COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIC APPLIANCES AND MONITORING SYSTEM USING SAID DEVICE

• US 20100332164A1
• Filed: 02/04/2009
• Published: 12/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Indesit Company SPA (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Inventors: Corrias, Silvio, Concettoni, Fabrizio, Aisa, Valerio
• Granted Patent: US 8,386,202 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/62
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5454 Adapter and plugs
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2825 Reporting to a device located outside the home and the home network access arrangements H04L12/2856; for remote control or remote monitoring of applications H04L67/025; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with telemetering systems H04M11/002
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2834 Switching of information between an external network and a home network access arrangements H04L12/2856

Abstract

A communication device, for connecting one or more electrical appliances to a remote service centre, comprises a control unit (AMC), means (PLG) for connecting the device (HG) to an alternating voltage electric mains network (Vac) and means (SK) for supplying the alternating mains voltage (Vac) to a power supply line of an electric appliance. The device (HG) further comprises first communication means (CSA), prearranged for receiving information possibly generated by the electric appliance and transmitted through the power supply line thereof, second communication means (ZB), prearranged for establishing a connection with a local area network (HN1) and third communication means (GGM), prearranged for establishing a connection with a further communication network, different from the local network (HN1), to which the remote service centre is connected. The control unit (AMC) is prearranged for acquiring by means of the first communication means (CSA), first information possibly generated by the electric appliance and transmitted through the power supply line thereof and/or second information regarding electric energy consumptions associated to the operation of is the electric appliance, acquiring, by means of the second communication means (ZB), third information possibly available on the local network (HN1), and transmitting to the remote centre (RMC), by means of the third communication means (GGM), at least one of the first, second and third information.

Claims

1. A communication device configured for the connection of one or more electrical appliances (HA1, HA2, HA3, UI), particularly household electric appliances, to a remote service centre (RMC), particularly a centre offering remote assistance and preventive maintenance services for said one or more electrical appliances (HAL HA2, HA3, UI), the communication device (HG) comprising:

at least one control unit (AMC),

first electric connection means (PLG), for the connection of the device (HG) to an alternating voltage electric mains network (Vac),

second electric connection means (SK) for providing the alternating voltage of said network (Vac) to a power supply line or cable belonging to a first electric appliance (HA1),

first communication means (CSA;

CSA1) operatively connected to the control unit (AMC) and prearranged for receiving information (D) possibly generated by said first electric appliance (HA1) and transmitted by means of said power supply line, the first communication means (CSA;

CSA1) comprising;

measuring means (PM1;

PM), connected between the first and the second connection means (PLG, SK) and prearranged for measuring at least one quantity EJ representative of the electric energy absorbed from said electric mains network (Vac) during a generic mains period T_J by said first electric appliance (HA1),

comparison means (CMP;

MC) for comparing the value of said quantity E_J with at least one reference value (E_R;

E_H and E_L),

generator means (CMP;

MC) for generating a digital signal (D) whose logic state (D_J) during a considered period (T_J) of the mains voltage is a function of the result of the comparison performed by the comparison means (CMP;

MC) between the value of the quantity E_J-1 measured during the period T_J-1 of the mains voltage, i.e. the value of the quantity measured at the end of the mains period immediately preceding the considered period, with said at least one reference value (E_R;

E_H and E_L),

second communication means (ZB) operatively connected to the control unit (AMC) and prearranged for establishing a connection with a local area network (HN1),

third communication means (GGM;

WB) operatively connected to the control unit (AMC) and prearranged for establishing a connection with a further communication network (Internet;

RTR, Internet), different from said local network (HN1) and adapted for communication with the remote service centre (RMC),

the control unit (AMC) being prearranged for

acquiring, by means of the first communication means (CSA;

CSA1), first information possibly generated by said first electric appliance (HA1) and transmitted by means of said power supply line or cable and/or second information regarding electric energy consumptions associated to the operation of said first electric appliance (HA1),

acquiring, by means of the second communication means (ZB), third information possibly available on said local network (HN1), and transmitting to said remote centre (RMC), by means of the third communication means (GGM;

WB), at least one of the first, second and third information.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (AMC) is prearranged for performing the role of supervisor and controller of said local network (HN1), particularly for the automatic identification of the presence of one or more further electrical appliances (HA2, HA3, UI) connected to said local network (HN1) and to the respective installation by means of a Plug-&

-Play type procedure.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that the measuring means (PM1), the comparison means (CMP) and the generator means (CMP) are implemented through hardware means in one and the same integrated circuit (CSA), particularly an ASIC-type integrated circuit.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said measuring means (PM1;

PM) are adapted to generate said second information regarding electric energy consumptions associated to the operation of said first electric appliance (HA1).

