AU2023214278A1

AU2023214278A1 - Power Outlet Socket Sensor Switch

Info

Publication number: AU2023214278A1
Application number: AU2023214278A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dean Lucantonio
Original assignee: Csg Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Csg Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-25
Filing date: 2023-08-09
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: AU2013100505A4; AU2013205636B2; AU2016201840B2; AU2013100507B4; AU2013100505B4; AU2010202652A1; AU2023274141A1; AU2016201840A1; AU2013100507A4; AU2022200469A1; AU2016201849A1; AU2016201849B2; AU2013205636A1

Abstract

A mains electrical power outlet assembly; said power outlet assembly including at least one power outlet socket; said power outlet assembly including at least one sensing module operating a power switching module and a microprocessor; said sensing module including a sensor responsive to proximity to said sensor of selected objects; proximity of a said selected object switching status of a said power outlet socket from a current state to another state.

Description

POWER OUTLET SOCKET SENSOR SWITCH

[0001] The present invention relates to control of electrical

devices and, more particularly, to switching of light sources and power outlets.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Switching mechanisms that control lights and power outlets in mains power applications have long relied on mechanical connections between moveable elements within the switch assembly, typically by a toggle mechanism. Such switches are vulnerable to wear and damage as well as to arcing with possible attendant safety issues.

[0003] Moreover, particularly in domestic applications, it is desirable to provide dimming of the light source or sources controlled by a switch, requiring the provision of an external rotatable knob connected to a mechanically realized potentiometer mounted behind the switch plate. Again such projecting knobs are vulnerable to damage and may be dislodged and lost.

[0004] A standard wall plate or switch panel is limited in the number of toggle light switches it can accommodate. This is

particularly so where dimming of the lights controlled from the panel is also desired.

[0005] Mechanical switches are also inflexible, in that they are dedicated to the particular light or device to which they are wired. There are also limitations in these types of switches in intermediate switching applications where it is desired to control a light source or other electrical device from a number of separate locations.

[0006] Toggle switches and rotatable dimming knobs may also present problems for people with disabilities, for example for hands and fingers affected by arthritis.

[0007] Conventional toggle switch controlled power outlets are

a safety hazard for small children and although precautions can be taken by the insertion of a plug into the outlet's sockets, this

is an awkward solution and its implementation easily forgotten or

omitted.

[0008] Power switching of light circuits by means of proximity sensing is known. US2003/0222508 by Maxwell discloses a switch in

which a variation in capacitance due to an object brought into close proximity, switches the circuit. A disadvantage of the

system disclosed in Maxwell is that it is directed at the control of light circuits only.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to address or

at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

Notes

[0010] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations

thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of

"having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of

"consisting only of".

[0011] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background

of the invention, is not an admission that any information

discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common

general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0012] A mains electrical power outlet assembly; said power

outlet assembly including at least one power outlet socket; said

power outlet assembly including at least one sensing module

operating a power switching module and a microprocessor; said

sensing module including a sensor responsive to proximity to said sensor of selected objects; proximity of a said selected object switching status of a said power outlet socket from a current state to another state.

[0013] Preferably said microprocessor of said assembly is

programmable and reprogrammable; said assembly including an

infrared transmitter and receiver module; said module adapted to

receive programming data via an infrared data stream from a remote infrared data transmitter; said data stream passing to said module

via a light guide provided between an upper rim of a face plate of said assembly and said module.

[0014] Preferably said assembly is provided with an automatic

dimming of light emitters; said light emitters indicating status

of power switches of said assembly; an ambient light sensor

reacting to ambient light at said switch assembly; said ambient

light sensor receiving ambient light input via a light guide

provided between said upper rim of said face plate of said

assembly and said ambient light sensor.

[0015] Preferably said at least one power outlet socket is

switched to a locked deactivated state if a sensable object

remains within sensing distance of an associated said sensor of

said at least one power outlet socket for at least a first

predetermined duration; said locked deactivated state being

reversed to an activated state when a said sensable object is

maintained within said sensing distance of said associated sensor

for at least a second predetermined duration.

[0016] In a further broad form of the invention there is

provided method of switching at least one conductor of a mains

alternating power supply from a deactivated state to an activated

state and from an activated state to a deactivated state; said

method including the steps of:

[0017] bringing a sensable object within sensing range of a

sensor of a switch assembly in a first instance,

[0018] bringing said sensable object within sensing range of

said sensor of said switch assembly in a second instance,

[0019] and wherein said switch assembly includes a sensing

module for sensing the sensible object and a power switching

module in communication with the sensing module for switching the

state of the at least one conductor.

