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Title:
AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/144405
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to an electrical socket system. The system is configured to identify a stand-by mode of operation of a plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to a stand-by mode, where the controller (2) is configured to close the electronic switch (3), the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure a stand-by power, the controller (2) is configured to save the stand-by power. The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the power. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller (2) is configured to open the electronic switch (3) when the measured power corresponds the stand-by power.

Inventors:
VIITANEN ANTTI (FI)
KARVINEN MISKA (FI)
Application Number:
PCT/FI2020/050013
Publication Date:
July 16, 2020
Filing Date:
January 09, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
RIOT INNOVATIONS (FI)
International Classes:
H01R13/66; G06F1/26; H01R13/70; H01R24/20; H01R24/28; H01R25/00; H02J9/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2011046265A12011-04-21
WO2009158186A22009-12-30
WO2009158186A22009-12-30
Foreign References:
US20100109619A12010-05-06
US20070297112A12007-12-27
EP2842212A22015-03-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PRIMROSE OY (FI)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An electrical socket system, the electrical socket system comprising:

- a power inlet (7);

- a power outlet (5) comprising a socket opening (16) for accommodating a plug for plugging an electrical device;

- a controller (2) coupled to the power inlet (7);

- an electronic switch (3) coupled to the power inlet (7), the electronic switch (3) being coupled between the power outlet (5) and the controller (2); and

- an electricity meter (4) coupled between the power outlet (5) and the electronic switch (3) for measuring power of a plugged electrical device,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

the system is configured to identify a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to a stand-by mode, where

- the controller (2) is configured to operate the electronic switch (3), the controller (2) being configured to open and close the electronic switch (3);

- the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure a stand-by power of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode and the electronic switch (3) is closed; and

- the controller (2) is configured to save the stand-by power, the system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the power of the plugged electric device, and

the system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller (2) is configured to open the electronic switch (3) after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

2. An electrical socket system according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system further comprises:

- a communication unit (18) and a server system (19), the communication unit (18) being configured to provide communication between the controller (2) and the server system (19) and the server system (19) being configured to instruct the controller (2) to identify the stand-by mode, where

- the controller (2) is configured to operate the electronic switch (3), the controller (2) being configured to open and close the electronic switch (3);

- the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the stand-by power of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode and the electronic switch (3) is closed;

- the communication unit (18) is configured to communicate the measured stand-by power to the server system (19);

- the server system (19) is configured to analyse the measured stand by power to provide the stand-by power;

- the communication unit (18) is configured to communicate the stand by power to the controller (2);

- the controller (2) is configured to save the stand-by power, and the system is configured to monitor the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the power of the plugged electric device, and

the system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller (2) is configured to open the electronic switch (3) after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus the first margin.

3. An electrical socket system according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the delay is between 5 - 3600 seconds; or

- the delay is between 5 - 1800 seconds; or

- the delay is between 60 to 900 seconds.

4. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the first margin is between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power; or

- the first margin is between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power; or

- the first margin is between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power. 5. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system is configured to identify a standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where

- the controller (2) is configured to operate the electronic switch (3), the controller (2) being configured to open and close the electronic switch (3);

- the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure a standard power of the plugged electrical device when the plugged electrical device is set to the standard mode of operation and the electronic switch (3) is closed;

- the controller (2) is configured to save the standard power,

the system is configured to monitor the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the power of the plugged electric device, and

the system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller (2) is configured to open the electronic switch (3) when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is higher than the standard power plus a second margin.

6. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 2 to 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system is configured to identify a standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, and the server system (19) is configured to instruct the controller (2) to identify the standard mode of operation, where

- the controller (2) is configured to operate the electronic switch (3), the controller (2) being configured to open and close the electronic switch (3);

- the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the standard power of the plugged electrical device when the plugged electrical device is set to the standard mode of operation and the electronic switch (3) is closed;

- the communication unit (18) is configured to communicate the measured standard power to the server system (19);

- the server system (19) is configured to analyse the measured standard power to provide the standard power;

- the communication unit (18) is configured to communicate the standard power to the controller (2);

- the controller (2) is configured to save the standard power, and the system is configured to monitor the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter (4) is configured to measure the power of the plugged electric device, and

the system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller (2) is configured to open the electronic switch (3) when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is higher than the standard power plus the second margin.

7. An electrical socket system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first margin as a percentage is higher than the second margin as a percentage.

8. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that:

- the second margin is at least 5% of the standard power; or

- the second margin is at least 10% of the standard power; or

- the second margin is at least 20% of the standard power. 9. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the system comprises a main switch (8) coupled to the controller (2), and the controller (2) is configured to switch on or switch off the electrical connection of the main switch (8). 10. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the system or the controller (2) comprises a memory, and the controller (2) is configured to save the stand-by power, or the standard power or the stand-by power and the standard power measured with electricity meter (4) to the memory.

11. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electrical socket system comprises the communication unit (18) configured to connected to a separate user device (1) such that the electrical socket system is remotely operable with the user device (1).

12. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the controller (2) comprises:

- one or more processors, the memory and input/out peripherals; or

- a microcontroller; or

- a system on a chip.

13. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the system comprises two or more power outlets (5) each of the two or more power outlets (5) comprising the electronic switch (3) and the electricity meter (4) coupled between the power outlet (5) and the controller

(2). 14. An electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the system comprises the electrical socket comprises a wall socket unit arranged to be provided on a wall of a building and connected to mains electric power.

15. A power strip (10) comprising an enclosure (9) for a socket and an electrical power cable (11) connected to the enclosure (9), the electrical power cable (11) comprising a plug (12) for connecting the power strip (10) to a power supply, characterized in that the enclosure comprises an electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 13.

16. A power strip (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the power strip (10) further comprises an electric switch button (17) configured to start the system configured to identify the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode, and/or configured to start the system configured to identify the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device. 17. A socket plug (20) comprising an enclosure (25), a plug (22) provided to the enclosure (25) for connecting the socket plug (20) to a power supply, characterized in that the enclosure (25) comprises an electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 13. 18. A socket plug (20) according to claim 17, characterized in that the socket plug (20) further comprises an electric switch button (27) configured to start the system configured to identify the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode, and/or configured to start the system configured to identify the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device.

19. A method for an electrical socket system for monitoring, identifying and controlling a mode of operation of an electrical device plugged to the electrical socket system, characterized in that the method comprises:

- connecting a power inlet (7) of the electrical socket system to a power supply for providing electricity to a controller (2) and to an electronic switch (3) of the electrical socket system;

- connecting a plug of an electrical device to a power outlet (5) of the electrical socket system, the electronic switch (3) being arranged between the power outlet (5) and the controller (2);

- identifying a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by:

- closing the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2),

- setting the plugged electrical device to the stand-by mode,

- measuring a stand-by power of the plugged electrical device with an electricity meter (4) of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet (5) and the electronic switch (3), and

- saving the stand-by power to the controller (2);

- monitoring the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter (4); and

- controlling the mode of operation of the electrical device by opening the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2) after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

20. A method according to claim 19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that identifying the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device comprises:

- closing the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2),

- setting the plugged electrical device to the stand-by mode,

- measuring the stand-by power with the electricity meter (4) of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet (5) and the electronic switch (3),

- communicating the measured stand-by power to the server system (19) with a communication unit (18)

- analysing the measured stand-by power with the server system (19) and providing the stand-by power,

- communicating the stand-by power to the controller (2) with the communication unit (18),

- saving the stand-by power to the controller (2). 21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises:

- setting the delay between 5 - 3600 seconds; or

- setting the delay between 5 - 1800 seconds; or

- setting the delay between 60 to 900 seconds.

22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises:

- setting the first margin between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power; or - setting the first margin between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power; or

- setting the first margin between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power.

23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises:

- identifying a standard mode of operation of the electrical device by:

- closing the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2),

- setting the plugged electrical device to a standard operation mode,

- measuring a standard power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter (4) of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet (5) and the electronic switch (3), and

- saving the standard power to the controller (2);

- monitoring the mode of operation of the electrical device by measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter (4); and

- controlling the mode of operation of the electrical device by opening the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2) when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is higher than the standard power plus a second margin.

24. A method according to claims 23, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that identifying the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device comprises:

- closing the electronic switch (3) with the controller (2),

- setting the electrical device to the standard operation mode,

- measuring the standard power with the electricity meter (4) of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet (5) and the electronic switch (3), - communicating the measured standard power to the server system (19) with a communication unit (18)

- analysing the measured standard power with the server system (19) and providing the standard power,

- communicating the standard power to the controller (2) with the communication unit (18),

- saving the standard power to the controller (2).

25. A method according to claim 23 or 24, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises:

- setting the second margin between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power; or

- setting the second margin between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power; or

- setting the second margin between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power.

26. A method according to any of claims 19 to 25 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method is carried out by utilizing an electrical socket system according to any of claims 1 to 14 or a power strip (10) according to any one of claims 15 or 16 or a socket plug (20) according to the any one of claims 70 or 18.

