[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1875574A2 - Dispositif de distribution de puissance - Google Patents

Dispositif de distribution de puissance

Info

Publication number
EP1875574A2
EP1875574A2 EP06726608A EP06726608A EP1875574A2 EP 1875574 A2 EP1875574 A2 EP 1875574A2 EP 06726608 A EP06726608 A EP 06726608A EP 06726608 A EP06726608 A EP 06726608A EP 1875574 A2 EP1875574 A2 EP 1875574A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
power distribution
distribution device
remote control
input
electrical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06726608A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
James Dunne
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0506958A external-priority patent/GB0506958D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0515674A external-priority patent/GB0515674D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1875574A2 publication Critical patent/EP1875574A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/06—Receivers
    • H04B1/16—Circuits
    • H04B1/20—Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
    • H04B1/202—Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver by remote control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to power distribution devices, particularly to power distribution devices for use in the home.
  • a power distribution board connects to a single electrical outlet (wall socket) but comprises a number of sockets into which the plugs of individual items may be inserted.
  • Many varieties of power distribution device are known, but perhaps the most common is a so called “four gang" socket which has four sockets into each of which a plug may be inserted.
  • a user may wish to disable the power supply to the item to reduce the risk of fire, for example.
  • the quickest and easiest way to perform such a task would be to disable the wall socket into which the power distribution board is connected, by switching it off. However, this would disable the electricity supply to all of the items connected to the power distribution board, which may be disadvantageous if, for example, one of the items were a VCR which were programmed to record at a certain time.
  • a power distribution device comprising; i) connection means operable to connect the power distribution device to a source of electricity, ii) at least three electrical outlets, and iii) switching means adapted to switch at least two, but not all, of the at least three electrical outlets between an enabled and a disabled configuration.
  • the power distribution device comprises at least four electrical outlets.
  • the power distribution device may comprise at least five electrical outlets .
  • the power distribution device may comprise at least six electrical outlets .
  • the power distribution device comprises between 6 and 20 electrical outlets, more preferably between 8 and 16 electrical outlets and most preferably 12 electrical outlets .
  • the device may comprise between 3 and 10 sockets, preferably between 4 and 8 sockets.
  • connection means comprises a cable extending from the power distribution device, preferably having a plug attached at an end thereof distal to the power distribution device.
  • each electrical outlet comprises a socket.
  • each electrical outlet comprises a socket adapted to accommodate and engage an electrical plug of an appliance.
  • each electrical outlet comprises at least two apertures which at least two apertures are preferably each adapted to engage with a pin of an electrical plug.
  • each electrical outlet comprises at least three apertures which at least three apertures are preferably each adapted to engage with a pin of an electrical plug.
  • each electrical outlet is adapted to engage a three pin plug.
  • the power distribution device comprises surge protection means operable to prevent a surge of electricity from the source of electricity being transferred to the at least three electrical outlets .
  • the surge protection means comprises a varistor.
  • the power distribution device further comprises at least one communication input and preferably at least one communication output.
  • the surge protection means is further operable to prevent a surge in electricity being transferred from the at least one communication input to the at least one communication output.
  • the at least one communication input may comprise any one or more of a CAT 5 input, a CAT 6 input, an RJ45 input, a telephone line input, a broadband internet input, an ethernet input, a coaxial aerial input or the like.
  • the at least one communication output may comprise any one or more of a CAT 5 output, a CAT 6 output, an RJ45 output, a telephone line output, a broadband internet output, an ethernet output, a coaxial aerial output or the like.
  • the switching means is remotely controllable.
  • remotely controllable we mean that the switching means may be adapted to switch at least two of, but not all of, the at least three electrical outlets between an enabled and a disabled configuration by a user who is situated at a position remote to the power distribution board.
  • the switching means is remotely controllable by virtue of an infra red or radio frequency remote.
  • the switching means comprises signal detection means operable to detect a signal from a remote control .
  • the switching means comprises infra red or radio frequency detection means operable to detect an infra red or radio frequency signal.
  • the signal detection means is programmable to recognise a signal from a user's existing remote control.
  • a user's existing remote control such as a television remote control, may be used to operate the switching means.
  • the remote control may be a remote control from an alternative domestic appliance.
  • a power distribution device comprising: i) connection means operable to connect the power distribution device to a source of electricity, ii) at least one electrical outlet, and iii) a remotely controllable switching means adapted to switch at least one of the or each electrical outlet between an enabled and a disabled configuration, characterised in that the device further comprises signal detection means programmable to recognise a signal from a remote control to thereby remotely control the switching means .
