[0001] The present invention refers to an electrical power supply system for electronic
devices that is particularly, but not exclusively, usable in the field of domotics
and, in particular, in the field of an electrical household system.
[0002] Various types of sensors are currently known, for example temperature sensors and
movement sensors, which are capable of wirelessly transmitting the detections carried
out to an electronic control unit.
[0003] Control or remote control apparatuses are also known, for example switches, which
are capable of activating, by wirelessly transmitting a control signal, a light or
more generally an electric/electronic apparatus.
[0004] The control or remote control apparatuses and the sensors mentioned above are associable
with power supply batteries and can be installed inside box-shaped bodies that can
be applied to the walls of a room, thus making those that in the following description
are indicated, for the sake of simplicity, as electronic devices.
[0005] In such a case, the electronic devices can be positioned in any point of the room
where they are installed without the need of connecting them directly to the power
supply line of the electrical system of the room itself.
[0006] The installation of these devices inside a room can be, therefore, carried out at
any moment and not necessarily simultaneously to restructuring or maintenance operations
or extension operations of the electrical system.
[0007] However, such electronic devices have some drawbacks.
[0008] One first drawback lies in the fact that the power supply batteries of such devices,
during the normal use, naturally become discharged in a continuous and progressive
manner and, thus, require to be replaced once the charge has been insufficient for
power supplying the devices. In particular, the continuous discharging of the power
supply batteries is not only linked to the operation of the electronic devices associated
with them, but also to loss or leakage currents.
[0009] A second drawback lies in the fact that the box-shaped bodies of the electronic devices
have necessarily to be at least partially openable, since they must allow the batteries
to be replaced.
[0010] This causes greater complexity in making them and less strength, as well as a less
seal against external agents that are harmful for the electronic circuits, like for
example water and dust.
[0011] Document
US 2006/210277A1 describes a system for wireless control of a device, in particular in the field of
medicine. Such a system comprises a device to be controlled and an operating unit
capable of controlling the device. The device to be controlled is configured for repeatedly
emitting signals; the operating unit is activated by these signals and generates its
power supply therefrom.
[0012] Document
US 2009/309550A1 describes an auto rechargeable wireless computer peripheral that includes a wireless
power supply module for transmitting an electromagnetic wave and a wireless receiving
module for receiving the electromagnetic wave, converting the electromagnetic wave
into an electric power, and storing the electric power. When the electric power stored
by the wireless receiving module is lower than a rated value, the wireless receiving
module outputs a charging signal, and the wireless power supply module receives the
charging signal and transmits the electromagnetic wave in response to the charging
signal, so as to automatically charge the wireless receiving module.
[0013] Document
US2010/0182160A1 discloses a remote control for consumer electronic device comprising a rechargeable
battery that can be connected to a solar power assembly so as to be charged by the
solar power assembly. The purpose of the present invention is that of avoiding the
aforementioned drawbacks and, in particular, that of conceiving an electrical power
supply system for electronic devices that is capable of ensuring a greater duration
of the operation of such devices with respect to the prior art without requiring maintenance
operations. Another purpose of the present invention is that of providing an electrical
power supply system for electronic devices that allows using stout devices simple
to be made and that offer greater seal against harmful external agents than in known
devices. These and other purposes according to the present invention are achieved
by making an electrical power supply system for electronic devices as outlined in
claim 1.
[0014] Further characteristics of the electrical power supply system for electronic devices
are object of the dependent claims.
[0015] The characteristics and the advantages of an electrical power supply system for electronic
devices according to the present invention shall become clearer from the following
description, given as an example and not for limiting purposes, with reference to
the attached schematic drawings, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrical power supply system
for electronic devices according to the present invention installed inside a room;
- figure 2 is a schematic block view of the electrical power supply system for electronic
devices of figure 1. With reference to the figures, an electrical power supply system
for electronic devices is shown, wholly indicated with reference numeral 10.
