• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    An electrical system comprising a plurality of electrical devices for placement in a fixed location in a building, for facilitating or controlling the power supply to a load in the building, or for measuring the current supplied to the load, the plurality of electrical devices comprise a first electrical device and a second electrical device; wherein the first electrical device comprises a base, which includes an electrical function adapted to be at least partially built into a wall of the building, and arranged to be connected directly, in the wall, to the wall of the building. building electrical wires; wherein the second electrical device comprises a base which includes an electrical function and a communication part; wherein the communication part of the first electrical device is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the communication part of the second electrical device so that a network can be built up comprising the first and the second electrical device.
    公开号:BE1022848B1
    申请号:E2015/5166
    申请日:2015-03-20
    公开日:2016-09-22
    发明作者:NILS Dimitri DE；Haver Karel Jan Christiane Van
    申请人:Niko, Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION IN A BUILDING Field of the invention
    The invention relates to an electrical system for installation in a building for controlling electrical loads such as lights, fans, heating, blinds, etc., and an electrical device for use in such a system.
    Background
    Today, most home automation networks use a central controller that is needed to build the network. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 1. A central controller 110 builds a network to connect a plurality of electrical devices 121-125 in a building, e.g., a blind or curtain actuator 121; a twilight switch with solar cell 122, a fan actuator 123, a thermostat 124, a light switch 125 or a dimmer 125, etc. The central controller 110 is connected to the Internet 140 by means of a modem 130. Typically, the central controller 110 has no functionality other than creating and managing the network, and it contains all automation intelligence. In some existing prior art systems, multiple central controllers are required when different networks, e.g., a light control network and a heating control network, are installed within the same building.
    An example of a system with a central controller is the Niko Home Control system, where the central controller is the nerve center of the installation and controls the electrical control devices in the building via modules in the control cabinet and, for example, controlling energy consumption, dimming lights, controlling ventilation, operating shutters, curtains or blinds. The modules are connected to a bus connected to the electrical control devices. Programming is done via the programming software, which is uploaded to the controller.
    Another example of a commercially available light automation system is the Philips Hue system, in which RGB lamps are used in combination with a central controller in a central cabinet, which contains the intelligence to control the operation of the lamps.
    Another example is the Smart Energy Box solution from Electrabel, in which several smart energy plugs measure the energy consumption of electrical devices in the building and can switch the electrical devices on and off automatically by using a gateway (central controller) as a communication device. interface between the smart energy plugs and a web platform.
    The costs of such a central controller are often only acceptable for larger installations, and installing such a controller somewhere in the building creates an additional limitation. In addition, when a bus is required, adapting existing houses is a labor-intensive task that requires drilling, canalization, plastering, etc.
    Summary
    The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical system for installation in a building that can be used for adapting existing buildings but also in new buildings, that is more robust and that in a better manner a gradual adaptation of existing buildings permits.
    To this end, an electrical system is provided that comprises a plurality of electrical devices. Each electrical device is suitable for placement at a fixed location in the building and is arranged for facilitating or controlling the power supply to a load in the building, and / or for measuring the current supplied to the load. The multiple electrical devices include a first electrical device and a second electrical device. At least the first electrical device comprises a base, a communication part on the base and a microcontroller on the base. The base comprises an electrical function which is adapted to be at least partially built into a wall of the building and is adapted to be directly connected, in the wall, to electrical wires present in the wall of the building. The communication part is adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner. The microcontroller is connected to the communication part and to the electrical function. The microcontroller is adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly, and to send data wirelessly via the communication part to the mobile device. The second electrical device comprises a base which comprises an electrical function and a communication part. The communication part of the first electrical device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the communication part of the second electrical device so that a network comprising the first and the second electrical device can be built.
    By providing a communication part for wireless communication and a microcontroller directly in the electrical device, which is built into an opening in a wall, the electrical device can be directly controlled and configured by means of a mobile device, the electrical device can for example both controlled and programmed by means of a mobile device, without the need for a central controller and / or bus. In this way, adaptations without drilling or channeling become possible, and an existing electrical device can be easily replaced by a first electrical device according to the invention.
    In the context of the present invention, the term wall may refer to a side wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
    In the context of the present invention, the term "electrical device" refers to a device suitable for placement at a fixed location in the building and adapted to facilitate or control the power supply to a load in the building, or to measuring the current supplied to the load. In the context of the present invention, an electrical device may be, for example, one of the following: a switch, in particular a light switch, an electrical outlet, a dimmer, a fan actuator, a blind or curtain actuator, a thermostat, an RGB or RGBW controller , a plug that can be inserted into a wall socket.
    The term "first electrical device" refers to an electrical device which is intended and adapted to be at least partially mounted in an opening in a wall wherein the electrical device is connected to the electrical wires present in the wall. Typically, the electrical wires in the wall include wires connected to the main network, and optionally wires for connecting the electrical device to a load such as a lamp, a fan motor, etc. But in other embodiments, the electrical wires in the wall can be wires connected to a direct current source. More generally, the wires in the wall can be connected to any AC or DC source.
