JP2006244818A - Power plug, power outlet, tag management device and power supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power plug, a power outlet, a tag management device, and a power supply system capable of supplying electric power for a fee even with an electric device having no communication function.
SOLUTION: A power plug 10 having an IC tag 15 in which a user ID is stored, and a tag reading device 24 capable of inserting the power plug 10 and acquiring a user ID stored in the IC tag 15 of the power plug 10 When it is determined whether the user ID acquired by the power outlet 20 from the power plug 10 is registered in the tag database 37 and it is determined that the user ID is registered in the tag database 37 And a tag management device 30 for sending information corresponding to the determination result to the power outlet 20 side. When the power plug 10 is inserted into the power outlet 20, the power is supplied according to the user ID of the IC tag 15. Electric power is supplied to the electrical equipment through the outlet 20 and the power plug 10.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a power plug, a power outlet, a tag management device, and a power supply system used for supplying power for a fee.

  AC power outlets can easily supply power to electrical devices simply by plugging in a power plug. For this reason, power outlets are installed in most homes and offices, and in today's society where many electrical devices are used, it is a necessity for daily life and work. However, when going outside the home or office, most power outlets can be used freely by connecting information devices such as portable PCs and electronic notebooks, or music devices, hair dryers, electric shavers, etc. Currently, there is no choice but to use electrical equipment while paying attention to the capacity limit using a precharged battery or the like. The reason why there are no freely available power outlets in public places is that in order to collect charges reliably according to the amount of power used, attach a keyed lid to the power outlet and lend the key before use When returning the key after use, it is necessary to take a method such as receiving a fee according to the amount used, and it is considered that it is too costly to provide the service.

  Therefore, as a conventional technique for solving the above-described problems, a server connected to a telephone exchange via a communication line and a portable terminal can be connected as shown in Patent Document 1 below. And a charging system for a portable terminal device including a charging terminal connected to the server via a telephone exchange. By using the charging system, the user can easily charge the mobile terminal on the go and avoid communication interruption due to battery exhaustion.

Further, in Patent Document 2 below, by using a power line LAN that supplies electric power and communication signals to an electric device, the user is prompted to input an ID and a password when the electric power is supplied, and the electric power supply device supplies the electric device. A power supply billing system for controlling the billing of power is disclosed. In the power supply billing system, a function of separating a power signal and a communication signal is provided by using a power line LAN or as another reference example, and a power outlet and a communication connector can be arranged close to each other.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-229647 JP 2004-234117 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is an essential requirement that the mobile terminal is a communication terminal registered in a database of a telephone network, and other electrical devices that do not have an ID that can be registered in advance and can be uniquely authenticated. For example, it cannot be used with a dryer or an electric shaver. In addition, since a charging device is required, it is not possible to use power for a necessary time or amount by directly connecting to a power outlet.

  In Patent Document 2, it is necessary to notify the server of the ID and password input by the user through the communication means to obtain authentication. Therefore, it is necessary to provide each device with input means such as a keyboard and communication means. Unlike a personal computer or the like, it is not only expensive but also small for an electric device such as an electric shaver that does not have such a function. It is difficult to make it practical.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and includes a power plug, a power outlet, a tag management device, and a power supply system that can supply power for a fee even for an electric device that does not have a communication function. The purpose is to provide.

As means for achieving the above object, the power plug of the invention of claim 1 is a power plug that can be plugged into a power outlet,
An IC tag storing first identification information sent to the power outlet side;
It is characterized in that it is configured to receive power supply from the power outlet according to the first identification information when plugged into the power outlet.
Note that the power plug includes a power plug in which a power cord is extended and a power plug that does not have a power cord and receives power from another power plug.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the adapter plug according to the first aspect is characterized in that it is an adapter plug connectable with another plug in which a power cord is extended.

  The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the IC tag is built in the power plug.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the IC tag is provided at a portion of the power plug on the power outlet side.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the IC tag includes a storage unit capable of writing the first identification information.

  The invention of claim 6 is a power outlet into which a power plug can be inserted, and is characterized by comprising identification information acquisition means for acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag provided in the power plug. Have.

  The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the apparatus of claim 6, there is provided a power cut-off means for cutting off the supply of power to the power plug side.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that in the apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, the apparatus further comprises power measuring means for measuring the amount of power supplied to the power plug side.

A ninth aspect of the present invention provides the apparatus according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, further comprising insertion detecting means for detecting that the power plug is inserted,
When the insertion detection unit detects that the power plug is inserted, the identification information acquisition unit acquires the first identification information from the IC tag of the power plug.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in any of the sixth to eighth aspects, the identification information acquisition means is always operating.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the one according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the first identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means is changed to second identification information corresponding to the first identification information. It is characterized in that it comprises a communication means for transmitting to a stored tag management device.

