GB2490142A

GB2490142A - Electrical fittings with grouped terminals

Info

Publication number: GB2490142A
Application number: GB1106620.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Avtarjeet Singh Dhanjal
Original assignee: 21 SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: 21 SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-19
Filing date: 2011-04-19
Publication date: 2012-10-24
Also published as: GB201106620D0

Abstract

Electrical fittings, such as wall sockets and light switches, are made easier to connect by bringing a plurality of in-feed connection points 42L, 42E, 42N to a single location, and arranged in rows, sets or groups. The in-feed points in each set may be arranged in a logical sequence of Live, Earth and Neutral (matching that in flat sheathed cables). A second set of terminals may also be provided, as may an additional earth terminal. The terminals may be screw terminals, push-in terminals, or use a plug and socket.

Description

Modular Connect Electrical Fittings The present invention pertains to the domain of electrical Plugs, Sockets & Switches. Particularly, the invention relates to such fittings disclosing simpler & secure wiring system/s.

Over the years, various types of electrical plugs & sockets and other electrical fittings (hereafter referred fittings') have been developed of different shapes and sizes. The most common electrical fittings, especially sockets and switches used today were designed decades ago using an archaic connection/wiring system, where a plurality of hard metal conductors need to be partly stripped and connected to different in-feed points/apertures on the back of such fittings. 21st century working environs and working practices need a more efficient connection system/method for these fittings, when more of them are required in our daily life.

Manufacturers often modify the fascia plates of these fittings basically giving customers sense of more choice, but not much has changed in the way these fittings are wired/connected, leaving installers/electricians to struggle to wire and install these fittings. It is normal thinking among the manufacturers that electrician must learn to install these fittings without complaining and consider these tasks as part of the job of electricians. As a result the connections of these fittings DO get loose first while mounting them to the mounting boxes, and later this loosening process continues in situ due to environmental vibrations, especially wherein these fittings are installed in buildings located close to the railway tracks, airports and those housing heavy machinery.

Some of the known art in this domain has been discussed below. One of the earliest US patent for such a system is disclosed in US Patent No 2,433,917 filed on July 15, 1944, by WJ McCartney.

This document discloses that electrical wires terminate into a box, providing a 2 pin female socket that can receive 2 male pins/prongs mounted on back of the socket plate.

There have been numerous further documents; those disclose slight improvements on to this connection method disclosed in the above document, with a few exceptions, these are discussed below: US Patent 4,842,551 of June 27, 1989 introduces a different connection method by terminating supply wires/cables into a connector that fits to the wall of the mounting box, from this point a plurality of flexible wires are used to extend electrical signals to the socket. This invention further uses a female plug that slides frictionally on to a number of protruding pins/prongs for connection to the sockets. But using this invention, the mains ring/circuit is completed only through the socket assembly. Implications of this approach is that the mains ring/circuit can NOT be completed and tested until the time socket plate is installed during the Second Fix (Makeup Phase) of the construction.

US 7052313 B2 by Gorman et al filed on 20.04.2005 discloses the use of auxiliary wires fitted in the back of a secondary plate on one end and individual push-in connectors on the other. This secondary plate has apertures to receive prongs from the Socket plate. This invention suffers from too many connections in the way to completing the mains circuit/ring that provides the electrical power to these sockets.

There further 3 UK documents to be considered in this case.

GB 2374737 B Hager Engineering Ltd filed on 12.04.2002 introduces additional accessories in one part of a UK double socket, but indicates NO new arrangement for connection/wiring system.

GB 2445110 A by Schneider Electric Ltd filled on 21.12.2007 discloses the termination of electric wires using a pluggable system outside the walls from where the auxiliary wires are extended to supply electrical signals to the back of the standard UK socket.

Inventions disclosed in above documents offer various ways to extend electrical signals to the back of the accessories/fittings, making it more and more complex with additional entities on route.

NONE of the inventions introduced any NEW design, system of receiving/connecting electrical signals to the sockets or other such accessories. The present invention introduces a completely new layout of in-feed points/apertures and has brought them to a single location.