    The term "second electrical device" may refer to an electrical device that is intended to be at least partially built into a wall, to an electrical device that is not intended to be built in, to an electrical device that is simply against a surface can be mounted, to a device that can be attached to another electrical device, such as a plug that can be inserted into a wall socket, to a device that is not connected to electrical wires in the wall and that comprises a battery, and more generally to any electrical device as defined above.
    The term "mobile device" can refer to any mobile device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a mobile computer, its own remote control, etc.
    In comparison with the Philips Hue system described above, the system of the present invention has the advantage that it can be seamlessly integrated into existing electrical installations without the need for an additional separate controller. Also, if in the Philips Hue system a light switch in the building disconnects a lamp connected to the Philips Hue system from the main network, the controller of the Philips Hue system cannot light the lamp. By providing the controller in accordance with the invention in an electrical device in which the microcontroller is connected to the electrical function, e.g., a switching function, the microcontroller can directly operate the electrical function, thereby ensuring seamless integration.
    In a preferred embodiment, the second electrical device comprises a base, a communication part on the base, and a microcontroller on the base. The base comprises an electrical function. The base is possibly arranged to be at least partially built into a wall of the building and to be connected directly, in the wall, to electrical wires present in the wall of the building. The microcontroller is connected to the communication part and to the electrical function, and the microcontroller is adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly. The communication part of the first electrical device is adapted to communicate wirelessly with the communication part of the second electrical device and vice versa. In this way, the first electrical device can communicate wirelessly with the second electrical device and thus it can also control and configure the second electrical device. In such a configuration, wherein the first electrical device forms a network together with one or more second smart electrical devices, there will usually be a master device, e.g., the first electrical device, and multiple slave devices, e.g., the one or more second electrical devices, to be. There may be one master device in a building, but there may also be multiple master devices in the building, e.g., one for each room of the building, or one for each floor or area of the building. Preferably, the first and second electrical devices are arranged similarly, so that if one master device fails, the master function can be taken over by a second electrical device. The first and second electrical devices are preferably arranged such that a master device is automatically selected from the first and second electrical devices. However, it is also possible that an electrical device is arranged to be manually selected from the first and second electrical device as a master device so that a user can manually select a master device, e.g. with a suitable application on the mobile device.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the communication part of the first electrical device comprises a first communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz; wherein the first communication module is adapted to communicate with the mobile device. This first communication module can be, for example, a low-energy Bluetooth module that is designed to work according to the Bluetooth low-energy protocol, also called Bluetooth smart protocol, such as specified in Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 or in any other way. which future Bluetooth specification. In this way, the first communication module will be able to communicate with a mobile device provided with a compatible communication module. The spectrum range above 1.5 GHz, eg the 2.4 GHz band as with Bluetooth low energy, allows more channels and a small antenna. Preferably, the communication part of the first electrical device comprises a second communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, more preferably below 1 GHz, and adapted to communicate with the communication part of the second electrical device . By having on the one hand a first communication module which is arranged to communicate with a mobile device within a first frequency range, and on the other hand a second communication module which operates within a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range, the second communication module can be arranged to work well for communication with other electrical devices in the building. The second communication module can, for example, operate between 800 and 900 MHz. Compared to the 2.4 GHz range used by the Bluetooth protocol, those low frequencies have a better penetration through concrete and steel and provide a greater range for a given output power.
    In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the communication part comprises a single communication module, which is arranged to communicate with the mobile device and the second electrical device by means of the same wireless technology, such as e.g. Wi-Fi.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical function comprises a controllable switch, and the microcontroller is adapted to operate the controllable switch on the basis of data received by the communication part.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device further comprises a measuring means, which is adapted to measure a quantity representative of the current consumed by a load associated with the electrical function, and wherein the measuring means is connected to the microcontroller and the microcontroller is arranged to communicate the quantity via the communication part. Prior art solutions usually consist of a separate measuring means that is not adapted to be built into a wall together with an electrical function. Examples of such devices from the prior art are: a measuring module mounted in a switch cabinet, or a smart meter plug that can be inserted into a socket as an intermediate device between the socket and an electrical device. An electrical device with a measuring means according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention has the advantage that existing electrical devices can easily be replaced by smart electrical devices with integrated measuring means and that the need for a separate controller is avoided, since the microcontroller of the electrical device plays this role can fulfill.
    According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device is a socket and comprises a wall socket comprising the base and a central plate, which can be attached to or attached to the base, and wherein a cover plate is arranged to be connected to the base to be mounted after mounting the wall socket in the wall.