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second communication means comprise at least one of a radio frequency transceiver (ZB), a power line communication transceiver, a cable transceiver.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the third communication means comprise one of a radio frequency telephonic modem (GGM) and a broadband access device (WB) prearranged for the connection to a router device (RTR) or the like for Internet access.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control unit comprises a programmable microcontroller (AMC).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that the microcontroller (AMC) is integrated into a programmable device of the single-chip type, in which the second communication means (ZB) are also implemented.

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first communication means (CSA1) are integrated into a programmable device of the single-chip type, in which a power meter (PM) and a programmable microcontroller (MC) are implemented.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that

the reference value is single (E_R) and said generator means (CMP) are configured to assign the logic state (D_J) to the digital signal (D) according to the following logic:

if E_J-1>

E_R then D_J=H

if E_J-1<

E_R then D_J=L

if E_J-1=E_R then D_J=D_J-1.

where H and L are two opposite binary logic levels, particularly H=1 and L=0, and E_R is the single reference value,

or

a pair of reference values (E_H, E_L) are provided for and said generator means (CMP) are configured to assign the logic state (D_J) to the digital signal (D) according to the following logic;

if E_J-1>

E_H then D_J=H

if E_J-1<

E_L then D_J=L

if E_L≦

E_J-1≦

E_H then D_J=D_J-1

where H and L are two opposite binary logic levels, particularly H=1 and z=0, E_H is a greater reference value and E_L is a lower reference value.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that it further comprises memory means (EJ-1, EH, EL) for retaining at least one of:

the measured value of the quantity E_J-1;

the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L);

an address database of communication nodes (ZB, ZB1, ZB2, ZBn) of the local network (HN1).

12. The device according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that said generator means (CMP) are configured to associate to the updating of the logic state (D_J) of the digital signal (D) a synchronism signal (S_V, S_I) generated at each zero-crossing of only the descent fronts or only of the ascent fronts of at least one of the alternating mains voltage (Vac) and the alternating current (I_HA) absorbed by said electric appliance (HA).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterised in that it further comprises synchronism means (SYNC), prearranged for generating said synchronism signal (S_V, S_I).

14. The device according to claim 11 and/or 12, characterised in that the first communication means (CSA) are prearranged for receiving from said control unit (AMC), through a communication line (SL), signals for modifying the related present operation mode, such as signals indicating the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L) and/or signals indicating the type of synchronism signal (S_V, S_I) to be used.

15. The device according to claim 12 or 14, characterised in that the first communication means (CSA) are configured to transmit to said control unit (AMC) sequences of binary values generated by said digital signal (D), along with the related synchronism signal (S_V, S_I).

16. The device according to claim 11 and/or 12, characterised in that it is also configured such that, after each initialisation step thereof:

the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L) acquires or acquire a predetermined value by default, and/or

the synchronism signal acquired by default is a synchronism signal (S_V) generated at each zero-crossing of only the descent fronts or of only the ascent fronts of the alternating mains voltage.

17. The circuit according to claim 1, characterised in that said measuring means (PM1;

PM) are prearranged to measure at least one of;

the maximum value, the average value, the affective value, any other value, all deriving from suitable processing of a significant set of precise values of the current or electrical power absorbed during a mains period, and

the value of the energy actually consumed within a mains period.