  • the device comprises at least two electrical outlets, more preferably at least three electrical outlets and even more preferably at least four electrical outlets.
  • the signal detection means is programmable to recognise a plurality of discrete signals, which discrete signals may, individually, switch different electrical outlets between an enabled and a disabled configuration.
  • a remote control adapted to remotely control the power distribution device of the first aspect.
  • Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a power distribution board
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a power distribution board
  • Figure 3 shows a flow diagram for a learn routine of the power distribution board
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an upper side of a third embodiment of a power distribution board
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a lower side of third embodiment of a power distribution board.
  • a power distribution device in the form of a board 102 having a cuboidal housing 103.
  • the cuboidal housing 103 is rectangular and has a cable 104 extending from a lower portion of a shorter side thereof.
  • the cable 104 has a protective outer sheath and comprises three internal copper cables each also having a protective sheath such that the three copper cables are not in electrical connection with each other.
  • the board 102 comprises four electrical outlets 106, 108, 110, 112 each in the form of a standard UK 240 volt socket.
  • Each socket comprises three rectangular apertures 114, 116, 118, into which pins of a standard UK plug engage.
  • the apertures 114, 116, 118 are arranged such that they form the corners of an isosceles triangle.
  • Inner walls of each of the upper apertures 114 are linked by a metal rod (not shown) within the housing 103, which is in electrical connection with one of the copper cables, such that the inner walls of each of the four upper apertures 114 are in electrical connection with each other.
  • the inner walls of each of the lower left apertures are in electrical connection with each other and the second copper cable
  • the inner walls of each of the lower right apertures are in electrical connection with each other and the third copper cable.
  • the upper of the three apertures 114 is electrically connected to "earth” and receives an earth pin of a standard plug
  • the bottom left 116 of the three apertures is electrically connected to "live” and receives a live pin of a standard plug
  • the bottom right aperture 118 is electrically connected to "neutral” and receives a neutral pin of a standard plug.
  • a varistor also known as a voltage dependent resistor
  • This acts as a surge protector for board 102 and prevents a surge of electricity being passed from an electricity source, down the cable 104, to the outlets 106, 108, 110, 112.
  • the board 102 comprises a further two apertures 120, 122 toward an upper left corner thereof.
  • the aperture 120 is rectangular and of an appropriate size to engage with a telecommunication plug, such as an RJ45 plug.
  • the aperture 122 is also rectangular and of an appropriate size to engage with a telecommunication plug, such as an RJ45 plug.
  • Within the apertures 120, 122 are metal contacts 124. Like metal contacts are electronically connected in the apertures 120, 122 by connecting wires (not shown) within the housing 103. Between the contacts 120, 122 are gas discharge tubes on each connecting wire which prevent a spike of electricity passing from one aperture 120, 122 to the other 120, 122. In this manner the board offers electrical spike protection to a telecommunication device.
  • a switch 126 is situated between the middle two outlets 108, 110 and is operable to break the electrical connection between the two outlets 106, 108 on the right thereof and the two outlets 110, 112 on the left thereof. Specifically, the switch mechanically breaks the link along the metal bar (not shown) within the housing 103 which connects the inner walls of the apertures 116 which carry the "live" electricity.
  • FIG 2 there is shown a power distribution board 202 which is similar in shape and function to the board 102 as described above. In this manner, like parts are labelled with like numerals.
  • the board 202 is different to the board 102 in that instead of a mechanical switch 126, the board 202 comprises an infrared detector 226 which detects an infra red signal provided by a remote control unit 228.
  • the infrared detector 226 is connected directly to a circuit board (not shown) .
  • the remote control unit 228 comprises cuboidal housing 230 having a button 232 on an upper face thereof and an infra red emitter 234 on a side face thereof.
  • a user presses the button 232 which causes the infra red emitter 234 to emit an infra red signal 236.
  • the infra red signal 236 is detected by the infra red detector 226 which causes the electricity supply to the outlets 110, 112 to become disabled.
  • the infra red signal 236 is detected by the infra red detector 226 which passes a signal to a microprocessor which in turn sends a signal to a transistor which activates a relay to isolate the electricity supply to outlets 110, 112.
  • a power distribution board as described in the second embodiment comprises a programmable infra red detector.
  • a button is located in proximity to the infra red detector and is connected electrically to the infra red detector.
  • the infra red detector is in "learn” mode.
  • a user may then "set” the signal that the infra red detector is to detect by using, for example, an existing infra red emitting device such as a television remote control or remote control from another device.
  • the button may then be released and will respond to the programmed infra red signal to switch on or off the associated outlets .