    According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device is a dimmer and comprises the base with the electrical function in the form of a dimming function. The dimmer further comprises a knob adapted to be mounted on the base and to control the dimming function, and a cover plate which is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device comprises a switch for controlling a load, such as a light point. The base has the electrical function with a switching function. The switch further comprises a button which is adapted to be mounted on the base and to control the switching function, and a cover plate which is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device can be a thermostat for controlling a heating. The thermostat comprises a temperature sensor and a controller (optionally integrated in the microcontroller) for controlling the heating as a function of the measured temperature. The base can be provided with an input means such as a touch screen, for example for inputting a desired temperature. A cover plate can also be provided, which is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device can be an RGB or RGBW LED controller, e.g. a controller for controlling the power supply to red, green and blue (and possibly also white) light-emitting diodes.
    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second electrical device can be an electrical device with a sensor.
    The invention also relates to an electrical device for use in a system according to the invention.
    According to a first aspect, the electrical device corresponds to the first electrical device described above and comprises: a base which comprises an electrical function that is arranged to be at least partially built into a wall of the building and adapted to be directly connected, in the wall, to electrical wires present in the wall of the building; a communication part on the base, the communication part being adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner and adapted to communicate directly with another electrical device; a microcontroller on the base connected to the communication part and the electrical function, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly; and for wirelessly sending data via the communication part to the mobile device. The communication part of the electrical device may comprise a first communication module which is adapted to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz and which is adapted to communicate with the mobile device; and a second communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, and which is arranged to communicate with the communication part of another electrical device.
    Such an electrical device can have any of the features described above in the context of the first electrical device.
    Furthermore, the electrical device may comprise a power conversion circuit adapted to convert power from a power source, typically the main network, to a suitable level for supplying at least the microcontroller and the communication part; and a data store connected to the microcontroller, the data store storing configuration data used by the microcontroller to control the electrical function.
    In a preferred embodiment, the electrical device comprises a module for time-related knowledge, which comprises a real-time clock and is adapted to provide time-related data to the microcontroller.
    According to a second aspect of the invention, the electrical device comprises: a base which comprises an electrical function; a communication part on the base, the communication part being adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner and adapted to communicate directly with another electrical device; a microcontroller on the base connected to the communication part and the electrical function, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly; and for wirelessly sending data via the communication part to the mobile device. The communication part comprises: a first communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz, and which is arranged to communicate with the mobile device; and a second communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, preferably below 1 GHz, and which is arranged to communicate with the communication part of another electrical device. Such an electrical device can have any of the features described above in the context of the first or the second electrical device, and need not be a built-in device.
    In another aspect, a computer program is provided in machine-readable and machine-executable form to perform one or more steps for configuring an electrical device according to the invention. Such a computer program is usually an application that runs on the mobile device and is arranged to obtain input data from a user and to communicate the configuration data to the electrical device based on the input data.
    Short description of description
    The attached figures are used to illustrate currently preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices according to the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:
    Figure 1 schematically shows an electrical system from the prior art for use in a building;
    Figure 2 schematically shows an electrical system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention for use in a building;
    Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a first electrical device that communicates with a second electrical device and with a mobile device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 4 shows a first use example of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 5 shows a second use example of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a dismantled electrical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show circuit diagrams for an existing configuration of a two-way switching circuit, a first embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof in accordance with the invention, and a second embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof in accordance with the invention; and
    Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show circuit diagrams for an existing configuration of a two-way switching circuit with an intermediate switch, a first embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof in accordance with the invention, and a second embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof in accordance with the invention .
    Description of embodiments
    Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical system according to the invention, comprising a plurality of electrical devices 221-226. In the example, electrical device 226 is a smart first device as defined in claim 1, in this case a smart switch or a smart dimmer 226. In the example of Figure 2, this electrical device 226 serves as a master device that builds a network around the plurality of electrical devices, such as a blind or curtain actuator 221; a twilight switch with solar cell 222, a fan actuator 223, a thermostat 224, a light switch with possibly a dimmer 225, etc. to be connected. The electrical device 226 may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with a modem 230 connected to the Internet 240. On the other hand, the electrical device 226 may communicate with a mobile device 250, and the mobile device 250 may then communicate with the modem 230 or with another (not shown) device connected to the Internet 240.
    The electrical device 226 is connected to electrical wires present in the wall of the building, and corresponds to a first electrical device as defined above. The other electrical devices 221-225 may or may not be built-in electrical devices, and correspond to second electrical devices as defined above. The electrical device comprises a base, a communication part on the base and a microcontroller on the base.
