AU2022221448A1

AU2022221448A1 - Electrical assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2022221448A1
Application number: AU2022221448A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Patrick Goodwin
Original assignee: Arlec Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Arlec Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-24
Filing date: 2022-08-24
Publication date: 2024-03-14

Abstract

A communication device which can be stationed within an entryway. The device comprises a light source arranged to illuminate an area in the entryway to provide visibility therewithin. The device also comprises an input interface, via which one or more inputs 5 from within the entryway are receivable by the device. The device is operable to communicate an output which is based on at least one said input and is receivable at a location remote from the entryway.

Description

ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY

Technical Field

10001] This disclosure relates generally to an electrical assembly, and in particular a doorbell.

Background

10002] Many existing doorbells are provided with depressible buttons that are illuminated by a single fixed light source within the doorbell housing that is used to illuminate only the button. However, in some instances there may also be a need to install light fixtures in close proximity to the doorbell to illuminate a desired area such as a doorway nearby. This may be undesirable as having numerous electrical installations adjacent one another at a doorway, or on a wall or other structure, can reduce its overall aesthetic.

10003] In view of this, U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0219541 discloses a doorbell having a plurality of light sources. A first light source is provided in order to illuminate the push button, whilst a second light source is provided in order to illuminate a target area outside the main body of the doorbell through an aperture on the side of the main body of the doorbell. The second light source is manually adjustable to rotate through an arc to allow the user to direct the emitted light towards a desired area.

Summary of the Disclosure

10004] In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of an electrical assembly having a housing. The housing comprises a front panel that provides an interface that is communicable with a remotely located receiver, a rear panel that is mountable to a surface, and one or more side wall. At least one light source is supported adjacent the one or more side wall so as to shine light away from the housing. The interface and/or the light source are adjustably controllable via the receiver.

10005] In some embodiments, the interface may comprise a doorbell that, in use, is operable to activate an alert of the receiver. In some embodiments, the interface may comprise a camera, the camera being operable in use in response to a state detected by one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the interface may comprise a two way audio communication system.

100061 In some embodiments, the electrical assembly may comprise two of the side walls, each of the side walls being adapted to support a respective one of the light sources adjacent thereto so as to shine light away from the housing in two directions. In some embodiments, the two side walls may be spaced from one another at opposing sides of the housing.

10007] In a further aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a communication device which can be stationed within an entryway. The device comprises a light source arranged to illuminate an area in the entryway to provide visibility therewithin. The device also comprises an input interface, via which one or more inputs from within the entryway are receivable by the device. The device is operable to communicate an output which is based on at least one said input and is receivable at a location remote from the entryway.

100081 In some embodiments, the location may be inside a dwelling or building that is accessible via the entryway. The entryway may comprise an entrance point, such as a door, gate or other threshold. The entryway may include the surroundings of/to such an entrance point, which may be defined by a porch or veranda. The surroundings or entryway may include an approach to the entrance point. For example, the entryway may comprise steps and/or an area of pathway or patio, in the region of and/or leading up to the entrance point, and/or walling.

10009] In some embodiments, the interface may be designed for operation by a person in the entryway, to indicate his or her presence therein. The interface so designed may comprise a manual interface - which may comprise or be defined by, for example, any of a button, knob, lever and touch-pad. In a variation, the interface may comprise one or more sensors whereby the interface may be activated automatically and autonomously.

10010] In some embodiments, the communication device may be operable from a location remote from the entryway.

10011] In some embodiments, the communication device may be communicable with a receiver, the receiver being configured to receive the output and/or to controllably adjust the light source and/or the input interface. In some embodiments, the receiver may be one or more of a smart phone, computer, or a two-way audio and/or video communication device.

10012] In some embodiments, the light source may comprise one or more lights. In some embodiments, the one or more lights may be LED lights.

10013] In some embodiments, the input interface may comprise one or both of a camera system and two-way audio communication system.

10014] In some embodiments, the output may comprise at least one signal.