The present invention aims to solve, at least partly, some of the abovementioned problems and issues.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical fitting comprising: a plurality of in-feed points, wherein: the in-feed points are connectable to electrical wires; the plurality of in-feed points are grouped into at least one set; and within a set, the plurality of in-feed points are located adjacent to each other in a row.

The plurality of in-feed points for SOCKETS can be arranged in a sequence of Live, Earth and Neutral, wherein the wires/conductors are sheathed into flat electrical cables.

The plurality of in4eed points for SWITCHES can arranged in a sequence of Live, Common, Earth and Neutral, wherein wires/conductors are sheathed into flat electrical cables.

The electrical fitting can comprise more than one set of in-feed points, wherein the sets are located at different locations on the electrical fitting, wherein the electrical fitting is arranged receives more than one electrical wire from more than one direction.

The electrical fitting can comprise an additional earthing point.

The earthing wire part of the in-feed conductors may be directly connected to an earthing Point.

The wires can be connectable to the in-feed points by any one or more of the following: metal screws holding the bare ends of the wires; a push-in system where bare ends of the wires are held using a spring action; the un-striped/insulated wire-end are connected using penetrating screws/pins; and a plug-in system wherein the ring/circuit wires terminate into a modular connector and the electrical signals are extended using plurality of flexible wires having a female plug on the other end that connects frictionally to the body of the electrical fitting.

The electrical fitting may be one or more of the following: an electrical socket; an electrical switch; and an electrical light-fitting.

Terms such as wire/s cable/s, socket/s plug/s are very generic terms, but for purpose of this invention, reference to wires, cables, sockets, plugs and others terms applicable particularly but not exclusively in context of electrical fittings used in domestic and commercial buildings, where normal 230 volts power supply is permitted in UK and some other countries may have different voltage as standard electrical supply, has been provided below.

Wire is a single or multiple strands woven into a single rope/string of metal conductor/s bare or covered with a protective layer of insulation material; Cable is a plurality of wires packed in a protective sheathing of a harder material to protect internal wires from damage when installed in an unprotected environment such as under timber floors, in studded partitions or in ceilings without need for any additional protection; Flexible Cable (Flex) is used in open environment normally to connect an equipment/gadget to a power sources using a suitable plug to connect to available socket. A Flex is normally manufactured using several fine conductor wires like a string/rope within an insulating cover to make it more flexible.

Additionally, insulation material used for sheathing a Flex is more flexible; Electrical Socket an electrical outlet, power point usually fitted in walls of a building with a configuration of plurality of receiving apertures suitable to receive a standard power/electrical plug of a configuration that may vary from industry to industry and from country to country. This configuration of electrical plug/s and socket/s may also vary within a country from one particular situation to another; Consumer Unit also known as Distribution Box is a box normally located next to electricity meter in a building at entry point of power supply to buildings. Its function is what its name says to distribute power supply via various channels/circuits in to the building. It normally houses several fuses/RODs, one for each channel/circuit that starts from the box and ends in the box; Mounting Box may be made of metal, plastic, wood or of another material suitable to mount/host an electrical socket, switch or plurality of such fitting/s; Ring/Circuit a term used in context of wiring ring/circuit that starts from distribution box and ends in distribution box, completing the ring/circuit. Each building may have more than one circuits/channels for power and lighting.

Spur is a wire/cable used to extend power supply from an electrical circuit to a point that is not included in planned power circuit or for some safety reason, electrical engineer/electrician chose to add an additional fitting on the spur; First Fix is a term used in building industry for installing first essentials such as cables for electric installations. This term is also used in other operations in the process of building such as plumbing and joinery work; Second Fix is used again in building industry when power sockets/switches/lights are installed; Modular Connector is a commonly used term for hardware that has male parts of a connector to extend electrical signals between two parts often connected to suitable wires/cables or to a fitting. In relation to the present invention, a connector connects two ends of cable that forms part of electrical circuit/ring to complete the circuit. It may also have a plurality of female socket/s allowing a male plug/s to draw electrical power to connect to a fitting such as wall socket/switch or any other fitting.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which: FIG Olr Expresses a Front Elevation view of the present invention a single socket (used here as an example); expressing no visible change from a common socket, similarity extends only on the face of it.