    An example of an electrical device 226 is shown in Figure 6. The electrical device comprises a base 610, a central plate 620 and a cover part 630. In alternative embodiments, the cover plate 630 can be omitted. Central plate 620 is provided with a switch plate 621, which is mounted on a frame 622. Frame 622 can be mounted against base 610. Base 610 is provided with a built-in electrical functionality, in this case a switch function 611, and is intended to be mounted in the wall. to be built-in, with a frame 612, usually a metal frame, or base 610 secured to the wall. Advantageously, means are provided at the rear of cover part 630 that allow cover part 630 to be snapped onto frame 612. To install the electrical device, base 610 will usually first be secured in an opening in the wall, after which central plate 620 is mounted against base 610. Cover frame 630 is then clicked onto base 610. The switching function 611 is arranged to be directly connected, in the wall, with electrical wires present in the wall of the building. The base 610 is further provided with a communication part 616 and a microcontroller 617. The communication part 616 and the microcontroller 617 can be provided on a PCB 615, which is fixed to the base 610 and optionally covered by a cover 640. The communication part 616 is arranged to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device 250 in a direct manner, namely without a separate intermediate controller. The microcontroller 617 is connected to the communication part 616 and to the electrical switching function 611. The microcontroller 617 is arranged for processing data received by the communication part 616 and for configuring or controlling the electrical function 611 accordingly, and for wireless transmission of data via the communication part 616 to the mobile device 250. In this way, the electrical device 226 can be directly controlled by the use of a mobile device 250, without the need for a central controller and / or bus. Existing electrical devices in a building can be replaced by "smart" first electrical devices without the need for drilling and / or channeling, whereby the existing electrical wires in the wall can be reused for connecting a smart electrical device.
    In the example above, the first electrical device includes a switching function 611, but one skilled in the art understands that a similar architecture can be used when the electrical function is a dimming function, fan / blind actuator function, an RGB (W) controller function, or more generally any electrical function.
    The second electrical devices 221-225 can be existing electrical devices or "smart" electrical devices. The second electrical device 221-225 may also include a base, a communication part on the base, and a microcontroller on the base, such as, for example, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, but may also be a non-built-in device. The microcontroller is connected to the communication part and to the electrical function, and the microcontroller is adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure and control the electrical function accordingly. The communication part of the first electrical device 226 is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the communication part of each second electrical device 221-225 and vice versa, see arrows A1-A5. If a second electrical device of the second electrical device 221-225 is not within range of the first electrical device 226, the first electrical device can communicate with another intermediate second device, which other intermediate second device then communicates with the second electrical device to be reached device, see also arrows A7, A8, A9 and AIO. In this way, the first electrical device can communicate wirelessly with the second electrical devices 221-225, and thus can also control the second electrical devices 221-225. In such a configuration with one or more second smart electrical devices 221225, there will typically be one master device, here the first electrical device 226, and one or more slave devices, here the one or more second electrical devices 221-225. Preferably, the first and second electrical devices 221-226 are arranged in a similar manner so that if one master device fails, the master function can be taken over by another device, resulting in a very robust electrical system. Furthermore, the first and second electrical devices 221-226 are preferably arranged such that a master device is automatically selected from the first and second electrical devices 221-226.
    Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical device 320 according to the invention. The electrical device 320 includes an electrical function 371, e.g., a switching function or a dimming function, a microcontroller 372, and a communication part 373. The communication part 373 comprises a first communication module 375, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz . The first communication module is arranged to communicate with a mobile device. This first communication module can be, for example, a Bluetooth low-energy module, which is designed to work according to the Bluetooth low-energy protocol, also called Bluetooth smart protocol, such as is specified in, for example, Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.0, 4.1, 4.2. A spectrum range in the 2.4 GHz band, such as with Bluetooth low energy, allows more channels and a small antenna. The communication part 373 comprises a second communication module 376, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, and which is arranged to communicate with the communication part of a second electrical device 322. By having, on the one hand, a first communication module 375, which is arranged to communicate with a mobile device 350 within a first frequency range, and on the other hand a second communication module 376, which operates within a second, lower frequency range, the second communication module 376 can be arranged to work well for communication with other electrical devices 322 in the building. The second communication module 376 can, for example, operate between 800 and 900 MHz. This lower frequency range has a better penetration through concrete and steel compared to the 2.4 GHz range used by the Bluetooth protocol and provides a greater range for a given output power.
    The electrical device 320 includes power conversion circuits 379 which are adapted to convert power from the main network (or from another power source) to a suitable level to feed the various components of the electrical device 320, such as the microcontroller 372, the first and second second communication modules 373, 376, the time-related knowledge module 378, and any other module to be powered.
    The electrical device 320 comprises a data store 377 connected to the microcontroller 372. The data store stores configuration data used by the microcontroller 372 to control the electrical function 371, in this case a switch or a dimmer controlling a lamp 360. This configuration data can be communicated to the electrical device 320 by the mobile device 350 or by another electrical device 322.
    The electrical device 320 may also include a module for time-related knowledge 378, which includes a real-time clock and is arranged to provide the microcontroller 372 with time-related data. Thus, when the control of an electrical function 371, such as, for example, a switching function or a dimming function, is time dependent, the microcontroller 372 may receive time-related data from the time-related knowledge module 378 in combination with the aforementioned configuration data for the electrical function. 371.