[0016] Such a power supply system 10 comprises a power supply device 11 that can be connected
to an electrical power supply line and at least one electronic device 12. The power
supply device 11 is also configured for transmitting, in a wireless manner, a power
supply signal to the at least one electronic device 12 when the power supply device
11 itself is connected to the electrical power supply line.
[0017] In particular, the power supply device 11 is preferably configured for transmitting
in a wireless manner power supply signals at the infrared frequencies or IR or at
the radio frequencies or RF.
[0018] The at least one electronic device 12 comprises a box-shaped body 13 containing inside
it at least one electrical storage device 14 and an electronic apparatus 15 that is
supplied by the aforementioned storage device 14.
[0019] The electrical storage device 14 can be a battery or a pile or a super-capacitor
and so on.
[0020] The electronic apparatus 15 can be, for example, a sensor of various kinds like,
for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a movement sensor and so on,
or it can be a control or remote control apparatus. The electronic apparatus 15 is,
thus, according to the cases capable of generating a control signal for an electrical/electronic
apparatus and/or an information signal.
[0021] The at least one electronic device 12 is advantageously configured for transmitting,
in a wireless manner, the control and/or information signals that are generated by
the electronic apparatus 15; in particular, in the case in which the electronic apparatus
15 is a sensor, the electronic device 12 sends a signal containing the information
concerning the detection that has been carried out for example to an electronic control
unit or to a mobile terminal like, for example, a smart mobile phone or a smartphone.
[0022] In the case in which the electronic apparatus 15 is a control or remote control apparatus,
the electronic device 12 sends a control signal so as to activate the power supply
a light source or more in general an electric/electronic apparatus.
[0023] In any case the electronic device 12 is provided with first wireless transceiver
means 16 comprising at least one antenna, which are connected to the electronic apparatus
15 and which are adapted to transmit the aforementioned control signals and/or information
at frequencies belonging to a predetermined range of frequencies.
[0024] In particular, the electronic device 12 is preferably configured for transmitting,
in a wireless manner, control and/or information signals at the infrared frequencies
or IR or at radio frequencies or RF.
[0025] The electronic device 12 is, moreover, advantageously configured for wirelessly receiving
at least one power supply signal and for at least partially compensating for the discharge
of the at least one electrical storage device 14 due to leakage currents and/or medium
operating currents.
[0026] In particular, the electronic device 12 comprises second wireless transceiver means
17 that are adapted to receive the aforementioned power supply signal. It is worth
underlining that the second wireless transceiver means 17 are capable of receiving
any signal that propagates at the same frequencies as the power supply signal in the
room where the electronic device 12 is installed. In the case in which the power supply
signal is a signal at the radio frequencies, the second wireless transceiver means
17 comprise at least one antenna that is capable of detecting any signal at the radio
frequencies like, for example, the signal emitted by a Wi-Fi router/modem.
[0027] In the case in which the power signal is a signal at the infrared frequencies, the
second wireless transceiver means 17 comprise at least an infrared photo cell.
[0028] The electronic device 12 comprises, moreover, compensation circuits 18 that are connected
on one side to the aforementioned second transceiver means in a wireless manner 17
and on the other side to the electronic apparatus 15 and/or to the at least one electrical
storage device 14.
[0029] In particular, in the case in which such an electrical storage device 14 is not of
the rechargeable type, the compensation circuits 18 provide the electronic apparatus
15 with a current for compensating for the leakage and/or medium operating currents.
[0030] Indeed, the printed electronic circuit and the electronic components that are connected
to the storage device normally have a non-infinite resistance, causing a parasitic
current that, in a time period that may or may not be long, can lead to the discharge
of the electrical storage device. The compensation of such a current through the invention
allows, therefore, increasing the duration of the electric charge even for storage
devices of the non-rechargeable type.
[0031] In one preferred embodiment, the at least one electrical storage device 14 is of
the rechargeable type; in such a case the compensation circuits 18 comprise circuits
for recharging such electrical storage device 14. In such a way the power signal provided
by the power supply device 11 can not only be used for compensating for the leakage
currents, but also for recharging the electrical storage device 14.
