DE102006053280A1 - Multiple plug socket for connecting e.g. personal computer with e.g. loudspeaker, has adjusting device with sensor for detecting power level at master socket, and memory unit for determining and storing value in dependence of power level - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket has a slave socket (3) connected with a common electrical power supply, and a regulating and/or control unit for manufacturing and/or separation of an electrical connection of the slave socket with the energy supply based on an actual power level at a master socket (2) and a switching threshold value. An adjusting device has a power level sensor (16) for detecting a reset power level at the master socket, and a microcontroller (10) and a memory e.g. electrically erasable programmable ROM, unit (18) for determining and storing the value in dependence of the reset power level. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting a switching threshold value for a multiple socket.

Description

The The invention relates to a multiple socket comprising a master socket and at least a slave socket, which is connected to a common electrical Power supply are connectable, a control and / or control unit for making and / or separating an electrical connection of at least one slave socket with the power supply in dependence an actual power level at the master socket and a switching threshold and an adjusting means for setting the switching threshold.

A Multiple socket comprising a master socket and at least one of them dependent Slave outlet, both with a common electrical Power supply, in particular a mains voltage, are connectable, is also referred to as master-slave socket. In use a master device connected to the master outlet and one peripheral device or more Peripheral devices is / are connected to the slave socket or slave sockets. The master device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), with a screen, a printer, a scanner and other devices which only in conjunction with the master device used with the slave sockets are connected. During operation of the master-slave socket, the Peripheral devices only connected to the common power supply, if that Master device, For example, the PC is in an operating mode.

Next A computer is a variety of other electronic devices conceivable which as master devices are usable. These devices include, for example an amplifier a hi-fi system, a TV, which in conjunction with speakers and a projector, and others. Most of these equipment are in a standby and / or sleep mode (sleep mode) offset, in which less energy is consumed than in an operating mode, wherein the stand-by mode and the sleep mode of a master device are different could be. The standby and / or sleep modes are both low Energy consumption characterized. Of the Stand-by mode and / or the sleep mode allows a faster transition to an operating mode as this is possible when the device is switched off. Also in standby and / or sleep mode of the master device is a (low) power, which is not equal to zero, consumed at the master socket. The peripheral devices connected to the slave sockets should whereas during a stand-by and / or sleep mode of the master device. By Turning off the peripheral devices can be a total energy consumption be significantly reduced.

It is therefore known, a switching threshold, which is not equal to zero is to define in advance. Once an actual power level or Energy consumption at the master socket exceeds the switching threshold, become the peripheral devices electrically connected to the power supply. Become accordingly the slave sockets disconnected from the power supply when an actual power consumption at the master outlet below the switching threshold sinks.

Power consumption or power level in standby and / or sleep mode may be different for different master devices. From the DE 198 16 560 A1 It is therefore known to provide a controller by which a switching threshold is manually adjustable.

It The object of the present invention is a master-slave multiple socket to create an operation of the master-slave multiple socket with a master device with any power consumption in standby and / or sleep mode is possible. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method to set a switching threshold.

These Task is solved through a multiple socket comprising a master socket and at least one slave socket, which with at least one common electrical power supply can be connected, a control and / or control unit for making and / or separating an electrical connection of at least one slave socket with the power supply in dependence an actual power level at the master socket and a switching threshold and adjusting means for setting the switching threshold, wherein the adjusting means comprises a power level sensor for detecting a reset power level at the master socket and a memory unit to set and store the switching threshold as a function of the reset power level includes.

The Terms "entity" and "entity" in the context This invention is not to be understood as meaning "one component." Rather can both the adjuster and the control and / or control unit include a plurality of components, where none, some or all Components may belong to both devices.

The memory unit preferably comprises an erasable, programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and / or an electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory (electrically erasable programmable read only memory EEPROM) for storing the switching threshold.

By Detecting a reset power level or reset power level at the master power outlet and determining or determining the switching threshold in dependence of the detected power level, the switching threshold can be very precise adapted to any power level or power consumption of a master device which is in any operating range of the multiple socket lies.