Description:
AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrical socket system and more specifically to an electrical socket system according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to power strip and more specifically to a power strip according to preamble of claim 15. The present invention also relates to a method for an electrical socket system and more specifically to a method according to preamble of claim 19.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known home automation systems are centralised systems comprising a plurality of sensors and controls. The home automation systems are typically expensive and customized to the home.

Power strips are used when several electrical devices are in proximity. Known power strips can have a mechanical master switch to turn all connected electrical devices on and off.

However, known electrical sockets and power strips comprise only an operation which switches the connected electrical device on or off. Therefore, there is a need for an electrical socket and a power strip which allow the mode of operation of the electrical device to be monitored, identified and controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical socket system and a method for an electrical socket system such as the disadvantages of the prior art are dissolved or at least alleviated.

The objects of the invention are achieved by an electrical socket system according to an independent claim 1, a power strip according to claim 15, a socket plug according to claim 17, a method for an electrical socket system according to an independent claim 19.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing an electrical socket system. The electrical socket system comprises a power inlet, a power outlet comprising a socket opening for accommodating a plug for plugging an electrical device, a controller coupled to the power inlet, an electronic switch coupled to the power inlet, the electronic switch being coupled between the power outlet and the controller, and an electricity meter coupled between the power outlet and the electronic switch for measuring power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to identify a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to a stand-by mode, where the controller is configured to operate the electronic switch, the electricity meter is configured to measure a stand-by power of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode and the electronic switch is closed, and the controller is configured to save the stand-by power. The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller is configured to open the electronic switch after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

In the context of the present application the controlled is configured to operate the electronic switch. The controller is further configured to open and close the electronic switch. In the closed position of the electronic switch current flow through the electronic switch is enabled or allowed. In the open position of the electronic switch current flow through the electronic switch is disabled or prevented.

During measuring the stand-by power of the plugged electrical device the controller is configured to close the electronic switch, or the electronic switch is closed.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a communication unit and a server system, the communication unit being configured to provide communication between the controller and the server system, and the server system being configured to instruct the controller to identify the stand-by mode. The controller is configured to operate the electronic switch, the electricity meter is configured to measure the stand-by power of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode and the electronic switch is closed, the communication unit is configured to communicate the measured stand-by power to the server system, the server system is configured to analyse the measured stand-by power to provide the stand-by power, the communication unit is configured to communicate the stand-by power to the controller, and the controller is configured to save the stand-by power. The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller is configured to open the electronic switch after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

An advantage of the invention is that it monitors, identifies and controls the plugged electric devices individually. In the invention, the power consumption of the plugged electric device in the stand-by mode is determined by measuring it with an electricity meter. As the electrical socket system detects based on the power consumption of the plugged electric device and the measured stand-by power of the plugged electric device that the plugged electric device is in a stand by mode it automatically switches off the power outlet after the delay. This reduces the cost of a continuous stand-by energy consumption by reducing the stand-by time and also prevents unnecessary switching off due to the delay. The delay also allows the hibernation, installations or the like to be carried out successfully to the end upon beginning of the stand-by mode of the electrical device. Further, this reduces electricity usage of a continuous stand-by energy consumption, extends the life of devices by reducing the time the electrical components are under stress.

The electrical socket system may be a stand-alone system meaning it can perform its function without being integrated for instance to an expensive house automation system. This means the electrical socket system monitors, identifies and controls the plugged electric devices locally. The electrical socket system provides a cost-effective way to control individual electrical devices and it is an easy system to install.

The electrical socket system may also comprise a server system and a necessary communication unit for a communication between the controller and the server system. The server system, which comprises an external server system or a part of the controller, provides analysis for the electrical socket system. The analysis comprises for instance: calculating an arithmetic mean power, defining a lowest/highest power and/or calculating standard deviation.

In an embodiment of the invention the electrical socket system may comprise the controller which is configured to open the electronic switch after the delay when the measured power is lower than the stand-by power plus the first margin.

In one embodiment, the delay is between 5 - 3600 seconds. In another embodiment, the delay is between 5 - 1800 seconds. In a further embodiment, the delay is between 60 to 900 seconds.

In one embodiment, the first margin is between 1 - 50 % of the stand by power. In another embodiment, the first margin is between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power. In a further embodiment, the first margin is between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power.

In some embodiments, the first margin comprises 5-50% of the stand by power and the delay comprises 0-60 min. Preferably, the second margin comprises 10-20% of the stand-by power. Preferably, the delay comprises 5-15 min.

The use of the first margin reduces the risk that a temporary lower power usage of the electronic device is interpreted as a stand-by mode which causes the electric device to be switched off. Further, the use of a delay prevents a repeated switching on and off of the electrical device in a short period of time.

