CN104838556A

CN104838556A - General power outlet and remote switch module

Info

Publication number: CN104838556A
Application number: CN201380064032.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 肯尼斯·巴西尔·格兰斯伯里; 罗尼·安杰洛·盖齐
Original assignee: Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-07
Filing date: 2013-11-04
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-04
Also published as: AU2019203136A1; CN104838556B; TWI605663B; HK1213695A1; SG11201503515SA; WO2014071444A1; PH12015500990A1; AU2017210596A1; NZ630783A; TW201440363A; AU2013344310B2; AU2013344310A1; ZA201503394B; IN2015DN04308A

Abstract

A remote switch module is used to control the sockets of a general power outlet (GPO) to provide greater control and flexibility compared to standard GPOs. The GPO comprises a socket and power module for supplying power to the socket. A control module comprises a communication module for receiving a switching signal from a remote switch module, and switches the power supply state to the power module based upon the switching signal. The remote switch module comprises a switch actuator, power supply module and a remote communications module for transmitting a switching signal to the control module. The remote switch module may be a mobile computing device (eg mobile phone), or it may be a dedicated device. The remote switch module may be designed to attach to the GPO, and may include status indicators. A security module may also be used to ensure only authorised users can control a GPO.

Description

Universal power supply socket and remote switch module

Priority documents

This application claims submit on November 7th, 2012, name is called the priority of the Australian Provisional Patent application No.2012904902 of " modular switch for universal power supply socket ", its full content is merged into herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to universal power supply socket (GPO).More specifically, the present invention relates to the switch module for GPO.

Background technology

Universal power supply socket (GPO), be also referred to as power point (power point), socket (outlet), wall outlet (wall mounted socket) etc., it comprises one or more socket, and one or more socket described is used for coming to equipment supply electric power via the plug of the socket inserted removedly in socket.Socket is generally used for supply AC electric power (such as 220V to 240V, 50Hz; 120V, 60Hz) and three connectors generally included for active line (active line), neutral (returning) line and ground wire, but can grounding connector be omitted in some cases.Usually, socket always has 3 connectors to adapt to two detent projection or three detent projection.

Usually, plug is the movable connector of the electric wire being attached to electrical installation equipment, and socket is the fixture in device or building structure.Plug has convex circuit contacts, and socket has recessed contact.Plug has and is installed to the matching slot in socket or outstanding pin, sheet or the latch in hole.The geometrical arrangements of socket and plug is different between country variant according to concerned countries standard.Such as, Australian New Zealand Standard AS/3112 defines to become 30 ° of orientations relative to vertical direction thus forms two plane current carrying lugs and the plane orthogonal ground strip of inverted v-shaped.

GPO also can be fitted with the switch for the power supply state of socket (and plug) is switched or changed between on-state and off-state.Do not have the GPO of switch will be in on-state always, namely will always to the plug supply electric power of the socket be connected on GPO.Comprising switch (or multiple switch) enables user optionally control the electric power to equipment independent of any power switch be included in equipment.Use in GPO switch Australia and Britain very common.Switch provides control and the safety of additional level.

But, expect that the control of restriction to the socket in GPO is to provide larger facility or to make people more relieved in some cases.Such as, in some cases, expect that equipment such as refrigerator or computer server are always in on-state.In other situations, GPO may be positioned at public place (on the external wall of such as house or building), and may expect to prevent general public member disorderly dynamic switch (sneak current or turn off equipment).In addition, father and mother may wish that restriction uses switch in the bedroom of child, or hospital caregiver, child care worker or other superintendents may wish that restriction uses GPOs in some room similarly.

Therefore there are following needs: provide a kind of modular switch for universal power supply socket, this modular switch can be carried out the Based Intelligent Control of electric power or be improved control, and/or the selectivity that can provide to user.

Summary of the invention

According to first aspect, provide a kind of universal power supply socket system, comprising:

Universal power supply socket, comprising:

At least one socket;

Power module, this power module is used for each socket supply electric power at least one socket;

Control module, this control module is used for the electric power supply condition by controlling each socket at least one socket to power module, this control module comprises the controller communication module for receiving the switching signal from remote switch module, wherein, control module switches electric power supply condition in response to received switching signal; And

Remote switch module, comprising:

At least one switch actuator;

Electric power supplying module; And

Remote communication module, this remote communication module comprises reflector, and this reflector switches to make the power state of at least one socket at least one socket to the control module emission switch signal in universal power supply socket for the actuating responding a switch actuator at least one switch actuator.

According to second aspect, provide a kind of universal power supply socket, comprising:

At least one socket;

Power module, this power module is used for each socket supply electric power at least one socket; And

Control module, this control module is for controlling the electric power supply condition of each socket at least one socket, this control module comprises the controller communication module with receiving from the switching signal of remote switch module, wherein, control module switches electric power supply condition in response to received switching signal.

According to the third aspect, providing a kind of remote switch module for using together with universal power supply socket, comprising:

At least one switch actuator;

Electric power supplying module; And

Communication module, this communication module comprises reflector, and this reflector switches to make the power state of at least one socket at least one socket to the control module emission switch signal in universal power supply socket for the actuating responding a switch actuator at least one switch actuator.

All parts (universal power supply socket and remote switch module) in system or system can comprise other feature.

Under a kind of mode, remote switch module is mobile computing device, this mobile computing device also comprises at least one processor and memory, at least one user's input module and wireless communication module, and memory comprises for this at least one user's input module being used as the instruction of at least one switch actuator and being used for using wireless communication module to carry out the instruction of transmitting switch signal.Under another kind of mode, this at least one user's input module is touch-screen, and memory comprises the instruction being used for this at least one switch actuator at least partially of touch-screen.Under another mode, mobile computing device is phone or panel computer, and instruction is stored in the application program (app) being downloaded to described phone or panel computer.