10015] In some embodiments, the device may include a motion sensor arranged to detect, via said interface, motion in the entryway. In some embodiments, the signal may comprise notification of said motion being detected. In some embodiments, in response to the motion, the light source may be activated.

10016] In some embodiments, the output may be receivable by an owner or occupier of a dwelling or building to which said entryway provides access.

10017] In some embodiments, the device may comprise a self-contained housing, unit or console. In some embodiments, the housing may be mountable against a surface. In some embodiments the surface may be an upright surface, within the entryway, for example, defined by a wall.

10018] In some embodiments, the light source may be arranged such that light output therefrom is cast over the surface when the device is so mounted. The light source may be so arranged that the light is cast over the surface to opposite sides of a position at which the device is mounted. Where said surface is upright, the light source may be so arranged that the said sides comprise ones above and below said position.

10019] In some embodiments, the light source may be arranged within the housing, such that the housing is transmissive to light output by said light source. In some embodiments, the housing comprises one or more light-permeable walls, and may comprise transparent and/or translucent material, and/or be configured with one or more voids through which light emitted by the light source can pass

10020] In a further aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a premises comprising said entryway and the device stationed therein.

10021] In a further aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a system comprising said device or premises, including a receiver at a said location to receive at least one said output.

10022] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

Description of the Figures

10023] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

10024] Figures 1A, 1B, IC and ID are a projection, front, top, and side view, respectively, of a first embodiment of the disclosed electrical assembly.

10025] Figure 2 is a front view of the first embodiment, in use, when mounted to the surface of a wall.

Detailed Description

10026] Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated embodiments of a doorbell system that is structurally and functionally integrated with a lighting system so as to provide a combined hybrid electrical assembly 100. Where like reference numerals are used in the following description, the features are considered to be the same unless specified as being otherwise.

10027] The electrical assembly 100 combines the features a doorbell with the features of a lighting system within a singular housing 10. By combining the functionality of the doorbell with that of a light, a streamlined singular housing 10 can be installed, e.g. adjacent a doorway, instead of a plurality of separate fixtures that each individually provide the features a doorbell or a lighting system.

10028] The electrical assembly 100 is contained within an outer shell casing that acts as a housing 10 for the assembly 100. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the housing 10 can be formed as a substantially rectangular prism having a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, a top side-wall 16, a bottom side-wall 18, and a pair of side wall panels 20 that extend between the top and bottom side-walls 16,18. Each of the top side-wall 16 and bottom side-wall 18 are spaced from one another at opposing sides of the housing 10.

10029] Each of the corners between the top and bottom side-walls 16,18 and the pair of side wall panels 20 can be chamfered to provide a smooth rounded corner. The front edge 13 around the perimeter of the front panel 12 can be bevelled as a transitional edge. In some forms, the housing 10 can have a width X-X thereacross that is approximately twice the length of the height Y-Y of the housing 10, with the front panel 12 having the appearance of two substantially square portions that are aligned side by side adjacent to one another, with a shallow grooved channel extending therebetween from proximal the top side-wall 16 to proximal the bottom side-wall 18.

10030] The rear panel 14 of the housing 10 is configured to be mountable to the surface of a structure. For example, with reference to Figure 2, the electrical assembly 100 can be mounted to the surface of a wall 200. The flat planar surface of the rear panel 14 enables the electrical assembly 100 to be mounted flush up against the wall 200 so as to be in direct contact with the surface of the wall 200, or immediately adjacent the thereto.

10031] The housing 10 can be formed to have a relatively shallow depth Z-Z, whereby an electrical assembly 100 is provided that has a slim profile that may improve the aesthetic appearance of the assembly 100. In some forms, the electrical assembly can have a profile that replicates that of existing light fixtures, so as to enable the electrical assembly to be retrofit / installed on a building.

10032] The overall outer shape of the square portions of the front panel 12 can be substantially symmetrical across central lateral axis A-A, although the interfaces provided in each of the square portions can be different. The housing 10 can be substantially symmetrical across central longitudinal axis B-B, with each of the top and bottom side walls 16,18 can be formed to have substantially identical features.