In another embodiment of the invention the electrical socket system is configured to identify a standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device. The controller is configured to operate the electronic switch, the electricity meter is configured to measure a standard power of the plugged electrical device when the plugged electrical device is set to the standard mode of operation and the electronic switch is closed, and the controller is configured to save the standard power. The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller is configured to open the electronic switch when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is higher than the standard power plus a second margin.

During measuring the standard power of the plugged electrical device, the controller is configured to close the electronic switch, or the electronic switch is closed.

In one embodiment, system comprises the communication unit and the server system, the communication unit being configured to provide communication between the controller and the server system. The server system is configured to instruct the controller to identify the standard mode of operation, where the controller is configured to operate the electronic switch, the electricity meter is configured to measure the standard power of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the standard mode of operation and the electronic switch is closed, the communication unit is configured to communicate the measured standard power to the server system, the server system is configured to analyse the measured standard power to provide the standard power, the communication unit is configured to communicate the standard power to the controller, the controller is configured to save the standard power. The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller is configured to open the electronic switch when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is higher than the standard power plus the second margin.

In one embodiment, the second margin is at least 5% of the standard power. In another embodiment, the second margin is at least 10% of the standard power. In a further embodiment, the second margin is at least 20% of the standard power.

In some embodiments, the second margin may comprise 5-40% of the standard power. Preferably, the second margin comprises 10-15% of the stand-by power.

In the identification of the standard mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device the power consumption of the plugged electrical device is monitored over a time period. The time period may be an operation cycle of the electric device, a predetermined time period or a time period defined by the user. The defining of the time period by the user may be performed with a user device to the controller or through the server system. The standard power is defined from the measured energy consumption data and it is the peak power, for instance.

The identification of the standard mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device provides additional safety for the user. If the energy consumption of the plugged electrical device increases suddenly from ordinary energy consumption of the plugged electrical device it can indicate a technical obsolescence, wear and tear or a technical failure of the plugged electrical device. The electrical socket system can monitor the mode of the operation and when a limit value is exceeded, i.e. the measured power consumption is more than the standard power plus the second margin, the electrical socket system automatically switches off the power outlet. Providing the standard power at the controller reduces the response time of the system.

In a further embodiment of the invention the first margin as a percentage may be higher than a second margin as a percentage. The first margin is related to the energy consumption of an electrical device and the second margin is related to a safe operation of an electrical device. Therefore, the user may find the safe operation more relevant than the energy saving and require a more accurate action.

In a further another embodiment of the invention the system may comprise a main switch coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to switch on or switch off the electrical connection of the main switch.

The controller can prevent the manual operation of the main switch when necessary. For instance, the manual use of the main switch may be disabled during the night time in order to prevent its use by a pet.

In a yet further another embodiment of the invention the system or the controller comprises a memory. The controller is configured to save energy consumption data from the electricity meter, or the stand-by power and/or the standard power measured with the electricity meter. This allows tracking of energy consumption on-line and history information. For instance, if the energy consumption of the electric device increases slowly in the course of time it can indicate a technical obsolescence and wear and tear. Further, this allows monitoring the power of the plugged electrical device in relation to the stand-by power and/or the standard power.

In some embodiments, the electrical socket system may comprise the communication unit configured to connect to a separate user device such that the electrical socket system is remotely operable with the user device.

In an embodiment of the invention the electrical socket system may be remotely operable with the user device. The user device may comprise a smart phone or a tablet. The remote operation may use Wi-Fi or ZigBee or Bluetooth wireless communication systems, for instance, in the communication unit. The use of Wi-Fi allows an over-the-air update, e.g. the wireless delivery of new software to the controller or the wireless delivery of data from controller to the user device.

The user device may communicate with a server system if the server system is provided. For instance, the user may use the user device to communicate with an external server system, and the external server system communicates with the controller by means of a communication unit.

In another embodiment of the invention the controller may comprise one or more processors, the memory and input/out peripherals, or a microcontroller, or a system on a chip.

In a further embodiment of the invention the electrical socket system may comprise two or more power outlets each of the two or more power outlets comprising the electronic switch and the electricity meter coupled between the power outlet and the controller. The electrical socket system allows each power outlet comprising a socket opening for accommodating a plug to be monitored, identified and controlled independently of the other power outlets.

In a further another embodiment of the invention the electrical socket system may comprise a wall socket unit arranged to be provided on a wall of a building and connected to mains electric power.

In an embodiment of the invention a power strip comprises an enclosure for a socket and an electrical power cable connected to the enclosure, the electrical power cable comprising a plug for connecting the power strip to a power supply, and the enclosure comprises the electrical socket system as described above.