FIG 02-03. Express the Rear and Bottom Elevation views of the First embodiment of the present invention; where a single socket discloses a new layout where all in-feed points are grouped together to a single location, but using an arrangement of bare-end conductors to be pushed-in to connection points/apertures 43L, 43E and 43N and to be held in place with metal screws.

FIG. 04-05 Expresses a Rear & Bottom Elevation view of the Second embodiment of the present invention expressing the new layout of the in-feed connections to a single location (as above), but using an arrangement of bare-end conductors to be pushed-in to connection points/apertures 43L, 43E and 43N and to be held in place using spring action without any screws.

FIG. 06-07 depicts the Rear & Bottom Elevation view of the third embodiment of the present invention, where Mains Ring conductors terminate into a Modular Connector, using a plurality of flexible wires from the Modular Connector to a female plug on the other; that slides frictionally over the protruding pins.

FIG. 08-09. Depicts a rear elevation of 2 sets/groups of in-feed points and an additional Earthing pjgj, using either traditional method of holding bare-end conductors within conductors are held by a spring action.

FIG. 10 Expresses the Front Elevation view of the present invention a single SWITCH (used here as an example); expressing no visible change from a common switch, similarity extends only on the face of it.

FIG 11-12 Depicts the Rear Elevation view of the another embodiment of the present invention a single SWITCH (used here as an example); particularly relates to switches, a plurality of in-feed connection points to a single location, and arranged in rows; each set arranged in a logical seguence of Live, Common, Earth and Neutral (as in flat sheathed 4 core cables) and using simpler and safer connection methods as above has been disclosed. These embodiments of the invention used here to connect a switch, in one embodiment a switch may be connected to a plurality of wires either from the top or the bottom of the fitting.

Other arrangements and embodiments, advantages and features thereof, may become apparent

from the following detailed description.

Most models of sockets and switches in the market today have been designed to give a choice of shapes and materials of the exteriors to the customer. An alternative, convenient method of connecting these fittings has not received much attention to date. The currently used connection methods designed in the middle of the last century has not seen any changes to date and is considered a standard to those in the art.

This invention provides a new back-end design modular layout for electrical fittings such as sockets and switches used in domestic and commercial buildings (in the UK and around the world).

The invention provides a simple connection method by bringing a plurality of in-feed connection points to a single location, instead of a number of differently located points used at present. These in-feed points are further seguenced in a manner, when an electrician or an installers brings in the electrical wires, those are more often sheathed into a flat cable, invariably these individual wires are arranged in a manner of Live' (normally insulated), Earth' (normally bare) and Neutral' (again insulated).

These individual wires are colour coded in a manner of Live' (insulated, normally Red or Brown), Earth' (Green or Green/Yellow where insulated) and Neutral' (Black or Blue).

This invention also provides a variety of connection methods which are simpler & more secure than currently used for electrical sockets and switches in UK and elsewhere.

The present invention uses a number of in-feed connection methods. Some of these connection methods include but not limited to a friction plug system, push-in connections, or keeping the present system where plurality of conductors with bare-end are held by metal screws. The connection methods may include use of un-striped wire ends in to the connection point using penetrating screw to cut through the insulation/s to make connection/s.

The present invention may have more than one set of in-feed points so that in-feed cables may be connected either from the bottom or from the top.

The present invention has a provision for an integral switch. The switch type may include, but is not limited to, a rocker, push button, lighted, trip switch or may include an MCB.

The present invention can be used in combination with a Modular Connector, wherein a plurality of flexible wires connected to the Modular Connector on one end and a female socket on the other, which can extend electrical signals to sockets and switches.

FIG 01. Expresses the Front Elevation view of the present invention a modular single socket (used here as an example); expressing no visible change from the normal socket though only on the face of it; but a new connection method on the rear will be expressed in following embodiments.