Under a kind of mode, electric power supplying module comprises battery.Under a kind of mode, the power module of universal power supply socket wirelessly provides electric power with to remote switch module for power supply to the electric power supplying module in remote switch module.Under another mode, power module comprises reflector, and electric power supplying module comprises the receiver for receiving the electric power transmitted by the reflector in the power module of universal power supply socket.

Under a kind of mode, controller communication module uses radio frequency protocol to communicate with remote communication module.Under a kind of mode, this agreement is purple honeybee (Zigbee) agreement.

Under a kind of mode, remote switch module comprises the removable attachment module for being attached to universal power supply socket removedly.Under a kind of mode, universal power supply socket also comprises housing, and this housing is suitable for enabling remote switch module be attached to housing removedly.Under a kind of mode, attachment module comprises one or more buckle.Buckle can be stuck in the outside of universal power supply socket, or is inserted in the hole of universal power supply socket.Under a kind of mode, attachment module can be magnetic attachment module.Under a kind of mode, remote switch module comprises housing, and housing is configured to and the thickness around attachment location of universal power supply socket and mating shapes, and make when remote switch module is attached to universal power supply socket, system has the outward appearance flushed.

Under a kind of mode, control module comprises attachment detection module, and control module only switches electric power supply condition when remote control module is detected as and is attached to universal power supply socket.Under a kind of mode, universal power supply socket comprises multiple socket, and remote switch module can be attached to universal power supply socket at multiple attachment location, each attachment location associates with one or more socket, attachment detection module detects attachment location, and control module only allows the switching of remote switch module pair one or more socket associated with current attachment position to control.

Under a kind of mode, control module also comprises security module, and this security module is used for authenticating remote switch module and is authorized to control this at least one socket of universal power supply socket.

Under a kind of mode, remote switch module comprises at least one indicating device of the electric power supply condition being used to indicate at least one socket, and controller communication module by the state transfer of at least one socket to remote communication module.This at least one indicating device can be single led, or multiple LED, and wherein each LED associates with the socket in universal power supply socket.Under a kind of mode, the power state of this at least one indicating device instruction remote switch module.

Accompanying drawing explanation

With reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of the present invention are discussed, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of universal power supply socket (GPO) system according to an execution mode;

Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram for a series of size of the execution mode of remote switch module and the universal power supply socket of attachment location;

Fig. 3 A is the schematic diagram of the attachment module for remote switch module being attached to universal power supply socket according to an execution mode;

Fig. 3 B is the schematic diagram of the attachment module for remote switch module being attached to universal power supply socket according to an execution mode;

Fig. 3 C is the schematic diagram of the attachment module for remote switch module being attached to universal power supply socket according to an execution mode;

Fig. 3 D is the schematic diagram of the attachment module for remote switch module being attached to universal power supply socket according to an execution mode;

Fig. 4 A is the schematic diagram of the user interface for remote switch module according to execution mode;

Fig. 4 B is the schematic diagram of the user interface for remote switch module according to execution mode;

Fig. 4 C is the schematic diagram of the user interface for remote switch module according to execution mode;

Fig. 5 A shows the stereogram of the rear assembly of the execution mode of GPO;

Fig. 5 B shows the exploded perspective view of the contact assembly in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 C shows the stereogram of the layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 D shows the stereogram of the contact assembly of Fig. 5 B in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A and the PCB layout of Fig. 5 C;

Fig. 5 E shows the stereogram of the power panel in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 F shows the stereogram of radio frequency (RF) plate in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 G shows the stereogram of the control board in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 H shows the front view of control board, RF plate and shutoff device in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 I shows the exploded perspective view of the back casing in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5 J shows the stereogram of the power panel in the back casing in the rear assembly of the GPO of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of the circuit for GPO;

Fig. 7 A is the stereogram of panel according to the execution mode of GPO and rear assembly;

Fig. 7 B is the stereogram of panel according to the execution mode of GPO and rear assembly;

Fig. 7 C is the stereogram of panel according to the execution mode of GPO and rear assembly; And

Fig. 7 D is the stereogram of panel according to the execution mode of GPO and rear assembly.

In the following description, run through accompanying drawing, identical Reference numeral indicates identical parts or corresponding parts.

Embodiment

Referring now to accompanying drawing 1, show the block diagram of the universal power supply socket system 10 according to an execution mode.System 10 comprises universal power supply socket (GPO) 20 and remote switch module 30.Universal power supply socket (GPO) 20 comprises at least one socket 21, power module 22 and control module 23, power module 22 is for supplying electric power to each socket at least one socket, and control module 23 is for controlling the electric power of each socket be supplied in socket by controlling power module.Power module comprises the connector for receiving power supply wiring (such as main linely connected power sup ply is as 220V to the 240V AC 50Hz used in Australia or the 120V AC 60Hz used in the U.S.), and can comprise for carrying out filtering, rectification, the other circuit of route or monitoring or module to electric power supply can supply electric power to socket.Control module also comprises the controller communication module 24 for receiving the switching signal 40 from remote switch module 30.Control module in response to received switching signal 40 switch to socket electric power supply condition (namely from be switched to disconnect or from being disconnected to connection).Control module also can comprise attachment detection module 25, and attachment detection module 25 can comprise transducer 26.Control module can also comprise security module 27.

Remote switch module 30 comprises at least one switch actuator 31, electric power supplying module 32 and remote communication module 33.Remote communication module comprises reflector 34, and reflector 34 switches to make the power state of in socket socket to the receiver emission switch signal 40 in the controller communication module 24 in universal power supply socket 20 for the actuating of responding to switch actuator.Switch actuator can be tumbler switch, button or touch-sensitive pad.Remote switch module also can comprise user's input module 37, and user's input module 37 can provide the function of switch actuator 31, such as, configure the touch screen zone waiting to be used as switch actuator.In one embodiment, remote switch module also comprises indicating device 35, and indicating device 35 is used to indicate the electric power supply condition (being namely switched on or switched off) of the socket 21 in GPO 20.