    Optionally, the electrical device 320 may further comprise a measuring means, such as, for example, a measuring IC 374, which is adapted to measure a quantity representative of the current consumed by the load associated with the electrical function 371. The measuring means 374 is connected to the microcontroller 372 and the microcontroller 372 is adapted to communicate the quantity via the communication part 373 either directly to a mobile device 350 or directly to a modem 330 in the building, and from there to an operator server. If it is communicated directly to the mobile device 350, the mobile device 350 can communicate the measured data to an operator server, optionally through the modem 330, using, for example, a Wi-Fi communication.
    Figure 4 shows a first use example in which an embodiment of the invention is used. In the embodiment of Figure 4, a building is shown with a kitchen, a dining room and a living room. Each room has a smart dimmer 420 that controls a dimmable light 460. The smart dimmer 420 can be implemented as described in Figure 3 and can function as the first electrical device 226 of Figure 2. These smart dimmers 420 are the master devices, so there is one master device per room. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that this is only an exemplary embodiment, and that a single master device can be provided for the entire building, or one master device per floor or area of a building, or more than one master device per room. These dimmers 420 each communicate with a number of electrical devices 422, 424. Some of those electrical devices 422 can also be smart electrical devices, in the sense that they are also provided with a microcontroller and a communication part and that they can take over the master function if necessary . The electrical device 422 may be a smart socket that includes a wall socket, and a cover plate adapted to be attached to the wall socket after mounting the wall socket in the wall. The socket comprises the base and a central plate that can be attached to, or attached to, the socket, and the socket comprises the microcontroller and the communication part. The electrical device 422 may also be a smart switch for controlling a load 460 such as a light point, a fan, etc., or may be a non-smart switch such as a push button or a rocker switch. The switch usually comprises a base with the switch function, a button adapted to be mounted on the base and adapted to control the switch function, and a cover plate which is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    The smart dimmers 420 can also communicate with smart plug 424, i.e. with non-built-in devices. Such a smart plug 424 is an electrical device that is adapted to be connected to a socket and to receive a plug from an electrical device. The smart plug 424 is further adapted to measure the current supplied to the electrical device. Such a smart plug 424 can include a microcontroller and a communication module module, similar to that of the first device, so that it can also function as a master device for the network of electrical devices. Alternatively, the smart plug 424 may be arranged to transmit current measurement data via the communication part thereof, without having additional intelligence to perform a master function.
    When replacing an existing switch or dimmer with a smart dimmer, the smart dimmer is placed in a wall box where the cables to the lamp are located. If there are other switches in the same circuit, those switches can be replaced by simple switches, which are able to signal the smart switch when the simple switch is operated by a user. Examples of such a simple switch are: a simple push button, which is able to give a current pulse to the smart dimmer when the push button is pressed by a user; a so-called rocker switch or "sticky switch", which is not connected to the main network, comprises a battery and is adapted to send a wireless signal to the smart dimmer when the rocker switch is operated by a user. The wiring diagram must be adjusted, but the existing wiring can be used. This is shown in Figures 7A-7C and 8A-8C.
    Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show circuit diagrams for an existing configuration of a two-way switching circuit for controlling a lamp 760, a first embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof according to the invention, and a second embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof according to the invention . The two-way switching circuit of Figure 7A includes a first switch 710 with a single pole changeover (SPCO) switching function 715 and a second switch 710 "with an SPCO switching function 715". The first switch 710 has a common terminal 713, which is connected to a single phase line L of the main network, and a first and second terminal 711 and 712, which are connected to corresponding first and second terminals 711 ', 712' of the second switch 710 '. The common terminal 713 "of the second switch 710" is connected to a first terminal of the lamp 760, and the other terminal of the lamp 760 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the main network 780, 781.
    According to a first embodiment, the two-way switching circuit of Fig. 7A can be replaced by a retrofit configuration, which comprises a smart dimmer 720 and a push button 730 with an electrical push button switch function 735. The smart dimmer 720 can be constructed according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3 and / or according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6 and / or according to any other embodiment of a smart dimmer as described above. The push button 730 has a first terminal 731, which is connected to a single-phase line L of the main network 780, 781, and a second terminal 732, which is connected to a third terminal 723 of the smart dimmer 720 to provide a voltage pulse on the smart dimmer 720 when the push button 730 is operated. The smart dimmer 720 has a first terminal 721, which is connected to the first terminal 731 of the push button 730, and a second terminal 722, which is connected to the first terminal of the lamp 760. The other terminal of the lamp 760 is connected with the neutral conductor N of the main network 780, 781. Optionally, a voltage divider circuit 790 may be provided in parallel with the lamp 760. When the push button 730 is operated by a user, a pulse signal is provided at terminal 723, thereby indicating to the smart dimmer that the lamp must be turned on / off. It is clear from Fig. 7B and Fig. 7A that the existing two-way switching circuit can be replaced by the smart dimmer 720 and the push-button circuit 730, and that the existing wires of the configuration of Fig. 7A can easily be reconnected to the smart dimmer 720 and the push button 730.
