GB2372636A

GB2372636A - Electricity supply interface

Info

Publication number: GB2372636A
Application number: GB0104361A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henryk Michalski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-22
Filing date: 2001-02-22
Publication date: 2002-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-22
Also published as: GB0104361D0; GB2372636B

Abstract

A kit of parts for an electricity-supply controller assembly comprises a base plate 1 and a cover plate 6 wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a bayonet mechanism.

Description

ELECTRICITY-SUPPLY INTERFACE This invention relates to an interface with an electricity supply. In particular, this invention relates to an interface for controlling the state and extent of power output from an electricity source.

Typically, an interface between an electricity supply and a device or utility that requires power output takes the form of a switch and/or a rheostat mounted on a wall on screw-mounted plate. In order to inspect, replace or repair any aspect of the interface requires careful dismantling of the plate from the wall in order to access the electrical components.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose interface between a user and a device that is easy to access for inspection, service or adaptation as well as being more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for an electricity-supply controller assembly comprising a base plate and a cover plate wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a bayonet mechanism.

Typically, the kit further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU).

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for an electricity-supply controller assembly comprising a base plate having an electronic control unit disposed thereon and a cover plate wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate.

In one embodiment, the cover plate covers substantially all of the surface of the base plate.

The cover plate may be rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a thread and bore mechanism.

Preferably, the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by an engage and rotate mechanism. For example, the cover plate may be rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a bayonet mechanism (a push and twist mechanism).

Typically, the base plate has one or more recesses and the cover plate has one or more lug clips for engaging with said recesses.

The ECU enables power to be derived from a standard domestic mains supply to power a device or utility, for example a light bulb.

The ECU may incorporate a microprocessor, and/or non & volatile memory, and/or a radio receiver and/or a power supply.

Preferably, the ECU is responsive to control means.

Preferably, the cover plate has an area for receiving control means.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises control means for positioning in said cover plate.

Typically, the control means controls the ON/OFF state and/or power output of the electricity supply.

The control means may be actuated by a mechanical and/or an optical and/or a proximity mechanism.

In one embodiment, the control means is sensitive to the duration of the actuation mechanism.

Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises a mains isolation switch. The ON/OFF mains power isolation switch, when switched to the OFF position, may provide isolation from mains electricity and therefore safe servicing of the assembly.

The mains isolation switch may be mechanical and/or electronic solid state.

The ECU may also receive radio control code command signals from a remote control unit for the purpose of dimming/brightening/ON/OFF/resetting devices, e. g. light bulb (s), from a distance, therefore obviating the need to be inline with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the control means is remotely activated.

Therefore, the kit of parts may further comprise a remote control unit.

In another aspect, the invention provides a cover plate for use in the kits of parts as defined above.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides control means specifically adapted for use with the cover plate and/or the kit of parts as defined above.

The invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying nonlimiting drawings in which : Figure 1 shows a front view of the base plate in accordance with one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the base plate shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a sectional view through the base plate shown in Figures 1 and 2 along lines AA' ; Figure 4 shows a front view of a cover plate in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the cover plate shown in Figure 4 along lines BB' ; Figure 6 shows a front view of a touch plate in accordance with one aspect of the invention; Figure 7 shows a side view of a mains switch in accordance with one aspect of the invention; and, Figure 8 shows a side view of a spring-loaded probe in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

Referring now to the Figures, the electricity-supply controller assembly illustrated is for controlling the power output to a light bulb. The base plate 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to be fitted on to a wall. In the case illustrated, two screws (not shown) affix the base plate 1 to the wall through two recessed cavities 3. When the screws fasten the base cover 1 to the wall, the screw heads are countersunk into each cavity 3 so as not to obstruct or intrude upon a recessed area 11 in the plate 1. The rear side 5 of the base plate 1 contains an electronic control unit (ECU, not shown) linked to two metal spring-loaded probes 16 protruding from two holes 4 positioned in the recess area 11.

The recessed area 11 on the base plate 1 receives a cover plate 6. The cover plate 6 is a flat circular disk with four protruding lug clips 7 moulded equidistant around the periphery. A circular collar 12 on the base plate 1 aids the alignment of the cover plate 6. Four rectangular arched apertures 2 on the base plate 1 are entry points for the four moulded lug clips 7 spaced about the cover plate 6.

When the cover plate is fitted onto the base plate 1, the cover plate 6 covers any screw heads and metal spring-loaded probes 16 which protrude from the holes 4.

On the front of the cover plate 6 is a recessed area 8. A centralised hole 10 assists in the positioning of the cover plate 6 onto the base plate 1. To fit the cover plate 6 to the base plate 1 requires the alignment of the four lug clips 7 with the four rectangular arched apertures 2. The cover plate 6 is subsequently pushed fully into the recessed area 11 on the base plate 1. The cover plate 6 is then rotated in a clock-wise direction until the small semi circular step 17 on each lug clip 7 slips into the rectangular recesses 18 on the base plate 1. During the rotation step, the cover plate 6 rotates around a fixed circular collar 12 on the base plate 1.

The use of lug clips 7 alleviates the need for screws to hold the cover plate 6 in place. When the cover plate 6 is fitted onto the base plate, no screw, plastic or metal fitting can be seen from the front or from the sides of the assembly.

