Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly

Abstract

A wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) comprises a housing (40) having a receptacle (22), a socket assembly (40) arranged within the housing (20) and comprising at least two electrical contacts (42, 44) and a controller (50). The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) further comprises a plug detection means (60) configured to detect the absence and / or the presence of a plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or to detect the absence and / or the presence of at least one pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in one of the electrical contacts (42, 44), and a controller power supply control means (80) configured to selectively disconnect the controller (50) from a power supply when the plug detection means (60) detects the absence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the absence of the pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in the electrical contact (42, 44).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical installations in buildings and concerns a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly preferably configured to be installed in a fitting box, more particularly to a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly configured to be flush mounted in the fitting box.

[0002] In the field of electrical installations in buildings, it is common to use wall-mounted electrical power outlets to provide a convenient source of power for various electrical devices. Known systems typically involve a simple configuration where a plug is inserted into a socket to establish an electrical connection. These traditional outlets are designed to be straightforward and reliable, ensuring that electrical devices can be easily connected to the power supply.

[0003] Controllable power outlet assemblies are generally known. These power outlet assemblies are configured to be connected to an alternating current electrical circuit and to selectively deliver an alternating current to a domestic appliance or device which is connected to the power outlet assembly through a plug and a cable for instance. The controllable power outlet assembly can be provided with switch and / or a controller which can control the switch to switch on and / or switch off the domestic appliance or device. The switch can for instance be controlled in response to a activation and / or deactivation signal received by the controller from a remote control and / or as a function of a scheduled or timed activation scheme. The controller can also monitor the energy consumption of the domestic appliance or device connected to the power outlet assembly via the plug and the cable. An example of such a controllable power outlet assembly is known from GB 2 503 526 A.

[0004] However, a major drawback of the known controllable power outlet assemblies is that energy is consumed irrespective whether or not a domestic appliance or device is connected to the power outlet assembly, that is, the controller of the controllable power outlet assembly consumes energy irrespective whether or not a domestic appliance or device is connected to the power outlet assembly.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a controllable power outlet assembly which features a reduced energy consumption.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly, comprising a housing having a receptacle configured to receive a plug, at least two connection terminals, namely a phase connection terminal for connecting to a phase power line of an alternating current electrical circuit and a neutral connection terminal for connecting to a neutral power line of the alternating current electrical circuit, a socket assembly arranged within the housing and comprising at least two electrical contacts each configured to receive one of at least two pins of the plug when the plug is received in the receptacle, and a controller having two power input terminals. The receptacle comprises a bottom wall provided with at least two openings each aligned with one the electrical contacts.

[0007] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly is characterized in that it further comprises a plug detection means configured to detect the absence and / or the presence of the plug in the receptacle and / or to detect the absence and / or the presence of at least one pin of the plug in one of the electrical contacts, and a controller power supply control means electrically connected between one of the two connection terminals and one of the two power input terminals of the controller, the controller power supply control means further being configured to selectively disconnect the respective connection terminal from the corresponding power input terminal of the controller when the plug detection means detects the absence of the plug in the receptacle an / or the absence of the pin of the plug in the electrical contact.

[0008] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the present invention features a reduced energy consumption and / or increased energy efficiency. The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the present invention allows to easily reduce the energy consumption when the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly is not in use. The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the present invention aligns with modern electrical safety standards by ensuring that the controller is isolated from the power supply when the plug is not engaged.

[0009] Preferably, the controller power supply control means is further configured to provide the power supply of the controller when the presence of the plug in the receptacle and / or the presence of the pin in the electrical contact is detected.

[0010] Hence, when a plug is present in the receptacle, that is, when the cable of an appliance or device is connected to the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly via the plug, the controller is powered on.

[0011] Advantageously, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly further comprises a rectifier having two input terminals and two output terminals, the rectifier being preferably electrically connected between the controller and the controller power supply control means.

[0012] The rectifier enables an easy conversion of the alternating current provided by the alternating current electrical circuit into a direct current for supplying power the controller.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the rectifier consists of at least one diode.

[0014] Preferably, the rectifier consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, either as a single integrated circuit or four separate discrete diodes.

[0015] According to that embodiment, the rectifier uses four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, which allows it to rectify both halves of the AC waveform, resulting in a smoother and more consistent DC output. By ensuring that the controller is powered by a stable DC supply, the risk of electrical faults or malfunctions is reduced, which in turn minimizes the risk of electrical hazards such as short circuits or fires. Additionally, the use of a diode bridge rectifier can improve the efficiency of the power outlet assembly. By providing a more efficient and reliable method of rectification, the overall power consumption of the assembly can be reduced, which is beneficial for both energy savings and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the diode bridge rectifier can contribute to the longevity of the power outlet assembly. By providing a stable and consistent DC supply, the wear and tear on the controller and other electronic components can be minimized, leading to a longer operational lifespan for the assembly. Overall, the inclusion of a diode bridge rectifier in the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly enhances its performance, safety, efficiency, and durability, making it a more reliable and effective solution for controlling power outlets.