    According to a second embodiment, the two-way switching circuit of Fig. 7A can be replaced by a retrofit configuration, which includes a smart dimmer 720, a short-circuiter 740, and a battery-powered push button 750, also referred to as a "sticky switch," which is an electrical push-button switch function. 755 and is adapted to communicate wirelessly with the smart dimmer 720. The smart dimmer 720 may be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments of a smart dimmer described above. The short-circuiter 740 has a first terminal 741, which is connected to a single-phase line L of the main network 780, 781, and a second terminal 722, which is connected to a first terminal 721 of the smart dimmer 720. The smart dimmer 720 has a second terminal 722, which is connected to the first terminal of the lamp 760. The other terminal of the lamp 760 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the main network 780, 781. Optionally, a voltage divider circuit 790 may be installed in parallel with the lamp 760. to be provided. When the push button 750 is operated by a user, a wireless signal is provided to the smart dimmer 720, thereby indicating to the smart dimmer that the lamp must be turned on / off. It is clear from Figure 7C and Figure 7A that the existing two-way switching circuit can be replaced with the smart dimmer 720, short-circuiter 740 and battery-powered push-button circuit 750, and that the existing wires of the configuration of Figure 7A can be easily reconnected to the smart dimmer 720 and the short circuit 740.
    Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show circuit diagrams for an existing configuration of a two-way switching circuit with an intermediate switch, a first embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof according to the invention, and a second embodiment of a retrofit configuration thereof according to the invention. The two-way switching circuit of Figure 8A includes a first switch 810 with a single pole changeover (SPCO) switching function 815 and a second switch 810 'with an SPCO switching function 815', and an intermediate switch 800 with a two-pole cross-switching function 805. The first switch 810 has a common terminal 813, which is connected to a single phase line L of the main network, and a first and second terminals 811 and 812, which are connected to the corresponding first and second terminals 801, 802 of the intermediate switch 800, respectively. Third and fourth terminals 803, 804 of the intermediate switch 800 are connected to first and second terminals 811 ', 812' of the second switch 810 ', respectively. The common terminal 813 "of the second switch 810" is connected to a first terminal of the lamp 860, and the other terminal of the lamp 860 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the main network 880, 881.
    According to a first embodiment, the two-way switching circuit with intermediate switch of Fig. 8A can be replaced by a retrofit configuration comprising a smart dimmer 820 and two push buttons 830, 830 ". The smart dimmer 820 can be constructed according to any embodiment of a smart dimmer as described above. The push button 830 has a first terminal 831, which is connected to a single phase line L of the main network 880, 881, and a second terminal 832, which is connected to a second terminal 832 "of the push button 830". The push button 830 'has a first terminal 831' connected to the first terminal of the push button 830, and a second terminal 832 'connected to a third terminal 823 of the smart dimmer 820 for providing a voltage pulse to the smart dimmer 820 when the push button 830 or 830 'is operated. The smart dimmer 820 has a first terminal 821 which is connected to the first terminal 831 'of the push button 830' and a second terminal 822 which is connected to a first terminal of the lamp 860. The other terminal of the lamp 860 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the main network 880, 881. Optionally, a voltage divider circuit 890 may be provided in parallel with the lamp 860. When the push button 830 or 830 "is operated by a user, a pulse signal is provided at terminal 823, thereby indicating to the smart dimmer that the lamp must be turned on / off. It is clear from Figure 8B and Figure 8A that the existing two-way switching circuit with intermediate switch can be replaced by the smart dimmer 720 and two push buttons 830, 830 ', and that the existing wires of the configuration of Figure 8A can be easily reconnected to the smart dimmer 820 and the push button 830.
    According to a second embodiment, the two-way switching circuit of Fig. 8A can be replaced by a retrofit configuration that includes a smart dimmer 820, two short-circuiters 840, 840 ', and two battery-powered push buttons 850, 850' arranged to communicate wirelessly with the smart dimmer 820. The smart dimmer 820 can be constructed according to any embodiment of a smart dimmer as described above. The short circuit 840 has a first terminal 841, which is connected to a single phase line L of the main network 880, 881, and a second terminal 842, which is connected to a second terminal 842 "of the short circuit 840". The short circuit 840 'has a first terminal 841', which is connected to a first terminal 821 of the smart dimmer 820. The smart dimmer 820 has a second terminal 822, which is connected to a first terminal of the lamp 860. The other terminal of the lamp 860 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the main network 880, 881. Optionally, a voltage divider circuit 890 may be provided in parallel with the lamp 860. When the push button 850 or 850 "is operated by a user, a wireless signal is provided to the smarter dimmer 820, thereby indicating to the smart dimmer 820 that the lamp 860 must be turned on / off. It is clear from Figure 8C and Figure 8A that the existing two-way switching circuit with intermediate switch can be replaced by the smart dimmer 820, two short-circuiters 840 and two battery-powered push buttons 850, 850 ', and that the existing wires of the configuration of Figure 8A are simple can be reconnected with the smart dimmer 820 and the short circuit 840, 840 '.
