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Title:
A DEVICE FOR CONTROLLED SUPPLY OF CURRENT TO AN ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN UNIT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/106336
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A device for controlled supply of current to an electrically driven unit, comprising an outlet (1) designed for connection of the electrically driven unit, the outlet (1) being arranged to go into a first state if said electrically driven unit is turned off and go into a second state if said electrically driven unit is turned on. The device comprises at least one detection input (2, 3, 4, 5) designed for connection of a detection system, the detection input (2, 3, 4, 5) being arranged to go into a first state if said detection system notifies that the supply of current to the electrically lo driven unit shall not be disconnected and go into a second state if said detection system notifies that the supply of current to the electrically driven unit shall be disconnected. Further, the device comprises a control device (6) arranged to check the state of the outlet (1) and the detection input (2, 3, 4, 5), start supplying current to the outlet (1) when the outlet (1) and the detection input (2, 3, 4, 5) are in the 15 first state, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet (1) when the detection input (2, 3, 4, 5) is in the second state.

Inventors:
FORSMARK PATRIK (SE)
BERGLUND LARS (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/SE2005/000615
Publication Date:
November 10, 2005
Filing Date:
April 28, 2005
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ATHENA NORDIC AB (SE)
FORSMARK PATRIK (SE)
BERGLUND LARS (SE)
International Classes:
F24C7/08; H01H43/00; H02H5/04; H05B1/02; H02H3/12; H01H; (IPC1-7): F24C7/08; H01H43/00; H02H5/04; H05B1/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO1998028944A11998-07-02
Foreign References:
GB2318650A1998-04-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Löfgren, Håkan (Box 6107, Stockholm, SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A device for controlled supply of current to an electrically driven unit, com¬ prising an outlet designed for connection of the electrically driven unit, and at least one detection input designed for connection of a detection system, the detection input being arranged to go into a first state if said detection system notifies that the supply of current to the electrically driven unit shall not be disconnected and go into a second state if said detection system notifies that the supply of current to the electrically driven unit shall be disconnected, characterized in that the outlet is arranged to go into a first state if said electrically driven unit is turned off and go into a second state if said electrically driven unit is turned on, and in that the de¬ vice comprises a control device arranged to check the state of the outlet and the detection input, start supplying current to the outlet when the outlet and the detec¬ tion input are in the first state, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when the detection input is in the second state, whereby, if the supply of current to the outlet is disconnected, the electrically driven unit must first be turned off and then turned on, and the detection input must be in its first state, in order to enable the supply of current from the outlet to the electrically driven unit.
2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that, when the outlet and the detection input are in the first state, the control device is arranged to start supplying current to the outlet after the electrically driven unit has been turned on.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device is arranged to supply current to the outlet for a certain period of supply after the electrically driven unit has been turned on, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when said period of supply has expired.
4. A device according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device is arranged to repeatedly check the state of the outlet and the de¬ tection input.
5. A device according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one detection input is arranged for connection of a detection system comprising at least one detection sensor.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that one detection in¬ put is arranged for connection of a movement detection system monitoring at least one room, and is arranged to go into its first state if the movement detection sys¬ tem detects movement in the room and go into its second state if the movement detection system detects no movement in the room.
7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that one detection input is arranged for connection of a smoke detection system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the smoke detection system detects no smoke formation and go into its second state if the smoke detection system detects smoke formation.
8. A device according to any of the claims 5 to 7, characterized in that one detection input is arranged for connection of a pressure detection system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the pressure detection system detects pres¬ sure and go into its second state if the pressure detection system detects no pres sure, or vise versa.
9. A device according to any of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that one detection input is arranged for connection of a heat detection system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the heat detection system detects no heat re lease and go into its second state if the heat detection system detects heat re¬ lease.
10. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the control device comprises a checking unit arranged to check the state of the outlet and the detection input, a control unit arranged to start supplying current to the outlet when the outlet and the detection input are in the first state, and discon¬ nect the supply of current to the outlet when the detection input is in the second state, and a timer adjustable for a certain period of supply, and in that the control unit is arranged to reset said timer when the control unit starts the supply of cur rent to the outlet when said electrically driven unit is turned on, and arranged to disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when said timer indicates the expiry of the certain period of supply.
Description:
A DEVICE FOR CONTROLLED SUPPLY OF CURRENT TO AN ELECTRI¬ CALLY DRIVEN UNIT

Technical Field The present invention relates to a device for controlled supply of current to an electrically driven unit, comprising an outlet designed for connection of the electrically driven unit, and at least one detection input designed for connection of a detection system. The detection input is arranged to go into a first state if said detection system notifies that the supply of current to the electrically driven unit shall not be disconnected and go into a second state if said detection system noti- fies that the supply of current to the electrically driven unit shall be disconnected.

Background of the Invention As the amount of electrically driven appliances, in the households, e.g., in¬ creases, the risk for users to forget that they have turned on a certain electrically driven appliance increases, especially if the user is forgetful, because of illness, e.g., such as dementia. It is especially serious to forget to turn off electrical appli¬ ances if the appliance in question is a stove, a coffee maker or a toaster, when possible overheating can cause fire. Several such smart systems to prevent stoves, e.g., from being left turned on because of forgetfulness are prior known. SE 461 560 mainly discloses a device for monitoring objects, hot plates, e.g., with regard to overheating. The device comprises a detector for detecting a state of overheating, and an alarm unit. Further, Se 461 560 discloses an ar¬ rangement for disconnecting the supply of current to the stove. This disconnecting arrangement is positioned between the outlet and the connection element of the stove. The disconnecting arrangement can for example be equipped with an infra- red detector or a microphone capturing the sound of the alarm of the monitoring device. When receiving an alarm signal the disconnecting arrangement discon¬ nects the supply of current to the stove. The disconnecting arrangement is ar¬ ranged to keep the supply of current disconnected as long as the switches of the stove are turned on. In order to be able to use the stove again all switches of the stove must consequently be turned off byjhe user. SE 515 225 discloses a device for disconnecting the power supply to an object, a stove, e.g., the device comprising means responsible for when the power supply shall be disconnected, and said means comprise a timer by means of which a wished period of use can be set. Further, the device comprises means for detecting whether the object's own power switches are closed or not, a switch for disconnecting the power supply to the object, and means for keeping the power supply to the object disconnected until the object's own switches are open. The device also comprises means for measuring the time of the disconnection of the power supply to the object and which, when the time period exceeds a certain pre¬ determined value, by means of a control unit brings the timer to start counting from zero when it starts the countdown of the period of use. This enables the user to turn off the object for a shorter time period without resetting said timer. SE 515 226 describes a device for disconnecting the power supply to an object, a stove, for example, the device comprising means responsible for when the power supply shall be disconnected. Further, the device comprises means for detecting whether the object's own power switches are closed or not, a switch for disconnecting the power supply to the object, and means for keeping the power supply to the object disconnected until the object's own switches are open. The device also comprises means which brings the means for detecting whether the object's own switches are closed to perform its detection function with gradually longer time periods between the detection function events. SE 509 101 discloses a device for controlling the supply of current to an object, the device comprising a detector for detecting overheating, a control device and a disconnecting device disconnecting the supply of current to the object when a state of overheating of at least one certain magnitude is detected. The device comprises at least two arrangements of current supply outputs, to which an object is connected. The device is arranged to first disconnect the supply of current to the first arrangement of current supply outputs when a state of overheating of at least said certain magnitude is detected, and then disconnect the supply of current to the second arrangement of current supply outputs if said magnitude is not reduced by the disconnection of the supply of current to the first arrangement. However, there is a need for more effective systems which further in- crease the safety with regard to a user's, especially a demented user's, manage¬ ment of electrically driven appliances. There is also a need for systems which are flexible and can be used in various environments and for different kinds of appli¬ ances and not only for appliances where there occurs an overheating, stoves, e.g.. The Object of the Invention The object of the present invention is thus to provide a device for con¬ trolled supply of current to electrically driven appliances, which increases the safety regarding the management of said appliances and is flexible and adaptable to different kinds of appliances, environments, and purposes.