[0020] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided electrical power programmable switch assembly; said

switch assembly including a face plate releasably mounted to a

supporting body element; said supporting body element including a

housing containing a proximity sensing module and a power

switching module; said switch assembly adapted for switching mains

power between power on and power off states through a sensible

object being brought into sensing proximity of said switch

assembly; said switch assembly further including a sensor for

receiving data input from a remote data emitter; said data being

received into non-volatile memory for execution of programmed

operation of said switch assembly by a microprocessor.

[0021] Preferably said sensor for receiving data comprises an

infrared transmitter and receiver; said sensor receiving input

infrared via a light guide arranged between an upper rim of said

face plate and said sensor.

[0022] Preferably each switch of said switch assembly includes

a proximity sensor and a light emitter; said light emitter

indicating status of a said switch through colour coded light

emitted through said face plate.

[0023] Preferably said assembly further includes an ambient

light sensor; said microprocessor modulating said light emitted through said face plate according to ambient light sensed by said ambient light sensor; said ambient light sensor receiving light via a light guide arranged between an upper rim of said face plate and said ambient light sensor.

[0024] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided a method of programming a power switch assembly; said

power switch assembly including a proximity sensing module for

switching said power switch assembly between power on and power

off states when a sensible object is brought within sensing

distance of said power switch assembly; said method including the

steps of:

[0025] (a) providing said power switch assembly with an

infrared transmitter and receiver,

[0026] (b) providing said power switch assembly with a

light guide for transmission of infrared data signal to said

infrared transmitter and receiver,

[0027] (c) sending said infrared data signal to said light guide from a remote infrared data signal device,

[0028] preferably maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance of said sensor in a first instance activates a

dimming element to dim a light source connected to said switch

system to a dimmed state; dimming of said light source progressing

towards a minimum luminescence proportional to duration of said

sensible object remaining within said sensing distance of said

sensor.

[0029] Preferably said light source is re-activated in said

dimmed state if in a previous activation said light source was

dimmed to said dimmed state; said dimmed state being reversed

towards a maximum luminescence proportional to duration of said

sensible object remaining within said sensing distance.

[0030] Preferably said system includes at least one power

outlet socket; activation of a said power outlet socket effected

by bringing a sensible object within sensing distance of a said

sensor associated with a power switching relay or relays of said

power socket.

[0031] Preferably said at least one power socket is switched to

a locked deactivated condition if a sensible object remains within sensing distance of an associated said sensor for at least a first predetermined duration.

[0032] Preferably a said locked deactivated condition of a said power socket is reversed to an activated condition when a said

sensible object is maintained within sensing distance of said

associated sensor for at least a second predetermined duration.

[0033] Preferably said assembly includes an RF transmitter

module; said RF transmitter module adapted for wireless

communication with one or more selected RF receiver modules

connected to at least one electrical device or included in one or

more other said switch assemblies.

[0034] Preferably said assembly includes an RF receiver module; said RF receiver , module adapted to receive communication

wirelessly from other said switch assemblies in an array of said

switch assemblies or from a remote control RF device; at least one

said switch assembly in said array including both an RF receiver

and an RF transmitter module.

[0035] Preferably any one of a number of said switch assemblies in a said array of switch assemblies is enabled to activate a

light source or other electrical device connected to any one of

said switch assemblies in said array.

[0036] Preferably said microprocessor is re-programmable; an

input port accessible behind said face plate providing connection

to a program loading device.

[0037] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided a method of switching a mains alternating power supply

from a deactivated state to an activated state and from an

activated state to a deactivated state; said method including the

steps of:

[0038] bringing a sensible object within sensing range of a

sensor of a switch assembly in a first instance,

[0039] bringing said sensible object within sensing range of

said sensor of said switch assembly in a second instance, and

[0040] wherein said sensor combines the functionality of a

proximity sensor and a light emitter; said light emitter changing

colour of emitted light from a first colour to a second colour at

said first instance and changing colour from said second colour

back to said first colour at said second instance, and wherein

switching and colour changes are controlled by a programmable

microprocessor.

[0041] Preferably maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said first instance causes a dimming of a

light source connected to said power supply; said dimming

proportional to a length of time said sensible object remains

within said sensing distance. 1

[0042] Preferably maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said second instance causes a reversal of

said dimming of said light source; said reversal being

proportional to a length of time said sensible object remains

within said sensing distance.

[0043] Preferably maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said first instance for a first

predetermined time prevents said power supply being provided to

power outlet sockets of said switching system.

[0044] Preferably maintaining said sensable object within said

sensing distance after said second instance for a second

predetermined time allows said power supply to be provided to said power outlet sockets.