The power strip may comprise 1-10 socket openings and preferably 2- 6.

The electrical socket system allows each power outlet comprising a socket opening for accommodating a plug to be monitored, identified and controlled independently of the other power outlets provided in the same power strip or the wall socket unit.

In another embodiment of the invention the power strip may further comprise an electric switch button configured to start the system configured to identify the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode, and/or configured to start the system configured to identify the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device.

By means of the electric switch button the user can manually start the identification of the stand-by power and/or the identification of the standard power. For instance, each power outlet may be connected to a corresponding electric switch button.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a method for an electrical socket system for monitoring, identifying and controlling a mode of operation of an electrical device plugged to the electrical socket system. The method comprises connecting a power inlet of the electrical socket system to a power supply for providing electricity to a controller and to an electronic switch of the electrical socket system and connecting a plug of an electrical device to a power outlet of the electrical socket system. The electronic switch is arranged between the power outlet and the controller. The method comprises identifying a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by: closing the electronic switch with the controller allowing current to flow through the electronic switch, setting the plugged electrical device to the stand-by mode, measuring a stand-by power of the plugged electrical device with an electricity meter of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet and the electronic switch, and saving the stand-by power to the controller. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter. The method further comprises controlling the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by opening the electronic switch with the controller after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

In one embodiment, identify the stand-by mode of the plugged electronic device comprises closing the electronic switch allowing current to flow through it with the controller, setting the plugged electrical device to the stand-by mode, measuring the stand-by power with the electricity meter of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet and the electronic switch, communicating the measured stand-by power to the server system with a communication unit, analysing the measured stand-by power with the server system providing the stand-by power, communicating the stand-by power to the controller with the communication unit, and saving the stand-by power to the controller. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter. The method further comprises controlling the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by opening the electronic switch with the controller after a delay when the measured power of the plugged electrical device is lower than the stand-by power plus a first margin.

An advantage of the invented method is that the plugged electric devices are monitored, identified and controlled. As a plugged electric device is detected to be in a stand-by mode the power outlet is automatically switched off. It reduces the cost of a continuous stand-by energy consumption by reducing the stand-by time.

One embodiment of the method comprises setting the delay between 5 - 3600 seconds. Another embodiment of the method comprises setting the delay between 5 - 1800 seconds. A further embodiment the method comprises setting the delay between 60 to 900 seconds. One embodiment of the method comprises setting the first margin between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power. Another embodiment of the method comprises setting the first margin between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power. A further embodiment of the method comprises setting the first margin between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power.

In one embodiment of the invention the method may comprise opening the electronic switch with the controller after a delay when the measured power is lower than the stand-by power plus the first margin, as disclosed above. The first margin comprises 5-50% of the stand-by power and the delay comprises 0-60 min. Preferably, the first margin comprises 10-20% of the stand-by power. Preferably, the delay comprises 5-15 min.

The use of the first margin reduces the risk that a temporary lower power usage of the electronic device is interpreted as a stand-by mode. Further, the use of a delay prevents a repeated switching on and off of the electrical device in a short period of time.

In another embodiment of the invention the method may comprise identifying a standard mode of operation of the electrical device by: setting the plugged electrical device to a standard operation mode, closing the electronic switch with the controller, measuring a standard power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter of the electrical socket system coupled between the outlet and the electronic switch, and saving the standard power to the controller. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the electrical device by measuring the power with the electricity meter. The method comprises controlling the mode of operation of the electrical device by opening the electronic switch with the controller when the measured power is higher than the standard power plus a second margin.

In one embodiment, identifying the standard mode of operation comprises closing the electronic switch with the controller, setting the plugged electrical device to the standard operation mode, measuring the standard power with the electricity meter of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet and the electronic switch, communicating the measured standard power to the server system with the communication unit, analysing the measured standard power with the server system and providing the standard power, communicating the standard power to the controller with the communication unit, saving the standard power to the controller. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the electrical device by measuring the power with the electricity meter. The method comprises controlling the mode of operation of the electrical device by opening the electronic switch with the controller when the measured power is higher than the standard power plus the second margin.

In one embodiment, the method comprises setting the second margin between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power. In another embodiment, the method comprises setting the second margin between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power. In a further embodiment, the method comprises setting the second margin between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power

In the method, the identification of the standard mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device provides additional safety for the customer. If the energy consumption of the electrical device increases suddenly it can indicate a technical obsolescence, wear and tear or a technical failure of the electrical device. The electrical socket system can monitor the mode of the operation and when a limit value is exceeded, i.e. the measured power consumption is more than the standard power plus the second margin, the electrical socket system automatically switches off the power outlet.