In one embodiment, remote switch module is mobile computing device, and this mobile computing device comprises at least one processor 38, memory 39 and wireless communication module.Memory stores following instruction: described instruction makes device realize the function of remote switch module for making at least one processor.Mobile computing device can be mobile phone (i.e. mobile phone), panel computer, net book, notebook, PDA, portable music player, portable game machine or the controller etc. for game machine.In one embodiment, remote switch module is the mobile electronic device with wireless communication ability, such as alarm remote controller, garage door remote controller, air-conditioning remote control, building automation system controller, camera, audio/visual appliance remote control, cordless telephone (such as landline) etc.Such equipment can comprise the processor of microcontroller or low cost, and usually has more limited function and ability compared with mobile computing device discussed above.In one embodiment, remote switch module comprises control software design, this control software design with in the memory of the equipment of being stored in (such as RAM, SD card etc.), be provided for the software application of smart phone, panel computer or similar devices or the form of " app ".In this embodiment, control software design is programmed or is configured to make the touch-screen of device to show one or more switch actuator 31 to make it possible to carry out Long-distance Control to the switch of GPO, or one or more button (or key) existing on device is configured to be used as switch actuator 31 by control software design.In some embodiments, control software design also provides indicating device 35 and other GPO state informations on screen.In some embodiments, remote communication module is provided by the airborne wireless communication component of configuration or control appliance.That is, the device with mobile communication module can be suitable for, is programmed to or is configured in addition using existing communication parts to communicate (i.e. transmit button signal) with GPO.

In one embodiment, remote switch module also comprises removable attachment module 36 and is attached to GPO removedly to enable remote switch module.Fig. 2 shows the signal Figure 200 for a series of size of the execution mode of remote switch module and the GPO of attachment location.Remote switch module can be closed on GPO and be attached, and remote switch module comprises the panel with one or more actuator and indicating device, and this one or more actuator can associate with one or more socket with indicating device.Fig. 2 shows has two sockets, i.e. left socket 212 and right socket 214, GPO 210.GPO has predetermined length, width and plate thickness (namely panel is from the outstanding amount of the wall installing GPO) size.In one embodiment, the housing of remote switch module can be configured to align with the particular side of GPO (long or wide), and therefore can be designed to have the measure-alike size with housing alignment side.Fig. 2 shows the execution mode of remote switch module 220, and remote switch module 220 is attached to the top (see arrow 216) of GPO and comprises two switch actuators 221 and 224 and two indicating devices 222 and indicating device 223.Each actuator and indicating device are to (221,222; 224,223) associate with socket (being respectively 212,214).Fig. 2 shows the another kind of like execution mode of remote switch module 230, and remote switch module 230 is attached to the right-hand side (see arrow 218) of GPO and comprises the single indicating device 231 and switch actuator 232 that associate with right-hand side socket 214.In other embodiments, remote switch module is arranged on compact housing and such as comprises single indicating device 241 with the remote switch module 240 of switch actuator 242, remote switch module 240 is attached to the right-hand side in the upper right corner of GPO and associates with right-hand side socket 214, and similarly, there is single indicating device 251 and be attached to the top in the upper right corner of GPO with the remote switch module 250 of switch actuator 252 and associate with right-hand side socket 214.

In some embodiments, remote switch module to which parts (or switch) of determining positions GPO 210 when connecting of the connection of GPO by remote switch module controls.Such as, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, when remote switch module 250 is connected to the GPO 210 in the upper right corner of GPO 210, remote switch module 250 only controls socket 214.On the contrary, if remote switch module 250 is connected to the GPO 210 in the upper left corner of GPO 210, so remote switch module only controls socket 212.This is not say that remote switch module can not control multiple switch, but when remote switch module is attached to GPO, and which or which switch of the position limitation of connection GPO can by remote switch module controls.In the above example, first remote switch module 250 by the connection on the upper left corner for the left-handed opening 212 of control GPO 210, then can move to the upper right corner to make it possible to the right switch 214 of control GPO 210.

Remote switch module can be attached to either side (top, left side, right side, bottom) even many sides.Such as, module can be attached to bight or be arranged in following annular frame: this annular frame to be placed on above GPO and around GPO or around GPO.When more than two sockets, switch actuator and indicating device are to associating with each socket in multiple socket as required.Alternatively, as will be described below, single switch actuator and indicating device may be used for control and the instruction of the state of multiple socket.

In one embodiment, the housing of remote switch module is configured to have the thickness and design that mate with plate thickness (namely panel is from the outstanding amount of the wall installing GPO), to give the system visually attracting smooth or outward appearance that flushes, and can construct with suitable materials such as plastics.

Attachment module 36 is for being attached to GPO removedly by remote switch module.This makes such as when switch is under possessory direct supervision, and remote switch is left for switch, and then when the owner leaves near switch and do not wish that the state of switch is changed after it leaves, switch can be removed.In addition, the attachment of remote switch module guarantees that remote switch module and GPO are enough close to ensure reliable communication.In addition or alternatively, the attachment of remote switch can be used as the safety measure that ensures only be performed switching by authorized remote switch module.

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 D shows different attachment module.Attachment module can be designed to be used in one or more buckle by its clamping on GPO.Buckle can be connected to the outside of universal power supply socket, or is inserted in the hole of universal power supply socket.Fig. 3 A is the schematic diagram 301 of remote switch module 320, and remote switch module 320 has two buckles 322,324 of the outside being connected to the GPO 310 with socket 312.Fig. 3 B is that schematic diagram 302, two buckles 332,334 of the remote switch module 330 with two buckles 332,334 insert in the hole 313,314 of GPO 310.Buckle 332,334 can be spring-supported or biased to push away out mutually (namely vertically upper and lower), and therefore the madial wall of conjugate foramen to be attached remote switch module.Remote switch module can be removed by (transverse direction) side force of applying level.Can in alternative execution mode (not shown) at another, hole can comprise and keep flange or projection, and buckle can be connected to bar arranges or button arrangement is biased toward one another for attachment to make buckle or removes.Can in alternative execution mode at another, attachment module can based on magnetic.Fig. 3 C has the schematic diagram 303 that magnetically susceptible material 316 is such as positioned at the permanent magnet of the adjacent sidewalls of socket or the GPO 310 of bloom.Remote switch module 330 comprises the permanent magnet 340 for being attached to the magnetically susceptible material 316 in GPO.Alternatively, permanent magnet 342 and magnetically susceptible material 316 can be exchanged (namely magnet is arranged in GPO), and magnetically susceptible material comprises the opposite polarity permanent magnet of the composition surface of polarity and permanent magnet 340.Fig. 3 D is the schematic diagram 304 of following execution mode, and in this embodiment, the attachment module of remote switch module 350 comprises the outer projection 352 for inserting in the hole 318 of GPO 310.In the similar mode illustrating with composition graphs 3B and describe, outer projection 352 comprises two flanges 354,356, and two flanges 354,356 are for being attached (and maintenance) to GPO 310 by remote switch module 350.Hole 318 can comprise location recess to receive elastic flange or projection.(not shown) in other embodiments, far module can completely around GPO or around GPO, or be designed to be connected on the bight of GPO.