  • this allows a user to use an existing remote control.
  • a flow diagram for a learn routine 302 for such an embodiment is shown in figure 3.
  • the learn routine 302 operates as follows. Firstly, a button on the device (such as button 418 described below) must be pressed as indicated in box 304. If this is the case, then the learn routine does not begin until after the button is released as shown in box 306.
  • sub-routine 310 causes the power switch to toggle, thus activating/de-activating the power to the related electricity outlet. In this manner the device may be operated in a usual manner without the remote control.
  • the "learn" routine 302 is continued by activating the learn function of the device as indicated in box 312. At this stage, the device may emit an audible signal or illuminate a light signal to indicate that the learn mode is activated.
  • a button that is desired to be programmed on the user's remote control should then be pressed to emit an infra-red signal as indicated in box 314. If the button is not pressed, a sub-routine as indicated in box 316 is activated whereby the operation may time out and re-boot as indicated in box 318.
  • the infra-red detector of the device assesses the infra-red maximum and minimum timing as indicated in box 320 and further, assuming the infra-red signal continues to be emitted by the remote control as indicated in box 322, the device decodes the infra-red signal and stores the template as indicated in box 324.
  • the device is now programmed to recognise the infra-red signal of the remote control and if the infra-red signal is detected by the device, the power switch is toggled.
  • the learn routine 302 may also store further templates, for example to switch further outlets on/off individually.
  • a sub-routine 326 may be activated which causes the learn routine to go back to box 322.
  • further templates may be stored by repeating the entire learn routine 302. The device may then, in use, detect on infra-red signal, match the signal to an existing template and turn on/off the associated outlet or group of outlets.
  • the infra red detector will have a raised profile adequate to receive infra red signals from any angle or via a light pipe.
  • a light pipe may be, for example, a fibre optic pipe that can relay light information from an end thereof distal to the infra-red detector of the device to the infra-red detector of the device. This will enable the infra red signal to be carried to the board, rather than directing the remote control at the board.
  • any wireless switching technology may be used, for example radio technology.
  • the power distribution board 402 has an upper side 404, as shown in figure 4, and a lower side 406, as shown in figure 5.
  • the upper side 404 is generally rectangular and has a central region 408 that is also generally rectangular and has two peripheral regions 410 extending from major edges of the central region 408.
  • the peripheral regions 410 are generally rectangular in shape and angled slightly downwardly from the central region 408.
  • the peripheral regions 410 have a plurality of vents 412 extending through to the lower side 406 of the board 402.
  • the central region 408 may have information such as a trade mark 414 printed, stamped or embossed thereon.
  • the interface region 416 comprises a button 418 (which corresponds to the button described above in relation to figure 3) an infra-red detector 420 and a plurality of LEDs 422 that can indicate various signals to a user (such as "learn mode activated", for example).
  • a cover portion (not shown) may be added to the device 402 to cover the infra- red detector 420 and the LEDs 422.
  • a box 428 which comprises six electrical outlets 430 into which plugs may be inserted.
  • the side walls 424 extend to such an extent that the cavity 426 is deep enough to allow the side walls 424 to sit on a surface with the cavity 426 facing downward when plugs are located in the outlets 430.
  • One of the minor side walls 424a comprises a cut out section 432 to allow electrical cables access to the cavity 426 while allowing the board 402 to sit on a surface with the cavity 426 facing downward.
  • the learn routine 302 may be used with the board 402.
  • a power distribution board made in accordance with the present invention allows a user to disable the electricity supply to at least two of but not all of the electricity outlets by operating a single switch. Further, as discussed in relation to the second embodiment, the switch may be operated remotely thus alleviating the need for a person to physically contact the power distribution boards.
  • An alternative embodiment of a power distribution device allows any or all outlets to be remotely switchable by a user's existing remote control, thus removing the need for a user to have yet further remote control to operate their electronic equipment.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)
  • Supply And Distribution Of Alternating Current (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif de distribution de puissance (102) comprenant : i) des moyens de connexion (104) servant à connecter le dispositif de distribution de puissance à une source d'électricité, ii) au moins trois sorties électriques (106, 108, 110, 112), et iii) des moyens de commutation (126) conçus pour commuter au moins deux, non la totalité, des trois sorties électriques (106, 108, 110, 112) entre une configuration d'activation et de désactivation.
EP06726608A 2005-04-06 2006-03-31 Dispositif de distribution de puissance Withdrawn EP1875574A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0506958A GB0506958D0 (en) 2005-04-06 2005-04-06 Power distribution device
GB0514867A GB0514867D0 (en) 2005-04-06 2005-07-20 Power distribution device
GB0515674A GB0515674D0 (en) 2005-07-29 2005-07-29 Power distribution device
PCT/GB2006/001204 WO2006106310A2 (fr) 2005-04-06 2006-03-31 Dispositif de distribution de puissance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1875574A2 true EP1875574A2 (fr) 2008-01-09