[0045] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided a method of controlling light sources and other

electrical devices powered by a mains alternating power supply;

said controlling enabled from a plurality of locations; said

method including the steps of:

[0046] providing an array of switch assemblies; each said

switch assembly including at an RF receiver module, and an RF

transmitter module;

[0047] providing communication between switch assemblies of

said array of switch assemblies,

[0048] providing communication between at least one of said

switch assemblies and each of said light sources and said

electrical devices; and

[0049] wherein each of said switch assemblies further includes

a microprocessor and at least one power switch; said power switch

including a sensor.

[0050] Preferably said light sources and said electrical

devices are connected to at least one of said switching assemblies

by hard wiring.

[0051] Preferably said light sources and said electrical

devices communicate with any one of said switching assemblies by

means of RF transmitting and receiving modules.

[0052] Preferably the state of a said power switch of a said

switching assembly may be changed between an activated and a

deactivated state by means of RF communication between a remote

control device and a said RF receiver module of said switch

assembly.

[0053] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided and electrical switch assembly for switching the state of at least one conductor of a mains alternating power supply; said

electrical switch assembly including a housing containing a

sensing module and a power switching module; said switch assembly

characterized in that electrical power switched by said switch

assembly is mains alternating power; said switch assembly

including a microprocessor in communication with the sensing

module and the power switching module for switching the state of

the at least one conductor; said assembly including an internal

load in series with said at least one conductor and wherein a

voltage drop across said internal load is utilised to provide

power to said microprocessor during at least a portion of the

operating cycle of the switch assembly.

[0054] Preferably the power switching module includes a relay

and the assembly utilises voltage drop across terminals of the

relay of the power switching module to provide power to said

microprocessor.

[0055] Preferably the assembly utilises voltage drop across the

relay terminals of the power switching module to provide power to

said microprocessor as a first choice and utilises the voltage

drop across said internal load to provide power to said

microprocessor as a second choice.

[0056] Preferably the above described assembly includes an

ambient light sensor in communication with the microprocessor; the

microprocessor programmed to increase output voltage from the

switch assembly as the amount of ambient light sensed by the

ambient light sensor reduces thereby to increase the light output

from lights supplied by the switch assembly as ambient light

decreases.

[0057) In yet a further broad form of the invention there is

provided a method of switching at least one conductor of a mains

alternating power supply from a deactivated state to an activated

state and from an activated state to a deactivated state; said

method including the steps of:

[0058] bringing a sensable object within sensing range of a

sensor of a switch assembly in a first instance,

[0059] bringing said sensable object within sensing range of

said sensor of said switch assembly in a second instance,

[0060] said assembly including an internal load in series with

said at least one conductor and wherein a voltage drop across said

internal load is utilised to provide power to internal components

of the switch assembly during at least a portion of the operating

cycle of the switch assembly.

[0061] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention,

there is provided an electrical power switch assembly; said switch

assembly including a face plate releasably mounted to a supporting body element; said supporting body element including a housing

containing a sensing module and a power switching module; said

switch assembly characterized in that electrical power switched by said switch assembly is mains alternating power; each said switch

assembly including at least one power switch and a microprocessor; each said power switch including a sensor.

[0062] Preferably, switching of electrical power is effected by

solid state components only.

[0063] Preferably, switching of electrical power is effected by double pole relays.

[0064] Preferably, each switch of said switch assembly includes

a proximity sensor and a light emitter.

[0065] Preferably, said face plate includes a transparent front

plate; a rear face of said front plate provided with an opaque

layer; at least one clear annular ring in said opaque layer

permitting transmission of light through said transparent front

plate.

[0066] Preferably, said transparent front plate is mounted to a

perimeter frame; said perimeter frame provided with snap-fit

elements for releasable connection to a perimeter rim of a

mounting plate of said housing.

[0067] Preferably, said mounting plate is adapted for screwed

attachment to standard wall plate mounting brackets.

[0068] Preferably, said sensing module comprises a sensor

printed circuit board; said sensor printed circuit board

supporting at least one said sensor; a said sensor located on said

sensor printed circuit board so as to align said sensor with said

clear annular ring, when said sensor printed circuit board is

assembled in said housing and said face plate assembly is attached

to said perimeter rim.

[0069] Preferably, said sensor is a capacitance sensor provided

with an LED backlight.

[0070] Preferably, said backlight emits a first colour when

said proximity sensor is in a deactivated state; said backlight emitting a second colour when said proximity sensor is in an activated state.

[0071] Preferably, said proximity sensor causes closure of a

relay or relays on a first sensing of a sensible object brought

into sensing distance of said sensor; said proximity sensor

causing re-opening of said relay or relays on a subsequent

approach of a said sensible object to within said sensing

distance.

