Electrical outlet assembly and method of providing a modular electrical outlet assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrical outlet assembly and a method of providing a modular electrical outlet assembly. The electrical outlet assembly includes a sub-panel having a front surface and a first set of contacts available for use on the front surface, and an outer panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts. Wherein the outer panel contains a circuit board electrically connected to the second set of contacts; wherein the outer panel is releasably connected to the sub-panel such that the first set of contacts is connected to the second set of contacts, and wherein the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are not available for use by a user when the outer panel is connected to the sub-panel.

Description

[0001] Information related to divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 7, 2018, with application number 201880039843.9 and invention title "Electrical socket with interchangeable panel modules".

[0003] Cross-references to related applications

[0004] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 516,932, filed June 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and claims priority thereto. Technical Field

[0005] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to electrical sockets. Background Technology

[0006] Electrical appliances, especially electrical outlets that accept electrical plugs, typically consist of two or three sets of pins, each arranged to accept the plug. Electrical outlets or appliances are sold as single units or in bundles at home improvement stores and are then installed by a professional electrician or by the homeowner (if they are familiar with electrical wiring). For the average homeowner, hiring an electrician to replace electrical appliances can be costly, or dangerous if they attempt to do so themselves. Different types of sockets are increasingly used in homes, including USB ports. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrical socket assembly includes a sub-panel having a front surface and a first set of contacts positioned on the front surface. An outer panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts. The outer panel is releasably connected to the sub-panel such that the first set of contacts connects to the second set of contacts.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment, an electrical socket assembly includes a sub-panel having a front surface and a first set of contacts positioned on the front surface. The sub-panel is configured to connect to a socket opening. A first outer panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts, and the outer surface having a first configuration. A second outer panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a third set of contacts, and the outer surface having a second configuration different from the first configuration. The first and second outer panels are selectively and releasably connected to the sub-panel such that the first set of contacts connects to either the second or third set of contacts.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of providing a modular electrical socket assembly. A sub-panel is provided having a front surface and a first set of contacts positioned on the front surface, wherein the sub-panel is configured to connect to a socket opening. A plurality of outer panels are provided, each panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts, the outer surface having a different configuration. The outer panels are selectively and releasably connected to the sub-panel such that the first set of contacts connects to the second set of contacts. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the description of these exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1A These are the front views of the sub-panel and the front and back views of the outer panel;

[0012] Figure 1B This is a side view of the outer panel;

[0013] Figure 1C This is a side view of another outer panel;

[0014] Figure 2 This is the front view of another external panel;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a front view of another outer panel; and

[0016] Figure 4 It is the front view of the sub-panel and the front view of a pair of outer panels. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments relate to receptacles with interchangeable panels. The panels can be interchanged without exposing high-voltage connections. The receptacle may include a base portion or rear portion configured to be recessed into a wall or other structural feature, and a front portion connected to the rear portion. The front portion may be connected to the rear portion by mechanical fasteners such as screws or snap-fit ​​connectors. The front and rear portions may be permanently secured to each other by any suitable method, including but not limited to plastic or acoustic welding, riveting, or adhesives. The rear portion also includes the internal workings of the electrical equipment, including but not limited to electrical contacts, mounting structures, and any tamper-proof shutters. The rear portion also includes mounting tabs or mounting strips for mounting the electrical equipment to electrical boxes known in the art.

[0018] Figure 1AAn exemplary embodiment of a receptacle having a front portion configured as a sub-panel 10 is shown. The sub-panel 10 includes an outer surface having a recessed portion 12 surrounded by an outer edge 14. A set of receptacle openings 16 are provided in the upper portion of the sub-panel 10. The receptacle openings 16 are in a standard three-pin configuration with thermal, neutral, and ground openings. Other receptacle opening configurations, including any residential, commercial, or industrial standard receptacle, can be used. A first set of contacts 18 is positioned in the lower portion of the sub-panel 10. The contacts 18 can be spring contacts, pin contacts, or other suitable contacts. The contacts 18 can provide low-voltage, AC, or DC power and / or connectivity (serial, UART, I2C, SPI) between the sub-panel 10 and the panel. The contacts 18 provide a low-voltage connection that is not dangerous to the user or does not require installation by a professional electrician. The sub-panel 10 also includes one or more connection features, shown herein as an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 22, for receiving fasteners, such as screws.

[0019] like Figure 1A As shown, sub-panel 10 is connected to an outer panel 110, which is positioned above and at least partially covers the sub-panel 10. The outer panel 110 has an inner portion 112 and an outer portion 114. The inner portion 112 includes a second set of contacts 116, which is positioned to align with or otherwise electrically connect to a first set of contacts 18 on the sub-panel 10.

