GB2239742A - A plug-in sensor and switch assembly - Google Patents

A plug-in sensor and switch assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2239742A
GB2239742A GB8927723A GB8927723A GB2239742A GB 2239742 A GB2239742 A GB 2239742A GB 8927723 A GB8927723 A GB 8927723A GB 8927723 A GB8927723 A GB 8927723A GB 2239742 A GB2239742 A GB 2239742A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plug
sensor
switch assembly
appliance
switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8927723A
Other versions
GB8927723D0 (en
Inventor
Keith Adrian Gough
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NEW WORLD ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
Original Assignee
NEW WORLD ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NEW WORLD ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS filed Critical NEW WORLD ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
Priority to GB8927723A priority Critical patent/GB2239742A/en
Publication of GB8927723D0 publication Critical patent/GB8927723D0/en
Publication of GB2239742A publication Critical patent/GB2239742A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
    • H05B47/115—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
    • H05B47/13—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings by using passive infrared detectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/16—Controlling the light source by timing means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/03—Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/14—Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)

Abstract

A plug-in sensor and switch assembly comprising a body (10) having protruding pin connectors (11) for insertion into an electrical power socket, and slotted terminals to receive an appliance plug. A PIR sensor (16) is connected internally to a switching circuit to make or break a connection between the connectors (11) and the terminals. Also included is a photo- electric cell, a timer control and a manual override switch. The device permits an appliance such as a lamp to be switched on for a predetermined period in response to the presence or movement of a person within the vicinity of the device and may be removed from place to place as required. <IMAGE>

Description

A PLUG*IN SENSOR AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY THIS INVENTION concerns a plug-in switch assembly of the kind which may be inserted into a standard electrical power socket and may itself receive the plug of an electrical appliance, the assembly comprising means to energise the appliance upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions.
Many such devices are known and usually include a timer clock which may be set to energise the appliance for predetermined periods, the appliance being left switched on awaiting activation by the timer. In such a device a physical connection to the appliance is made within the body of the device which incorporates a relay activated by sets of switches which are closed when the required time is reached.
In another similar device the timer clock may include or be replaced by a photo-electric cell adapted to activate the relay in the presence or absence of light.
For example, a lamp may be connected to such a device and may therefore switch on automatically and remain switched on during the hours of darkness.
An object of the present invention is to provide a plug-in sensor and switch assembly which is responsive to the presence or movement of a person in the vicinity of the device.
Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a plug-in sensor and switch assembly comprising a body having a plurality of protruding pin connectors for insertion into an electrical power socket, and a plurality of slotted terminals to receive the pin connectors of an appliance plug, characterised by a proximity or motion detector associated with a switching circuit to make or break a connection between said protruding pin connectors and said slotted terminals, such that activation of said detector by the presence or movement of a person within the range thereof, causes energisation of an appliance connected to the device.
Preferably, the device also includes a photoelectric cell connected to the switching circuit such that the appliance may be energised only during periods of daylight or darkness as required.
Furthermore, there may be provided an adjustable time switch such that the switching circuit may remain actuated for a predetermined period.
Still further a manually operated switch may be provided to override the proximity or motion detector so that the appliance may remain permanently energised or de-energised.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a plug-in sensor and switch assembly made in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view thereof; Fig. 3 is a block circuit diagram illustrating the interaction of the various parts of the assembly.
Referring now to the drawings the device comprises a body 10 of generally rectilinear form, the lower half of which has a 3-pin connector assembly 11 protruding from a rear face 12 of the body. The front 13 of the body defines a complementary assembly of slotted terminals 14 into which the plug of an appliance (not shown) may be inverted.
Thus the device may be plugged into a standard electrical power socket and may receive the plug of an appliance for which power is required from the supply. An internal relay 15 (see Fig. 3) makes or breaks a connection between the pins 11 and the terminals 14.
Mounted in the upper part of the body 10 is a proximity or motion detector 16 preferably in the form of a so-called PIR sensor. Mounted on the top of the body 10 is a photo-electric cell 17, whilst at one side of the body there is provided an adjustable timer control 18 and a mode switch 19.
As will be seen from Fig. 3 the PIR 16 and photo-electric sensor 17 are connected via mode switch 19 and timer control 18 to the relay 15.
In operation, assuming the device to be plugged into an electrical power socket, and to have an appliance such as a lamp plugged into the slotted terminals 14, the presence or movement or a person within the vicinity of the device causes the PIR sensor 16 to transmit a signal via the mode switch and timer, to relay 15 to energise the lamp. The lamp will remain on for a predetermined time as set on the timer control 18, and then switch off. If this even occurs during daylight hours photo-electric sensor 17 will retain relay 15 in the "of f1, or unconnected state so that the lamp will not be illuminated.
For convenience, the timer control 18 may be adjusted between zero and 8 hours.
Mode switch 19 may have three optional positions in two of which, the PIR 16 and sensor 17 are overriden so that the appliance shall remain permanently on or off, respectively, as required, whilst in a third position the device is in automatic mode such that the appliance will be energised in response to signals from the PIR 16 and sensor 17.
In addition to the controls described above, or in place of the photo-electric sensor 17, there may be provided a timer clock whereby periods during which the appliance may be switched on, can be selected during any period of 12 or 24 hours or 7 days.
A device made in accordance with the invention may have many applications in the security field and/or as a convenience item. For example, a lamp in a normally unlit room may be switched on automatically when a person enters the room and then remain on for the period selected on the timer control 18. Savings of power consumption may be realised with such an arrangement.
Whilst it is appreciated that switches incorporating PIR and like sensors are already well known, it is the provision of a convenient "plug-in" device which may therefore be removed from place to place as required and which needs no skilled wiring for installation, is thought to be of considerable advantage to the unskilled user, particularly in the home.