The invention of the tag management device according to claim 12 is a determination means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data;
When the determination unit determines that the first identification information is registered in the reference data, the configuration includes a transmission unit that transmits information based on the determination result to the power outlet side. Has characteristics.

The invention according to claim 13 is the input device according to claim 12, wherein the input means is capable of inputting second identification information that is information relating to the user.
And a writing means for writing the first identification information corresponding to the second identification information to the IC tag of the power plug.

The invention of claim 14 is the one according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the power outlet and the communication means are connected.
According to the first identification information, the power supply by the power outlet is controlled via the communication unit.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, an expiration date is provided for the first identification information registered in the reference data, and the expiration date is provided. It is characterized in that the first identification information disappears after passing.

  The invention of claim 16 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 15, the expiration date is an elapsed time since the registration of the first identification information.

  The invention of claim 17 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 15, the expiration date is an elapsed time after the power plug is inserted into the power outlet.

  The invention of claim 18 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 15, provided with an input means capable of inputting a time, and the expiration date is a time inputted to the input means.

The invention according to claim 19 is the one according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a signal corresponding to the number of insertions of the power plug is received from the power outlet.
It is characterized in that the first identification information registered in the reference data disappears according to the number of insertions.

The invention of the power supply system of claim 20 includes a power plug having an IC tag in which the first identification information is stored,
A power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting the power plug and acquiring the first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
Determination means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data, and the first identification information is registered in the reference data by the determination means A tag management device having a sending means for sending information according to the judgment result to the power outlet when it is judged,
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag.

In the invention of the power supply system according to claim 21, the power outlet and the tag management device are connected via a communication means,
The tag management device is characterized in that the supply of power from the power outlet is controlled via the communication means in accordance with the first identification information.

The invention of the power supply system according to claim 22 includes a power plug having an IC tag in which the first identification information is stored;
A power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting the power plug and acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag.

The invention of the power supply system of claim 23 includes a power plug including an IC tag that can be inserted into a power outlet and stores first identification information sent to the power outlet.
A tag management device comprising: input means capable of inputting second identification information that is information relating to a user; and writing means capable of writing the first identification information to an IC tag of the power plug.
When the power plug is set in the tag management device, the first identification information corresponding to the second identification information input by the user is written to the IC tag by the writing means. Have.

The invention of the power supply system according to claim 24 is a power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting a power plug and acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
A determination means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data, and the determination means determines that the first identification information is registered in the reference data A tag management device having sending means for sending information based on the determination result to the power outlet side in the case,
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag.

<Effect of Claim 1>
According to this configuration, even an electric device or the like that does not have communication means can be operated by simply inserting the power plug of the electric device or the like into the power outlet, and the power can be supplied from the power outlet according to the first identification information. Can be supplied.

<Effect of Claim 2>
According to this configuration, when it is desired to supply power to different electrical devices, etc., it is possible to receive power supply by connecting the adapter plug to the plug of the desired electrical device, etc. It is no longer necessary to provide an IC tag for the power plug of all electrical devices.

<Effect of Claim 3>
According to this configuration, since the IC tag is built in the power plug, the positional relationship (direction) between the power outlet and the IC tag can be determined as a communication directivity as compared with the configuration in which the IC tag is externally attached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a communication error between the power outlet and the IC tag.

<Effect of Claim 4>
According to this configuration, it is difficult to receive external noise and the like, and the first identification information of the IC tag can be transmitted to the power outlet side more reliably.

<Effect of Claim 5>
According to this configuration, different first identification information can be stored in the IC tag according to different users, different uses, and the like.

<Effect of Claim 6>
According to this configuration, the power outlet can acquire the first identification information of the IC tag.

<Effect of Claim 7>
According to this configuration, the supply of electric power to the power plug side can be interrupted as necessary.

<Effect of Claim 8>
According to this configuration, the measured electric energy can be used for controlling the amount of electric power to be supplied or for determining the amount to be charged.

<Effect of Claim 9>
According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress power consumption when the power plug is not inserted.

<Effect of Claim 10>
According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide an insertion detection unit that detects that the power plug has been inserted.

<Effect of Claim 11>
According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the tag management device to perform authentication or the like of the first identification information.

<Effect of Claim 12>
According to this configuration, power supply can be controlled on the power outlet side based on whether or not the first identification information is registered in the reference data.

<Effect of Claim 13>
According to this configuration, since the first identification information is written to the IC tag based on the second identification information input to the input unit, it is possible to supply power according to the first identification information.

<Effect of Claim 14>
According to this configuration, the supply of power can be controlled according to the first identification information via the communication means.

<Effect of Claim 15>
According to this configuration, since power is not supplied after the expiration date, unauthorized use of power by a user other than the registered user after the expiration date can be prevented.

<Effect of Claim 16>
According to this configuration, it is not necessary for the user to set an expiration date.