FIG 02. Expresses the Rear Elevation view of the First embodiment of the present invention a modular single socket; expressing a new layout of the in-feed points grouped together to a single location, and arranged in a logical seguence. For example power cable used for connecting power sockets comes in sheathed 3 core flat cable and the 3 wires/conductors are invariably arranged in an order of Live, Earth and Neutral, one embodiment of the present invention, a power socket is equipped with row/set of in-feed points in the same sequence, making it very simple to connect to in-feed wires.

This embodiment of the invention expresses an arrangement for bare-end conductors to be held with metal screws directly connecting the power supply to the socket. The same embodiment may also be used with a combination of penetrating screws (l3Lp and l3Np) to connection to the insulated ends of the Live and Neutral conductors (not shown separately in any of the figures).

FIG. 03. Expresses the Bottom Elevation view of the First embodiment of the present invention a modular single socket (as in preceding drawing) expressing new layout of the in-feed connections to a single location, with arrangement for bare-end conductors to be held with metal screws directly connecting the power supply to the socket.

FIG. 04. Expresses the Rear Elevation view of the Second embodiment of the present invention a modular single socket; expressing, new layout of the in-feed connections to a single location (as above) but using an arrangement for the in-feed bare-end conductors to be pushed-in to in-feed points/apertures 43L, 43E and 43N and to be held in place using spring action.

FIG. 05. shows the Bottom Elevation view of the preceding Second embodiment expressing, new layout of the in-feed connections to a single location (as above) but using an arrangement for bare-end conductors are pushed-in to in-feed connections/apertures 43L, 43E and 43N and to be held in place using spring action. This view also expresses double apertures for each terminal to receive two bare-end conductors.

FIG. 06 depicts the Rear Elevation view of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this version the power supply is connected to the socket in a manner where the Mains Ring conductors terminate into a Modular Connector (01). This allows electrical power supply to be connected to a socket (04) using a plurality of flexible wires (22L, 22E & 22L) and a female plug (02F) on the other end.

The female plug (02F) slides frictionally over the protruding pins (41L, 41E & 41N) making this invention easy to connect and disconnect without using any tools.

FIG. 07 expresses a Bottom Elevation view of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this version, the power supply is connected to the socket in a manner where the Mains Ring conductors terminate into a Modular Connector (01). This allows electrical power supply to be connected to a socket from Modular Connector (01) using a plurality of auxiliary flexible wires, connected to the Modular Connector on one end, and a female plug (02F) on the other end. The female plug (02F) slides frictionally over the protruding pins/prongs (41N. 41E &41N). This view also expresses another view of the female plug (02F) that mates frictionally over the protruding male pins/prongs (41 L, 41 E & 41 N) from the body of the socket.

The previous three embodiments had only one set of in-feed points on a single location. FIG 8 depicts a fourth embodiment of the present invention which offers more than one set of in-feed connection points (42L, 42E & 42N) and an additional Earthinci point, making it convenient to connect the supply cable (03) as the supply cable (03) may be fed either from bottom or from top direction. This embodiment can use the traditional method of holding bare-end conductors with metal screws (13L, 13E & 13N).

Some of the previous embodiments used traditional method of holding bare-end conductors by metal screws. The embodiment shown in FIG 09 uses the bare-end push in method of connection (as also shown by the Second embodiment). This embodiment also offers, as the previous embodiment, 2 sets of in-feed connections and an additional Earthing point, making it convenient to connect when the supply cable may be fed from either from the bottom or the top direction.

FIG 10. Expresses a Front Elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention: a single SWITCH (used here as an example). The switch expresses no visible change from the normal switch on the face of it. However, a new connection method on the rear will be expressed in following embodiments.

FIG 11. Expresses a Rear Elevation view of the single SWITCH. The switch has the new layout of the in-feed connection points to a single location (similarly to the preceding embodiment), with an arrangement for bare-end conductors using metal screws or push-in system or any other such method for connection. In this view the cable is fed from the top to connect directly to the switch. This embodiment also discloses additional Earth ing point for the switch to be earthed as required.

FIG 12. Expresses a Rear Elevation view of the single The switch has the new layout of the in-feed connection points to a single location, with an arrangement for bare-end conductors using metal screws or push-in system or any other such method for connection. In this view the cable is fed from the top but bent to connect to the switch from the bottom.