[0020] The external portion 114 includes one or more socket openings. Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment illustrates a set of four USB ports 120. An indicator light 122 is associated with each port 120. The indicator light can convey the status of a load connected to the port, such as green indicating a full charge, red indicating charging, or blue indicating an open or ready-to-charge state. A panel indicator light 124 may be positioned separately from the port indicator lights to indicate the status of the panel 110. This can convey to the user that the outer panel 110 is correctly connected to the sub-panel 10. The outer panel 110 also includes an upper opening 126 and a lower opening 128 for receiving fasteners, such as screws 130.

[0021] Figure 1BA side view and internal design of an outer panel 110A with an outer surface 152A and an inner surface 154A are shown. The outer surface 152A is in contact with the environment, and the inner surface 154A is electrically connected to a sub-panel 10 via a second set of contacts 116A, which are positioned to align with or otherwise electrically connect to a first set of contacts 18 on the sub-panel 10. The outer panel 110A includes an inner component 170A, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), coupled on one side to a set of four side-view USB openings 120A and on the other side to the second set of contacts 116A. The inner component 170A controls the behavior, intelligence, and connectivity of the outer panel 110A. The set of four side-view USB openings 120A extends from the outer surface 152A to the inner component 170A. Side-view indicator lights 122A are associated with each USB opening 120A. Based on color, the side-view indicator lights 122A can convey the status of the load connected to the corresponding USB opening 120A.

[0022] Figure 1C A side view and internal design of another external panel 110B with an outer surface 152B and an inner surface 154B are shown. The inner surface 154B is coupled to a press-fit back 150 for nesting the external panel 110B to a sub-panel 10. The press-fit back 150 includes an inner component 170B coupled to the inner surface 154B on one side and to a second set of contacts 116B on the other side. The inner component 170B controls the behavior, intelligence, and connectivity of the external panel 110B. Connectivity information and power between the external panel 110B and the sub-panel 10 are transmitted via a second set of contacts 116B positioned to align with or electrically connect to a first set of contacts 18 on the sub-panel 10. A set of four side-view USB openings 120B extends from the outer surface 152B to the inner surface 154B and is electrically connected to the inner component 170B. Side-view indicator lights 122B are associated with each USB opening 120B. Based on color, the side view indicator light 122B can convey the status of the load connected to the corresponding USB opening 120B. The squeezed back 150 in the illustrated embodiment provides additional depth to the outer panel 110B to accommodate the longer USB opening 120B.

[0023] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of another external panel 210 is shown. The external panel 210 may have an internal portion with a set of contacts similar to those shown in FIG. 1A. The external portion 212 includes a three-pin socket opening 214 and a pair of USB openings 216. Indicator lights 218 are associated with each of the USB openings 216. Panel indicator lights 220 may be positioned separately from the opening indicator lights 218 to indicate the status of the external panel 210. The external panel 210 also includes an upper opening 222 and a lower opening 224 for receiving fasteners, such as screws 226.

[0024] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of the outer panel 310 is shown. The outer panel 310 may have an inner portion with a set of contacts similar to those shown in FIG1A. The outer portion 312 includes a wireless charger 314. A support or connection feature 316 (shown herein as a shelf or rack) is positioned below the wireless charger 314 to allow a device (such as a mobile phone) to be supported and aligned with the wireless charger 314. The support 316 may be configured to include an illumination unit including an LED light source that provides illumination in a desired direction. The wireless charger 314 may include one or more induction coils that provide inductive power or charging to the supported device. A charger indicator light 318 may be associated with the wireless charger 310 to convey the status of the charger and / or the connected device. A panel indicator light 320 may be positioned separately from the charger indicator light 318 to indicate the status of the panel 310. The outer panel 310 also includes an upper opening 322 and a lower opening 324 for receiving fasteners 326, such as screws.

[0025] Figure 4 Another exemplary embodiment of sub-panel 410 is shown. Sub-panel 410 includes an outer surface having a recessed portion 412 surrounded by an outer edge 414. A switch 416 is positioned on the upper portion of sub-panel 410. Switch 416 is shown as a two-position (on / off) switch for controlling an electrical load and may use a mechanical or capacitive mechanism. Other switches (e.g., dimmer switches) may also be used. A first set of contacts 418 is positioned on the lower portion of sub-panel 410. Contacts 418 may be spring contacts, pin contacts, or other suitable contacts. Sub-panel 410 also includes one or more connection features, shown herein as an upper opening 420 and a lower opening 422, for receiving fasteners, such as screws.

[0026] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of an external panel 510 is also shown. The external panel 510 may have an internal portion with a set of contacts similar to those shown in FIG. 1A. The external portion 512 includes a display 514. The display 514 may be any type of screen (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED). Information such as weather, time, charging status, and load status is provided to the display 514. The display 514 may be touch-sensitive and allows a user to access different options or settings and control one or more electrical loads in a given area (such as a room or house). A panel indicator light 516 may be positioned separately from the display 514 to indicate the status of the panel 510. The external panel 510 also includes an upper opening and a lower opening for receiving fasteners (such as screws). In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 510 may communicate with other devices using WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other low-energy communication or near-field communication (NFC).

