current output devices, are defined by the features of further claims.
[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a power output device comprising: a socket (2) for supplying electric current to a plug, in particular a low-voltage socket, especially a household socket,
[0010] Means for influencing (3) a current flow via the socket (2), in particular for interrupting or releasing a current flow via the socket (2),
[0011] Means for measuring (4) a current flow through the socket ( 2 ) ,
[0012] Means for user detection (5) , and a plug sensor (6) for determining whether a plug is inserted into the socket, wherein the means for influencing the current flow (3) are functionally connected to the means for user detection (5) and are suitable for influencing the current flow based on the user detection, in particular to interrupt or release it, and the plug sensor (6) is functionally connected to the means for influencing the current flow (3) in such a way that inserting and removing a plug into the socket (2) requires user detection via the means for user detection (5) for releasing the current flow .
[0013] The socket can be any socket suitable for supplying current to a plug. In particular, it can be a household socket that supplies, for example, a household with a voltage between 100 V and 240 V and a current of 1 A to 30 A. Specifically, the socket can be a socket recessed into masonry or a wall, with the remaining components of the power supply device, in particular the means for influencing current flow, the means for measuring current flow, the means for user detection, and the plug sensor, located behind the socket, especially in the masonry or wall, so that these components are not accessible from the outside to a user or power consumer. Low voltage is understood to mean voltages below 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC, in particular below 400 V or below 250 V.
[0014] The means for influencing the flow of electricity via the socket can be, as explained below, any means that interrupt, enable, or influence the amount of electricity delivered (e.g., Ah, Wh, or kWh). These means for influencing the flow of electricity are directly or indirectly connected to the means for user detection (e.g., via a control device, see below), with the user detection influencing the flow of electricity via the means for influencing the flow of electricity—that is, interrupting, enabling, or influencing the amount of electricity delivered. This allows, for example, only a specific user or user group to draw electricity, and / or for the electricity consumption to be assigned to a user and thus billed to that user. The means for measuring the flow of electricity determine the electricity consumption.The means for measuring a current flow and the means for influencing a current flow can be realized in one device or represent a device that has both functionalities.
[0015] The plug sensor is designed to determine whether a plug is inserted into the socket. This allows the plug sensor to also determine whether a plug is being inserted or unplugged. This prevents a different user from unplugging the device and inserting a different plug after user recognition without requiring a new user recognition for power to be supplied. The plug sensor determines the physical presence or absence of the plug, such as the plug housing or pins, in the socket. Therefore, the plug sensor does not determine whether the plug is inserted via electronic communication with the plug or any device connected to it.
[0016] In one embodiment of the current output device, which is compatible with all other embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the plug sensor is designed to determine the position of a plug, in particular a plug housing or a plug pin, in the socket; and / or the plug sensor is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a Hall effect sensor. The plug sensor can be arranged inside the socket, behind the socket, or in front of the socket. An optical sensor can also determine the plug type or the presence of the plug from outside the socket. The plug sensor can, for example, also determine the exact position of the plug pins inside the socket, e.g., whether the plug is fully or only partially inserted into the socket.A mechanical sensor can be, for example, a sensor arm or a spring, which experiences a different deflection depending on the connector position, in particular the connector housing or the connector pin position.
[0017] In an embodiment of the current output device that can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the current output device further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the current output device, in particular of current-carrying parts of the current output device, wherein the means for influencing the current flow are functionally connected to the temperature sensor and are suitable for influencing the current flow based on a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor, in particular for interrupting or freely allowing it.
[0018] The temperature sensor can be arranged at one or more locations on the power-emitting device where the temperature is to be determined. These locations can be, for example, the current-carrying cables, the socket, the means for influencing the current flow, the means for measuring the current flow, the means for user detection, and / or the plug sensor. Temperature sensors are known, and a person skilled in the art can select a suitable temperature sensor from among those known. The measurement result of the temperature sensor is used by the means for influencing the current flow (directly or indirectly via a control device, see below) to, for example, reduce or switch off the current flow from a certain temperature of a part of the device. This can be done, for example, by...It can also be determined by time, so that the current flow is only reduced or switched off after a certain period of exceeding a certain temperature.
[0019] In an embodiment of the power output device that can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the power output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the means for user recognition allow local user recognition or user recognition via an electronic network; in particular, the means for user recognition are an RFID reader, especially a near field communication (NEC)-based reader, a camera, or a network data receiver.
[0020] An RFID reader can, for example, recognize a user's identification device and thus assign the power supply to that user. The same can be achieved using a camera, which enables, for example, optical user recognition (e.g., facial recognition) or identification of an identification device. Alternatively or additionally, user recognition can be carried out via a network data receiver, which receives, for example, data transmitted by a user via suitable means, in particular an internet program or an internet-connected app. Once user recognition has occurred, the means for influencing the power flow can release a current flow, and the means for measuring the power flow can...
