WO2020100121A1

WO2020100121A1 - A plug and play type electrical switchboard

Info

Publication number: WO2020100121A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059876
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rakesh Baloda; Ajay Parmar
Original assignee: Rakesh Baloda; Ajay Parmar
Priority date: 2018-11-17
Filing date: 2019-11-18
Publication date: 2020-05-22

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical switchboards and discloses a plug and play type electric switchboard (100) comprising a wall-mounted housing (110), a plurality of first connectors (112), and at least one switchboard component (102, 106). The housing (110) is defined by at least one niche (116) having a plurality of apertures (114) configured thereon to receive electric wires. The first connectors (112) are received in the apertures (114) to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires. The switchboard component (102, 106) is provided with a plurality of second connectors (302) which establish an electrical connection with the first connectors (112). The switchboard component (102, 106) is configured to be snap-locked in the niche (116) in a way that disconnecting the electrical connection between the first and second connectors (112, 302) facilitates easy removal of the switchboard component (102, 106) from the housing (110).

Description

A PLUG AND PLAY TYPE ELECTRICAL SWITCHBOARD

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical switchboards, more particularly, to a plug and play type electrical switchboard. BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Generally, electrical switches and sockets are secured to an electrical board by means of fasteners such as screws. The switches and sockets are liable to get damaged upon the occurrence of faults such as overcurrent and overload. Any damage resulting from sparking or the like will affect the terminals of the socket or switch. When the terminals get damaged to the extent that they are no longer serviceable, a technician is required to replace the switch or the socket.

During repair, the technician needs to turn off the power to the switchboard and detach the damaged switch or socket from the wall. This involves removing or unscrewing the cover plate of the board, unscrewing the terminal screws on the switch or socket and removing the wires from each terminal. The technician is then required to install a new switch or socket and reconnect each wire to its terminal. Replacement of a switch or socket is a tedious task and involves screwing and unscrewing of the frames and the switches/sockets, thereby making it troublesome and time-consuming. In addition to this, a skilled technician is required to perform these operations.

There is, therefore, felt a need for developing a plug and play type electrical switchboard that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a plug and play type electrical switchboard.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a plug and play type electrical switchboard that reduces dependency on a technician.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a plug and play type electrical switchboard that can be easily detached and attached.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a plug and play type electrical switchboard that eliminates the need for replacing the entire switchboard during maintenance and repair.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a plug and play type electrical switchboard is disclosed.

The plug and play type electric switchboard comprises a housing, a plurality of first connectors and at least one switchboard component. The housing is mountable on a wall. The housing is defined by at least one niche having a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures is configured to receive electric wires. The first connectors are adapted to be received in the apertures. The first connectors are configured to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires. The switchboard component is provided with a plurality of second connectors. The second connectors are configured to establish an electrical connection with the first connectors. The switchboard component is configured to be snap-locked in the niche in a way that disconnecting the electrical connection between the first and second connectors facilitates removal and of the switchboard component from the housing.

In an embodiment, at least one first groove and a second groove is configured on top surface and bottom surface of the niche respectively.

In an embodiment, the switchboard component includes a locking means. The locking means is configured to facilitate snap-locking of the switchboard component in the niche.

In an embodiment, the locking means includes: • at least one foot extending from the top edge of the switchboard component to engage with the first groove; and

• a clip configured on the bottom edge of the switchboard, the clip configured to be snap-locked in the second groove.

In an embodiment, the electric switchboard of the present disclosure includes a cover plate detachably secured to the housing.

In an embodiment, each of the first connectors is defined by a base and a conducting element. The base is configured to fit within the aperture to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires. The conducting element extends from the base. The conducting element defines a tubular projection on top surface thereof to receive the second connector therein.

In an embodiment, the switchboard component is a switch.

In another embodiment, the switchboard is a socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A plug and play type electrical switchboard will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a plug and play type electrical switchboard of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the plug and play type electrical switchboard of Figure 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of a first connector of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric rear view of an electrical switch of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates an isometric rear view of an electrical socket of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates an isometric front view of a housing of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure; Figure 7 illustrates an isometric rear view of the housing of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 illustrates an exploded isometric rear view depicting connection between a plurality of first connectors and a plurality of second connectors of the electrical switchboard of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 - Plug and play type electrical switchboard 102 - Electrical socket 104 - Cover plate 106 - Electrical switch

108 - Switch/ Socket Frame 110 - Housing 112 - First connectors 114 - Apertures 116 - Niche of the housing

118 - Second Groove

202 - Conducting element of first connector 204 - Tubular projection of first connector 206 - Base of first connector 302 - Second connectors

304 - Foot

306 - Clip DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising,"“including,” and“having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more.

The plug and play type electric switchboard (hereinafter referred to as“switchboard (100)”), of the present disclosure, is now described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 8.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the plug and play type electric switchboard (100) comprises a housing (110), a plurality of first connectors (112) and at least one switchboard component (102, 106).

Referring to Figures 1, 6 and 7, the housing (110) is mountable on a wall. The housing (110) is defined by at least one niche (116) having a plurality of apertures (114). The apertures (114) are configured to receive electric wires from the wall. The first connectors (112) are adapted to be received in the apertures (114) and are configured to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the switchboard component (102, 106) is provided with a frame (108) and a plurality of second connectors (302). The second connectors (302) are configured to establish an electrical connection with the first connectors (112) in a way that disconnecting the electrical connection between the first and second connectors (112, 302) facilitates removal of the switchboard component (102, 106) from the housing (110).