[0016] As an alternative to the rectifier consisting of four diodes in a bridge configuration, the rectifier may also consist of a single diode configured to perform a half rectification.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the four diodes in a bridge configuration are contained in a single an integrated circuit.

[0018] Preferably, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly further comprises a socket power supply control means electrically connected between one of the at least two connection terminals and one of the electrical contacts and configured to selectively disconnect the respective connection terminal from the corresponding electrical contact and / or to selectively connect the respective connection terminal to the corresponding electrical contact based on a control command of the controller.

[0019] These features permit the domestic appliance or device connected to the power outlet assembly via the cable and the plug to be remote controlled and / or controlled as based on a predefined schedule.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the socket power supply control means consists of a single pole, single throw switch configured to be controlled based on the control command of the controller.

[0021] Preferably, the controller power supply control means comprises a switching element electrically connected between the one of the two connection terminals and the one of the two power input terminals of the controller, the switching element preferably being a microswitch.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a protective cover configured to cap the receptacle when the receptacle is devoid of the plug and configured to be displaced to rest against the bottom wall of the receptacle when the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the switching element being configured to be closed when the protective cover rests against the bottom wall of the receptacle.

[0023] In such a configuration, the protective cover may function as the plug detection means.

[0024] Hence, the controller may be supplied in electricity when the protective cover is displaced against the bottom wall of the receptacle by the plug of the domestic appliance or device connected to the power outlet assembly.

[0025] Preferably, the socket assembly comprises a shutter mechanism configured to obturate the at least two openings when the receptacle is devoid of the plug and / or when the electrical contacts of the socket assembly are devoid of a pin of the plug, and configured to unclog the opening, when the receptacle receives the plug and / or when the electrical contacts of the socket assembly each receive the pin of the plug, the switching element being configured to be closed when the opening is unclogged by the shutter mechanism.

[0026] Such shutter mechanisms are usually used as a form of child protection to reduce the risk of inadvertently coming into contact with the electrical contacts of the socket assembly.

[0027] In the configuration mentioned above, the shutter mechanism may also function as the plug detection means.

[0028] Advantageously, the controller power supply control means comprises two contact members, namely a first contact member and a second contact member, the two contact members being configured to be electrically connected to one another by means of one of the pins of the plug. Preferably, the two contact members are further configured to be electrically disconnected from one another in the absence of the pin of the plug in the respective electrical contact. In particular, the two contact members are configured to be electrically connected to one another by means of one of the pins of the plug when the plug is received in the receptacle and / or the pin is received in the electrical contact and / or are configured to be electrically disconnected from one another when the receptacle is devoid of the plug and / or the electrical contact is devoid of the pin.

[0029] In such a configuration, the two contact members and the pin of the plug together form the controller power supply control means as well as the plug detection means. The pin of the plug thereby forms a bridge which shunts the two contact members when the plug is received in the receptacle and / or the pin is received in the electrical contact. The presence of the bridge hence indirectly signals the presence of the plug in the receptacle. Furthermore, the presence of the bridge enables to supply power to the controller and / or to interrupt the power supply of the controller when no pin is present to form said bridge.

[0030] This configuration further enhances the safety and functionality of the power outlet assembly by ensuring that the controller is only powered when the plug is properly inserted, thereby preventing unintended operation or power consumption when the plug is not in use. Additionally, this mechanism provides a more reliable and direct method of detecting the presence of the plug, as the physical insertion of the pin into the contact members creates a definitive electrical connection that can be easily monitored by the system. This feature also simplifies the design and potentially reduces the cost of the assembly by eliminating the need for more complex or additional detection components. Furthermore, the use of the plug's pin to establish the electrical connection ensures that the power supply to the controller is inherently linked to the plug's insertion status, thereby providing a straightforward and fail-safe method of controlling the power state of the controller. This embodiment thus offers a practical and efficient solution for managing the power supply to the controller in a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly, enhancing both its operational reliability and user safety.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the electrical contacts of the socket assembly comprises a first contact element forming the first contact member of the controller power supply control means.

[0032] Preferably, the electrical contact comprising the first contact element further comprises a second contact element forming the second contact member. The first contact element and the second contact element are preferably configured to be electrically isolated from one another when the electrical contact is devoid of the pin of the plug.