[0032] Such a power supply signal is preferably of the pulse train type; in particular,
the time interval that passes between one pulse and the next one depends on the energy
necessary for compensating for the leakage currents and/or for recharging the electrical
storage device 14. The average energy that can be carried by the power supply signals
is however limited by the electromagnetic compatibility standards that prevent the
presence in the environment of electrical fields having an intensity greater than
a predetermined threshold.
[0033] Therefore, the frequency of the pulse train must be determined in such a way that
the energy carried by the power supply signal is sufficient for compensating for the
leakage currents and/or for recharging the electrical storage device 14.
[0034] Preferably, the box-shaped body 13 is seal closed.
[0035] The operation of the electrical power supply system for electronic devices according
to the present invention is as follows.
[0036] For the sake of simplicity, let us consider a room where there is an electrical system
comprising an electrical power supply line, for example a 230 V line.
[0037] The electronic devices 12 are applied to the walls of the room without the need of
connecting them to the electrical line of the system, since the electronic apparatuses
15 are supplied by the at least one electrical storage device 14.
[0038] The power supply device 11 is applied in the room in any points where the electrical
line of the system is accessible. For example, such a power supply device 11 can be
provided with an electrical plug and in such a case it can be applied to an electrical
plug of the room, or rather installed in a flush box. Alternatively, the power supply
device 11 can be installed at a light source on the ceiling of the room so that it
can be at sight with respect to the electronic devices 12.
[0039] Once it has been connected to the electrical line, the power supply device 11 sends,
in a wireless manner, a power supply signal that is at least partially capable of
compensating for the leakage currents and/or medium operating currents of the electronic
devices 12 present in the room. In such a way, the life of the electrical storage
device 14 increases.
[0040] This advantageous effect is even greater if the electrical storage device 14 is of
the rechargeable type and the compensation circuit comprises a circuit for recharging
the electrical storage device itself 14. In such a case, the power supply signal that
is provided in a wireless manner is capable of at least partially compensating also
for the discharge of the electrical storage device due to the operation of the electronic
apparatus 15.
[0041] Furthermore, let us consider that the power supply device 11 can be, preferably,
any light source, for example a light bulb that, when turned on, not only emits visible
light but also radiations at the infrared frequencies. In such a case, the electrical
storage device 14 is recharged in an extremely simple and comfortable manner for the
user thanks to the energy of the infrared radiations emitted by the light source.
Indeed, the storage device 14 is recharged each time the light is turned on in the
room where the electronic device 12 is installed. Moreover, it is not necessary to
provide complex circuits for modulating the power supply signal at the infrared frequencies.
[0042] In one particular embodiment of the present invention, then, the electronic device
12 can be advantageously configured so as to send, when the storage device 14 is at
least partially discharged, a signal for turning on the light source so as to recharge
the electrical storage device 14.
[0043] The characteristics of the electrical power supply system for electronic devices
object of the present invention are clear in the present description, as well as the
relative advantages are clear.
[0044] Indeed, if the average life of an electrical storage device used in the known electronic
devices varies from around 3 to around 5 years, the average life of an electrical
storage device of the same type used in a device of the system object of the present
invention can also vary from 15 to 20 years.
[0045] The electronic sealed devices, moreover, can also be applied in very humid or dusty
environments, such as construction sites.
[0046] It is finally clear that the electrical power supply system for electronic devices
thus conceived is subject to numerous modifications and variants, all covered by the
invention; moreover, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
In practice the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to
the technical requirements.