<Effect of Claim 17>
According to this configuration, when the registered user does not immediately use the electrical device, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the registered user cannot use the device due to the expiration of the expiration date.

<Effect of Claim 18>
According to this structure, it can be set as the expiration date according to a user's use time.

<Effect of Claim 19>
According to this configuration, since power is not supplied according to the number of insertions, unauthorized use of power by a user other than the user can be prevented after the predetermined number of insertions.

<Effect of Claim 20>
According to this configuration, the determination unit determines whether or not the first identification information is registered in the reference data, and when it is determined that the first identification information is registered in the reference data, the transmission unit Thus, information according to the determination result is sent to the power outlet side. Therefore, it is possible to supply power to the power plug based on information according to the determination result sent to the power outlet.

<Effect of Claim 21>
According to this configuration, the tag management device can control the supply of power according to the first identification information via the communication means.

<Effect of Claim 22>
According to this configuration, power can be supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag.

<Effect of Claim 23>
According to this configuration, different unique identification information can be given to a plurality of power plugs for a certain period in association with user information. Therefore, unauthorized use of power can be prevented and power can be easily supplied.

<Effect of Claim 24>
According to this configuration, the determination unit determines whether or not the first identification information is registered in the reference data, and when it is determined that the first identification information is registered in the reference data, the transmission unit Thus, information according to the determination result is sent to the power outlet side. Therefore, it is possible to supply power from the power outlet side to the power plug based on the information corresponding to the determination result sent to the power outlet side.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention supplies power when using an electric device such as a dryer or a shaving in a public place such as a station platform or a hotel for a fee.

1. Configuration of Power Supply System As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a power plug 10 provided with an IC tag 15 (RFID tag) and a plurality of power plugs 10 that are arranged at a station platform or a hotel. A power outlet 20 and a tag management device 30 that manages identification information (plug ID) related to the plug stored in the IC tag 15 of the power plug 10.

<Configuration of power plug>
As shown in FIG. 3, the power plug 10 is an adapter plug that can be connected to the tip (connection end) side of a plug connected to an electrical device (not shown) via a power cord. The power plug 10 has a housing made of a synthetic resin and having a columnar shape with a cross section. A pair of left and right electrodes 11, 11 protrudes from a surface 10 </ b> A on one end side of the housing. The surface 10B has a pair of left and right insertion holes 12 and 12 recessed, and a pair of electrodes (not shown) of the plug of the electric device is inserted into the insertion ports 12 and 12 so that the plug of the electric device The power plug 10 is connected (electrically connected). In addition, an insertion port 13 for inserting a ground terminal of an electric device is provided in the upper center of the surface 10B on the other end side of the power plug 10.

  Then, by connecting the two electrodes 11 and 11 to the insertion portion 20A of the power outlet 20 in a state where the plug of the electric device and the power plug 10 are connected, the electric power is supplied from the power outlet 20 through the power plug 10. Power is supplied to the equipment.

  Here, in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the surface 10A on the one end side of the power plug 10 (intermediate portion of the two electrodes 11, 11), an IC tag having a substantially rectangular shape extending from the top to the bottom of the chevron. 15 is not exposed to the outside but is slightly embedded (incorporated) in the housing from the surface 10A on one end side. The IC tag 15 includes a rewritable memory (storage means). When an RF (Radio Frequency) signal is received from the power outlet 20 (tag management device 30) side, the identification information (plug ID) stored therein is provided. The "first identification information" of the present invention can be transmitted to the power outlet 20 (tag management device 30) side, and new identification information (plug ID) can be written.

<Configuration of power outlet>
As shown in FIG. 4, the power outlet 20 has a pair of insertion portions 20 </ b> A into which the two electrodes 11, 11 of the power plug 10 can be inserted in the outer surface (exposed surface). 2, as shown in FIG. 2, an insertion detection sensor 21 (corresponding to the “insertion detection means” of the present invention) that detects that a plug has been inserted, and electric power supplied to an electrical device are measured. A power meter 22 (corresponding to “measuring means” of the present invention), a switch 23 (corresponding to “power interrupting means” of the present invention) arranged in the power supply path, and a plug ID of the IC tag 15 of the power plug 10 And a tag reading device 24 (corresponding to “identification information acquisition means” of the present invention).

  The insertion detection sensor 21 includes, for example, a light projecting element in which an optical axis is formed so as to cross the insertion path of the two electrodes 11 and 11 of the power plug 10 and a light receiving element paired therewith. When the plug is inserted, the optical axis is shielded. As a result, a detection signal that varies depending on the presence or absence of a light shielding state is transmitted to the power supply control circuit 26 of the tag reading device 24.

  The wattmeter 22 is arranged on the conductive path from the power source to the insertion section 20A after branching between the tag reading device 24 side and the insertion section 20A side. Based on this, the amount of electric power supplied to the electric device is measured. In addition, the wattmeter 22 is configured to constantly transmit information on the measured power supply amount to the power supply control circuit 26 of the tag reading device 24.