In one embodiment, controller communication module also comprises reflector, and remote communication module also comprises receiver, can carry out two-way communication between two communication modules.In each module, reflector and receiver can be implemented as transceiver.Communication module can be suitable for any suitable wavelength such as infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) enterprising Serial Communication of short haul connection.Communication can use the suitable communication protocol or standard communication protocol such as WiFi, ZigBee or bluetooth that can use low cost communication chip in a device.

In one embodiment, electric power supplying module 32 comprises battery.Cell compartments can be provided to make it possible to placing battery.Battery types and capacity can be selected to provide long useful life (such as >2) based on the general situation of application expected.

In one embodiment, electric power supplying module 32 comprises the receiver for receiving the electric power transmitted by universal power supply socket, and therefore do not need the electric power that directly can produce himself, but only can be used as the interface between external power source and the parts of remote switch module.A series of technology such as inductance coupling high or resonant inducing can be used to be coupling between reflector and receiver wirelessly transferring electric power.In one embodiment, electric power transfer is performed based on the well-known mutual induction principle (such as transformer) of the art by two coils separated of being inductively coupled (be used as reflector and be used as receiver).Power module in universal power supply socket can be used for drive or stimulated emission coil to produce time-varying magnetic field.Receiving coil is in the magnetic field of this change and in receiving coil, therefore sense corresponding signal or inductively pick up corresponding signal.(mm to tens cm) is very efficient inductively over very short distances, when Coil Coaxial align time efficiency higher.Another electromagnetic power transmission technology is resonant inducing coupling, and wherein, transmitting coil produces the magnetic field of particular resonant frequency, and then receiving coil is tuned to this particular resonant frequency.Fig. 3 D also show for the inductively layout to remote switch module supply electric power.Emitter coil 362 is positioned at GPO and for transmitting electric power to the receiver coil 364 being positioned at outer projection 352.

In other embodiments, electric power transfers to remote switch module via latch, and electric power, when remote switch model calling is to GPO, is conducted to the electric power supplying module 32 of remote switch module 30 by described latch from GPO.Latch also can form the part of the one or more projections for remote switch module being attached to GPO.Similarly, in GPO, receive element to receive latch for receiving protruding hole can comprise latch.

In one embodiment, remote switch module also comprises indicating device 35, and indicating device 35 is used to indicate the electric power supply condition (being namely switched on or switched off) of the socket 22 in GPO 20.When multiple socket, can use single indicating device, or can use multiple indicating device, one of them indicating device associates with a socket.The state transfer of socket to remote communication module, makes associated indicating device can indicate this state by controller communication module.This can in response to the status poll from remote communication module.Indicating device can be one or more LED, one or more light-emitting component or one or more audio signal.In one embodiment, signal is transferred to another remote equipment of the state of being used to indicate, such as mobile phone, computing equipment or other equipment.In one embodiment, indicating device is LED and green is used to indicate off-state, and redness is used to indicate on-state.This function can be provided by the LED of multi-colored led or multiple monochrome.The state that LEDs also can indicate the low power state of alternative state such as remote communication module or malfunction such as can not communicate with GPO.Other functions like this can use different colours such as yellow to provide, or are provided by the flicker of pattern such as LED of instruction or stroboscopic.

Fig. 4 A to Fig. 4 C shows the different user interface for remote switch module according to different execution mode.Fig. 4 A shows the remote switch module 410 with single button 412 and single led indicating device 414.Fig. 4 B shows the remote switch module 420 with single button 422 and two LED indicating devices 424 and 426.Two LED may be used to the state of socket for indicating, and such as a LED indicating device is indicate a kind of color of off-state such as green, and another LED indicating device is indicate the another kind of color of on-state such as red.At another execution mode, each LED can associate with specific socket, and can be multi-colored led, or uses different patterns to indicate supply condition or other state informations of associated socket.Fig. 4 C shows another execution mode of the remote switch module 430 with two buttons, 432,436 and two LED indicating devices 434 and 438.Button and LED indicating device (such as 432 and 434,436 and 438) carry out matching and often pair associate with specific socket.Have in remote switch module in the execution mode of display screen (such as smart phone, panel computer, mobile computing device), these indicating devices can show on screen.

In one embodiment, single led and multiple socket associates, and different patterns can be used to indicate the state of each LED.In one embodiment, indicating device can circulate to the state of socket.The numbering of each socket distribution from 1 can be given, and can be (such as red for connecting by the status color making LED glimmer or pulse suitable, green being used for disconnects) number of times that associates with distributed socket coding carrys out the state of socket for indicating, and between socket, has the pause of regular length.Longer pause can be used to the interval between the instruction cycle.Such as, if socket 1 is in off-state, and socket 2 is in on-state, then LED indicating device can blinking green 0.5s, pause 1 second (pausing between socket), then flash red twice 0.5s, and 0.25s (pausing between namely than socket little) is spaced apart between flicker, then before beginning again circulation, pause 5 seconds (between namely than socket pause long).