When the cover plate 6 is locked into place, the cover plate sits flush against the base plate 1. To unlock the cover plate 6, the plate is rotated anticlockwise until the lug clips 7 have translated through the arched apertures 2.

The cover plate can thus be easily removed.

The base plate facilitates all the requirements for attaching electronic and mechanical hardware and may be in any shape or form.

The ECU enables power to be derived from a standard domestic mains supply to power a device or utility, for example a light bulb. The ECU may also receive radio control code command signals from a remote control unit for the purpose of dimming/brightening/ON/OFF/resetting devices, e. g. light bulb (s), from a distance, therefore obviating the need to be inline with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

The cover plate fulfils several functions. When attached to the base plate, the cover plate will cover and hide the base plate fixing screw heads; the cover plate provides a receptacle for control means such as an exterior touch, push or monitor plate surface, which can be of any size, dimension and pattern; moreover, the cover plate is easily fixable and removable if and when required so as to provide access to the base fixing screws and ECU. The control means takes the form of a control (touch) plate 13 that is positionable on the recessed area 8 on the cover plate 6. The touch plate 13 acts as an interface between a user and the control electronics (ECU). The touch plate 13 detects a user's electrical or electro-static energy signals via the metal spring-loaded probe 16, and a signal is then routed by high electrically resistant components to the ECU. The signal is tested and verified to ensure that it is not simply random electrical noise, the current state of the light bulb is considered, and then appropriate action is taken by the ECU to change the state of the light bulb to ON (to a preset power output level)/Full brightness/OFF. Two touch plates 13 and two spring-loaded probes 16 can be fitted at the same time to achieve manual dimming/brightening/ON/OFF control of a light bulb.

The control/touch plate provides an interface between a user and several control functions, e. g. lighting control functions, such as: turning the lights ON (from OFF) to a user's preset light level ; setting the light level to full brightness; turning the lights OFF. The control/touch plate may be metallic and/or non-metallic, and a mechanical and/or optical switch and/or proximity circuit.

The ON/OFF mains power switch 15, which is located in the centre 10 of the base plate 1 and fitted into the fixed circular collar 12, provides appropriate means to isolate the system from mains electricity. When in the OFF position, the ECU, touch plate 13 and light bulb (s), in the light system connected to the unit, are mains isolated.

Switching on the power switch 15 provides power to the ECU, which in turn bring the light bulb (s) connected to the assembly, to full brightness potential.

The ON/OFF mains power switch, when switched to the OFF position, provides save isolation from mains electricity and therefore enables safe servicing, e. g. the safe fitting and removing of light bulb (s). The power switch can be of a mechanical and/or electronic solid-state nature and its location arbitrary. The fitting of an ON/OFF mains power switch may be optional as long as the base unit assembly is powered from a fused spur.

The system for controlling the brightness of the light bulb comprises a remote control transmitter and an ECU (neither shown).

The remote control incorporates two buttons. On pushing one or both buttons together, a coded command signal (for example, radio, infra-red, and/or microwave) is transmitted. On receiving one of these commands, the ECU evaluates its current light bulb status and if appropriate, provides power for dimming, brightening, ON, OFF or resetting of the light bulb brightness. Light bulb power output is controlled by phase firing of a triac controlled by the ECU. Phase control firing of a relay, MOSFET, and/or transistor is possible.

The touch plate enhances the system's functionality. An initial touch may switch a light bulb on to a user's preset power level. A continuous touch may turn the light on to full brightness/full power. A momentary touch may turn the lights ON or OFF. To preset a new power output to the light bulb, the remote control may be used in conjunction with the touch plate to program and store the new light level in to memory.

It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims.

Claims

Claims :- 1. A kit of parts for an electricity-supply controller assembly comprising a base plate and a cover plate wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a bayonet mechanism.
2. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an electronic control unit (ECU).
3. A kit of parts for an electricity-supply controller assembly comprising a base plate having an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed thereon and a cover plate wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate.
4. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a thread and bore mechanism.
5. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by an engage and rotate mechanism.
6. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein. the cover plate is rotatably interlockable with the base plate by a bayonet mechanism.
7. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate covers substantially all of the surface of the base plate.
8. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base plate has one or more recesses and the cover plate has one or more lug clips for engaging with said recesses.
9. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the electronic control unit is responsive to control means.
10. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate has an area for receiving control means.
11. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a control means for positioning in said cover plate.
12. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control means controls the ON/OFF state and/or power output of the electricity supply.
13. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the control means is actuated by a mechanical and/or an optical and/or a proximity mechanism.
14. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the control means is sensitive to the duration of the actuation mechanism.
15. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a mains isolation switch.
16. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mains isolation switch is mechanical and/or electronic solid state.
17. A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein the control means is remotely activated.
18. A kit of parts as claimed any one of the preceding claims further comprising a remote control unit.
19. A kit of parts substantially as defined hereinabove and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A cover plate for use with the kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19.
21. A cover plate substantially as defined hereinabove and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. Control means specifically adapted for use with the cover plate as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 or the kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19.
23. Control means substantially as defined hereinabove and with reference to the accompanying drawings.