[0072] Preferably, maintaining said sensible object within said sensing distance of said sensor in a first instance activates a

dimming element to dim a light source connected to said switch

system to a dimmed state; dimming of said light source progressing

towards a minimum luminescence proportional to duration of said

sensible object remaining within said sensing distance of said

sensor.

[0073] Preferably, said light source is re-activated in said

dimmed state if in a previous activation said light source was

dimmed to said dimmed state; said dimmed state being reversed

towards a maximum luminescence proportional to duration of said

sensible object remaining within said sensing distance.

[0074] Preferably, said system includes at least one power

outlet socket; activation of a said power outlet socket effected

by bringing a sensible object within sensing distance of a said

sensor associated with a power switching relay or relays of said

power socket.

[0075] Preferably, said at least one power socket is switched

to a locked deactivated condition if a sensible object remains

within sensing distance of an associated said sensor for at least

a first predetermined duration.

[0076] Preferably, a said locked deactivated condition of a

said power socket is reversed to an activated condition when a

said sensible object is maintained within sensing distance of said associated sensor for at least a second predetermined duration.

[0077] Preferably, said assembly includes an RF transmitter

module; said RF transmitter module adapted for wireless

communication with one or more selected RF receiver modules

connected to at least one electrical device or included in one or

more other said switch assemblies.

[00783 Preferably, said assembly includes an RF receiver

module; said RF receiver module adapted to receive communication

wirelessly from other said switch assemblies in an array of said

switch assemblies or from a remote control RF device; at least one

said switch assembly in said array including both an RF receiver

and an RF transmitter module.

[0079] Preferably, any one of a number of said switch

assemblies in a said array of switch assemblies is enabled to

activate a light source or other electrical device connected to

any one of said switch assemblies in said array.

[0080] Preferably, said microprocessor is re-programmable; an input port accessible behind said face plate providing connection

to a program loading device.

[0081] In another broad form of the invention, there is

provided a method of switching a mains alternating power supply

from a deactivated state to an activated state and from an

activated state to a deactivated state; said method including the

steps of: (a) bringing a sensible object within sensing range of a

sensor of a switch assembly in a first instance,

(b) bringing said sensible object within sensing range of

said sensor of said switch assembly in a second

instance, and

wherein said sensor combines the functionality of a proximity

sensor and a light emitter; said light emitter changing colour of

emitted light from a first colour to a second colour at said first instance and changing colour from said second colour back to said

first colour at said second instance, and wherein switching and

colour changes are controlled by a programmable microprocessor.

[0082] Preferably, maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said first instance causes a dimming of a

light source connected to said power supply; said dimming

proportional to a length of time said sensible object remains

within said sensing distance.

[0083] Preferably, maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said second instance causes a reversal of

said dimming of said light source; said reversal being

proportional to a length of time said sensible object remains

within said sensing distance.

[0084] Preferably, maintaining said sensible object within said

sensing distance after said first instance for a first

predetermined time prevents said power supply being provided to

power outlet sockets of said switching system.

[0085] Preferably, maintaining said sensible object within said sensing distance after said second instance for a second

predetermined time allow said power supply being provided to said

power outlet sockets.

[0086] In another broad form of the invention, there is

provided a method of controlling light sources and other

electrical devices powered by a mains alternating power supply; said controlling enabled from a plurality of locations; said method including the steps of: (a) providing an array of switch assemblies; each said switch assembly including at an RF receiver module, and an RF transmitter module;

(b) providing communication between switch assemblies of

said array of switch assemblies,

(c) providing communication between at least one of said

switch assemblies and each of said light sources and

said electrical devices; and

wherein each of said switch assemblies further includes a

microprocessor and at least one power switch; said power switch

including a sensor.

[0087] Preferably, said light sources and said electrical

devices are connected to at least one of said switching assemblies by hard wiring.

[0088] Preferably, said light sources and said electrical

devices communicate with any one of said switching assemblies by

means of RF transmitting and receiving modules.

[0089] Preferably, the state of a said power switch of a said

switching assembly may be changed between an activated and a

deactivated state by means of RF communication between a remote

control device and a said RF receiver module of said switch

assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0090] Embodiments of the present invention will now be

described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0091] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first

preferred embodiment of a switch assembly according to the present invention;

[0092] Figure 2 is a partially sectioned side view of the

switch assembly of Figure 1 mounted in a wall of a building;

[0093] Figure 3 is a front view of a further preferred

embodiment of a switch assembly according to the invention;

[0094] Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the principle

components of the switch assembly of Figures 1 to 4;

[0095] Figure 5 is a schematic presentation of a number of the

switch assemblies of Figures 1 to 3 arranged for intermediate

switching;

[0096] Figure 6 is a schematic sectioned view of a power switch assembly according to the invention provided with an ambient light sensing facility;

[0097] Figure 7 is schematic sectioned view of the power switch assembly of figure 6 further provided with a remote programming

facility;

[0098] Figures 8 to 12 are schematic electronic circuits

illustrating a method of powering embodiments of the switching

assembly of the invention where there is no direct connection to

an AC neutral available locally.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0099] In this specification:

[00100] "wall plate" signifies a plate mounted to a wall or

other supporting surface and incorporating one or more power

switches or power switches and power outlets.