10033] As would be appreciate by one skilled in the art, the symmetry of the design of the housing 10 of the electrical assembly 100 may enable the electrical assembly 100 to be mounted against a surface with the top and bottom side-walls 16,18 facing in a variety of relative orientations. For example, in one form the electrical assembly 100 can be mounted to a surface with the central longitudinal axis B-B substantially aligned with the horizontal axis and the top side-wall 16 facing generally upwards and the bottom side-wall 18 facing generally downwards. Alternatively, the electrical assembly 100 can be mounted with the central longitudinal axis B-B substantially aligned with the horizontal axis and the bottom side-wall 18 facing generally upwards and the top side-wall 16 facing generally downwards. In a further example, the electrical assembly 100 can be mounted to a surface with the central lateral axis A-A substantially aligned with the horizontal axis.

10034] The front panel 12 provides an interface for the doorbell system of the electrical assembly 100. The doorbell system comprises a button 30 that is depressible and/or touch activated in order to trigger the communication of an alert to a remotely located receiver. The button 30 can be surrounded by a backlight 32 to help a user identify the location of the button 30 interface on the front panel 12 of the housing 10.

100351 The electrical assembly 100 can be configured as a smart device. In the context of this specification, a smart device is defined as a device that can be connected to other devices or networks and may be operated, at least to some extent, interactively and/or autonomously from a remote location. For example, the electrical assembly 100 may be configured to be adjustably controllable via one or more wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, Wi-Fi, LiFi, 5G, etc.. In use, when the button 30 is activated, the functionality of the 'smart' electrical assembly 100 can be likewise activated to be operable by the receiver from a remote location.

100361 In some forms, the receiver can be a dedicated additional electrical assembly, not shown, that is configured to receive, process and responsively control the communications transmitted from the electrical assembly 100. In some forms, the receiver can be a phone application that is hosted and operable on a user's mobile phone. In some forms the receiver can be a program or website that is accessible via the internet on a computer. Thus, when the doorbell button 30 is activated by an interaction with a user, the interface is operable to communicate with the receiver to generate an alert notification. The alert could in some forms be an audible sound notification (e.g. alarm, chime, ringtone). In some forms, the alert can comprise a tactile or haptic notification at the receiver such as a vibration of a mobile phone that is configured with the corresponding application associated with the electrical assembly 100. In addition, the speaker 50 system of the electrical assembly 100 can briefly emit an audible notification (e.g. alarm, chime, ringtone) for the user, thereby confirming that the doorbell button 30 has been successfully activated.

10037] The doorbell system of the electrical assembly 100 also includes two-way audio communication capability with the housing 10 having an inbuilt microphone 52 and speaker 50 systems. The microphone 52 and speaker 50 systems can be automatically activated when the button 30 interface is pushed or touched. Alternatively, in some forms, the microphone 52 and speaker 50 systems can be manually activated at any time by the remotely located receiver. In some forms, the volume of the speaker 50 can be adjustably controlled by the receiver. In embodiments where the electrical assembly 100 comprises one or more motion sensors (e.g. PIR) the microphone 52 and speaker 50 systems can be responsively activated when a motion has been detected by the sensor/s. The audio can be captured by the microphone 52 and recorded for storage on the internet cloud, or locally on a memory card 42 (e.g. micro SD card).

100381 A camera 40 can be integrated into the front panel 12 of the electrical assembly 100 so as to provide an interface that enables real-time streaming and/or capture of still and/or moving images. In some forms, the camera may also enable the recording and storing of the still and/or moving images. Still and/or moving images and audio can be stored on the internet cloud, or locally on a memory card 42 (e.g. micro SD card). In some forms the camera can enable infrared night vision of the visible area around the electrical assembly 100.