[0021] Assign power consumption to the user.
[0022] In one embodiment of the current output device, which is compatible with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the means for influencing the current flow are means for adjusting the voltage and / or current, in particular a relay, especially an electromechanical relay, a solid-state relay, a bistable relay, or an AC relay. The means for influencing the current flow can either interrupt or enable the current (in binary), and / or adjust the voltage and / or current.
[0023] In an embodiment of the current output device that can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the current output device further comprises a control device, in particular a processor, which is functionally connected to the means for influencing the current flow, to the means for user recognition, the plug sensor and optionally to the means for measuring a current flow and / or the temperature sensor, and is configured to control the means for influencing the current flow at least on the basis of a signal from the means for user recognition, the plug sensor and optionally on the basis of a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor.
[0024] The control device can, for example, receive data from the user recognition means, the current flow measurement means, the plug sensor, and / or the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the control device can include the user recognition means and, for example, receive and process data from an external network, such as the internet, or from an external sensor, such as a reader or camera. The control device can control the current flow influencing means and thus influence the current flow. In an embodiment of the current delivery device that is compatible with all previous and further embodiments of the current delivery device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the user recognition means and / or the control device are connectable to or connected to a server via the internet, in particular an Open Charge Point Communication Standard (OCPP) server.
[0025] Furthermore, the measurement data from the means for measuring current flow can be transmitted directly or via the control device to a server, e.g. via OCPP protocol, or stored locally and / or transmitted directly to a user terminal device.
[0026] In an embodiment of the current output device that can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the means for influencing the current flow and / or the control device are configured to communicate with at least one further current output device as described herein and to influence the current flow in such a way that an overload of a supply line to the current output devices is not caused.
[0027] In particular, a house's supply line or service connection can become overloaded if too many users simultaneously draw electricity from different outlets within the house or via that single connection. Communication between the power outlets can prevent overloading by, for example, reducing the current flow or supplying power only to selected users.
[0028] In an embodiment of the current output device that can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the means for influencing (3) the current flow and / or the control device (11) are arranged to prevent an overload of a supply line to the current output devices by creating a priority list of the current output devices, taking into account the user recognition, and influencing the current flow according to the priority list.
[0029] The priority list can be, for example, set by the operator of the
[0030] The power output device must be specified, or the timing of use must be taken into account.
[0031] In a second aspect, which can be combined with all previous and further embodiments of the current output device and aspects of the invention, provided no contradictions arise, the invention relates to a current output network comprising at least two current output devices as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. They show
[0033] Fig. 1 shows a current output device according to the present invention;
[0034] Fig. 2 (a) , (b) , (c) and (d) plug sensors;
[0035] Fig. 3 shows a power output device with control unit;
[0036] Fig. 4 shows a current output device with control unit and other components; and
[0037] Fig. 5 shows a current output device with means integrated into the control device for influencing the current flow.
[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a current output device (1) according to the present invention. A current source (7), e.g., a supply line, is also shown, which, however, need not be part of the current output device or to which the current output device can be connected. The measuring means (4), the means for influencing a current flow (3), and the socket (2) are connected to each other via a power line (8). The user detection means (5) and the plug sensor (6) are functionally connected at least to the means for influencing a current flow (3) so that the current flow can be influenced, e.g., interrupted or enabled, by the means for influencing (3) based on user detection and a signal from the plug sensor. The plug sensor (6) is spatially arranged relative to the socket in such a way that it can determine whether a plug is inserted into the socket.The plug sensor (6) is shown schematically and can be an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a Hall effect sensor, in particular for determining the position of a plug housing or a plug pin in the socket (2), as shown, for example, in Figure 2 (a) - (d). The functional connections shown between the user detection means (5), the plug sensor (6), and the current flow control means (3) can be established via data conductors or remote connections, for example, by radio transmission.
[0040] Figures 2(a)-(d) show various examples of the plug sensor (6) in the socket (2), particularly for determining the position of a plug pin (9) or a plug housing (17) in the socket. Figure 2(a) shows a plug sensor (6) that is displaced, e.g., bent, by the insertion of a plug pin (9) (dashed lines indicate the displaced position of the plug sensor) and can thereby determine the position of the plug pin (9). The plug sensor (6) can also be an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a Hall effect sensor, as shown in Figure 2(b), which can determine the position of the plug pin (9). Alternatively, the plug sensor (6) can have the form of a spring, as shown in Figure 2(c), the compression of which determines the position of the plug pin (9). Alternatively, the plug sensor (6) can determine the position of a plug housing (17), as shown in Figure 2(d), e.g.,by means of a spring, whereby an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or a Hall effect sensor can also be used as a plug sensor ( 6 ).