The tag reading device 24 includes an antenna unit 25 and a power supply control circuit 26.
When the power supply control circuit 26 receives the plug detection signal from the insertion detection sensor 21, the power supply control circuit 26 sends out an RF signal from the antenna unit 25, and the plug ID stored in the IC tag 15 of the power plug 10 is converted into an antenna by electromagnetic induction. Obtained via the unit 25. Then, the acquired plug ID is sent to the tag management device 30 to be described later via the I / O 29, 39 and a communication cable (communication means, not shown), and whether or not the power can be supplied for the acquired plug ID and the available amount of money. Is received from the tag management device 30, the power supplied to the electrical device is controlled by controlling the on / off of the switch 23 in accordance with the received signal.

Specifically, the switch 23 is turned on when information on the power supply availability and maximum supply power of the acquired plug ID is received from the tag management device 30.
When the power supply control circuit 26 receives a detection signal indicating that the plug has been removed from the insertion detection sensor 21 or receives a signal from the power meter 22 that the amount of power has reached the maximum supply power, the switch 23 is turned off. The power supply is stopped and the supplied power amount and the plug ID are transmitted to the tag management device 30.

<Configuration of tag management device>
For example, one tag management device 30 is provided for each platform of a station, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from a billing device 40 of a credit card company, and two electrodes 11 of the power plug 10 are provided on the outer surface thereof. A pair of insertion portions 30A into which 11 can be inserted is recessed.

  Inside the tag management device 30, an insertion detection sensor 31 that detects that a plug has been inserted (set), and an input unit 32 for inputting information about the user (in the "input means" of the present invention) And a tag writing device 34 for writing the plug ID into the IC tag 15 of the plug. Since power is not supplied from the tag management device 30 to the plug of the electrical device, the plug-in unit 30A is not electrically connected to the power source.

  The insertion detection sensor 31 is the same as that on the power outlet 20 side, and a detection signal corresponding to the plug insertion state is transmitted to the management control circuit 36 of the tag writing device 34.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the input unit 32 includes a card insertion slot 91 for inserting a credit card, a reading device (not shown) for reading information stored in an IC chip of the inserted credit card, a password, And a monitor 90 (for example, an LCD display) for displaying an operation guide or the like to the user. By inserting a credit card into the card insertion slot 91, a credit card number or the like is provided. Information (hereinafter referred to as “user ID”, which corresponds to “second identification information” of the present invention), and transmits the user ID and password to the management control circuit 36 of the tag writing device 34. ing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tag writing device 34 includes an antenna unit 35 and a management control circuit 36.
When the management control circuit 36 receives a detection signal indicating that the plug has been inserted from the insertion detection sensor 31, the management control circuit 36 makes the input unit 32 ready for input operation. When the user ID is input to the input unit 32, the information is transmitted to the charging device 40 of the credit card company, and information on whether or not the payment ability is authenticated and information on the amount that can be paid are received from the charging device 40. .

  Then, the management control circuit 36 generates a plug ID (identification information) corresponding to the user ID, the generated plug ID, the user ID, the maximum suppliable power amount, the state = used or unused, registered date and time. Are stored in the internal tag database 37 ("reference data" of the present invention).

  A set of information related to the plug ID stored in the tag database 37 (plug ID, user ID, maximum suppliable power amount, registration date / time, state) is deleted after a predetermined time (expiration date). In addition, information on the predetermined time is stored in advance in a memory (not shown).

  Here, the “predetermined time (expiration date)” is a time after registration of the plug ID in the tag database 37. Note that the predetermined time is managed, for example, through the power supply control circuit 26 after the power plug 10 has been inserted into the power outlet 20 (first when there are a plurality of times) (the detection signal from the insertion detection sensor 21 is managed). The elapsed time from the reception by the control circuit 36) or a specific time (erased time) from the keyboard 92 of the input unit 32 when a credit card is inserted (when a user ID is input). It is possible to input the information, and this time may be used as the expiration date, and the set of information related to the plug ID may be deleted after the time has elapsed.

Further, the management control circuit 36 writes the generated plug ID (identification information) into the IC tag 15 of the power plug 10 via the antenna unit 35 by electromagnetic induction action. Therefore, the management control circuit 36 corresponds to the writing means of the present invention.
When the writing of the plug ID to the IC tag 15 is completed, the display is displayed on the monitor 90 (see FIG. 5), so that the user can know that the registration is completed.
Furthermore, the management control circuit 36 determines whether or not the plug ID is registered in the tag database 37 when the power outlet 20 receives a signal for inquiring whether or not power supply is possible for the plug ID acquired from the power plug 10 side. If the result of the determination is registered, information on the available amount is sent to the power supply control circuit 26 of the power outlet 20. Therefore, the management control circuit 36 also has functions as a determination unit and a transmission unit of the present invention.