In an embodiment The reset power level in standby and / or sleep mode will be one with the Master outlet connected Master device detected. The switching threshold can be chosen this way or be set to correspond to the detected power level in the Standby or sleep mode is the same. When this switching threshold is exceeded It is assumed that the master device is in the operating state and the slave sockets will be connected to the power supply. In another embodiment becomes a switching threshold as a function of the detected power level energy consumption in standby or sleep mode, or for example, the switching threshold is set to a value which is an integer or non-integer multiple of detected power level at the master socket or the switching threshold is determined by a pre-defined safety margin is added to the detected power level. In yet another embodiment is a reset power level in the operating mode of the connected Master device detected. Preferably, the slave sockets are not powered connected and / or not occupied by peripheral devices while a Energy consumption at the master outlet is detected. When a Reset power level is detected while one is connected to the master power outlet connected master devices is turned on, so a switching threshold as a fraction of determined power level are set, for example, on a value of 10%, one third, half or 90% of the recorded Energy consumption corresponds, and / or the switching threshold can be determined by subtracting a safety value from the recorded energy consumption becomes. The switching threshold is in another embodiment set it to the high power level at the master power outlet in operating mode. Connecting the slave sockets) with the power supply takes place, for example, as soon as a detected actual power level at the master socket corresponds to this switching threshold or exceeds this.

In Development of the invention, the adjustment comprises a Trigger unit, by which a detection of the reset power level at the master socket, setting the switching threshold and / or a saving of the switching threshold can be triggered. In one embodiment is the trigger unit by connecting a device to the master socket and the first time the master device is switched on triggered.

In Further development of the invention comprises the trigger unit manually actuated Reset element, preferably a manually operated reset button. The reset element is set by a user to set or reset the switching threshold actuated, For example, the reset button is pressed to thereby set and Saving a switching power level to turn on or off the to trigger at least one slave socket. By pressing the Reset element, a user can easily change the switching threshold of the multiple socket to any master device, which is connected to the multiple socket, adapt. For this Adaptation is no knowledge about the power level or power consumption of the master device in operation mode or in stand-by and / or sleep mode necessary. The reset element, in particular the Reset button, is in one embodiment in a recess of a housing the multiple socket arranged so as to prevent unwanted operation prevent.

In Development of the invention, the power level sensor is designed to that also has an actual power level at the master socket in operating mode detectable by the power level sensor. In this embodiment No additional components are needed to match the actual power level to capture. In one embodiment is the power level sensor with the control and / or control unit and / or the adjusting device via a protection circuit connected. The protection circuit prevents transmission of signals the control and / or control unit and / or the adjusting device, which exceed a protection threshold.

In a further embodiment of the multiple socket, a current is inducible by the power level sensor and / or the sensor is selected from a group comprising a resistor, a transformer or a Hall probe. The induced current is transmitted to the control and / or control unit and / or the adjusting device. Depending on the induced current and the switching threshold, the at least one slave socket is connected to or disconnected from the power supply. By actuating the trigger unit, the switching threshold value becomes dependent ability of the induced current redefined or determined.

In Development of the invention include the control and / or control unit, the adjusting device and / or the storage unit at least a microcontroller. In one embodiment, a common one Microcontroller provided to both an electrical connection the slave sockets, as well as detecting and storing the switching threshold to regulate or control. The microcontroller includes in one Embodiment one integrated memory unit for storing the detected switching threshold. In another embodiment is an additional Memory chip for storing the switching threshold provided. In a another embodiment are several microcontrollers for the control and / or control unit, the adjustment direction and / or the storage unit provided. Usually are the devices, which are connected to the multiple socket, such as a computer or a TV, powered by AC power. Around to use the AC power supply for the microcontroller are in one embodiment a rectifier bridge and a voltage regulator is provided. This can save you from the power supply provided voltage, for example, to a value of 5 V and / or 12V for the microcontroller (s) are set.

The Task will be solved further by a method for setting a switching threshold of Multiple socket with a master socket and at least one slave socket, which can be electrically connected to a common power supply are, wherein the at least one slave socket in dependence the switching threshold and an actual power level at the master socket with the power supply electrically connected and / or separated from it. The inventive method includes the steps of: connecting a device to the master outlet, Detecting a Reset Power Level at the Master Power Outlet, Set a switching threshold depending on the reset power level and storing the sensed switching threshold.

One Such method is easy on a multiple socket through electronic components implementable.

In a development of the method is detecting the reset power level the master outlet, setting the switching threshold and / or saving the switching threshold by operating a reset element triggered. The reset element is for example manually by a user actuated, by a switching threshold to determine and / or reset.