18. Use of a communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims in a system for monitoring electrical appliances, particularly household electric appliances, wherein

the communication device (HG) is prearranged to be interposed between a power socket (DS), belonging to said alternating voltage electric mains network (Vac), and an electric power supply line of a first electric appliance (HA1;

HA2;

HA3),

the communication device (HG) is designed to be connected, by means of said further network (Internet;

RTR, Internet), to said remote centre (RMC),

and wherein;

the first appliance (HA1) is provided with means for dialoguing with the communication device (HG) in a point-to-point mode, through said electric power supply line, or

the first appliance (HA2) is provided with means (ZB1) for dialoguing with the communication device (HG) through the local network (HN1), or

the first appliance (HA3) is not provided with any communication means for dialoguing with the communication device (HG), and the latter is adapted to acquire information regarding the trend of the electric energy consumptions associated to said first electric appliance (H3) over time.

19. Use according to claim 18, wherein the communication device (HG) is designed to be connected, through said local network (HN1), to at least one second electric appliance (HA2;

SA1;

HA2, SA1, UI).

20. Use according to claim 19, wherein the second electric appliance (HA2) is a household appliance or a sensor device.

21. Use according to claim 19, wherein the second electric appliance (SA1) is a monitoring device interposed between a power socket (DS) and a further electric appliance (HA1).

22. Use according to claim 19, wherein the second electric appliance (UI) is a user interface device, particularly prearranged for showing on the display thereof information acquired by the communication device (HG).

23. An integrated circuit for measuring electrical quantities, of the type designed to be connected in series between a power supply line of an electric appliance (HAL HA2, HA3;

UI) and a power supply socket associated to an alternating voltage electric mains network (Vac), the circuit (CSA) comprising measuring means (PM1), for measuring at least one quantity EJ representative of the electric energy absorbed from said electric network (Vac) during a generic mains period T_J by said electric appliance (HAL HA2, HA3, UI), characterised in that the circuit (CSA) further integrates;

hardware comparison means (CMP), for comparing the value of said quantity E_J with at least one reference value (E_R;

E_H and E_L),

hardware generator means (CMP), for generating a digital signal (D) whose logic state (D_J) during a considered period (T_J) of the mains voltage is a function of the result of the comparison performed by the comparison means (CMP) between the value of the quantity E_J-1 measured during the period T_J-1 of the mains voltage, i.e. the value of the quantity measured at the end of the mains period immediately preceding the considered mains period, with said at least one reference value (E_R;

E_H, E_L).

24. The integrated circuit according to claim 23, characterised in that the reference value is single (E_R) and said generator means (CMP) are configured to assign the logic state (D_J) to the digital signal (D) according to the following logic:

if E_J-1>

E_R then D_J=H

if E_J-1<

E_R then D_J=L

if E_J-1=E_R then D_J=D_J-1.

where H and L are two opposite binary logic levels, particularly H=1 and L=0, and E_R is the single reference value.

25. The integrated circuit according to claim 23, characterised in that a pair of reference values (E_H, E_L) is provided for and said generator means (CMP) are configured to assign the logic state (D_J) to the digital signal (D) according to the following logic:

if E_J-1>

E_H then D_J=H

if E_J-1<

E_L then D_J=L

if E_L≦

E_J-1≦

E_H then D_J=D_J-1

where H and L are two opposite binary logic levels, particularly H=1 and L=0, E_H is a greater reference value and E_L is a lower reference value.

26. The integrated circuit according to claim 23, characterised in that it further integrates memory means (EJ-1, EH, EL) for retaining at least one of:

the measured value of the quantity E_J-1;

the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H) E_L).

27. The integrated circuit according to one of claims 23-26, characterised in that said generator means (CMP) are configured to associate to the updating of the logic state (D_J) of the digital signal (D) a synchronism signal (S_V, S_I) generated at each zero-crossing of only the descent fronts or of only the ascent fronts of at least one of the alternating mains voltage (Vac) and the alternating current (I_HA) absorbed by said electric appliance (HAL HA2, HA3, UI).

28. The integrated circuit according to claim 27, characterised in that it further integrates hardware synchronism means (SYNC), prearranged for generating said synchronism signal (S_V, S_I).

29. The integrated circuit according to claim 26 and/or 27, characterised in that it is configured for being in signal communication with a microcontroller (AMC, NC), the circuit (CMA) being prearranged for receiving, through a communication line (SL), signals for modifying the respective present operation mode, such as signals indicating the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L) and/or signals indicating the type of synchronism signal (S_V, S_I) to be used.