100391 The camera can be activated to be operable in use in response to a state detected by one or more sensors that are integrated with the camera 40 and/or in communication with the electrical assembly 100. When the detected state matches one or more pre-determined criteria programmed for the one or more sensors, the camera 40 can be automatically activated to begin the streaming and/or capture of still and/or moving images. In some forms, the activation of the camera 40 interface can communicate an alert to the receiver. For example, the one or more motion sensor/s can be integrated into the camera 40, so as to enable real-time activation of the camera in response to a detected movement within a pre-determined distance of proximity to the camera 40. Simultaneously, as the camera 40 is activated in response to the conditions detected by the motion sensor/s, a notification can be sent to the receiver in real-time alerting the receiver that a motion has been detected in the proximity of the electrical assembly 100. Alternatively, the camera can be activated to be operable in use in response to the doorbell button 30 being pressed. The camera 40 can be programmed via the receiver to capture and record continuously at all times, or to only initiate capture and record when the button 30 has been pressed before turning off after a set time period has elapsed. The receiver can be used to manually control, and/or program the camera 40 to be activated or de-activated in real-time or to operate on a time schedule.

10040] Each of the top side-wall 16 and the bottom side-wall 18 comprises a light-transmissive (e.g. semi-translucent) portion 60 that extends for a majority of the width theracross. The portion 60 provides a window through which the light is able to shine out from within the housing 10. A light source such as an RGB LED light or CCT LED light that is supported within the housing 10 adjacent to the portion 60 of at least one of the top side-wall 16 and/or bottom side-wall 18. The light source is configured such that the light generated is directed to shine out of, and away from, the housing 10 whereby the light shines outside of the housing 10 and illuminates the area outside of, and proximal to, the electrical assembly 100. For example, the light source can be used to backlight an area of the wall surface against which the housing 10 has been mounted. In some forms, a plurality of individual light sources can be supported within the housing, with each of the light sources being located adjacent the portion 60 of each of the top side-wall 16 and the bottom side-wall 18 so as to illuminate an area in the entryway to provide visibility therewithin. The first light source is positioned so as to provide illumination upwards and out of the top side-wall 16 and the second light source is positioned so as to provide illumination downwards and out of the bottom side-wall 18, in a manner whereby the light that shines from first light source and the light that shines from the second light source do not mix and project in opposing directions.

10041] The light source is able to be configured to automatically activate when either of the doorbell or camera interfaces are activated, for example, when the button 30 is pressed or when a motion is detected in the proximity of the electrical assembly 100. Alternatively, or in addition, the receiver can be used to manually control, adjust and/or program the light source to be activated or de-activated in real-time, or to operate on a time schedule. In addition, the receiver can be used to controllably adjust the brightness of the light source, and the light that shines out from the housing 10. The electrical assembly 100 thus can provide an integrated hybrid of a doorbell and a lighting fixture that facilitates the illumination of an area outside of, but proximal to, the combined electrical assembly.

10042] For example, in use, when a person presses the button 30 of the doorbell system, the receiver will receive a communicated signal which can emit an audible sound or chime, like a standard doorbell. In addition, a notification can also be sent to a mobile phone that has an associated mobile application that has been coupled with the electrical assembly 100. The mobile application can be used to answer the doorbell, providing the ability to communicate remotely with the person who pressed the button 30. The mobile application can show a live video and/or audio feed from the camera 40, microphone 52 and speaker 50 systems and can allow the user to activate or deactivate the light source manually should it be desired.

10043] The electrical assembly 100 can be powered by a power source such as 12V DC. In some forms the electrical assembly 100 can be powered via a cabled connection such as micro USB or a power outlet. In some forms the electrical assembly 100 can be charged by one or more battery, such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

100441 In a variation where the electrical assembly 100 does not comprise a camera, a motion sensor (e.g. PIR), not shown, can be integrated directly into the front panel 12 so as to enable automatic activation of the light source. In some forms, the motion sensor can be configured to notify the receiver of a detected motion prior to the button 30 being activated, or even when not activated at all.

10045] In a variation, a keypad or touchscreen interface, not shown, can be provided on the front panel 12. The keypad or touchscreen can be configured to enable a user to manually arm or disarm the motion detection or turn on or off the light source/s. Furthermore, the keypad or touchscreen interface can be used to control other smart devices that are communicable with the electrical assembly 100 and operate within the same network or eco-system of smart devices. For example, the keypad or touchscreen interface can be used to arm or disarm the motion detection sensor/s or turn the light source/s on or off. In addition, the keypad or touchscreen interface can be used to communicate with other electrical assemblies 100 or other electrical devices in general that are configured to communicate wirelessly with one another in order to controllably configure the settings of the other electrical assemblies 100 or other electrical devices in general.