1. Electrical power supply system (10) for electronic devices comprising:
- at least one electronic device (12) comprising a box-shaped body (13) containing
inside it at least one electrical storage device (14) and an electronic apparatus
(15) powered by said electrical storage device (14), said electronic device (12) being
configured for transmitting in a wireless manner control and/or information signals
and for receiving in a wireless manner at least one power supply signal and for at
least partially compensating for the discharge of said at least one electrical storage
device (14) due to the leakage currents and/or medium operating currents;
- a power supply device (11) configured for being connected to an electrical power
supply line and for transmitting in a wireless manner a power supply signal to said
at least one electronic device (12) when said power supply device (11) is connected
to said electrical power supply line, said power signal having energy such as to at
least partially compensate for the discharge of said at least one electrical storage
device (14) due to the leakage currents and/or medium operating currents,
said power supply device (11) being configured for transmitting said power supply
signal at the infrared frequencies, said power supply device (11) being a light source
that, when turned on, not only emits visible light but also radiations at the infrared
frequencies,
characterized in that said electronic device (12) is configured for sending a signal, when said storage
device (14) is at least partially discharged, that turns on the light source so as
to recharge said electrical storage device (14).
2. Electrical power supply system (10) according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
electronic device (12) further comprises second wireless transceiver means (17) adapted
to receive said power supply signal and compensation circuits (18) on one side connected
to said second wireless transceiver means (17) and on the other side to said electronic
apparatus (15) and/or to said at least one electrical storage device (14).
3. Electrical power supply system (10) according to claim 2 wherein said at least one
electrical storage device (14) is of the rechargeable type and said compensation circuits
(18) comprise circuits for recharging said at least one electrical storage device
(14) through said power signal received.
4. Electrical power supply system (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein
said electronic device (12) is configured for transmitting in a wireless manner control
and/or information signals at the infrared frequencies.
5. Electrical power supply system (10) according to any claims 1 to 3 wherein said electronic
device (12) is configured for transmitting in a wireless manner control and/or information
signals at the radio frequencies.
1. Elektroenergie-Versorgungssystem (10) für elektronische Vorrichtungen, umfassend:
- mindestens eine elektronische Vorrichtung (12), umfassend einen kastenförmigen Körper
(13), der in seinem Inneren mindestens eine elektrische Speichervorrichtung (14) und
ein von der elektrischen Speichervorrichtung (14) betriebenes elektronisches Gerät
(15) enthält, wobei die elektronische Vorrichtung (12) zum Übertragen von Steuer-
und/oder Informationssignalen auf drahtlose Art und zum Empfangen mindestens eines
Energieversorgungssignals auf drahtlose Art und zum zumindest teilweisen Ausgleichen
der Entladung der mindestens einen elektrischen Speichervorrichtung (14) aufgrund
der Leckströme und/oder Mittelbetriebsströme gestaltet ist;
- eine Energieversorgungsvorrichtung (11), die zum Verbunden-Werden mit einer Elektroenergie-Versorgungsleitung
und zum Übertragen eines Energieversorgungssignals auf drahtlose Weise zu der mindestens
einen elektronischen Vorrichtung (12), wenn die Energieversorgungsvorrichtung (11)
mit der Elektroenergie-Versorgungsleitung verbunden ist, gestaltet ist, wobei das
Energiesignal Energie derart aufweist, dass die Entladung der mindestens einen elektrischen
Speichervorrichtung (14) aufgrund der Leckströme und/oder Mittelbetriebsströme zumindest
teilweise ausgeglichen wird,
wobei die Energieversorgungsvorrichtung (11) zum Übertragen des Energieversorgungssignals
auf den Infrarot-Frequenzen gestaltet ist, wobei die Energieversorgungsvorrichtung
(11) eine Lichtquelle ist, die, wenn sie angeschaltet ist, nicht nur sichtbares Licht
emittiert, sondern auch Strahlung mit den Infrarot-Frequenzen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektronische Vorrichtung (12) zum Senden eines Signals gestaltet ist, wenn die
Speichervorrichtung (14) zumindest teilweise entladen ist, das die Lichtquelle anschaltet,
um die elektrische Speichervorrichtung (14) wiederaufzuladen.