[00101] "mounting bracket" signifies any one of a number of

brackets for recessed mounting in plaster board (or wall board),

wood framed walls (stud mounting) or other types of wall

construction.

[00102] "capacitance sensor" signifies a proximity sensor based

on capacitance coupling effects and reacting to the proximity of a certain range of objects.

[00103] "RF" receiver or transmitter module signifies a Radio

Frequency device able to either receive radio signals from a

remote device, or transmit radio signals to a remote device.

[00104] "sensable object" is any object which the sensor switch is able to detect and respond to. This may include the human hand

or a part thereof such as a finger.

First Preferred Embodiment

[00105] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, in this first

preferred embodiment of the invention, an alternating current,

mains power switch assembly generally designated by the numeral

, comprises an assembly of one or more power switches for

operating light sources or other electrical equipment. Switch

assembly 10 includes a face plate assembly 12 comprising a

transparent front plate 14 mounted to a perimeter frame 16, and a

body element 18 comprising a mounting plate 20 and integral

housing 22.

[00106] Preferably the transparent front plate 14 is of glass

and has a rear surface covered with an opaque layer 24. Inscribed

in this opaque layer 24 is at least one clear annular circle 26

through which light can pass, for each power switch. The exemplary

switch system illustrated in Figure 1 has two separate switches,

but it will be appreciated that the relatively small area required by each switch, allows a standard sized wall plate to accommodate a relatively large number of switches.

[00107] The perimeter frame 16 is releasable attached to a

perimeter rim 28 of the mounting plate 20 by means of snap-fit

elements 30 (only those on the rim 28 being visible in Figure 1).

[00108] The mounting plate 20 and housing 18 are sized and

configured to allow mounting in a standard opening 32 in a

building wall 34 (such as the plaster or wall board wall 36 shown

in Figure 2), and attachment to light switch and power point

mounting brackets 38 standard in the industry. When mounted in a

wall or other supporting surface, only the transparent front plate

14 and its perimeter frame 16 project from a wall or other

mounting surface, as shown in Figure 2.

[00109] Located immediately behind the rear surface of the

transparent front plate 14 is a sensor printed circuit board 40.

At least one sensor 42 is mounted to the front surface of the

sensor circuit board 40, located so that each sensor 42 is

positioned directly behind a corresponding clear annular circle 26 of the transparent front plate 14 when the circuit board 40 is

assembled within housing 22, and face plate assembly 12 is

attached to the rim 28.

[00110] Mounted within the housing 22 itself, is a second or

main printed circuit board 44 which carries relays, one or more

microprocessor logic chips, circuitry and associated components,

as well as wiring terminal blocks 46. In at least some

embodiments, as more fully described below, the components may

include either or both RF transmitting and RF receiver modules.

Connection between the sensor circuit board 40 and the main

printed circuit board 44 is by means of a multi-pin plug and

socket connector 48.

[00111] Sensor or sensors 42 combine the functions of a

proximity sensor switch and a light emitter. Preferably the sensor

comprises a capacitance sensor provided with an LED backlight.

When installed and connected to a power grid in a building, the

light emitted by the sensor 42 when the proximity sensor switch is in a deactivated state, defaults to a first colour, for example

blue to indicate that the switch is "off". When the sensor detects

a sensible object brought to within its sensing range and the switch is activated, the light emitted changes to a second colour,

for example orange, thereby indicating that the switch is "on". A

next brief approach by a sensible object returns the switch to the "off" condition and the emitted colour back to the default first

colour.

[00112] The sensors 42 of the system are sensitive to a finger

brought momentarily into contact with, or passing close to, the

outer surface of transparent front plate 14. Such an approach by a

finger will thus cause the sensor to activate the switch, tripping

the associated relay, (in case of a single pole arrangement), or

relays (if a double pole arrangement), allowing current to flow to

the light or other device connected to, or controlled by, the

switch system 10.

[00113] Preferably, the system 10 includes a potentiometer

component or dimming element for each switch arrangement to allow

dimming of a light source. By a user maintaining a finger within

the sensing distance of a sensor, (and after the switch has been

triggered to "on" by a first approach of the finger), the dimming

element acts to dim the light source connected to the switch. The

dimming is progressive in accordance with the length of time the

user keeps the finger within the sensing distance.