In an embodiment, at least one first groove is configured on top surface of the niche (116) and a second groove (118) is configured on bottom surface of the niche (116). In an embodiment, the switchboard component (102, 106) includes a locking means. The locking means includes at least one foot (304) extending from the top edge of the switchboard component (102, 106) to engage with the first groove and a clip (306) configured on the bottom edge of the switchboard component (102, 106). The clip (306) is configured to be snap-locked in the second groove (118) of the corresponding niche (116). Thus, the foot (304) and clip (306) of the switchboard component (102, 106) are snap-locked in the first groove and the second grooves (118), respectively, thereby providing snap-lock attachment of the switchboard component (102, 106) in the niche (116) of the housing (110). This facilitates easy removal and replacement of the switchboard component (102, 106) in case of fault or damage. Thus, there is no need of a skilled electrician to replace the faulty switchboard component (102, 106).

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each of the plurality of first connectors (112) is defined by a base (206) and a conducting element (202). The base (206) is configured to fit within the aperture (114) of the housing (110) to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires. The conducting element (202) extends from the base (206). The conducting element (202) defines a tubular projection (204) on top surface thereof to receive the second connectors (302) therein as shown in Figure 8. The conducting element (202) thus provides an electrical connection between the electric wires from the aperture (114) and the second connector (302). Hence, when the switchboard component (102, 106) is snap-locked into the housing (110), the electrical connection is provided to the switchboard component (102, 106) from the electric wires through the apertures (114), to the first connectors (112) and to the second connectors (302) of the switchboard component (102, 106). When the switchboard component (102, 106) is removed from housing (110), the contact between the first connectors (112) and the second connectors (302) is broken, thereby breaking the electrical connection with the switchboard component (102, 106). Hence, a faulty switchboard component (102, 106) can be electrically detached and removed with the help of snap-locking mechanism, and a new switchboard component (102, 106) can be easily inserted in place of the faulty switchboard component (102, 106). There is no need of unscrewing whole switchboard (100) from the wall, removing the faulty switchboard components (102, 106), inserting new switchboard components (102, 106) and screwing the switchboard (100) to the wall. In an embodiment of Figure 2, the conducting element (202) of the first connectors (112) has shorter length.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first connectors (112) for a five pin socket can be arranged in the sequence of Phase, Neutral, ground, Phase, Neutral.

In an embodiment, the switchboard (100) of the present disclosure further comprises a cover plate (104). The cover plate (104) is adapted to be fitted on the housing (110). The cover plate (104) is configured to cover the switchboard component (102, 106). In an embodiment, the switchboard component (102, 106) is a switch (106). In another embodiment, the switchboard component (102, 106) is socket (102). In yet another embodiment, the switchboard (100) comprises a plurality of switchboard components (102, 106) which may include a combination of switches (106) and sockets (102).

In an embodiment, an IoT (Internet of Things) device can be disposed in the housing (110) of the plug and play type of switchboard (100) of the present disclosure, thereby facilitating communication of the switchboard components (102, 106) with a mobile device over the Internet. The IoT device can be further configured to enable remote monitoring and control of the switchboard components (102, 106) of the switchboard (100) using the mobile device.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The technical advancements offered by the system of the present disclosure which add to the economic significance of the disclosure include the realization of a plug and play type electrical switchboard that: • reduces dependency on a technician;

• can be easily detached and installed/ attached on a wall; and

• eliminates the need for replacing the entire switchboard during maintenance and repair. Throughout this specification the word“comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression“at least” or“at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A plug and play type electric switchboard (100) comprising: a housing (110) mountable on a wall, said housing (110) defined by at least one niche (116) having a plurality of apertures (114) configured thereon to receive electric wires; a plurality of first connectors (112) adapted to be received in said apertures (114), said first connectors (112) configured to establish an electrical connection with said electric wires; and at least one switchboard component (102, 106) provided with a plurality of second connectors (302) configured to establish an electrical connection with said first connectors (112), said switchboard component (102, 106) configured to be snap- locked in said niche (116) in a way that disconnecting said electrical connection between said first and second connectors (112, 302) facilitates removal of said switchboard component (102, 106) from said housing (110).

2. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one first groove and a second groove (118) is configured on top surface and bottom surface of said niche (116) respectively.

3. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said switchboard component (102, 106) includes a locking means, said locking means configured to facilitate snap-locking of said switchboard component (102, 106) in said niche (116).

4. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said locking means includes:

• at least one foot (304) extending from the top edge of said switchboard component (102, 106) to engage with said first groove; and

• a clip (306) configured on the bottom edge of said switchboard component (102, 106), said clip (306) configured to be snap-locked in said second groove (118).

5. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a cover plate (104) detachably secured to said housing (110).

6. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first connectors (112) is defined by: a base (206) configured to fit within said aperture (114) to establish an electrical connection with the electric wires; and - a conducting element (202) extending from said base (206), said conducting element (202) defining a tubular projection (204) on top surface thereof to receive said second connector (302) therein.

7. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switchboard component (102, 106) is a switch.

8. The switchboard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switchboard component (102,

106) is a socket.