Family

ID=36716629

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06726608A Withdrawn EP1875574A2 (fr) 2005-04-06 2006-03-31 Dispositif de distribution de puissance

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1875574A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006106310A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2442031A (en) 2006-09-25 2008-03-26 Peter John Ensinger Standby saver
CN201754455U (zh) * 2007-01-18 2011-03-02 罗德里克·约翰·谢泼德 开关装置
US7779278B2 (en) 2008-05-29 2010-08-17 Igo, Inc. Primary side control circuit and method for ultra-low idle power operation
US7770039B2 (en) 2008-05-29 2010-08-03 iGo, Inc Primary side control circuit and method for ultra-low idle power operation
US7800252B2 (en) 2008-06-27 2010-09-21 Igo, Inc. Load condition controlled wall plate outlet system
US7795759B2 (en) 2008-06-27 2010-09-14 iGo, Inc Load condition controlled power strip
US7795760B2 (en) 2008-07-25 2010-09-14 Igo, Inc. Load condition controlled power module
PL2347494T3 (pl) 2008-10-03 2019-08-30 Philips Ip Ventures B.V. System zasilający
FR2943855A1 (fr) * 2009-03-31 2010-10-01 Firefly Dev Ltd Bloc d'alimentation electrique adapte pour le branchement sur le branchement sur celui-ci d'au moins un equipement audiovisuel
AU2012100197C4 (en) * 2009-06-03 2015-05-07 Embertec Pty Ltd Power sensor
CN101938072B (zh) * 2010-09-19 2013-11-20 中山冠虹电子有限公司 智能感应式插座
GB2504056A (en) * 2012-04-27 2014-01-22 Vioearth Holdings Ltd Energy saving device with intelligent power control
US9665073B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2017-05-30 Tricklestar Ltd Sensor
US10444816B2 (en) 2015-11-23 2019-10-15 Tricklestar Ltd System and an apparatus for controlling electric power supply and methods therefor
US10372192B2 (en) 2015-11-23 2019-08-06 Tricklestar Ltd System and an apparatus for controlling electric power supply and methods therefor

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19925349B4 (de) * 1999-06-02 2016-12-01 Rittal Gmbh & Co. Kg Steckdosenleiste
AT5418U1 (de) * 2001-10-11 2002-06-25 Geyer Imp Exp Ges M B H Verteiler mit mehreren steckdosen
JP2003133009A (ja) * 2001-10-29 2003-05-09 Aihou:Kk テーブルタップ

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2006106310A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006106310A3 (fr) 2006-12-21
WO2006106310A2 (fr) 2006-10-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1875574A2 (fr) Dispositif de distribution de puissance
US7402060B1 (en) Power supply devices with illuminated receptacles
US7862350B2 (en) Combination device including a guide light and an electrical component
US20140132084A1 (en) Controllable electrical receptacle with routed antenna
TWI706429B (zh) 積木式插座面板
US5256076A (en) Safety electrical receptacle
CN109792125A (zh) 使用电插座以用于集成式电力控制、通信和监视的系统和方法
AU2016201840B2 (en) Improvements in Switches
US11888270B2 (en) Electrical safety system for a Christmas tree
WO2008125813A1 (fr) Connecteurs électriques pour l'alimentation d'énergie
CN1985547A (zh) 用于结合在壁上插座中的可遥控开关
AU2006232603A1 (en) Power distribution device
US20040188231A1 (en) Ia switch
US20130106199A1 (en) Master slave radio control system
EP0982941A1 (fr) Interrupteur télécommandé
US9280228B1 (en) Patient-actuated control device for controlling an audio-visual display and ancillary functions in a hospital room
US7480123B2 (en) Electrical receptacle
JP2008536269A (ja) 配電装置
AU2008207285B2 (en) Switched arrangement
US20060158040A1 (en) Configurable electrical outlet
US10985509B2 (en) Safety grounded tree external wiring
US12085909B2 (en) Remotely controlled power assembly
KR200185351Y1 (ko) 적외선 센서스위치가 있는 멀티콘센트
JP4882832B2 (ja) 配線システム
JP4877019B2 (ja) 配線システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20071105

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090206

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20091001