In Further development of the invention is to detect the reset power level the master outlet, setting the switching threshold and / or saving of the switching threshold by pressing of a reset button. Thereby is given a particularly simple operation.

In an embodiment of the method, the switching threshold is determined and / or reset while the one connected to the master outlet Device yourself is in an operating mode. Detecting the reset power level and setting the switching threshold dependent on the detected reset power level does not affect operation the device connected to the master power outlet.

Further Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description an embodiment of the invention, which is shown schematically in the drawings. For same or similar Components are given the same reference numerals in the drawings. All from the claims, the description or drawings resulting features and / or Benefits, including constructive details, spatial Arrangements and method steps, both individually also be essential to the invention in the most diverse combinations.

In show the drawings:

1 a perspective view of a multiple socket and

2 a block diagram of a control and / or control unit and a setting direction of a multiple socket according to the invention.

1 is a perspective view of a multiple socket 1 comprising a master socket 2 and eight slave sockets 3 . 4 , In the illustrated multiple socket 1 are slave sockets 3 Type C and slave sockets 4 provided by the type J. Of course, however, a multiple socket according to the invention may also include other types of sockets and the invention is not limited to a particular type of socket. The illustrated multiple socket 1 also includes "TV in" and "TV out" connections 8th for connecting a television and / or a video device (not shown). Further, non-visible connections can be provided, for example for connecting a modem and / or a telephone connection.

The multiple socket 1 is not with one shown power supply via a cable 5 connectable. At the multiple socket 1 is an on / off switch 6 intended. Depending on a position of the on / off switch 6 becomes the multiple socket 1 used in continuous operation or master / slave operation. There are other indicator lights 7 provided which indicate a selected operating mode and / or operational readiness.

In continuous operation are all sockets 2 . 3 . 4 electrically connected to the power supply. In master / slave mode, the slave sockets become 3 . 4 only connected to the power source when a power level at the master socket 2 reaches and / or exceeds a specified switching threshold.

The multiple socket 1 includes an internally located, in 1 non-visible control and / or control unit, by which establishing and / or disconnecting the electrical connection of the slave sockets 3 . 4 is regulated and / or controlled with the power supply.

At the front of the illustrated multiple socket 1 is a reset button 9 provided, whose function will be described in more detail below.

2 shows a block diagram of a control and / or control unit and an adjustment of a multiple socket according to the invention, comprising a master socket 2 and slave sockets 3 , For the same or similar components as in 1 are used uniform reference numerals.

In the embodiment according to 2 is one by an oscillator 19 clocked microcontroller 10 provided, which is both part of the control and / or control unit and the adjustment. A voltage is supplied between the current-carrying conductor L and the neutral conductor N of an unillustrated AC power source, such as a mains voltage. The microcontroller 10 is connected to the live conductor L and the neutral conductor N via a rectifier bridge 11 and a voltage regulator 12 connected. The voltage regulator 12 is designed so that a fixed voltage, for example 5 V or 12 V, is applied. An AC block capacitor 13 is intended to transfer too high currents or voltages from the power supply to the microcontroller 10 to prevent.

The master outlet 2 is directly connected to the conductors L, N. The slave sockets 3 are connected to the power source via a through a driver unit 15 operated relay 14 connected. When the on / off switch 6 is set to continuous operation, so does the relay 14 pressed to the slave sockets 3 to connect to the AC power source. When the on / off switch 6 is switched to master / slave operation, so are the slave dependent sockets 3 only electrically connected to the power supply when a power level or power consumption at the master outlet 2 reaches and / or exceeds a specified switching threshold. Does the energy consumption at the master outlet 2 in master / slave mode below the set switching threshold, the relay becomes 14 so actuated that the slave sockets 3 be disconnected from the power source.

To get an actual power level at the master power outlet 2 to detect is a power level sensor 16 intended. Preferably, the power level sensor is 16 suitable to induce a current. The induced current is sent to the microcontroller 10 transfer. To a transfer of high transient currents to the microcontroller 10 To avoid, in the illustrated embodiment, a protective power circuit 17 between the power level sensor 16 and the microcontroller 10 intended.