In addition, the present invention saves on the material and labour required for establishing electrical connections, wherein traditional sockets and switches have their in-feed apertures located different locations, the electricians have to keep much longer tails of the wiring cables, whereas the present invention has brought all in-feed apertures to one location, arranged in row and in a sequence whereas no individual wires needs to of different length or crossed over.

As a result, waste of material (copper wire/conductors) is minimal. For electricians and other installers the wiring process is simplified, as they need to strip a very small end of the cable, and since the individual wires in the cable and in-feed apertures of the fittings are arranged in tendon; the wiring process is simplified; since most connections are simplified and leaving very little to chance of any wrong connection. Because of simplicity of the wiring maintenance of electrical installations is also reduced to a minimum. The advantages clearly show that the present invention is environmental friendly as it saves on material and on installation and later on maintenance.

Lastly, it should also be noted whilst the present invention set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of said invention is not limited to the particular combinations here claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed. In particular, features of any embodiment or arrangement described herein may be combined with features of any other embodiments that are herein disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical fitting comprising: a plurality of in-feed points, wherein: the in-feed points are connectable to electrical wires; the plurality of in-feed points are grouped into at least one set; and within a set, the plurality of in-feed points are located adjacent to each other in a row.
2. The electrical fitting according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of in-feed points for SOCKETS are arranged in a sequence of Live, Earth and Neutral, wherein the wires/conductors are normally sheathed into flat electrical cables using same sequence.
3. The electrical fitting according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of in-feed points for SWITCHES are arranged in a sequence of Live, Common, Earth and Neutral, wherein wires/conductors are sheathed into flat electrical cables.
4. The electrical fitting according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein comprising more than one group/set of in-feed points, wherein the sets are located at but sited at different locations on an electrical fitting, to receive plurality of wires from different directions as the need may be.
5. The electrical fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional earthing point.
6. The electrical fitting according to the preceding claim, wherein the earthing wire part of the in-feed conductors may be directly connected to an earthing Point.
7. The electrical fitting according to ay one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires are connectable to the in-feed points by any one or more of the following: metal screws holding the bare ends of the wires; a push-in system where bare ends of the wires are held using a spring action; the un-striped/insulated wire-end are connected using penetrating screws/pins; and a plug-in system wherein the ring/circuit wires terminate into a modular connector and the electrical signals are extended using plurality of flexible wires having a female plug on the other end that connects frictionally to the body of the electrical fitting.
8. The electrical fitting in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical fitting is any one or more of the following: an electrical socket; an electrical switch; and an electrical light-fitting.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS1. On the back of an electrical accessory (Socket or Switch) the in-feed points are connectable directly to electrical wires/conductors using various connecting methods including a slide/push on plug; the plurality of in-feed points are arranged into at a single location; and in-feed points are arranged in a row and in a logical sequence; 2. According to claim 01 the in-feed points on the back of electrical Sockets & Switches are connectable directly to electrical wires/conductors by any one or more of the following methods: a. the bare ends of wires are held using metal screws; b. a push-in system -where bare-ends of the wires are held using a spring action; c. un-striped/insulated wire-end are connected using penetrating screws/pins;ORd. a plug-in system wherein the ring/circuit wres terminate into a modular connector and the electrical signals are extended using plurality of flexible auxiliary wires connected a female plug cc on the other end that connects frictionally to the body of the electrical fitting.3. According to any of previous claims, wherein the plurality of in-feed points are arranged in rows but in a sequence, as the wires/conductors are normally sheathed into flat electrical cables.4. According to any of previous claims, wherein the accessory is equipped with more than one tier of in-feed points, to allow plurality of sets if wires connected directly to the accessory.5. According to of claim 1, back of electrical Sockets & Switches may comprise more than one group/set of in-feed points, an additional set's may be located at different location/s on the electrical fitting, to receive plurality of wires from different directions as the need may be.6. An electrical accessory (Socket or Switch) constructed and arranged to operate substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.