[0041] Figure 3 shows a current output device (1) comprising a control unit (11) and optionally a temperature sensor (10). The temperature sensor (10) can be located at any position in the current output device, deviating from the position shown by way of example, and measure the temperature of a component of the device. The control unit (11) can, in particular, be configured to be functionally connected to one or more components of the current output device, especially to the means for influencing the current flow (3), the means for user recognition (5), the plug sensor (6), the means for measuring a current flow (4), and / or the temperature sensor (10), and to receive signals from these components and / or transmit commands to these components. For example,The control device (11) can control the means for influencing the current flow (3) based on a signal from the user recognition means (5), the plug sensor (6), and / or the temperature sensor (10), and thus control the current flow via the socket (2). Figure 4 shows the current output device (1) as described in Figure 3, additionally and by way of example showing that the control device (11) is functionally connected to, among other things, a loudspeaker (12) and / or a visual output device (13), e.g., a screen or an LED display, and can output information via this device. Furthermore, the control device (11) and / or the user recognition means (5) can be connected via a radio communication option, e.g., a Wi-Fi transmitter (14), and / or a connection to the internet or a server.
[0042] (15) have. The connection to the Internet can be established via the radio connection option (14) and / or via the connection to the Internet (15), whereby the radio connection option (14) can also be used to establish communication between different components of the power output device (1) or a user's terminal device, e.g., a smartphone. Furthermore, the user recognition means (5) can include a camera
[0043] (16) include devices that can identify a user (e.g. via facial recognition) or that can recognize an identification feature such as a QR code.
[0044] Figure 5 shows that the control device (11) may include the user recognition means (5). It is also possible that the control device structurally and functionally includes one or more of the following components: means for influencing current flow (3), means for user recognition (5), plug sensor (6), means for measuring current flow (4), and / or temperature sensor (10). REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST
[0045] 1 power output device 9 plug pins
[0046] 2 sockets, 10 temperature sensors
[0047] 3 means for 11 control device
[0048] Influence of a 12-speaker current flow 13 Visual output device
[0049] 4 Means of measuring 14 Radio / Wi-Fi transmitter of a current flow 15 Internet connection
[0050] 5 means of / server connection
[0051] Does he use identification 16 camera
[0052] 6 connector sensor 17 connector housing
[0053] 7 Power source
[0054] 8 Power line
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Power supply device (1) comprising: a socket (2) for supplying electric current to a plug, in particular a low-voltage socket, in particular a household socket, Means for influencing (3) a current flow via the socket (2), in particular for interrupting or releasing a current flow via the socket (2), Means for measuring (4) a current flow through the socket (2 ) , Means for user detection (5), and a plug sensor (6) for determining whether a plug is inserted into the socket, wherein the means for influencing the current flow (3) are functionally connected to the means for user detection (5) and are suitable for influencing the current flow based on user detection, in particular interrupting or releasing it, and the plug sensor (6) is functionally connected to the means for influencing the current flow (3) in such a way that inserting and removing a plug into the socket (2) enables user detection via the means for User authentication (5) for releasing the necessitates the flow of electricity.
2. Current output device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug sensor (6) is configured to determine the position of a plug, in particular a plug housing (17) or a plug pin (9) , in the socket (2); and / or wherein the plug sensor (6) is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor and a Hall effect sensor.
3. Current output device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the current output device further comprises a temperature sensor (10) for measuring the temperature of the current output device (1), in particular of current-carrying parts of the current output device, wherein the means for influencing (3) the current flow are functionally connected to the temperature sensor (10) and are suitable for influencing the current flow based on a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor (10), in particular for interrupting or releasing it.
4. Power output device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means for user detection (5) is a local user detection or a user detection 18 via an electronic network, in particular wherein the means for user identification (5) is an RFID reader, in particular a near field communication (NFC)-based reader, a camera or a network data receiver.
5. Current output device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for influencing (3) the current flow are means for adjusting the voltage and / or current, in particular a relay, in particular an electromechanical relay, a semiconductor relay, a bistable relay or an AC relay.
6. Current output device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the current output device (1) further comprises a control device (11), in particular a processor, which is equipped with the means for influencing (3) the current flow, with the means for user recognition (5), the plug sensor (6) and optionally with the means for measuring a current flow (4) and / or the temperature sensor (10) is functionally connected and is configured to control the means for influencing the current flow (3) at least based on a signal from the means for user detection (5), the plug sensor (6) and optionally based on a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor (10). 19 7. Current output device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user recognition means (5) and / or the control device (11) are connectable to or connected to a server via the Internet, in particular an Open Charging Point Communication Standard (OCPP) server.
8. Current output device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means for influencing the current flow (3) and / or the control device (11) are configured to communicate with at least one further current output device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and to influence the current flow in such a way that an overload of a supply line to the current output devices is not caused.
9. Power output device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the means for influencing (3) the current flow and / or the control device (11) are configured to prevent an overload of a supply line to the power output devices by creating a priority list of the power output devices taking into account the user recognition and influencing the current flow according to the priority list. 20 10. A power distribution network comprising at least two Power output devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.