[00114] The level of dimming is retained in memory so that at

the next activation of the light source, the luminescence

previously set is reinstated. Holding the finger in the sensing

position reverses the dimming towards the maximum luminescence, with the extent of the reversal depending on the length of time the finger is held within the sensing distance. A microprocessor

(Figure 4) controls the logic sequences of switching and

dimming, and also controls the operation of the RF receiver and

transmitter modules where these are fitted.

Second Preferred Embodiment

[00115] In a second preferred embodiment, the switch system 100

controls one or preferably two power outlet sockets 110 as shown

in Figure 3. Each sensor 142 controls an associated power outlet

socket mounted within apertures provided in the transparent front

plate 114. In this case, with the exception of the dimmer function

described above, the sensors, indicating colours, relay or relays

switching are as described for the first preferred embodiment

above. However, instead of relays controlling a remote light

source or other device, the triggering of a sensor switches power

to its corresponding power outlet socket either to "on" or to

"off". The light emitter changes colour accordingly, again, as

described above.

[00116] Preferably, circuitry in the present embodiment is

responsive to a user's finger remaining within sensing range for

longer than a first predetermined length of time. By this means, a

power outlet socket may be locked in an "off" status, when

switching from a present "on" status, or when the switch is

already "off". In this locked condition, power cannot be switched

on by a momentary passing of a finger through the sensing area of

the sensor but must be deliberately maintained within the sensing

distance of the sensor for a second, longer length of time to re

activate the power outlet socket.

[00117] For example, an outlet may be locked into an "off"

status by retaining a finger within the sensing distance for more

than five seconds, while the unlocking may require more than ten

seconds. In one preferred arrangement, the indicating blue "off" light may be set to flash at intervals to show the power outlet socket is in the locked "off" condition.

Third Preferred Embodiment

[00118] In a third preferred embodiment of the invention, again

the construction, sensing, switching and switch status indication

are similar to that described in the first and second preferred

embodiments above. In this embodiment however the sensing system

activates or de-activates an RF (Radio Frequency) transmitter

mounted to the main circuit board or otherwise retained within the housing.

[00119] The sensing of a user's finger in this embodiment will

cause the RF transmitter to send either an "on" or "off" signal

pulse to an RF receiver mounted at the light source or other

device associated with the switch assembly.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

[00120] In this further preferred embodiment according to the

invention, the switch system may incorporate an RF receiver

module, either instead of or in addition to, the RF transmitter

module of the third embodiment above. By means of an inbuilt RF

receiver module, the switch or switches of the switch assembly may

be operated from a remote control RF transmitter.

[00121] When fitted with both RF receiver and transmitter

modules, each switch assembly in a building can be operated

wirelessly from some central location or remote control module. In

the case of light switches at least, all the lights in a building

may be controlled in this manner.

[00122] Fitting each switching assembly in an array of switching assemblies with both an RF receiving and an RF transmitting

module, allows the switches to communicate intelligently as programmed through their respective microprocessors. By this means one or more light sources or other electrical devices may be controlled from any of the switch assemblies in the array in the manner of a intermediate switching arrangement.

[00123] A particular feature of the present invention is the

incorporation of at least one microprocessor in each switch

assembly. This element provides flexibility in the programming of

the switch operation and the response to signals received or the

format of transmissions to other switches and RF receiver enabled

devices in a building's p-ower distribution system.

[00124] In a preferred arrangement, the circuit board of the

switch assembly may include an input socket, such as a USB port

for example, accessible after removal of the face plate, to enable

reprogramming of the switching and any RF module functions.

Further Preferred Embodiments

Automatic Dimming of Switch Status Indicator

[00125] With reference now to Figure 6, in a further preferred

embodiment a power switch 200 according to the invention is

provided with an ambient light sensing facility. In order to avoid

the problem in which the illumination of the light emitter or

emitters 42,142 (see figures 1 and 3), which indicate the various

functions and status of the switch through rings in the face plate 14,114, is either too bright during the night or too dull during

the day, the brightness of the indicators is modulated according

to the ambient light at the switch 218.

[00126] In a preferred arrangement, this is accomplished as

shown in figure 6 by placing an ambient light sensor 210 in such a

way that it can respond to the ambient light in the room without

it being influenced by the light from the indicators 42,142. A

light guide 212, for example a fiberoptic bundle, is incorporated

partly in the face plate 214 such that its light entry end 216 is located in the upper rim of face plate 214 and leads to the ambient light sensor 210 located within the housing 222.