Claims (7)

1. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly comprising a body having a plurality of protruding pin connectors for insertion into an electrical power socket, and a plurality of slotted terminals to receive the pin connectors of an appliance plug, characterised by a proximity or motion detector associated with a switching circuit to make or break a connection between said protruding pin connectors and said slotted terminals, such that activation of said detector by the presence or movement of a person within the range thereof, causes energisation or de-energisation of an appliance connected to the device.
2. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly according to Claim 1, including a photo-electric cell connected to the switching circuit such that the appliance may be energised only during periods of daylight or darkness as required.
3. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, including an adjustable time switch such that the switching circuit may remain actuated for a predetermined period.
4. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, including a manually operable switch adapted to override the proximity or motion detector so that the appliance may remain permanently energised or de-energised as required.
5. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly wherein said proximity or motion detector is a PIR sensor.
6. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said time switch may be adjusted to cause the switching circuit to remain actuated for a selected period between zero and 8 hours.
7. A plug-in sensor and switch assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
GB8927723A 1989-12-07 1989-12-07 A plug-in sensor and switch assembly Withdrawn GB2239742A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8927723A GB2239742A (en) 1989-12-07 1989-12-07 A plug-in sensor and switch assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8927723A GB2239742A (en) 1989-12-07 1989-12-07 A plug-in sensor and switch assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8927723D0 GB8927723D0 (en) 1990-02-07
GB2239742A true GB2239742A (en) 1991-07-10