<Billing device configuration>
The billing device 40 is provided in the credit card company and is connected to the tag management device 30 by communication means such as a communication cable.

  The charging device 40 stores a large number of user IDs in the internal user database 41, and stores whether or not a fee can be paid for each user ID and the amount that can be used when payment is possible. When a user ID inquiry is received from the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30, whether or not the user ID can be paid and the amount that can be used is returned if payment is possible.

2. Processing of Tag Management Device Next, processing of the tag management device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the tag management device 30 uses a so-called multitasking OS (an operating system that allows a plurality of programs to be executed simultaneously by a multitasking function) so that each of the processes in FIGS. (Appearance is simultaneous processing). However, the present invention is not limited to the multitasking OS, and for example, a plurality of programs may be switched at regular time intervals to execute processing in parallel.

<When plug ID is written to tag management device>
As shown in FIG. 6, when the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30 detects that the power plug 10 of the electrical device has been inserted (“Y” in S11), for example, a credit card is inserted into the monitor 90. Is displayed (S12). When the credit card user ID and password are input (“Y” in S13), the user ID and password are transmitted to the billing apparatus 40 (S14). If the user ID is stored in the user database 41 of the charging device 40 as being unable to pay the fee, a signal indicating that the authentication is not possible is returned from the charging device 40 (“N” in S15). The circuit 36 causes the monitor 90 to display that authentication is impossible and notifies the user (S16).

  On the other hand, if the user ID is stored in the user database 41 of the charging device 40 as being payable, an authentication (possible) signal is returned from the charging device 40 (“Y” in S15). The management control circuit 36 causes the monitor 90 to display authentication.

  The charging device 40 transmits information on the maximum fee that can be paid (billed) together with the authentication signal. The management control circuit 36 stores the received information on the maximum fee in advance in the memory. The maximum power supply amount is determined from the stored unit electricity rate (S17).

  Next, the management control circuit 36 determines one (unique) plug ID to be stored in the IC tag 15 by the following process.

<Determining a unique plug ID>
As shown in FIG. 7, the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30 generates a random number (S31), determines one value from the random number, and stores this one value in the memory as a plug ID (S32). To do.

  Next, it is checked whether there is a duplicate plug ID in one value (plug ID) determined here and the plug ID stored in the tag database 37 (S33). ("N" in S34), a random number is generated again to determine a plug ID.

  On the other hand, when the plug IDs do not overlap (“Y” in S34), the plug ID is written in the IC tag 15 as shown in FIG. 6 (S19).

Then, a set of plug ID, user ID, maximum power supply amount, registration date and time, state = unused) is stored in the tag database 37 (S20), and the completion of registration is notified to the user (S21). When the power plug 10 is removed by the user and the detection signal is received from the insertion detection sensor 31 (“Y” in S22), a detection signal indicating that the power plug 10 has been inserted from the insertion detection sensor 31 again is received. Wait until it is received ("N" in S11).
Thereafter, when the power plug 10 is inserted and the detection signal is received from the insertion detection sensor 31, the above processing is repeated each time (S11 to S22).
On the other hand, the user who has completed the registration (writing) plugs the power plug 10 removed from the tag management device 30 into the power outlet 20 in the place where the electric device is desired to be used. Thereby, the management control circuit 36 executes the following processing.

<When plug is plugged in>
When the power plug 10 is inserted into the power outlet 20, the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30 receives a signal asking whether or not the plug ID is registered from the power outlet 20, as shown in FIG. The management control circuit 36 determines whether or not the inquired plug ID is registered in the tag database 37 (S42).

  If the inquired plug ID is not registered in the tag database 37 (“N” in S43), a signal indicating that power cannot be supplied is returned to the power supply control circuit 26 of the power outlet 20 (S44).

  On the other hand, when the plug ID is registered in the tag database 37 (“Y” in S43), the information set including the plug ID is read from the tag database 37, and the inquired plug ID set is not yet obtained. It is determined whether it is in use (S45).

  When the inquired set of plug IDs is used (state = use) (“N” in S45), a signal that an error has occurred and that supply cannot be performed is transmitted to the power supply control circuit 26 ( S46, 44).

  On the other hand, when the inquired set of plug IDs is not used (status = unused) (“Y” in S45), the status of the set of plug IDs stored in the tag database 37 is being used ( The state is rewritten to use (S47).

Then, the information on the maximum suppliable power amount among the information on the set of plug IDs stored in the tag database 37 is transmitted to the power supply control circuit 26 of the power outlet 20 (S48). Thus, power is supplied on the power outlet 20 side based on the information transmitted to the power outlet 20.
When the transmission of the signal that can be supplied to or not possible to the power outlet 20 is completed, it waits until it receives a signal for inquiring whether or not the plug ID is registered from the power outlet 20 (“N” in S41). When receiving a signal asking whether or not the plug ID is registered from the power outlet 20, the above process is repeated each time ("Y" in S41, S42 to S48).