[00127] Ambient light sensor 210 communicates with

microprocessor 250 which controls the light issuing from indicator

rings 42,142 as described in the embodiments above.

Remote Programming of Switches

[00128] With reference to figure 7, in a further embodiment of

the invention, a light switch 318 is provided with a light guide

312. In one preferred embodiment, this may be the same light guide

described for the automatic dimming described above, or may be a

second light guide. In this instance the receiving end 316 is

again discreetly located at the upper rim of the face plate 316

and leads to an infrared transmitter and receiver 310 located in

the housing 322 of the switch 318.

[00129] Initial (and any subsequent upgrade) firmware in the

microprocessor 350 responds to a specific sequence of data from

the infrared receiver by running a "bootloader" sequence of code.

The bootloader 352 is adapted to receive new switch programming

code from an external device 340, such as an infrared emitting

remote control, and loads the new programming code into non

volatile memory 354. The bootloader and non-volatile memory may be

either internal or external to the microprocessor 350.

[00130] The external infrared emitting device 340 may in turn be

programmed by connection to a computer 360.

Powering Without Neutral

[00131] The switch assembly of the present invention relies on a microprocessor and other electronic components. As such it

requires a power supply to power its active internal components.

Where the switch assembly is being used for switching general

purpose power outlets there is usually an active and neutral

available at mains voltage from which power can be drawn and

converted to DC utilising a suitable commercially available power

supply chip.

Particularly in the case of power switching for lights, the

circuit in which the switch assembly is located may not include a

neutral connection. Or at least the neutral is only accessible via

the load which the switching assembly is intended to control.

With reference to figures 8 to 12 this situation is discussed

and a solution provided which permits powering of the active

internal components of the switch assembly where no direct

connection to neutral is available. In particular forms the

powering is reliable even when dimming of the load is

contemplated.

Figure 8 illustrates the situation where a direct connection to

neutral is available. In this instance a commercially available

high voltage power supply 400 is supplied from active 401 and

neutral 402 and makes DC power 403 available to microprocessor 404

and any other components within the switch assembly 410 which may

require it. Because, in this instance, the high voltage power

supply 400 receives its active and neutral connections directly it is not influenced by whether relay 405 (controlling active power to load 406) is in an open or closed condition.

With reference to figure 9 there is illustrated diagramatically

the situation where there is no direct neutral connection

available for the high voltage power supply 400. An indirect

connection 407 is available which will provide a voltage

difference as between active connection 401 and indirect neutral

connection 407 when relay 405 is in an open condition. This

voltage difference can be used to power the high voltage power

supply 400. However, as illustrated in figure 10, if the relay 405

is closed (or if there are a number of relays all are closed) then

there is no voltage drop as between active connection 401 and

indirect neutral connection 407 and hence, in this situation,

there is no power available to power the high voltage power supply

400.

In one embodiment as illustrated in figure 11 the solution is to

include a low voltage power supply 408 in series in the active

connection 401 to load 406. This low voltage power supply

comprises an internal load which in a preferred form can be

adjusted depending on the current draw of load 406 to provide a

stable voltage drop across it when relay 405 is closed sufficient

to power microprocessor 404 and any other electronic load required

within the switching assembly 410. When relay 405 is open power is

again supplied to the high voltage power supply 400 by the voltage

drop across the relay 405 itself as was the situation described with reference to figure 9. Broadly then local DC power is always available either via a voltage drop across relay 405 or via a voltage drop across the low voltage power supply 408.

IN USE /INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[00132] The switch assembly of the present invention provides an aesthetically attractive switching system which has no toggle

switches or rotatable knobs susceptible to wear or damage. The

combination of both switching and optional dimming functions within the relatively small space required by the sensors of the

invention, allows the control of a relatively large number of

light sources from a compact wall plate, or through RF

receiver/transmitter technology.

[00133] When equipped with RF receiver and transmitter modules,

different switch assemblies in a building may be programmed to

communicate with each other so that an activation or de-activation input at one switch assembly may be acted upon by other switches

programmed to respond. Thus for example, one switch assembly

suitably located may be programmed to communicate with all, or a

selected number of light source switch assemblies in the building

to either switch on or switch off the relevant light sources.

[00134] The same communication facility may be employed with

suitable programming to disable/enable all, or a selection of

power outlet sockets in a building.

[00135] Another advantage of the switching system of the

invention is that, as shown in Figure 5 more than two, indeed an

almost unlimited number of switch assemblies may be arranged as an intermediate switching array to operated the same light source or

light sources connected to just one of the switch assemblies in

the array.