Summary of the Invention The above mentioned objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a device of the kind defined in the preamble of claim 1 , which comprises the special features that the outlet is arranged to go into a first state if said electri- cally driven unit is turned off and go into a second state if said electrically driven unit is turned on, and in that the device comprises a control device arranged to check the state of the outlet and the detection input, start supplying current to the outlet when the outlet and the detection input are in the first state, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when the detection input is in the second state, whereby, if the supply of current to the outlet is disconnected, the electrically driven unit must first be turned off and then turned on, and the detection input must be in its first state, in order to enable the supply of current from the outlet to the electrically driven unit. The control device can also be arranged to start sup¬ plying current to the outlet when the outlet and the detection input are in the first state after the electrically driven unit has been turned on. The amount of detection inputs is adapted to the amount of detection sys¬ tems connected to the device. Advantageously, the detection input is arranged for connection of a detection system comprising at least one detection sensor. The electrically driven unit can be a stove, a toaster, a hair-dryer, a coffee maker, a TV, a stereo equipment etc. This device according to the present invention increases the safety regarding the management of said appliances, and is flexible and adaptable to different kinds of appliances, environments, and purposes. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the control device is arranged to supply current to the outlet for a certain period of supply, preferably an adjustable period of supply, after the electrically driven unit has been turned on, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when said period of supply has expired. According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the control device is arranged to repeatedly check the state of the outlet and the detection input, for example twice per second. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, one detection input is arranged for connection of a movement detection system monitoring at least one room, and is arranged to go into its first state if the movement detection system detects movement in the room and go into its second state if the movement detection system detects no move¬ ment in the room. According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, one detection input is arranged for connection of a smoke detection system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the smoke detection system detects no smoke formation and go into its second state if the smoke de¬ tection system detects smoke formation. According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device accord¬ ing to the present invention, one detection input is arranged for connection of a pressure detection system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the pressure detection system detects pressure and go into its second state if the pressure de¬ tection system detects no pressure, or vise versa. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, one detection input is arranged for connection of a heat detec¬ tion system, and is arranged to go into its first state if the heat detection system detects no heat release and go into its second state if the heat detection system detects heat release. According still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the device is arranged for connection of one or several of above mentioned detection systems. The choice of the amount of connected de¬ tection systems and which detection systems, can be made on the basis of the present environment, the present electrically driven appliances, and other specific requirements. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the control device comprises a checking unit arranged to check the state of the outlet and the detection input, a control unit arranged to start supplying current to the outlet when the outlet and the detection input are in the first state, and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when the detection in¬ put is in the second state, and a timer adjustable for a certain period of supply, the control unit being arranged to reset said timer when the control unit starts the sup¬ ply of current to the outlet when said electrically driven unit is turned on, and ar- ranged to disconnect the supply of current to the outlet when said timer indicates the expiry of the certain period of supply. By "reset" is meant that said timer is set in a start state from which it is then counting and indicates to the control unit when said certain period of supply expires.