<Tag deletion>
Next, when the supply of power is completed on the power outlet 20 side, a plug ID and a notification of the total amount of power supplied from the power outlet 20 are transmitted to the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30 receives a notification of the plug ID and the total amount of power supplied (“Y” in S51), it searches the tag database 37 for the plug ID, The user ID corresponding to the plug ID is read (S52).

  Then, the charge device 40 is notified of a fee based on the user ID and the total power supply amount (S53).

When the notification of the charge based on the user ID and the total power supply amount is completed, the information of the corresponding group of the plug ID (user ID) stored in the tag database 37 is deleted (S54).
When the deletion of the information corresponding to the plug ID (user ID) is completed, the process waits until a notification of the plug ID and the total amount of power supplied is received (“N” in S51). When the notification of the plug ID and the total amount of power supplied is received, the above process is repeated each time (“Y” in S51, S52 to S54).
In addition to the above, the information of the set of plug IDs (user IDs) stored in the tag database 37 is periodically deleted as described below.

<Regular tag deletion>
As shown in FIG. 10, when a predetermined time (expiration date) elapses after the plug ID is written in the tag database 37 (“Y” in S61), the management control circuit 36 elapses the predetermined time with the power unused. A search is made as to whether there is a set of plug IDs (user IDs) (S62).

  If there is a set of plug IDs (user IDs) for which a predetermined time has elapsed with the power unused (“Y” in S62), the information on the corresponding set is deleted from the tag database 37.

On the other hand, if there is no set of plug IDs (user IDs) for which the predetermined time has elapsed with the power unused (“N” in S62), the predetermined time has elapsed with the power unused after the predetermined time has elapsed again. A search is performed to determine whether there is a set of plug IDs (user IDs) (S61, S62).
Further, when the deletion of the corresponding set of information from the tag database 37 is completed, a search is performed for a set of plug IDs (user IDs) for which a predetermined time has elapsed with the power unused (S62).

3. Processing of Power Supply Control Circuit of Power Outlet Next, processing of the power supply control circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
<Processing of power supply control circuit>
When the power plug 10 is inserted and receives a detection signal from the insertion detection sensor 21 (“Y” in S71), the power supply control circuit 26 sends out an RF signal from the antenna unit 25, and also the IC of the power plug 10 The plug ID is received (acquired) from the tag 15 via the antenna unit 25 (S72).

  Next, the power supply control circuit 26 sends the received (acquired) plug ID to the tag database 37 of the tag management device 30 (inquires whether it is registered in the tag database 37. S73). If the received (acquired) plug ID is not registered in the tag database 37 (“N” in S74), the tag management device 30 returns a signal indicating that power supply is not possible. First, the error indicator lamp 93 (see FIG. 4) is turned on (S75), and as long as the power plug 10 is inserted (“Y” in S71), the above processing is repeated (S72 to S75).

  On the other hand, if the received (acquired) plug ID is registered in the tag database 37 ("Y" in S74), the maximum supplyable electric energy is returned from the tag management device 30, and the power supply control circuit 26 The switch 23 is turned on to start power supply to the electric device (S76), and the power meter 22 is started to measure power (S77).

  The power supply control circuit 26 constantly receives the measurement value of the electric energy from the wattmeter 22, and if the supplied electric energy does not reach the maximum suppliable electric energy (“Y” in S78, “Y” in S79). ”), Continue to supply power.

  On the other hand, when the supplied power amount reaches the maximum suppliable power amount (“Y” in S78, “N” in S79), the measurement of the power supply amount is finished (S80), and the total power supply amount is managed by the tag. Notifying the device 30 (S81), the switch 23 is turned off to stop the power supply (S82).

Even if the supplied power amount does not reach the maximum suppliable power amount, when the power supply control circuit 26 receives a signal that the power plug 10 has been removed from the insertion detection sensor (“Y” in S78), the power is supplied. The control circuit 26 ends the measurement of the power supply amount (S80), notifies the tag management device 30 of the total power supply amount (S81), and turns off the switch 23 to stop the power supply (S82).
After the switch 23 is turned off, it waits until it receives a detection signal from the insertion detection sensor 21 that the power plug 10 has been inserted ("N" in S71). When the detection signal is received from the insertion detection sensor 21 (“Y” in S71), the above process is repeated each time (S72 to S82).

4). Processing of charging device Next, processing of the charging device 40 will be described.
When the billing device 40 receives the user ID and password from the tag management device 30, the billing device 40 authenticates the user ID and password with reference to the user database 41 and sends the user's usable fee to the tag management device 30. Notice.

  When the user ID and usage fee information are received from the tag management device 30, the user is charged and the fee is withdrawn from a bank account or the like.