10046] Variations may exist where the housing defines a variety of prism shapes, such as triangular, cylindrical, pentagonal, and even spherical prisms. For example, as would be appreciate by one skilled in the art, in embodiments where the housing is formed as a substantially cylindrical prism, there may be only one continuous side wall therearound.

10047] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

10048] For example, in a variation the electrical assembly can include one or more heat sensor/s that are arranged to detect the presence of heat in the entryway via said interface. The heat sensor/s can communicate with the receiver to notify a user and/or activate the camera and audio systems when heat above a predefined temperature is detected in the proximity of the interface.

100491 In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

10050] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

10051] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

10052] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

10053] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electrical assembly having a housing, the housing comprising a front panel that provides an interface that is communicable with a remotely located receiver, a rear panel that is mountable to a surface, and one or more side wall; wherein at least one light source is supported adjacent the one or more side wall so as to shine light away from the housing; and wherein the interface and/or the light source are adjustably controllable via the receiver.

2. The electrical assembly according to claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a doorbell that, in use, is operable to activate an alert of the receiver.

3. The electrical assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the interface comprises a camera.

4. The electrical assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical assembly comprises two of the side walls, each of the side walls being adapted to support a respective one of the light sources adjacent thereto so as to shine light away from the housing in two directions.

5. The electrical assembly according to claim 4, wherein the two side walls are spaced from one another at opposing sides of the housing.

6. A communication device which can be stationed within an entryway, the device comprising: a light source arranged to illuminate an area in the entryway to provide visibility therewithin; and an input interface, via which one or more inputs from within the entryway are receivable by the device, the device being operable to communicate an output which is based on at least one said input and is receivable at a location remote from the entryway.

7. The communication device as claimed in claim 6, configured such that the location is inside a dwelling or building that is accessible via the entryway.

8. The communication device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, being operable from a location remote from the entryway.

9. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, operable to communicate at least one said output to one or more receivers and/or to receive one or more control inputs from at least one said receiver so as to be controlled thereby.

10. The communication device as claimed in claim 9 operable to receive at least one said control input to adjust said interface and/or a light output of the light source.

11. The communication device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, operable such that at least one said receiver comprises one or more of a smart phone, a computer and a two-way audio and/or video communication device.

12. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the light source comprises one or more lights.

13. The communication device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the/each light comprises an LED light.

14. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the input interface comprises a camera system, whereby at least one said input comprises a visual input, and/or comprises a two-way audio communication system, whereby at least one said input comprises an audio input.

15. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14, configured such that at least one said output comprises at least one signal.

16. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 15, including a motion sensor arranged to detect, via said interface, motion in the entryway, said motion defining at least one said input.

17. The communication device as claimed in claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, configured such that at least one said signal is indicative of said motion being detected.

18. The communication device as claimed in either one of claims 16 and 17, operable to activate said light source upon detection of said motion by the motion sensor.

19. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 18, operable such that at least one said output is receivable by an owner or occupier of a dwelling or building to which said entryway provides access.

20. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 19, being mountable or stationable against or adjacent a surface within said entryway to be so stationed.

21. The communication device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the light source is arranged such that light output therefrom is cast over the surface when the device is mounted or stationed against or adjacent the surface.

22. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 21, including a housing within which the light source is arranged and which is transmissive to light output by said light source.

23. The communication device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 22 wherein the housing comprises one or more light-permeable walls arranged such that light output by said light source passes therethrough.

24. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 23, being the device of any one of claims I to 5.

25. A premises comprising a device according to any one of claims 6 to 24 and said entryway, wherein said device is stationed in the entryway.

26. A system comprising a device according to claim 9, 10 or 11 or any one of claims 12 to 24 as dependent therefrom, including said receiver(s) or at least one said receiver.

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