2. Elektroenergie-Versorgungssystem (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens eine elektronische
Vorrichtung (12) ferner zweite drahtlose Sender-/Empfängermittel (17), die dazu eingerichtet
sind, das Energieversorgungssignal zu empfangen, und Ausgleichsschaltungen (18) umfasst,
die auf einer Seite mit den zweiten drahtlosen Sender-/Empfängermittel (17) und auf
der anderen Seite mit der elektronische Vorrichtung (15) und/oder der mindestens einen
elektrischen Speichervorrichtung (14) verbunden sind.
3. Elektroenergie-Versorgungssystem (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei die mindestens eine elektrische
Speichervorrichtung (14) von der wiederaufladbaren Art ist und die Ausgleichsschaltungen
(18) Schaltungen zum Wiederaufladen der mindestens einen elektrischen Speichervorrichtung
(14) über das empfangene Energieversorgungssignal umfassen.
4. Elektroenergie-Versorgungssystem (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei
die elektronische Vorrichtung (12) zum Übertragen von Steuer- und/oder Informationssignalen
auf drahtlose Art auf den Infrarot-Frequenzen gestaltet ist.
5. Elektroenergie-Versorgungssystem (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die
elektronische Vorrichtung (12) zum Übertragen von Steuer- und/oder Informationssignalen
auf drahtlose Art auf den Funkfrequenzen gestaltet ist.
1. Système d'alimentation en énergie électrique (10) pour des dispositifs électroniques
comprenant :
- au moins un dispositif électronique (12) comprenant un corps en forme de caisson
(13) contenant à l'intérieur au moins un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14)
et un appareil électronique (15) alimenté par ledit dispositif de stockage d'électricité
(14), ledit dispositif électronique (12) étant configuré pour transmettre sans fil
des signaux de commande et/ou d'information et pour recevoir sans fil au moins un
signal d'alimentation électrique et pour compenser au moins partiellement la décharge
dudit au moins un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14) provoquée par les courants
de fuite et/ou les courants de fonctionnement du milieu :
- un dispositif d'alimentation électrique (11) configuré pour être connecté à une
ligne d'alimentation électrique et pour transmettre sans fil un signal d'alimentation
électrique audit au moins un dispositif électronique (12) quand ledit dispositif d'alimentation
électrique (11) est connecté à ladite ligne d'alimentation électrique, ledit signal
d'alimentation électrique ayant une énergie telle pour compenser au moins partiellement
la décharge dudit au moins un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14) provoquée
par les courants de fuite et/ou les courants de fonctionnement du milieu,
ledit dispositif d'alimentation électrique (11) étant configuré pour transmettre ledit
signal d'alimentation électrique aux fréquences de l'infrarouge, ledit dispositif
d'alimentation électrique (11) étant une source de lumière qui, quand elle est allumée,
émet non seulement une lumière visible mais également des rayonnements aux fréquences
de l'infrarouge,
caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif électronique (12) est configuré pour envoyer un signal, quand ledit
dispositif de stockage (14) est au moins partiellement déchargé, qui allume la source
de lumière de manière à recharger ledit dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14).
2. Système d'alimentation en énergie électrique (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
ledit au moins un dispositif électronique (12) comprend en outre un second moyen émetteur-récepteur
sans fil (17) adapté pour recevoir ledit signal d'alimentation électrique et des circuits
de compensation (18) connectés sur un côté audit second moyen émetteur-récepteur sans
fil (17) et sur l'autre côté audit appareil électronique (15) et/ou audit au moins
un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14).
3. Système d'alimentation en énergie électrique (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel
ledit au moins un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14) est du type rechargeable
et lesdits circuits de compensation (18) comprennent des circuits pour recharger ledit
au moins un dispositif de stockage d'électricité (14) par l'intermédiaire dudit signal
d'alimentation électrique reçu.
4. Système d'alimentation en énergie électrique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, dans lequel ledit dispositif électronique (12) est configuré pour transmettre
sans fil des signaux de commande et/ou d'information aux fréquences de l'infrarouge.
5. Système d'alimentation en énergie électrique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
claims 1 à 3, dans lequel ledit dispositif électronique (12) est configuré pour transmettre
sans fil des signaux de commande et/ou d'information aux fréquences radio.