5. Effects of the Present Embodiment According to the present embodiment, even for an electrical device or the like that does not have communication means, the plug ID (first) can be obtained by simply inserting the power plug 10 of the electrical device or the like into the power outlet 20. According to the identification information), power can be supplied from the power outlet 20.

  In addition, when it is desired to receive power supply for different electrical devices, etc., it is possible to receive power supply by connecting the power plug 10 to a plug of a desired electrical device or the like. ) There is no need to provide the IC tag 15 in the power plug 10 of all electric devices or the like.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the IC tag 15 is built in the power plug 10, the positional relationship between the power outlet 20 and the IC tag 15 is compared with a configuration in which the IC tag 15 is externally attached. (Direction) can be set to a positional relationship suitable for the directivity of communication, and communication errors between the power outlet 20 and the IC tag 15 can be prevented.

  Furthermore, since power is not supplied after a predetermined time (expiration date) has elapsed, unauthorized use of power by a user other than the registered user after the predetermined time has elapsed can be prevented.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the set of plug IDs is deleted from the tag database 37 after a predetermined time (expiration date) has elapsed. However, in the second embodiment, the tag database is set according to the number of insertions of the power plug 10 into the power outlet 20. 37, the plug ID set is deleted. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.
When receiving the detection signal from the insertion detection sensor 21, the power supply control circuit 26 of the power outlet 20 transmits the detection signal to the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30.

  The tag database 37 of the management control circuit 36 can store the number of insertions of the power plug 10 into the power outlet 20 in a set of plug IDs (user IDs), and the management control circuit 36 of the tag management device 30. Stores the number of times the detection signal is received in a set of corresponding plug IDs in the tag database 37.

  When the number of received detection signals reaches the predetermined number stored in advance in the memory, the corresponding plug ID set in the tag database 37 is deleted when the power supply is completed.

  According to the second embodiment, since power is not supplied according to the number of insertions, unauthorized use of power by a person other than the user can be prevented after the predetermined number of insertions.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the power supply system is used in a public place such as a station platform or a hotel. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be used in other places. .

  (2) In the above embodiment, the tag management device 30 is located at the platform of the station like the power outlet 20, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be located away from the power outlet 20. A plurality (many) of tag management devices 30 may be provided. Further, the tag management device 30 may be installed in the station, and the power outlet 20 may be installed in each seat of the train, for example, not in the station. If it does in this way, it can receive supply of electric power during the movement time until it arrives by registering at a departure station.

  (3) In the above embodiment, when the tag management device 30 and the power outlet 20 detect that the power plug 10 has been inserted by the insertion detection sensor, the tag management device 30 and the power supply control circuit 36 The RF signal is transmitted to the power plug 10 side by operating, but the insertion detection sensor is not provided, and the power supply control circuit 26 or the management control circuit 36 is always operated to transmit the RF signal to the power plug 10 side. It is good also as composition to do.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the fee is collected after the use of the power by the credit card. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fee may be paid in advance and the power may be supplied.
In this case, when a fee corresponding to the amount of power to be used is paid to the tag management device prior to the use of power, a plug ID is generated in the tag management device, and the plug ID and the paid fee are paired into the tag database. The plug ID is written to the ID tag of the power plug inserted into the tag management device.
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, the plug ID is read into the power outlet and transmitted to the tag management apparatus. Then, the plug ID stored in the tag database of the tag management device is searched for a plug ID equal to the read plug ID, and the charge stored in combination with the plug ID (prepaid charge) is used. In response, power may be supplied.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the tag management device manages (stores) the plug ID. However, the tag management device may be omitted. For example, power may be supplied using a power plug having an IC tag in which a plug ID is stored in advance.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the adapter plug is provided with the IC tag. However, the IC tag may be provided directly on the plug of the electric device.

  (7) The communication means provided between the devices may be either wireless communication or wired communication.

(8) An IC tag may be provided on the power cord of the plug from which the power cord is extended. In addition to the above embodiment, the following configuration may be added.
For example, an IC tag having power consumption information of a device to which it is connected is attached to a power cord, and the power tag (or power outlet) has the IC tag reader and its own maximum suppliable power information.
The power tap then reads the power consumption information of the connected power cord and calculates the total. When the calculated total value exceeds the suppliable power of the power strip or may exceed the power supply depending on the situation, the user is notified by means such as sounding or emitting light.
Thereby, since the user can easily recognize whether or not the maximum supply power is exceeded in advance, it is possible to avoid the risk of falling into a power supply disabled state by connecting to another supply device.
In addition, if priority is given to the outlet of the power strip (or power outlet) and there is a possibility of exceeding the maximum supply power, supply power from an object with a high priority within a range not exceeding the maximum supply power. May be.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the electric power supply system of Embodiment 1. Diagram showing electrical configuration of tag management device and power outlet Adapter plug perspective view Front view showing an example of the panel configuration of a power outlet Front view showing an example of a panel configuration of the tag management device The flowchart which shows the process of the tag management apparatus at the time of writing of plug ID Routine for determining a unique plug ID Flow chart showing the processing of the tag management device when receiving an inquiry from a power outlet The flowchart which shows the process at the time of tag deletion of a tag management apparatus The flowchart which shows the process of periodic tag deletion of the tag management device Flow chart showing power outlet processing