    Figure 5 shows a second use example in which an embodiment of the invention is used. In the embodiment of Figure 5 a building is shown with a kitchen, dining room and living room. Each room has a smart dimmer 520 that controls a dimmable light 560. The smart dimmer 520 can be implemented as described in Figure 3 and can function as the first electrical device 226 of Figure 2. In this usage example, it is assumed that there are no other smart electrical devices in the building, ie the other electrical devices do not exist. can be smart electrical devices. The smart dimmer switches 520 can be arranged via a mobile device 550, such as e.g. a smartphone, by using e.g. a Bluetooth protocol. The mobile device 550 communicates with a modem 530, e.g. via a Wi-Fi network. In addition, the smart dimmers 520 can communicate with the 530 modem.
    In known electrical systems, in particular in automation or home automation systems for installation in a building or the like, one or more central or decentralized control units are directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs. The one or more central or decentralized control units are arranged, after receiving specific instructions from the inputs, to initialize certain actions of devices via the Outputs. The inputs are connected to the input devices such as electrical devices (e.g. switches or rotary controls with dimming means), sensors, etc., which are provided at different locations within the area to be controlled, typically a house or other type of building. The Outputs are connected to output devices such as lighting equipment, technical equipment such as HVAC systems and various actuators such as automated blinds and curtains. The configuration of the one or more central or decentralized control units thus determines, among other things, with which button or buttons each device can be controlled, and under which circumstances. The inputs and outputs are housed in application specific modules, called I / O modules, which are arranged to communicate with the one or more central or decentralized control units. Also in such known electrical systems the smart electrical devices according to the invention can replace the old electrical devices. If there is a central controller, this controller can remain the main controller. However, if the main controller fails, a smart electrical device that acts as a master device can take over.
    The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including function blocks see are referred to as "units" or "modules", can be provided through the use of dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing software in collaboration with suitable software. When the functions are provided by a processor, the functions can be provided by a single, dedicated processor, or by several separate processors, some of which may be shared. In addition, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed as referring solely to hardware capable of executing software, and implicitly, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor means, "application include specific intigrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other conventional and / or custom hardware may also be included.
    It is clear to those skilled in the art that any given block diagram represents a concept of an illustrative circuit according to the principles of the invention.
    While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that this description is made by way of example only and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (25)
    [1]
    Conclusions
    An electrical system for installation in a building, the electrical system comprising a plurality of electrical devices, each electrical device thereof being suitable for placement at a fixed location in the building and adapted to facilitate or control the power supply to a load in the building, or for measuring the current supplied to the load, the multiple electrical devices comprising a first electrical device and a second electrical device; wherein at least the first electrical device comprises: -a base, which comprises an electrical function that is arranged to be at least partially built into a wall of the building, and is arranged to be directly connected, in the wall, to in electrical wires present on the wall of the building; a communication part on the base, the communication part being adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner; a microcontroller on the base connected to the communication part and to the electrical function, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or operate the electrical function accordingly; and for wirelessly sending data via the communication part to the mobile device; and wherein at least the second electrical device comprises a base that comprises an electrical function and a communication part; wherein the communication part of the first electrical device is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the communication part of the second electrical device so that a network can be built up comprising the first and the second electrical device.
    [2]
    The electrical system according to claim 1, wherein the second electrical device further comprises: a microcontroller connected to the communication part and to the electrical function on the base, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and correspondingly configure or operate the electrical function.
    [3]
    The electrical system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second electrical device is one of the following: a switch, in particular a light switch, a socket, a dimmer, a fan actuator, a blind or curtain actuator, a thermostat, an RGB or RGB W controller.
    [4]
    The electrical system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication part of the first electrical device comprises a first communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz; wherein the first communication module is adapted to communicate with the mobile device.
    [5]
    The electrical system of claims 2 and 4, wherein the communication part of the first electrical device comprises a second communication module, which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz and is arranged to communicate with the communication part of the second electrical device.
    [6]
    The electrical system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical function of the first and / or second electrical device comprises a controllable switch function, and wherein the microcontroller is adapted to control the controllable switch function.
    [7]
    The electrical system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical device further comprises a measuring means, which is adapted to measure a quantity representative of the current consumed by a load associated with the electrical function, and wherein the measuring means is connected to the microcontroller and the microcontroller is arranged to communicate the quantity via the communication part.
    [8]
    The electrical system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second electrical device is a socket and comprises a wall socket comprising the base and a central plate that can be attached to or attached to the base; and wherein a cover plate is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the wall socket in the wall.
    [9]
    The electrical system according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and / or second electrical device is a dimmer and comprises the base with the electrical function in the form of a dimming function and a button adapted to be mounted on the base and to control the dimming function; and a cover plate adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    [10]
    The electrical system according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and / or second electrical device is a switch for controlling a load and comprises the base with the electrical function in the form of a switch function and a button, which is adapted to be mounted on the base and to control the switching function; and a cover plate adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    [11]
    The electrical system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second electrical device comprises a power conversion circuit, which is adapted to convert power from a power source, typically the main network, to a suitable level for feeding at least the microcontroller and the communication part.