In one embodiment, indicating device maintain off-state or resting state (thus saving battery electric power) and only in response to the actuating of associated input equipment to perform deixis.Upon actuation, when described above indicating device is used to indicate the state of multiple socket, the state of associated socket is shown the time period (such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds etc.) of setting, or the periodicity of setting (such as 5,10,50 etc.).

On the one hand, control module, GPO and/or remote switch module comprise attachment detection module, and control module is for control or prohibiting function such as switches electric power supply condition between GPO and remote control module or communication.This can be performed with extending battery life or to provide extra safety.Attachment detection module comprises the transducer of the physical attachment that can detect remote switch module.In one embodiment, at sidewall or sensing element or projection can be placed in receiving opening, make the passage pressurized of the catch element of remote control module and make sensing element or projection remain on pressured state, this will send the attachment signal of remote switch module.In another embodiment, wireless senser detects the degree of approach of remote switch module.Such as, if utilize wireless power transmission, so transducer can detect the existence of receiver coil by the impact on transmitter line ring signal.Alternatively, transducer can comprise the photodiode that wireless launcher and receiver such as can detect the degree of approach of remote switch module based on the inverse signal of reflection and arranges.In another embodiment, attachment can be detected based on the intensity of the signal of communication between GPO and remote control module (such as using predetermined threshold).Transducer can be arranged in GPO or be arranged in remote switch module.

Receive the latch in element to come to supply the execution mode of electric power from GPO at far module via the latch inserting GPO, transducer can be monitored latch or be received element to monitor to latch.Such as, transducer can be monitored and be flow through the electric current that element received by latch or latch, or can the change (such as from open-circuit condition to closed circuit state) of monitoring resistor.In one embodiment, receiving the identifier of the switch of element associated to be encoded into latch is supplied on the electric power signal of latch, and the electric power supplying module of remote switch module can be decoded to encoded identifier and extract, to identify the switching of GPO to be controlled in the radio communication making identifier can be used between remote switch module and GPO.

Transducer can produce the attachment signal being attached to GPO to control module instruction remote control module.Then, this attachment signal may be used for the switching (namely stop when remote control module is not attached to GPO and switch) that controlling functions such as forbids electric power supply condition in the non-existent situation of attachment signal.In another embodiment, remote switch module can by stoping communication to save electric power in the non-existent situation of attachment signal.Comprise multiple socket and remote switch module can be attached in the execution mode of GPO at multiple attachment location at GPO, be then attached detection module and can also detect attachment location.In this embodiment, control module is configured to each attachment location and one or more socket (such as single socket, paired socket etc.) to associate.When remote switch module is attached, control module detects remote switch module and where is attached to (transducer via attachment detection module and any association), and only allows the switching of remote switch module pair one or more socket associated with current attachment position to control.

In some embodiments, control module also comprises security module, and this security module is used for authenticating remote switch module and is authorized to control one or more socket of GPO, to provide the control of the improvement of the switching of GPO.Security module can be the physical module that realizes electronically or realize with the software of use safety agreement (such as use authority code, key or password or phrase), or can be the combination of hardware-software.In one embodiment, on GPO or on far module, provide physical locks, make the user of the key only with coupling lock far module can be attached to GPO or be removed from GPO by far module.

In another embodiment, the remote control module of only authorizing just may be used for socket in control GPO or electric power supply.In one embodiment, use safety agreement such as IKE is verified the attachment of the Long-distance Control of authorizing or the degree of approach.In another embodiment, RFID technique and method can be used to provide authorization code.Such as, RFID label tag can be provided in remote control module, and RFID label tag (or contrary) can be inquired about by GPO.In another embodiment, first user may must use one or more actuator that the user interface of remote control module provides to carry out input code.Such as, a series of short or long button press can be used or when being provided with more than using the combination of button to input binary code when a button, and then can verify this input code by remote control module and/or GPO.

Between manufacture or installation period, programming can be carried out to GPO and/or remote switch module and make it that there is a series of authorization code or cipher key list.The group of remote switch module and GPO can share one or more public authorization code.Any GPO enable for being in one or more ad-hoc location (such as building) is used single switch module by this.The use of authorization code stops unauthorized user to attempt to use the remote switch module of himself obtain electric power from GPO or change the state of GPO.

In the execution mode of mobile computing device such as smart mobile phone or panel computer in remote switch module, these authorization codes or key can be arranged in app, or use equipment inputting interface (such as virtual touch screen keyboard or physical keyboard) input.Then, can use authority code link mobile computing device and GPO.

Now in detail the execution mode of GPO will be described.Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 J shows the different views of the execution mode of GPO, and Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram 600 for the circuit of GPO.Fig. 5 A is the stereogram of the modularization rear assembly 500 for GPO according to an execution mode.Rear assembly is modular and comprises the back casing 510 of the multiple sub-components for holding GPO.Housing and assembly can be constructed by the suitable plastics or other materials being generally used for GPO.Sub-component realizes the functional module of GPO above-described and shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 5 B shows the exploded perspective view of contact assembly 520.Contact assembly comprises the contact (recessed socket or connector) for each (convex) latch corresponding or spade receiving plug.Contact assembly comprises the first Socket casing 524a and the second Socket casing 524b, first Socket casing 524a comprises for receiving the first active contact 521a of the first active spade 528a, for receiving the first neutral contact 522a and the first grounding contact 523a of the first neutral spade 529a, and the second Socket casing 524b comprises for receiving the second active contact 521b of the second active spade 528b, for receiving the second neutral contact 522b and the second grounding contact 523b of the second neutral spade 529b.Two grounding contact 523a and 523b have the rear connector 525 to ground terminal.