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Power plug 15 ... IC tag 20 ... Power outlet 21, 31 ... Insertion detection sensor (insertion detection means)
22 ... Wattmeter (measuring means)
23 ... Switch (power cutoff means)
24. Tag reading device (identification information acquisition means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 26 ... Power supply control circuit 30 ... Tag management apparatus 32 ... Input part (input means)
34 ... Tag writing device 36 ... Management control circuit (determination means, sending means, writing means)
37 ... Tag database 40 ... Billing device 41 ... User database 90 ... Monitor 91 ... Card insertion slot 92 ... Keyboard 93 ... Error indicator

Claims (24)

A power plug that can be plugged into a power outlet,
An IC tag storing first identification information sent to the power outlet side;
A power plug characterized by receiving power from the power outlet according to the first identification information when plugged into the power outlet. 2. The power plug according to claim 1, wherein the power plug is an adapter plug connectable to another plug from which the power cord is extended. 3. The power plug according to claim 1, wherein the IC tag is built in the power plug. 4. The power plug according to claim 1, wherein the IC tag is provided in a portion of the power plug on the power outlet side. 5. The power plug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the IC tag includes a storage unit capable of writing the first identification information. A power outlet into which a power plug can be inserted,
An electrical outlet comprising: identification information acquisition means for acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag provided in the power plug. The power outlet according to claim 6, further comprising power cutoff means for cutting off power supply to the power plug side. The power outlet according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising power measuring means for measuring the amount of power supplied to the power plug side. An insertion detecting means for detecting that the power plug is inserted;
The first identification information is acquired from an IC tag of the power plug by the identification information acquisition unit when the insertion detection unit detects that the power plug is inserted. The power outlet according to any one of claims 6 to 8. The power outlet according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the identification information acquisition unit is always operating. 7. A communication unit for transmitting the first identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit to a tag management device in which second identification information corresponding to the first identification information is stored. The power outlet according to any one of claims 10 to 10. Determining means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data;
Sending means for sending information based on the determination result to the power outlet side when the determination means determines that the first identification information is registered in the reference data. Tag management device. An input means capable of inputting second identification information which is information about the user;
The tag management apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: a writing unit that writes the first identification information corresponding to the second identification information to an IC tag of the power plug. Connected to the power outlet by communication means,
The tag management device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein power supply by the power outlet is controlled via the communication unit in accordance with the first identification information.   15. The first identification information registered in the reference data has an expiration date, and the first identification information disappears after the expiration date. The tag management apparatus in any one of.   16. The tag management device according to claim 15, wherein the expiration date is an elapsed time from registration of the first identification information.   16. The tag management apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the expiration date is an elapsed time since the power plug is inserted into the power outlet. It has an input means that can input the time,
The tag management apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the expiration date is a time input to the input unit. Receiving a signal corresponding to the number of insertions of the power plug from the power outlet,
15. The tag management device according to claim 12, wherein the first identification information registered in the reference data disappears in accordance with the number of insertions. A power plug having an IC tag in which first identification information is stored;
A power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting the power plug and acquiring the first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
Determination means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data, and the first identification information is registered in the reference data by the determination means A tag management device having a sending means for sending information according to the judgment result to the power outlet when it is judged,
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag. The power outlet and the tag management device are connected via communication means,
21. The power supply system according to claim 20, wherein the tag management device controls supply of power from the power outlet via the communication unit in accordance with the first identification information. A power plug having an IC tag in which first identification information is stored;
A power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting the power plug and acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag. A power plug including an IC tag that can be inserted into a power outlet and stores first identification information sent to the power outlet;
A tag management device comprising: input means capable of inputting second identification information that is information relating to a user; and writing means capable of writing the first identification information to an IC tag of the power plug.
When the power plug is set in the tag management device, the first identification information corresponding to the second identification information input by the user is written to the IC tag by the writing means. Power supply system. A power outlet having an identification information acquisition means capable of inserting a power plug and acquiring first identification information stored in an IC tag of the power plug;
A determination means for determining whether or not the first identification information acquired by the power outlet from the power plug is registered in the reference data, and the determination means determines that the first identification information is registered in the reference data A tag management device having sending means for sending information based on the determination result to the power outlet side in the case,
When the power plug is inserted into the power outlet, power is supplied from the power outlet to the power plug according to the first identification information of the IC tag.

Images