GB2573003A

GB2573003A - An electrical socket device

Info

Publication number: GB2573003A
Application number: GB1806392.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Hoyle Dominic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-19
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2019-10-23
Also published as: GB201806392D0

Abstract

An electrical socket device 99 has a fascia 1 and a platform 2, wherein the platform is arranged horizontally above and orthogonal to the fascia 1. The device 99 comprises an inductive charging coil (12, figure 6) arranged to charge electronic equipment placed on the platform 2. The platform 2 may be hinged to the fascia 1. Bluetooth (RTM) or Near Field Communication may be used to allow the device 99 to activate or communicate with electronic equipment in proximity. The device 99 may also allow remote cancellation of charging.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical socket device, in particular a device for providing wireless charging at an electrical socket; more particularly but not exclusively a replacement electrical socket enabling simultaneous wireless charging and charging via a wire connection.

Background

Increasing proliferation of electronic equipment and particularly personal electronic equipment is a feature in many societies.

Such devices typically require frequent or daily charging to maintain sufficient battery lives for the user’s needs.

This can lead to problematic wiring reaching around, and can be inconvenient. As a result wireless charging of the batteries of such equipment has become increasingly common, typically using induction charging devices. This will however typically need to be plugged into electrical outlets such as wall sockets, leading to wiring still

Prior Art

CN 105 071 170 (QU) invention discloses a wireless charging socket which comprises a wall portion embedded on a wall and a supporting plate portion with a wireless charging unit, wherein the supporting plate portion is rotatably connected with the wall portion, and the supporting plate portion under a buckled state is buckled onto the wall portion. The supporting plate portion under an unfolded state supports a wireless charging device. The wireless charging unit is arranged on the supporting plate portion and supports one side of the wireless charging device during a charging process.

GB 2 540 347 (LAURENCE et al) discloses an electrical output socket containing the additional necessary circuitry and mechanical interface to provide inductive charging for one or more cordless devices. The outlet may be connected to the main electricity supply or via an isolating transformer. Additional circuitry provides power to an inductive charging position. The outlet may have a method for holding the device such as a shelf or a clip, which may be folded into the outlet when not in use.

CN 204 424 615 (FANG) discloses a wireless charging socket. The wireless charging socket comprises a socket body, a panel, a mobile phone carrier plate and a PCB which is arranged in the socket body and is provided with a wireless charging emitter and a power supply plug interface. The panel covers an opening of the socket body. The bottom of the mobile phone carrier plate is hinged to the bottom of the panel, and can rotate about a hinge shaft to cling to the panel or form an angle of less than 90 degrees with the panel.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical socket device comprising a fascia which is connected to a platform, wherein in use the platform is arranged substantially horizontal with respect to the fascia and is located above and substantially orthogonal to the fascia and wherein the device comprises an inductive charging coil arranged to charge electronic equipment placed on the platform.

In this way the device enables multiple charging of multiple electronic devices.

In some embodiments the socket comprises a hinge or pivot, which may be arranged to join the socket to the platform. The hinge may comprise a flap-stay hinge and/or a locking mechanism.

The platform may in some embodiments therefore may be envisaged to hinge from a first substantially vertical position covering the fascia, to a second position where the platform is substantially horizontal.

The platform may comprise an indented or reduced lower face so as to accommodate plugs in the fascia, wires from the plugs and/or the fascia switches.

In the second position the hinge or pivot may be arranged to lock so as to create a fixed second position, and limit chances of any equipment being charged displacing the platform into the first position.

Displacement from the second position may require a secondary or related movement. For example in some embodiments the lock may comprise a sliding lock portion. In other embodiments the lock may comprise a brace below the platform or part thereof. In other embodiments the lock may comprise a spring-bias. In still further embodiments the lock may comprise displacement to engage or disengage a bayonet pin.

In some embodiments the socket comprises a single socket or electrical outlet. In other embodiments the socket comprises multiple electrical outlets. In some such embodiments the electrical outlets may comprise different forms of electrical outlet, for example universal serial bus (USB) outlets.

In some embodiments the device comprises an illumination source, for example one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In this way the platform, outlets or device surrounding may be illuminated permanently or occasionally.

In some embodiments the platform comprises raised and lowered parts. For example in some embodiments the platform comprises a equipment pad or location. This pad may comprise raised and lowered parts, and/or rubberised or increased friction material. In this way the equipment may be prevented or limited from movement off or on the device, platform or pad.

In some embodiments the platform or device comprises an equipment securing mechanism or grip. Such grip may be arranged to grip onto or around the equipment so as to limit its movement.

Such grip may comprise one or more gripping arm, which arm may be spring biased or resiliently deformable. In this way the arm may be arranged to clamp down onto or over the equipment in use.

In some embodiments the platform may be arranged to close into the first position even when the outlets are in use. For example the platform may comprise side walls extending a charging surface for the equipment away from a rear face which closes over the outlets.