The one at the master outlet 2 detected power level is compared with a switching threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the switching threshold is in a memory unit 18 , For example, an EEPROM, stored with the microcontroller 10 connected is. The microcontroller 10 includes means to that of the power level sensor 16 induced current with the switching threshold, which in the memory unit 18 is stored, compare. A comparison can be made by hardware and / or software components. When the detected actual power level at the master outlet 2 , That is, in the embodiment of the induced current, is equal to a previously determined switching threshold or exceeds this, so is a corresponding signal to the driver unit 15 transferred to the relay 14 to press. That to the driver unit 15 transmitted signal is amplified in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver unit includes 15 For this purpose, a transistor or a field effect transistor.

According to the invention, the pre-set switching threshold can be reset or reset by the reset button 9 is pressed. The reset button 9 is electric with the microcontroller 10 connected. To set or reset the switching threshold, a master device, such as a computer, an amplifier of a hi-fi system or a TV, with the master socket 2 connected. Peripheral devices, such as speakers, printers, image umbrellas or similar, can use the slave sockets 3 get connected. The on / off switch 6 is switched to master / slave mode. By pressing the reset button 9 will be a reset power level at the master socket 2 detected. In the illustrated embodiment, the reset power is detected by the power level sensor to detect the reset power 16 evaluated induced current. The switching threshold is determined as a function of the detected reset power level, for example as a function of the power level corresponding to the induced current at the time at which the reset button 9 is pressed. The determined switching threshold is stored in the memory unit 18 saved. An adaptation of the switching threshold is preferably carried out when the master device is turned on. However, there are also multiple sockets conceivable in which provide an adjustment during operation of the master device in stand-by or sleep mode.

Initially, the switching threshold may be set to a comparatively high level, for example, 2200 W or more. The slave sockets are thus not connected to the power supply unless the reset button 9 is pressed and the switching threshold is adjusted. The detected switching threshold is stored in one embodiment in a non-permanent memory chip. In this case, a switching threshold setting operation is to be repeated each time the multiple socket is connected to a power source.

The multiple socket 1 may include other electronic components (not shown), for example for preventing a lightning strike, for controlling the warning lights 7 according to 1 and / or delaying powering on one, all, or multiple slave sockets.

Claims (10)

Multiple socket, comprising: - a master socket ( 2 ) and at least one slave socket ( 3 . 4 ), which are connectable to at least one common electrical power supply, - a control and / or control unit for producing and / or disconnecting an electrical connection of the at least one slave socket ( 3 . 4 ) with the power supply depending on an actual power level at the master socket ( 2 ) and a switching threshold, and - a setting means for setting the switching threshold, characterized in that the adjusting means a power level sensor ( 16 ) for detecting a reset power level at the master socket ( 2 ) and a storage unit ( 10 . 18 ) for setting and storing the switching threshold in response to the reset power level. A multiple socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means comprises a trigger unit, by which a detection of the reset power level at the master socket ( 2 ), setting the switching threshold and / or storing the switching threshold can be triggered. Multiple socket according to claim 2, characterized in that the trigger unit is a manually operable reset element, in particular a manually operable reset button ( 9 ). Multiple socket according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the power level sensor ( 16 ) an actual power level at the master socket ( 2 ) in an operating mode one with the master socket ( 2 ) is detected. Multiple socket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that by the power level sensor ( 16 ) a current is inducible and / or the power level sensor ( 16 ) is selected from a group comprising a resistor, a transformer and a Hall probe. Multiple socket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control and / or control unit, the adjusting device and / or the memory unit at least one microcontroller ( 10 ). Method for setting a switching threshold for a multiple socket ( 1 ) with a master socket ( 2 ) and at least one slave socket ( 3 . 4 ), which are electrically connectable to at least one common power supply, wherein the at least one slave socket ( 3 . 4 ) depending on the switching threshold and an actual power level at the master socket ( 2 ) is electrically connected to and / or disconnected from the power supply, comprising the following steps: a. Connecting a Device to the Master Power Outlet ( 2 b. Detecting a Reset Power Level at the Master Power Outlet ( 2 c. Defining the switching threshold depending on the detected reset power level and d. Save the switching threshold. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that detecting the reset power level at the master socket ( 2 ), setting the switching threshold and / or storing the Switching threshold triggered by actuation of a reset element. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that detecting the reset power level power level at the master socket ( 2 ), setting the switching threshold and / or storing the switching threshold by pressing a reset button ( 9 ) is triggered. Method according to one of claims 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the switching threshold is detected while a with the master socket ( 2 ) connected device in the operating mode is operated.