Rear assembly also comprises three printed circuit board (PCB)s (PCB), i.e. power panel 530, RF plate 540 and control board 550.Fig. 5 C shows the stereogram of the layout of three PCB in rear assembly, wherein, power panel is vertically directed at rear portion place, and RF plate is flatly directed at the bottom place of power panel, and power panel with near rear assembly front portion and on RF plate the mode of vertical orientation locate.Fig. 5 D shows three PCB:530,540,550 and the stereogram of layout of contact assembly 520.Three PCB be arranged in make around contact assembly the RF antenna on RF power panel as far as possible near the front portion of assembly with the propagation of signal is maximized and as far as possible away from power supply PCB with minimizing the electromagnetic interference of RF signal of making to be produced by power supply PCB.Control PCB 550 is also located so that it does not disturb touching to Socket casing 524a, 524b.

Fig. 5 E is the stereogram of power panel 530.Power panel comprises two relays 531a, 531b, and relay 531a and 531b is positioned at the top of module to help dispel the heat and help prevent the superheated of miscellaneous part or the rising of temperature.Gap 532 between relay to help to remove the heat that produces in assembly.Large jumper 535 is for from having source terminal 533 and neutral terminal 534 to two relays supply electric power.The IDC that wiring from power supply PCB to plug pins contact is used in seal cavity connects.Which reduce space, assembly that cost and this design allow not have screw and binding post.In one embodiment, power supply PCB also comprises additional parts such as measuring voltage sensor 536a, 536b and current sensor 537a, the 537b of the voltage and current in the circuit that associates to each corresponding socket, and thermo-fuse 538 (see Fig. 6).

Fig. 5 F is the stereogram of RF plate 540.RF plate 540 has the edge connector 541 for RF plate 540 being connected to power panel 530, and for being connected to the strip connector 542 of control board 550 via ribbon-style cable.RF plate also comprises the RF antenna (antenna) 543 of the bottom side (illustrating in the mode of dotted line) being positioned at PCB, this RF antenna (antenna) 543 together with parts, for transmitting and receiving RF signal (such as according to ZigBee, bluetooth or other RF agreements).

Fig. 5 G is the stereogram of control board 550.Two edges of control board are provided with sensitive switch 555a, 555b, each for contacting with corresponding shutoff device 526a, 526b, before shutoff device 526a, 526b are arranged on receptacle connector as illustrated in fig. 5h and after socket panel (socket fascia), Fig. 5 H is the front view of control board, RF plate and shutoff device.When a plug is to be inserted into the socket, shutoff device is laterally activated or moves thus press (actuating) or start corresponding sensitive switch (being namely switched to on-state).Fig. 5 H shows the first socket and the second socket, wherein, first shutoff device 526a is in default location and sensitive switch 555a is pressed, and the second shutoff device 526b activated position what do not contact the second sensitive switch 555b, and the second sensitive switch 555b is in open mode.Such design makes to use connector such as ribbon cable flexibly that control board is connected to RF plate.Fig. 5 G and Fig. 5 H shows the connector 559 for being connected to RF plate 540 via ribbon cable 544.

Control board 550 also comprise instruction to GPO electric power LED 551, be positioned at the ZigBee configuration interface at control board center, control board comprises and arranges touch sensitive switch 552, resets touch sensitive switch 553 and be used to indicate the dual-colored LED 554 of ZigBee state.Control board also comprises: for the control of respective socket to be switched to corresponding slider switch 556a, 556b of Non-follow control from Long-distance Control, on off state LED indicating device 557a, 557b, and touch sensitive switch 558a and the 558b of ON/OFF state for manual switchover socket.In some embodiments, contact slipper switch, touch sensitive switch and/or LED indicating device (see 7A to 7D) can be prevented by panel.In some embodiments, slider switch, touch sensitive switch and/or LED indicating device can be omitted when there is no Non-follow control or instruction, and all control and instruction are carried out via far module.

Back casing assembly has decline terminal (drop in terminal) and all connections are all carried out in identical plane and orientation.Earth terminal does not need welding.Fig. 5 I is the exploded perspective view of back casing.Rear assembly 510 receives the decline terminal 511,512,513 for receiving active line, ground wire and neutral circuit (wiring).Active connector 533 on power panel 530 and the neutral union 534 and grounding connector 525 insert and with corresponding termination contact.Show the stereogram of the power panel 530 in the back casing assembly 510 with pack terminals in fig. 5j.

Remote switch module can also comprise the element of power panel, control board and RF plate, and all elements are all arranged on a single plate to reduce space.As mentioned above, remote switch module can comprise battery supply, ZigBee interface (comprising transceiver), touch sensitive switch, LED indicating device can carry out communication and the Long-distance Control of GPO.

Because rear portion switching mechanism is modular, multiple panel and rear plate can be attached to be provided for a series of types of GPO.In addition, in given type, the modification of panel can be provided to hold the Long-distance Control that can be stuck in or be attached on panel.This can assemble from anterior or rear portion.Fig. 7 A shows snapping in front panel 710 and receiving the execution mode of the rear assembly 500 of panel 720 of GPO.In this embodiment, panel comprises for touching slider switch with the hole enabling user switch between MANUAL CONTROL mode and distance control mode, and is provided for the housing of touch sensitive switch and LED indicating device and photoconductive tube to allow to via panel manually control switch.Hole/photoconductive tube for power state LED is also arranged in front portion.Also be provided with the little recess with hole and/or photoconductive tube and arrange switch and ZigBee positioning indicator to make it possible to touching ZigBee, this little recess in use can be hidden with lid.

Fig. 7 B shows another execution mode of the rear assembly 500 of GPO, and panel 730 is installed on this rear assembly 500.In this embodiment, panel has: for enabling user touch slide switch with the hole that can switch between MANUAL CONTROL mode and distance control mode, and for the hole/photoconductive tube of LED indicating device with the ON/OFF state to user's indicator cock.In this embodiment, touch sensitive switch is still arranged on control board, but prevents contact touch sensitive switch (namely not having providing holes or actuator) by panel.In this embodiment, manual mode can be configured to make switch when a plug is to be inserted into the socket supply electric power always, but switch only can disconnect (plug with insertion) via Long-distance Control.Alternatively, switch can be configured to do not have supply of electric power (also can stop touching slider switch in this case) in a manual mode, and all control is all carried out via Long-distance Control.