[0027] Figure 4 Another exemplary embodiment of the outer panel 610 is also shown. The outer panel 610 may have an inner portion with a set of contacts similar to those shown in FIG. 1. The outer portion 612 includes an external switch 614. The external switch 614 is aligned with a switch 416 on the sub-panel 410 and may include a mechanical or capacitive mechanism. An illumination unit 616 is positioned on the bottom portion of the switch. The illumination unit 616 may include LEDs that provide illumination in a desired direction or mark paths or room boundaries. A panel indicator 618 may be positioned to indicate the status of the panel 610. The outer panel 610 also includes an upper opening and a lower opening for receiving fasteners such as screws.

[0028] When using the above components, a variety of different external panels with different configurations can be provided. A single type of sub-panel can be installed to a hardwired connection, and users can install and change different external panels as desired without exposing themselves to high-voltage connections.

[0029] To explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, the foregoing detailed description of specific exemplary embodiments has been provided, enabling those skilled in the art to understand various embodiments of the invention and various modifications suitable for the contemplated particular uses. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Any embodiments and / or elements disclosed herein may be combined with each other to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be included within the scope of this specification and the appended claims. This specification describes specific examples of achieving a more general objective that may be achieved in another manner.

[0030] As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” and other directional descriptions are intended to facilitate the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the structure of exemplary embodiments of the invention to any particular location or orientation. Degree terms, such as “substantially” or “approximately,” are understood by those skilled in the art to refer to a reasonable range beyond a given value, for example, general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. An electrical socket assembly, comprising: A sub-panel having a front surface and a first set of contacts usable on the front surface; and An outer panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts. The external panel includes a circuit board electrically connected to the second set of contacts, and the circuit board controls the behavior, intelligence, and connectivity of the external panel; The outer panel is releasably connected to the sub-panel, such that the first set of contacts is connected to the second set of contacts, and When the external panel is connected to the sub-panel, the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are unusable by the user.

2. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sub-panel includes a socket opening.

3. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external panel includes a three-pin socket opening.

4. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external panel includes a USB socket opening.

5. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external panel includes a wireless charger.

6. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external panel includes a status indicator.

7. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external panel includes a display.

8. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer panel includes an external switch and indicator lights, and the sub-panel includes an internal switch configured to cooperate with the external switch.

9. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sub-panel includes a recessed portion and an outer edge extending around the recessed portion, wherein a portion of the outer panel is nested within the recessed portion.

10. An electrical socket assembly comprising: A sub-panel having a front surface and a first set of contacts positioned on the front surface, wherein the sub-panel is configured to connect to a receptacle opening; A first outer panel has a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a second set of contacts, and the first outer surface having a first configuration; as well as The second outer panel has a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface has a third set of contacts, and the second outer surface has a second configuration different from the first configuration; The first external panel includes a circuit board electrically connected to the second set of contacts, and the second external panel includes a circuit board electrically connected to the third set of contacts; The circuit board of the first external panel controls the behavior, intelligence, and connectivity of the first external panel; The first outer panel and the second outer panel are selectively and releasably connected to the sub-panel, such that the first set of contacts is connected to the second set of contacts or the third set of contacts; and When the first external panel is connected to the sub-panel, the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are unusable by the user.

11. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The first set of contacts includes pin contacts.

12. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein, One of the first configurations or the second configuration includes a USB socket opening.

13. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein, One of the first configurations or the second configuration includes a wireless charger.

14. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The first outer panel and the second outer panel are connected to the sub-panel by fasteners.

15. The electrical socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein, One of the first configurations or the second configuration includes a touchscreen display.

16. A method of providing a modular electrical socket assembly, comprising: A sub-panel is provided having a front surface and a first set of contacts positioned on the front surface, wherein the sub-panel is configured to connect to a receptacle opening; and A plurality of external panels are provided, each of the plurality of external panels having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having a second set of contacts, and the outer surface having different configurations; Each of the plurality of external panels includes a circuit board electrically connected to the second set of contacts, and the circuit board controls the behavior, intelligence, and connectivity of the plurality of external panels; The outer panel is selectively and releasably connected to the sub-panel, such that the first set of contacts is connected to the second set of contacts. When the outer panel is connected to the sub-panel, the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are unusable by the user, and The first of the different configurations includes a USB socket opening, and the second of the different configurations includes a core socket opening.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Users can connect the external panel to the sub-panel without being exposed to high-voltage connections.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The third party in the different configurations includes a wireless charger.

Images