[00136] It will be understood that the switch assemblies of the

invention when equipped with RF transmitting modules, need not be

hard wired to the light source or other electrical device which a

switch of the switch assembly controls. Connection to the remote

light source or electrical device may be effected wirelessly by an RF receiver connected to or incorporated in the light source or

electrical device.

[00137] The simple locking and unlocking facility of power

outlets afforded by the arrangement of the present invention as

described in the Second Preferred Embodiment above, clearly

provides a convenient and important safety measure against

accidental electrocution should a child insert a conducting object into a power socket.

[00138] As well as being easily cleaned and aesthetically

pleasing, the switch system of the present invention can be more

readily operated by people not having full dextrous use of the

hands.

[00139] The fact that the relays and other components are solid

state eliminates the possibility of arcing. As a bonus, the

illumination of the sensor positions within the front face plate

is particularly convenient at night.

[00140] The above describes only some embodiments of the present

invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art,

can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the

present invention.

Claims

1. A mains electrical power outlet assembly; said power outlet assembly including at least one power outlet socket adapted to receive a plug of an electrical appliance or electrical extension cord; said power outlet assembly including at least one sensing module operating a power switching module and a programmable and reprogrammable microprocessor; said sensing module including a sensor responsive to proximity to said sensor of selected objects; proximity of a said selected object switching status of a said power outlet socket from a current state to another state; and wherein said at least one power outlet socket is switched to a locked deactivated state if a sensable object remains within sensing distance of an associated said sensor of said at least one power outlet socket for at least a first predetermined duration; said locked deactivated state being reversed to an activated state when a said sensable object is maintained within said sensing distance of said associated sensor for at least a second predetermined duration.

2. The power outlet assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly includes an infrared transmitter and receiver module; said module adapted to receive programming data via an infrared data stream from a remote infrared data transmitter; said data stream passing to said module via a light guide provided between an upper rim of a face plate of said assembly and said module.

3. The power outlet assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein said assembly is provided with an automatic dimming of light emitters; said light emitters indicating status of power switches of said assembly; an ambient light sensor reacting to ambient light at said switch assembly; said ambient light sensor receiving ambient light input via a light guide provided between said upper rim of said face plate of said assembly and said ambient light sensor.

4. The power outlet assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly includes an internal load in series with at least one conductor

and wherein a voltage drop across said internal load is utilised

to provide power to said microprocessor during at least a portion

of the operating cycle of the switch assembly.

5. A method of switching a mains alternating power supply

through at least one power outlet socket in a power outlet

assembly from a deactivated state to an activated state and from

an activated state to a deactivated state; said power outlet

socket adapted to receive a plug of an electrical appliance or

electrical extension cord; said power outlet assembly including a

sensing module and a power switching module; said method including

the steps of: (a) bringing a sensable object within sensing range of a sensor of said power switching module in a first instance, (b) bringing said sensable object within sensing range of said sensor of said power switching module in a second instance,

(c) switching said power outlet socket into a locked deactivated state by maintaining a said sensable object within said sensing range of said sensor for a first predetermined duration, and (d) reversing said locked deactivated state of said power outlet socket to an activated state by maintaining a said

sensable object within said sensing range for a second predetermined duration.

6. An electrical switch assembly for switching the state of at least one conductor of a mains alternating power supply; said

electrical switch assembly including a housing containing a sensing module and a power switching module; said switch assembly

characterized in that electrical power switched by said switch assembly is mains alternating power; said switch assembly

including a microprocessor in communication with the sensing module and the power switching module for switching the state of the at least one conductor; said assembly including an internal load in series with said at least one conductor and wherein a voltage drop across said internal load is utilised to provide power to said microprocessor during at least a portion of the operating cycle of the switch assembly.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the power switching module includes a relay and the assembly utilises voltage drop across terminals of the relay of the power switching module to provide power to said microprocessor.

8. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly utilises voltage drop across the relay terminals of the power switching module to provide power to said microprocessor as a first choice and utilises the voltage drop across said internal load to provide power to said microprocessor as a second choice.

9. The switch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3 further including an ambient light sensor in communication with the microprocessor; the microprocessor programmed to increase output voltage from the switch assembly as the amount of ambient light sensed by the ambient light sensor reduces thereby to increase the light output from lights supplied by the switch assembly as ambient light decreases.

10. A method of switching at least one conductor of a mains alternating power supply from a deactivated state to an activated state and from an activated state to a deactivated state; said method including the steps of:

bringing a sensable object within sensing range of a sensor of a

switch assembly in a first instance,

bringing said sensable object within sensing range of said sensor of said switch assembly in a second instance, said assembly including an internal load in series with said at least one conductor and wherein a voltage drop across said internal load is utilised to provide power to internal components of the switch assembly during at least a portion of the operating cycle of the switch assembly.