The identification of the mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device is preferably performed after plugging the electrical device to the power outlet. It is not necessary to repeat the identification of the mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device if the same electrical device remains plugged to the same power outlet as the measured powers, e.g. the stand-by power and the standard power, are saved to the controller or to the server system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows a power strip;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the power strip of Figure 1 Figures 3 and 4 show schematically a socket plug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a power strip 10. The power strip 10 comprises an enclosure 9 for a socket and an electrical power cable 11 connected to the enclosure 9. The electrical power cable 11 comprises a plug 12 for connecting the power strip 10 to a power supply. The enclosure 9 comprises a top 13 and a bottom wall 14 and side walls 15 connecting the top 13 and bottom walls 14. The socket openings 16 for accommodating a plug of an electric device are open to the top wall 13. The power strip 10 comprises a plurality of socket openings 16 for accommodating a plug. In Figure 1 shown power strip 10 comprises four socket openings 16 providing four separate power outlets 5 for electric devices. The electric device (not shown) is connected with a plug to the socket opening 16. Preferably, a main switch 8 is provided at the top wall 13. The enclosure 9 of the power strip 10 comprises an electrical socket system.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of electric socket system of the power strip 10 of Figure 1.

The electrical socket system comprises a power inlet 7 and a plurality of power outlets 5 comprising a socket opening 16 for accommodating a plug of an electrical device. A controller 2 and an electronic switch 3 are coupled to the power inlet 7. In a closed position the electronic switch 3 allows the current to flow through it and in an open position the electronic switch 3 prevents the current to flow through it. The power inlet 7 is to be connected to a power supply via the electrical power cable 11 for providing electricity to the controller 2 and to the electronic switch 3. The electronic switch 3 is coupled between the power outlet 5 and the controller 2. An electricity meter 4 is coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3.

The shown system comprises a communication unit 18 and a server system 19. The communication unit 18 is configured to provide communication between the controller 2 and the server system 19. The server system may be part of the controller 2, or an external server system 19.

The electrical socket system may be configured to identify a stand-by mode of operation of a plugged electrical device without a use of a communication unit 18 and a server system 19. Then the electrical device is set to a stand-by mode, the controller 2 is configured to close the electronic switch 3, the electricity meter 4 is configured to measure a stand-by power, and the controller 2 is configured to save the stand-by power to the controller 2 or to the server system 19.

The electrical socket system may be configured to identify a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device with use of the communication unit 18 and the server system 19. Then the plugged electrical device is set to a stand-by mode, the system comprises the communication unit 18 and the server system 19. The communication unit 18 is configured to provide communication between the controller 2 and the server system 19. The server system 19 is configured to instruct the controller 2 to identify the stand-by mode, where the controller 2 is configured to close the electronic switch 3, the electricity meter 4 is configured to measure a stand-by power of the plugged electrical device, the communication unit 18 is configured to communicate the measured stand-by power to the server system 19, the server system 19 is configured to analyse the measured stand-by power to provide the stand-by power, the communication unit 18 is configured to communicate the stand-by power to the controller 2, and the controller 2 is configured to save the stand-by power to the controller 2 or to the server system 19.

The stand-by mode and the stand-by power are identified and measured such that the electronic switch is closed.

The system is configured to monitor a mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter 4 is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller 2 is configured to open the electronic switch 3 when the measured power corresponds the stand-by power.

Preferably, the controller 2 is configured to open the electronic switch 3 after a delay when the measured power is lower than the stand-by power plus a margin.

The controller 2 can be configured to open the electronic switch 3 only after a delay when it has detected that the electricity meter 4 has measured a power which is lower than the stand-by power plus a margin. The first margin comprises 5-50% of the stand-by power. The delay comprises 0-60 min.

The delay may be between 5 - 3600 seconds, preferably between 5 - 1800 seconds, and more preferably the delay is between 60 to 900 seconds.

The first margin may be between 1 - 50 % of the stand-by power, preferably between 1 to 25 % of the stand-by power, and more preferably between 5 to 25 % of the stand-by power.

The electrical socket system can be also configured to identify a standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, when the plugged electrical device is set to a standard operation mode, where the controller 2 is configured to close the electronic switch 3, the electricity meter 4 is configured to measure a standard power of the plugged electrical device, and the controller 2 is configured to save the standard power. The system is configured to monitor the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the electricity meter 4 is configured to measure the power of the plugged electrical device. The system is configured to control the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device, where the controller 2 is configured to open the electronic switch 3 when the measured power is higher than the standard power plus a second margin.