In some such embodiments the side walls may comprise perforations, for example such that cables may be passed through the side walls to the outlets in use, even when the platform is in the second position.

In some embodiments the device may comprise the fascia and platform in use, for example wherein the platform may be added to a standard fascia so as to create a modified socket capable of providing a wireless charging capability.

For example in some embodiments the platform comprises a fascia attachment means. Embodiments may feature fascia attachment means, platform and joint, wherein the joint enables the platform to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa, and supports the platform on the fascia attachment means.

In some such embodiments for example the fascia attachment means is embodied by a plate or support arranged to fit behind the fascia when installed on a wall. In this way the plate or support may be placed behind the fascia before it is screwed into place.

This may enable a wide variety of fasciae to be available for use with the device of the present invention, as well as allowing easier installation.

In some embodiments the plate may therefore include a central perforation through which the wiring and terminals for the fascia are passed during installation. In some embodiments the plate is discontinuous, or comprises displaceable parts such the plate may be installed behind the fascia without removing or disconnecting any wiring.

In some embodiments the wiring for the charging coil is arranged to be easily engaged with the existing socket.

For example the platform and charging coil may be plugged into an electrical outlet for use, wherein the platform provides a plug for easy connection to existing electrical pathways. In some embodiments the platform may connect electrically behind the existing fascia, for example into existing terminals, and may for example comprise a local or remote activation control. Some embodiments of the device may for example comprise wireless connectivity or inter-machine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) or Near Field Communication (NFC). In this way the device may be arranged to activate or communicate with the equipment wirelessly when in proximity.

In this way the device may enable remote cancellation of charging output to the platform, and/or enable the platform to be activated, or a charging output level to be set remotely and/or ensure that the platform is only operational when the equipment to be charged is located in the vicinity. Advantageously such features minimise electricity usage.

It may be envisaged that embodiments comprising platforms arranged to connect with or be supported by existing fasciae may comprise enhanced vertical and hinging support, and/or dispense with the joint. For example the support may comprise bracing or triangular sides, arranged to brace the platform at the sides.

The wireless charging coil may comprise an oscillating module, a rectifier voltage reduction module, a power management module, and a Bluetooth (RTM) communications module such that the oscillating module receives a signal and conducts a magnetic resonance to generate AC, the rectifier voltage reduction module rectifies and reduces a voltage of the AC and then outputs a DC reference voltage, and the power management module reduces the reference voltage and then outputs a charging voltage to charge the equipment.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a light source. This may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) which may indicate charging status. The device may further comprise over-charging or timer shut-off capabilities. For example the device may comprise a time switch, such that when an electric appliance is charged, a time period can be set, and once the time is reached, the platform powers off automatically.

In some embodiments the device may comprise different charging outputs, for example such that when a control is operated the device may charge at a different output, for example for time-limited quick-charging.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, in the second position;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 4 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in the first position;

Figure 5 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

And

Figure 7 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is generally shown an embodiment of the device generally comprising an electrical socket device 99 comprising a fascia 1 and a platform 2, wherein the platform is arranged for use substantially horizontal and located above and substantially orthogonal to the fascia 1 and wherein the platform comprises an inductive charging coil 12 arranged to charge electronic equipment placed on the platform.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in the Figures the embodiment comprises a combined platform and fascia device 99 comprising a platform 2 hinged at flapstay hinges 10 to the fascia 1, from the top edge of the fascia 1.

The embodiment is provided in two and single outlets with switches 9. Further embodiments may also comprise USB outlets and/or LEDs to indicate status.

So as to permit simultaneous charging via a conventional charger and the inductive coil or coupler.

The platform comprises a top surface having an indentation 13 for receipt of a central circular equipment holder pad 3. The holder comprises a rubber coating or body, with raised and lowered parts to further increase friction on the equipment laid on the holder.

The platform further comprises an internal electric coil 12, for charging the equipment in use, all encased in a thermoplastics housing formed in a similar manner to the fascia, or a standard socket fascia.

This is held with an enclosure defined by the bottom surface 6 of the platform. The coil 12 is wired through the hinges 10 and wiring 11 to connect into a bespoke connector block 7 wired to the fascia’s connector blocks 8.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. An electrical socket device comprising a fascia and a platform, wherein the platform is arranged substantially horizontal and located above and substantially orthogonal to the fascia and wherein the device comprises an inductive charging coil arranged to charge electronic equipment placed on the platform.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the platform comprises an inductive charging coil.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the platform and fascia are hinged together at a hinge.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the platform, hinge and fascia are formed as a single part.

5. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the platform is for placement behind the fascia.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises a rubber pad for placement of electronic equipment.

7. A device according to any preceding claim comprising universal serial bus outlets.

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a timer shut-off.

9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising variant charging output standards.