30. The integrated circuit according to claim 27, characterised in that it is configured to transmit sequences of binary values generated by said digital signal (D), along with the related synchronism signal (S_V, S_I).

31. The integrated circuit according to claim 30, characterised in that the sequences of binary values generated by said digital signal (D) are designed to be acquired, with the aid of said synchronism signal (S_V, S_I), by a microcontroller (MC).

32. The integrated circuit according to claim 31, characterised in that said microcontroller (AMC, NC) is configured to control the communication towards the external, in particular towards a local (HN1) and/or remote (RMC) network.

33. The integrated circuit according to claim 26 and/or 27, characterised in that it is further configured such that, after each initialisation step thereof,

the reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L) acquires or acquire predetermined value by default, and/or

the synchronism signal acquired by default is a synchronism signal (S_V) generated at each zero-crossing of only the descent fronts or of only the ascent fronts of the alternating mains voltage.

34. The integrated circuit according to claim 23, characterised in that said measuring means (PM1) are prearranged for measuring at least one of:

the maximum value, the average value, the effective value, any other value, all deriving from a suitable processing of a significant set of precise values of the electric current or power absorbed during a mains period, and

the value of the actual energy consumed within a mains period.

35. Use of an integrated circuit for measuring electrical quantities according to one or more of claims 23-34 in a communication and/or monitoring device (HG, SA1) of an electric appliance (HAL HA2, HA3, UI), particularly a household appliance, the communication and/or monitoring device (HG, SA1) having a microcontroller (AMC, NC) in signal communication with the integrated circuit (CSA) through at least one communication line (SL), particularly a bidirectional communication line (SL).

36. Use according to claim 35, wherein the microcontroller (AMC, NC) is prearranged for sending, through said communication line (SL), signals for modifying the present operation mode of the integrated circuit (CSA), such as signals indicating said reference value or values (E_R;

E_H, E_L).

37. Use according to claim 35, wherein the generator means (CMP) of the integrated circuit (CSA) are configured to associate to the updating of the logic state (D_J) of the digital signal (D) a first synchronism signal (S_V) generated at each zero-crossing of the alternating mains voltage (Vac) or a second synchronism signal (S_I) generated at each zero-crossing of the alternating current (I_HA) absorbed by the electric appliance (HA), and wherein:

said first synchronism signal (S_V) is acquired by default after each initialisation step of the integrated circuit (CSA);

said first synchronism signal (S_V) is replaced with said second synchronism signal (S_I) when the impedance of said electric appliance (HAL HA2, HA3, UI) is of the reactive type;

the decision to replace said first synchronism signal (S_V) with said second synchronism signal (S₁) is taken by the microcontroller (AMC, NC) which interacts with the integrated circuit (CSA) through said communication line (SL) and is prearranged for acquiring, with the aid of said synchronism signal (S_V, S_I), the sequences of binary values generated by said digital signal (D).

38. Use according to claim 36, wherein the microcontroller (AMC, NC) is configured to vary said reference value or values (E_R, E_H, E_L).

39. Use according to claim 35, wherein the microcontroller (AMC, NC) is configured to control the communication with at least one communication network (HN1;

RMC) through transmission and/or reception means (ZB;

GGM, WB), particularly a transceiver and/or a modem and/or a broadband access device.

40. Use according to claim 39, wherein said network (HN1) is a local network based on Power Line, or on radio frequency, or on a dedicated electric cable.

41. Use according to claim 39, wherein said network (RMC) is an Internet-based remote network.

42. Use according to claims 40 and 41, wherein said local network (HN1) is a radio frequency network and is based on a protocol selected from ZigBee, Bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, any other standard protocol, any proprietary protocol, and the Internet-based remote network (RMC) is interfaced through a modem of the GSM/GPRS type.

43. Use according to claim 41, wherein the microcontroller (AMC) is configured to control the communication with Internet through a broadband access device (WB), connected to a router or the like by means of an Ethernet cable, or by means of a USB cable, or by means of a wireless connection, particularly based on the WiFi protocol (IEEE-802.11b and/or its variants).

44. A communication and/or monitoring device for electrical appliances, according to one or more of claims 35-43.