Family

ID=10667598

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8927723A Withdrawn GB2239742A (en) 1989-12-07 1989-12-07 A plug-in sensor and switch assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2239742A (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993005627A1 (en) * 1991-08-28 1993-03-18 Intelectron Products Company Method and apparatus for detecting entry
US5261825A (en) * 1992-10-16 1993-11-16 Chaves John S Electrical safety receptacle
EP0579489A1 (en) * 1992-07-15 1994-01-19 Applied Security Design Limited A security device
EP0608552A1 (en) * 1993-01-29 1994-08-03 NOVAL CONTROLS Sdn Bhd A control means for lighting devices
DE9319690U1 (en) * 1993-12-21 1994-12-15 Lehmann, Franz, 77723 Gengenbach Controllable switching device for electrical lines
US5489891A (en) * 1993-01-29 1996-02-06 Noval Controls Sdn Bhd Control means for lighting devices
EP0773708A1 (en) * 1995-11-09 1997-05-14 MAGNETEK S.p.A. Adaptor for electrical equipment with incorporated controller
WO1998002856A1 (en) * 1996-07-15 1998-01-22 Keller Hans Juerg Motion detector for controlling electrical devices
EP0876087A2 (en) * 1997-04-29 1998-11-04 L &amp; S S.r.l. An integrated component for controlling lighting systems, for example, for fitted furniture or fittings
WO1998052262A2 (en) * 1997-05-14 1998-11-19 The Lamar Corporation Power outlet unit with automatic switch on/off control means
DE19936709A1 (en) * 1999-08-06 2001-02-08 Sabahattin Uludag Motion switch is integrated into intermediate plugs, holders, socket strips, sockets, plugs and loads such as radios, TVs, video recorders, motor vehicles, personal computers and machinery
US6566819B2 (en) 2000-04-03 2003-05-20 Gregory A. Wolff Touch operated control system for electrical devices
WO2009067793A1 (en) * 2007-11-26 2009-06-04 Optimal Innovations Inc. Infrastructure device with modular replaceable sensors
WO2009138730A1 (en) * 2008-05-15 2009-11-19 Logicor Limited Electrical socket and method of use thereof
GB2486642A (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-27 Gopinath Patel Motion sensitive mains adapter
CN103872540A (en) * 2012-12-12 2014-06-18 无锡艾科瑞思产品设计与研究有限公司 Timing energy-saving plug

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2205642A (en) * 1987-05-21 1988-12-14 Pittway Corp Infrared actuated control switch assembly

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2205642A (en) * 1987-05-21 1988-12-14 Pittway Corp Infrared actuated control switch assembly

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993005627A1 (en) * 1991-08-28 1993-03-18 Intelectron Products Company Method and apparatus for detecting entry
US5386210A (en) * 1991-08-28 1995-01-31 Intelectron Products Company Method and apparatus for detecting entry
EP0579489A1 (en) * 1992-07-15 1994-01-19 Applied Security Design Limited A security device
US5261825A (en) * 1992-10-16 1993-11-16 Chaves John S Electrical safety receptacle
EP0608552A1 (en) * 1993-01-29 1994-08-03 NOVAL CONTROLS Sdn Bhd A control means for lighting devices
US5489891A (en) * 1993-01-29 1996-02-06 Noval Controls Sdn Bhd Control means for lighting devices
DE9319690U1 (en) * 1993-12-21 1994-12-15 Lehmann, Franz, 77723 Gengenbach Controllable switching device for electrical lines
EP0773708A1 (en) * 1995-11-09 1997-05-14 MAGNETEK S.p.A. Adaptor for electrical equipment with incorporated controller
WO1998002856A1 (en) * 1996-07-15 1998-01-22 Keller Hans Juerg Motion detector for controlling electrical devices
EP0876087A2 (en) * 1997-04-29 1998-11-04 L &amp; S S.r.l. An integrated component for controlling lighting systems, for example, for fitted furniture or fittings
EP0876087A3 (en) * 1997-04-29 2000-01-05 L &amp; S S.r.l. An integrated component for controlling lighting systems, for example, for fitted furniture or fittings
WO1998052262A2 (en) * 1997-05-14 1998-11-19 The Lamar Corporation Power outlet unit with automatic switch on/off control means
WO1998052262A3 (en) * 1997-05-14 1999-04-29 Lamar Corp Power outlet unit with automatic switch on/off control means
DE19936709A1 (en) * 1999-08-06 2001-02-08 Sabahattin Uludag Motion switch is integrated into intermediate plugs, holders, socket strips, sockets, plugs and loads such as radios, TVs, video recorders, motor vehicles, personal computers and machinery
US6566819B2 (en) 2000-04-03 2003-05-20 Gregory A. Wolff Touch operated control system for electrical devices
WO2009067793A1 (en) * 2007-11-26 2009-06-04 Optimal Innovations Inc. Infrastructure device with modular replaceable sensors
WO2009138730A1 (en) * 2008-05-15 2009-11-19 Logicor Limited Electrical socket and method of use thereof
GB2486642A (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-27 Gopinath Patel Motion sensitive mains adapter
CN103872540A (en) * 2012-12-12 2014-06-18 无锡艾科瑞思产品设计与研究有限公司 Timing energy-saving plug

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8927723D0 (en) 1990-02-07

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)