Fig. 7 C and Fig. 7 D shows another execution mode of the rear assembly 500 of GPO, and panel 740 is installed on this rear assembly 500.As shown in fig. 7c, panel does not have user palp on panel (or activatable) switch, and recess 741 is arranged for the snap-in remote control module 742 received for the ON/OFF state of control switch.Therefore, user can not change the state of switch or obtain the instruction of on off state.Fig. 7 D shows panel, and wherein, Long-distance Control snaps in recessed 741 and makes user can control socket completely, and the instruction of the ON/OFF state of socket.Long-distance Control comprises for the corresponding switch of each socket and LED indicating device to enable the state (on/off) of user's diverter switch, and is shown the instruction of outlet status.In this embodiment, Long-distance Control snaps in recess 741 to provide integrated or seamless outward appearance.That is, the lower limb 743 of Long-distance Control 742 is designed to and the outline of panel (seam or joint are indicated by dotted line).In other embodiments, Long-distance Control can be given prominence to from panel.In this embodiment, control board is not arranged touch sensitive switch or manually/long-range slide block.In other embodiments, touch sensitive switch or manually/long-range slide block can be set but touching it can be prevented by panel.

In some embodiments, a series of remote control modules 742 with different functions and/or outward appearance can be provided to change outward appearance and/or function to enable user.

Described the universal power supply socket system comprising modular switch, this modular switch is used for using together with universal power supply socket can carry out the Based Intelligent Control of electric power or to improve control.The use carrying out the removable remote switch module communicated with universal power supply socket makes it possible to control the use to the electric power from socket more.Remote power supply socket can be battery powered and can use wireless communication protocol such as Zigbee protocol.Indicating device such as LED indicating device may be used for the state informing the user GPO.Actuator such as button or touch pad can be set with the power state enabling user change the socket in GPO.

These execution modes are being expected the power state of strict control GPO or are needing the place of larger flexibility particularly useful.Such as, user may have the GPO being positioned at public place, but wishes to prevent the public from using its electric power.Nursing facility such as hospital care facility, age-care's facility or child care facility may wish some machines are connected always, or may wish to make untapped GPO maintain off-state to prevent the contingent unexpected injury when occupant (people that such as children or spirit are impaired) attempts disorderly move GPO or play with GPO.Similarly, father and mother may wish the use of the GPO controlled in child bedroom, or businessman may wish to guarantee that electric power is connected selected machine always.In other embodiments, module switch or the use of control module that separates can functionally provide more flexibility at GPO.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that, any one in a large amount of technology and skill can be used to represent information and signal.Such as, data, instruction, order, information, signal, bit, symbol and chip (chip) can run through description above and be mentioned, and can be represented by the arbitrary combination of voltage, electric current, electromagnetic wave, magnetic field or magnetic particle, light field or light particle or the first seven person.

Those skilled in the art also will appreciate that, may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software or both combinations in conjunction with various illustrative logical block, module, circuit and the algorithm steps described by execution mode disclosed herein.In order to the interchangeability of hardware and software is clearly described, functionally generally describe various illustrative components, block, module, circuit and step according to it above.Like this functional is embodied as hardware or software and depends on applying application-specific over the whole system and design constraint.Those skilled in the art can implement above-mentioned functions in a different manner for each application-specific, but such realization determines should not be interpreted as causing deviating from scope of the present invention.

Can be embodied directly in hardware, in the software module performed by processor or in both combinations in conjunction with the method described by execution mode disclosed herein or algorithm steps.For hardware implementing, process can realize in following hardware: one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing appts (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), processor, controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, be designed to other electronic units performing function described herein, or its combination.Software module, be also referred to as computer program, computer code or instruction, many source codes or object code section or instruction can be comprised, and can reside on the computer-readable medium of any computer-readable medium such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, eprom memory, register, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or any other form.Alternatively, computer-readable medium can be integrated into processor.Processor and computer-readable medium can reside in ASIC or relevant device.Software code can be stored in memory cell and be performed by processor.Memory cell can be arranged in processor or outside processor, when memory cell is arranged on outside processor, memory cell can be coupled to processor communicatedly via various means known in the art.

Run through specification and appended claims, unless the context otherwise requires, otherwise word " comprises " and " comprising " and such as " to include " and the distortion of " including " and so on comprises described entirety or the group of entirety by being understood to infer, but does not get rid of other overall or overall group any.

To the reference of prior art not in this manual and should not regard any type of hint of admitting the part this prior art being formed to common practise as.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the invention is not restricted to its use in described embody rule.With regard to concrete element that is described herein or that describe and/or feature, the present invention is also not limited to its preferred implementation.Will it is to be appreciated that, the invention is not restricted to one or more disclosed execution mode, but can when do not deviate from by claim above propose with the scope of the present invention limited, carry out manyly rearranging, revise and replacing.

Claims

1. a universal power supply socket system, comprising:

Universal power supply socket, comprising:

At least one socket;

Power module, described power module is used for each socket supply electric power at least one socket described;

Control module, described control module is used for the electric power supply condition by controlling each socket at least one socket described to described power module, described control module comprises the controller communication module for receiving the switching signal from remote switch module, wherein, described control module switches described electric power supply condition in response to received switching signal; And

Described remote switch module, comprising:

At least one switch actuator;

Electric power supplying module; And

Remote communication module, described remote communication module comprises reflector, described reflector launches described switching signal for the actuating responding a switch actuator at least one switch actuator described to the described control module in described universal power supply socket, switches to make the power state of at least one socket at least one socket described.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein, described remote switch module is mobile computing device, described mobile computing device also comprises at least one processor and memory, at least one user's input module and wireless communication module, and described memory comprises at least one user's input module described being used as the instruction of at least one switch actuator described and being used for using described wireless communication module to transmit the instruction of described switching signal.

3. system according to claim 2, wherein, at least one user's input module described is touch-screen, and described memory comprises the instruction being used at least one switch actuator described at least partially of described touch-screen.