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the method provided by an embodiment of the de¬ vice according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of the device for controlled supply of current to an electrically driven unit, according to the present invention, comprising an outlet 1 designed for connection of an electrically driven unit. The outlet 1 is arranged to go into a first state, the OFF state, if said electrically driven unit is turned off and go into a second state, the ON state, if said electrically driven unit is turned on. The device comprises four detection inputs 2, 3, 4, 5 each de¬ signed for connection of a detection system, which separately are arranged to go into a first state, the DO NOT DISCONNECT state, if the associated detection system notifies that the supply of current to said electrically driven unit shall not be disconnected and go into a second state, the DISCONNECT state, if the associ¬ ated detection system notifies that the supply of current to said electrically driven unit shall be disconnected. Further, the device comprises a control device 6 com- prising a checking unit 7 arranged to check the state of the outlet 1 and each de¬ tection input 2, 3, 4, 5, a control unit 8 arranged to supply current to the outlet 1 and disconnect the supply of current to the outlet 1 , and a timer 9 adjustable for a certain period of supply. The checking unit 7 is arranged to repeatedly check the state of the outlet 1 and each detection input 2, 3, 4, 5. The control unit 8 is ar¬ ranged to reset said timer 9 when the control unit 8 starts the supply of current to the outlet 1 when the connected electrically driven unit is turned on, and arranged to disconnect the supply of current to the outlet 1 when said timer 9 indicates the expiry of said certain period of supply. The control unit 8 is arranged to supply cur¬ rent to the outlet 1 when the connected electrically driven unit is turned on if the outlet is in the OFF state and all detection inputs 2, 3, 4, 5 are in the DO NOT DISCONNECT state. Further, the control unit 8 is arranged to disconnect the sup¬ ply of current to the outlet 1 when any of the detection inputs 2, 3, 4, 5 has gone into the DISCONNECT state. The first detection input 2 is arranged for connection of a movement detection system monitoring at least one room, and is arranged to go into the DO NOT DISCONNECT state if the movement detection system de¬ tects movement in the room and go into the DISCONNECT state if the movement detection system detects no movement in the room. If a stove, for example, is connected to the outlet 1 and a movement detector associated with the movement detection system is installed in the kitchen, the consequence is that the stove is disconnected if the user leaves the kitchen, and the stove can only receive current again if the stove first is turned off and on again. The second detection input 3 is arranged for connection of a smoke detection system, and is arranged to go into the DO NOT DISCONNECT state if the smoke detection system detects no smoke formation and go into the DISCONNECT state if the smoke detection system de¬ tects smoke formation. The third 4 detection input is arranged for connection of a pressure detection system, and is arranged to go into the DO NOT DISCONNECT state if the pressure detection system detects pressure and go into the DISCON- NECT state if the pressure detection system detects no pressure, or vise versa. A pressure sensor associated with the pressure detection system can for example be installed in a door so that the third detection input 4 goes into DO NOT DIS¬ CONNECT state if the door is closed and goes into the DISCONNECT state if the door is open. The fourth detection input 5 is arranged for connection of a heat de- tection system, and is arranged to go into the DO NOT DISCONNECT state if the heat detection system detects no heat release and go into the DISCONNECT state if the heat detection system detects heat release. A heat sensor associated with the heat detection system can for example be installed at the hot plates of the stove. Naturally, it is possible to disconnect one or several of the detection inputs with associated detection systems. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of the method provided by an embodiment of the device according to the present invention. In step 2.1 , the outlet is checked whether it is in the ON state or in the OFF state. If the outlet is in the ON state in step 2.1 , step 2.1 is repeated until the outlet is in the OFF state. If all detection in¬ puts are in the DO NOT DISCONNECT state in step 2.1 , step 2.3 is performed, which starts the supply of current to the outlet for a certain period of supply t after the electrically driven unit has been turned on. If any of the detection inputs are in the DISCONNECT state in step 2.2, the process returns to step 2.1. From step 2.3, the process continues to step 2.4, in which the outlet is checked whether it is in the ON or OFF state. If the outlet is in the OFF state in step 2.4, the process returns to step 2.1. If the outlet is in the ON state in step 2.4, step 2.5 is per¬ formed, in which each detection input is checked. If any of the detection inputs is in the DISCONNECT state in step 2.5, the process returns to step 2.1. If all detec¬ tion inputs are in the DO NOT DISCONNECT state in step 2.5, step 2.6 is per¬ formed, in which a countdown of the period of supply occurs, and the remaining period of supply is set to t=t-x. After step 2.6, the process returns to step 2.4.