    [12]
    The electrical system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second electrical device comprises a data store connected to the microcontroller, the data store storing configuration data used by the microcontroller to operate the electrical function.
    [13]
    The electrical system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second electrical device comprises a time-related knowledge module, which comprises a real-time clock and is adapted to provide time-related data to the microcontroller.
    [14]
    An electrical device for use in an electrical system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical device is suitable for placement at a fixed location in the building and is adapted to facilitate and control the power supply to a load in the building, or for measuring the current supplied to the load, the electrical device comprising: -a pedestal comprising an electrical function that is arranged to be at least partially built into a wall of the building and is arranged to be directly connected, in the wall, to electrical wires present in the wall of the building; a communication part on the base, the communication part being adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner and adapted to communicate directly with another electrical device; a microcontroller on the base connected to the communication part and to the electrical function, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly; and for wirelessly sending data via the communication part to the mobile device.
    [15]
    The electrical device of claim 14, wherein the communication part of the electrical device comprises: a first communication module adapted to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz; wherein the first communication module is adapted to communicate with the mobile device; and a second communication module which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, preferably below 1 GHz, and which is adapted to communicate with the communication part of another electrical device.
    [16]
    The electrical device according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a measuring means attached to the base, which is adapted to measure a quantity representative of the current consumed by a load associated with the electrical function, and wherein the measuring means is connected to the microcontroller and the microcontroller is arranged to communicate the quantity via the communication part.
    [17]
    The electrical device of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the electrical function is a dimming function, and wherein the electrical device comprises a button adapted to be mounted on the base and to control the dimming function; and a cover plate adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    [18]
    The electrical device of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the electrical function comprises a switching function, and wherein the electrical device comprises a cover plate which is adapted to be attached to the base after mounting the base in the wall.
    [19]
    The electrical device according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the electrical device is one of the following: a switch, in particular a light switch, a socket, a dimmer, a fan actuator, a blind or curtain actuator, a thermostat, an RGB or RGBW LED controller.
    [20]
    The electrical device of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the electrical device comprises a power conversion circuit adapted to convert power from a power source, typically the main network, to a suitable level for feeding at least the microcontroller and the communication part.
    [21]
    The electrical device of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the electrical device comprises a data storage connected to the microcontroller, the data storage storing configuration data used by the microcontroller to control the electrical function.
    [22]
    The electrical device of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the electrical device comprises a module for time-related knowledge, which comprises a real-time clock and is adapted to provide time-related data to the microcontroller.
    [23]
    An electrical device for use in an electrical system according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electrical device is suitable for placement at a fixed location in the building and is adapted to facilitate, control or measure the power supply at a load in the building, wherein the electrical device comprises: a base which comprises an electrical function; a communication part on the base, the communication part being adapted to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device in a direct manner and adapted to communicate directly with another electrical device; a microcontroller on the base connected to the communication part and to the electrical function, the microcontroller being adapted to process data received by the communication part and to configure or control the electrical function accordingly; and for wirelessly sending data via the communication part to the mobile device; wherein the communication part comprises: a first communication module adapted to operate in a spectrum range above 1.5 GHz; wherein the first communication module is adapted to communicate with the mobile device; and a second communication module which is arranged to operate in a spectrum range below 1.5 GHz, preferably below 1 GHz, and which is adapted to communicate with the communication part of another electrical device.
    [24]
    The electrical device of claim 23, further comprising a measuring means, which is adapted to measure a quantity representative of the current consumed by a load associated with the electrical function, and wherein the measuring means is connected to the microcontroller and the microcontroller is arranged to communicate the quantity via the communication part.
    [25]
    The electrical device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical device is one of the following: a switch, in particular a light switch, a socket, a dimmer, a fan actuator, a blind or curtain actuator, a thermostat, an RGB or RGBW controller; a plug adapted to be inserted into an outlet for connecting an electrical device to the outlet through the plug, and adapted to measure the current supplied to the electrical device through the outlet and the power plug.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DK3070800T3|2021-09-20|
    EP3070800A1|2016-09-21|
    PL3070800T3|2021-12-13|
    EP3070800B1|2021-09-01|
    BE1022848A1|2016-09-21|
    BE1022848B9|2016-10-26|
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    法律状态:
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    BE20155166A|BE1022848B9|2015-03-20|2015-03-20|ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION IN A BUILDING|BE20155166A| BE1022848B9|2015-03-20|2015-03-20|ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION IN A BUILDING|
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    EP16161431.8A| EP3070800B1|2015-03-20|2016-03-21|Electrical system for installation in a building|
    DK16161431.8T| DK3070800T3|2015-03-20|2016-03-21|Elektrisk system til installation i en bygning|
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