4. system according to claim 3, wherein, described mobile computing device is phone or panel computer, and described instruction is stored in the application program being downloaded to described phone or described panel computer.

5. the system according to any one in Claims 1-4, wherein, described controller communication module and described remote communication module use radio frequency protocol to communicate.

6. system according to claim 5, wherein, described agreement is ZigBee protocol.

7. the system according to any one in claim 1 to 6, wherein, described electric power supplying module comprises battery.

8. the system according to any one in claim 1,5 or 6, wherein, the described power module of described universal power supply socket wirelessly provides electric power with to described remote switch module for power supply to the described electric power supplying module in described remote switch module.

9. the system according to claim 1 or 5 to 8, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises the removable attachment module for being attached to universal power supply socket removedly.

10. system according to claim 9, wherein, described control module comprises attachment detection module, and described control module only switches described electric power supply condition when described remote control module is detected as and is attached to described universal power supply socket.

11. systems according to claim 10, wherein, described universal power supply socket comprises multiple socket, described remote switch module can be attached to described universal power supply socket at multiple attachment location, each attachment location associates with one or more socket, described attachment detection module detects described attachment location, and described control module only allows the switching of described remote switch module pair one or more socket described associated with current attachment position to control.

12. systems according to any one in claim 9 to 11, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises housing, described housing is configured to and the thickness around attachment location of described universal power supply socket and mating shapes, make when described remote switch module is attached to described universal power supply socket, described system has the outward appearance flushed.

13. systems according to any one in claim 1 to 11, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises at least one indicating device of the electric power supply condition being used to indicate at least one socket, and described controller communication module is by the state transfer of at least one socket extremely described remote switch module.

14. systems according to any one in claim 1 to 13, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises the indicating device of the power state being used to indicate described remote switch module.

15. systems according to any one in claim 1 to 14, wherein, described control module also comprises security module, and described security module is for verifying that described remote switch module is authorized to control at least one socket described in described universal power supply socket.

16. 1 kinds of universal power supply sockets (GPO), comprising:

At least one socket;

Power module, described power module is used for each socket supply electric power at least one socket described; And

Control module, described control module is for controlling the electric power supply condition of each socket at least one socket described, described control module comprises the controller communication module for receiving the switching signal from remote switch module, wherein, described control module switches described electric power supply condition in response to received switching signal.

17. universal power supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, described controller communication module uses radio frequency protocol to communicate with described remote switch module.

18. universal power supply sockets according to claim 17, wherein, described agreement is ZigBee protocol.

19. universal power supply sockets according to claim 16,17 or 18, wherein, described power module wirelessly provides electric power to described remote switch module.

20. according to claim 16 to the universal power supply socket described in any one in 19, and wherein, described universal power supply socket also comprises housing, and described housing is suitable for enabling described remote switch module be attached to described housing removedly.

21. according to claim 16 to the universal power supply socket described in any one in 20, wherein, described control module also comprises the attachment detection module for detecting described remote switch module to the attachment of described universal power supply socket, and described control module only switches described electric power supply condition when described remote control module is detected as and is attached to described universal power supply socket.

22. universal power supply sockets according to claim 21, wherein said universal power supply socket comprises multiple socket, described remote switch module can be attached to described universal power supply socket at multiple attachment location, each attachment location associates with one or more socket, described attachment detection module detects described attachment location, and described control module only allows the switching of described remote switch module pair one or more socket described associated with current attachment position to control.

23. according to claim 16 to the universal power supply socket described in any one in 22, wherein, described control module also comprises security module, and described security module is used for checking: described remote switch module is authorized to control at least one socket described in described universal power supply socket.

24. 1 kinds, for the remote switch module used together with universal power supply socket (GPO), comprising:

At least one switch actuator;

Electric power supplying module; And

Communication module, described communication module comprises reflector, and described reflector switches to make the power state of at least one socket at least one socket described to the control module emission switch signal in described universal power supply socket for the actuating responding a switch actuator at least one switch actuator described.

25. remote switch modules according to claim 24, wherein, described remote switch module is mobile computing device, described mobile computing device also comprises at least one processor and memory, at least one user's input module and wireless communication module, and described memory comprises at least one user's input module described being used as the instruction of at least one switch actuator described and being used for using described wireless communication module to transmit the instruction of described switching signal.

26. remote switch modules according to claim 25, wherein, at least one user's input module described is touch-screen, and described memory comprises the instruction being used at least one switch actuator described at least partially of described touch-screen.

27. remote switch modules according to claim 26, wherein, described mobile computing device is phone or panel computer, and described instruction is stored in the application program being downloaded to described phone or described panel computer.

28. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 to 27, wherein, described remote communication module uses radio frequency protocol to communicate with the described control module of described universal power supply socket.

29. remote switch modules according to claim 28, wherein, described agreement is ZigBee protocol.

30. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 to 29, wherein, described electric power supplying module comprises battery.

31. remote switch modules according to claim 24,28 or 29, wherein, described electric power supplying module comprises the receiver for wirelessly receiving the electric power signal transmitted by described universal power supply socket, and the electric power signal received is for described remote switch module for power supply.

32. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 or 28 to 31, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises the removable attachment module for being attached to universal power supply socket removedly.

33. remote switch modules according to claim 32, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises housing, described housing is configured to and the thickness around attachment location of described universal power supply socket and mating shapes, make when described remote switch module is attached to described universal power supply socket, system has the outward appearance flushed.

34. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 to 33, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises at least one indicating device of the electric power supply condition being used to indicate at least one socket described, and described controller communication module is by the state transfer of at least one socket described extremely described remote switch module.

35. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 to 33, wherein, described remote switch module also comprises the indicating device of the power state being used to indicate described remote switch module.

36. remote switch modules according to any one in claim 24 to 36, wherein, described remote switch module stores one or more authorization key, and one or more authorization key described is used for checking: described remote switch module is authorized to control at least one socket of universal power supply socket.