The identification of the standard mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device can be used to ensure a safe operation of the plugged electrical device. When the electricity meter 4 measures an increased power consumption of the plugged electrical device the controller 2 cuts the power supply to the corresponding power outlet 5.

The standard operation mode and the standard power are identified and measured such that the electronic switch is closed.

The second margin may be at least 5% of the standard power, preferably at least 10% of the standard power, and more preferably at least 20% of the standard power.

The main switch 8 can be coupled to the controller 2, and the controller 2 is configured to switch on or switch off the electrical connection of the main switch 8. This restricts the manual use of the main switch 8.

The controller 2 can be configured to save energy consumption data from the electricity meter 4.

The controller 2 may comprise one or more processors, a memory and input/out peripherals, or a microcontroller, or a system on a chip (SoC). The controller 2 monitors sensors, e.g. the electricity meter 4, records data, controls electronic switches 3 and detects the mode of operation of the plugged electric devices. Preferably, the controller 2 works online, e.g. via Wi-Fi, and outputs data to a user interface, e.g. to a user device 1 or to a display.

The stand-by power and/or the standard power may be saved or stored to the memory or to the user device 1.

The electrical socket system in the power strip 10 may be remotely operable with a user device 1. The user device 1 may comprise a smart phone or a tablet. The remote operation may use Wi-Fi or ZigBee wireless communication systems, for instance. The use of Wi-Fi allows an over-the-air update, e.g. the wireless delivery of new software to the controller 2 or the wireless delivery of data from controller 2 to a user device 1.

Accordingly, the communication unit 18 may be configured to connect to the server system 19 and/or to the user device 1. For instance, the identification of the mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device may be started via the user device 1. When identifying a stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device the user sets the plugged electrical device to a stand-by mode and starts the identification via the user device 1. The electrical socket system provides the identification of the stand by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device. In the identification of the stand-by mode the controller 2 closes the electronic switch 3, the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3 measures the stand-by power, and the memory of the controller 2 saves the stand-by power. Alternatively, the stand-by power is saved to the server system 19.

When identifying the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device the user starts the identification via the user device 1 and sets the electrical device to the standard operation mode. In the identification of the standard mode the controller 2 closes the electronic switch 3, the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3 measures the standard power, and the memory of the controller 2 saves the standard power. Alternatively, the standard power is saved to the server system 19.

The power strip 10 may comprise an electric switch button 17. For instance, the identification of the mode of the operation of the plugged electrical device may be started by means of the electric switch button 17. Then the electric switch button 17 is configured to start the system configured to identify the stand by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the plugged electrical device is set to the stand-by mode, and/or configured to start the system configured to identify the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device.

The delay may be determined by the user. Accordingly, the user may determine the delay by utilizing the electronic switch 17 or the user device 1. Alternatively, the delay may be pre-determined or a fixed delay may be used.

The present invention may also provide a socket plug 20, as shown in figures 3 and 4. The socket plug comprises an enclosure 25. A plug 22 is provided directly to the enclosure 25, or to a first side wall 21 of the enclosure 25. The plug 22 projects from the enclosure 25 or the first side wall 21. The socket plug 20 is further provided with a socket system as described above in relation to figures 1 and 2. Accordingly, the enclosure 25 comprises one or more socket opening 24 for receiving a plug of an electrical device. The socket opening(s) 24 is provided to the enclosure 25 or a second side wall 23 of the enclosure 25. The second side wall 23 is preferably opposite the first side wall 21.

The socket plug 20 may optionally further comprise an electric switch button 27 configured to start the system configured to identify the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device when the electrical device is set to the stand-by mode, and/or configured to start the system configured to identify the standard mode of operation of the plugged electrical device. This, electric switch button corresponds the switch button 17 of figure 1. The socket plug 20 may also comprise a main switch similarly as the main switch 8 of figure 1.

The socket plug 20 may correspond the power strip 10 without the electrical power cable 11 between the enclosure 9 and the plug 12.

As shown in figure 1, the power strip 10 may in some embodiments comprise one or more optical sensors 40 provided to the enclosure 9 or to socket opening 16 or in connection with a socket opening 16 for recognizing a plug of an electrical device in the socket opening 16. The optical sensor 40 is connected to the controller 2. Thus, the optical sensor 40 enables recognizing when an electrical device is plugged to the power strip 10 or the socket system. The optical sensor 40 may be used activating a power outlet 6 or the power outlet 6 of a power outlet opening 16 due to recognizing a plug of the electrical device in the power outlet opening 16 or deactivating a power outlet 6 or the power outlet 6 of a power outlet opening 16 due to recognizing that there is no plug of the electrical device in the power outlet opening 16.

The socket system, wall socket unit or the socket plug 20 may also be provided with one or more optical sensors 40.

In alternative embodiments, the optical sensor 40 may be provided inside the enclosure 9, 25 of the power strip 10 or the socket plug. Thus, the optical sensor 40 is arranged to recognize when a plug of the electrical device is received in the power outlet 6 and to the power outlet opening 16, 24.

Instead of the optical sensor 40, a mechanical or electrical sensor or the like other sensor may be provided to the socket system, wall socket unit or the socket plug 20 or the power strip 10 for recognizing when a plug of the electrical device is received in the power outlet 6 and to the power outlet opening 16, 24.

The sensor 40 may be connected or operatively connected to the electrical switch 4 or to the main switch 8 for preventing power supply to the power outlet(s) when the sensor 40 recognizes no plugged electrical device in the power outlet(s) 5.

The power strip 10, the socket plug 20 or the power system further comprises a circuit board. The circuit board may be provided inside the enclosure 9, 25. The components of the electrical socket system are provided to the circuit board or connected to the circuit board. The controller 2, the electronic switch(s) 3, the electricity meter(s) 4 are usually provided on the circuit board. Further, optical sensor or other sensor is also preferably provided on the circuit board or connected to the circuit board.

A method for a power strip 10 comprising an electrical socket system for monitoring, identifying and controlling a mode of operation of an electrical device connected or plugged to the power strip 10. The method comprises connecting an electrical power cable 11 of the power strip 10 to a power supply for providing electricity to the controller 2 and the electronic switch 3 of the electrical socket system via the power inlet 7 of the electrical socket system and connecting a plug of the electrical device to a power outlet 5 of the electrical socket system. The method comprises identifying the stand-by mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by: setting the plugged electrical device to the stand-by mode, closing the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2, measuring the stand-by power with the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3, and saving the stand-by power to the controller 2.

In one embodiment, the method comprises instructing the controller 2 to identify the stand-by mode with the server system 19, where closing the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2, setting the electrical device to the stand- by mode, measuring the stand-by power with the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3, communicating the measured stand-by power to the server system 19 with the communication unit 18, analysing the measured stand-by power with the server system 19 providing the stand-by power, communicating the stand-by power to the controller 2 with the communication unit 18, and saving the stand by power to the controller 2. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by: measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter 4. The method comprises controlling the mode of operation of the plugged electrical device by: opening the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2 when the measured power corresponds the stand-by power.

The method may comprise opening the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2 after the delay when the controller 2 has detected that the electricity meter 4 has measured a power which is lower than the stand-by power plus the first margin. The first margin comprises 5-50% of the stand-by power and the delay comprises 0-60 min.

The method may comprise identifying a standard mode of operation of the electrical device by: setting the plugged electrical device to the operation mode, closing the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2, measuring the standard power with the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3, and saving the standard power to the controller 2. Alternatively, the identifying comprises instructing the controller 2 to identify the standard mode of operation with the server system, where closing the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2, setting the electrical device to the standard operation mode, measuring a standard power with the electricity meter 4 of the electrical socket system coupled between the power outlet 5 and the electronic switch 3, communicating the measured standard power to the server system 19 with the communication unit 18, analysing the measured standard power with the server system 19 providing the standard power, communicating the standard power to the controller 2 with the communication unit 18, saving the standard power to the controller 2. The method comprises monitoring the mode of operation of the electrical device by measuring the power of the plugged electrical device with the electricity meter 4. The method comprises controlling the mode of operation of the electrical device by opening the electronic switch 3 with the controller 2 when the measured power is higher than the standard power plus the second margin.

The electrical socket system within the power strip 10 allows each power outlet 5 comprising a socket opening 16 for accommodating a plug to be monitored, identified and controlled independently of the other power outlets 5 provided in the same power strip 10.

In the shown power strip 10 each power outlet 5, i.e. each socket opening 16, can be monitored, controlled and the power consumption measured individually. It is also possible to provide one or more power outlets to the power strip 10 without the electronic switch 3 and/or without the electricity meter 4 in addition to one or more individually controlled power outlets 5.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims. Part list: 1 a user device; 2 a controller; 3 an electronic switch; 4 an electricity meter; 5 a power outlet; 6 an electric device; 7 a power inlet; 8 a main switch; 9 an enclosure;10 a power strip; 11 a power cable; 12 a plug;13 a top wall; 14 a bottom wall; 15 side walls; 16 a socket opening; 17 a switch button, 18 a communication unit; 19 a server system.