[0033] As an alternative, the socket assembly further comprises a contact pin forming the second contact member, the contact pin preferably being arranged at a bottom portion of the socket assembly.

[0034] The inclusion of the contact pin, in particular at the bottom portion of the socket assembly ensures that the plug is securely seated, thereby reducing the risk of partial insertion, which could lead to electrical arcing or other hazards. Furthermore, this configuration allows for a more compact and efficient design of the socket assembly, as the contact pin can be integrated into the existing structure without requiring significant modifications. The presence of the contact pin also facilitates the operation of the plug detection means, as it provides a definitive point of reference for determining whether the plug is fully inserted. This, in turn, enables the controller power supply control means to function more effectively by ensuring that power is only supplied to the controller when the plug is properly inserted.

[0035] In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a method for operating a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the present invention, characterized by the following steps: a. Detecting the absence of a plug in a receptacle of a housing of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly and / or the absence of a pin of the plug in an electrical contact of a socket assembly of the power outlet assembly by means of a plug detection means of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly; and b. When the absence of the plug in the receptacle and / or the absence of the pin of the plug in the electrical contact is detected, interrupting the power supply of a controller of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly by means of a controller power supply control means of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly.

[0036] The method according to the invention ensures that the controller is only powered when necessary, thus preventing unnecessary power consumption and reducing the risk of electrical hazards. This method brings several new features, including an automated response to the detection of plug absence, which enhances the overall safety and efficiency of the power outlet assembly.

[0037] Preferably, the method further comprises the following additional steps: c. Detecting the presence of the plug in the receptacle and / or the presence of the pin in the electrical contact by means of the plug detection means; and d. When the presence of the plug in the receptacle and / or the presence of the pin in the electrical contact is detected, providing the power supply of the controller by means of the controller power supply control means.

[0038] Upon successful detection of the plug's presence, the method further includes a step where the power supply to the controller is provided by the controller power supply control means. This selective provision of power ensures that the controller is only activated when it is safe to do so, i.e., when a plug is correctly inserted.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following additional steps: e. When the presence of the plug in the receptacle and / or the presence of the pin in the electrical contact is detected, selectively disconnect a connection terminal of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly from the electrical contact and / or selectively connect the connection terminal to the electrical contact based on a control command of the controller by means of a socket power supply control means of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly.

[0040] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the first embodiment further provided with a socket power supply control means; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the first embodiment in a first variant, where a receptacle of the power outlet assembly is devoid of a plug; Fig. 4 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the first embodiment in the first variant, where the plug is received in the receptacle of the power outlet assembly; Fig. 6 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the first embodiment in a second variant, where the receptacle of the power outlet assembly is devoid of a plug; Fig. 8 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the first embodiment in the second variant, where the plug is received in the receptacle of the power outlet assembly; Fig. 10 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment further provided with a socket power supply control means; Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in a first variant, where a receptacle of the power outlet assembly is devoid of a plug; Fig. 14 is a view of a detail of fig. 13; Fig. 15. is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in the first variant, where the plug is received in the receptacle of the power outlet assembly; Fig. 16 is a view of a detail of fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a top view of a socket assembly of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in the first variant; Fig. 18 is a top view of an electrical contact of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in the first variant; Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the electrical contact depicted in fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a lateral view of the electrical contact depicted in fig. 18; Fig. 21 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in a second variant, where the receptacle of the power outlet assembly is devoid of the plug; Fig. 22 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 21; Fig. 23 is a cross sectional view of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to the second embodiment in the second variant, where the plug is received in the receptacle of the power outlet assembly; and Fig. 24 is an isometric representation of a cross section of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly depicted in fig. 23.

[0042] Referring to the drawings, a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 according to the invention comprises a housing 20 having a receptacle 22 configured to receive a plug 100 and at least two connection terminals 30, 32, namely a phase connection terminal 30 for connecting to a phase power line of an alternating current electrical circuit and a neutral connection terminal 32 for connecting to a neutral power line of the alternating current electrical circuit. The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 further comprises a socket assembly 40 arranged within the housing 20 and comprising at least two electrical contacts 42, 44, namely a first electrical contact 42 and a second electrical contact 44, each of the electrical contacts 42, 44 being configured to receive one of at least two pins 102, 104 of the plug 100 when the plug 100 is received in the receptacle 22, and a controller 50 having two power input terminals 52, 54, namely a first power input terminal 52 and a second power input terminal 54. The receptacle 22 comprises a bottom wall 24 provided with at least two openings 21 each aligned with one the electrical contacts 42, 44.

[0043] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 further comprises a plug detection means 60 configured to detect the absence and / or the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or to detect the absence and / or the presence of at least one pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in one of the electrical contacts 42, 44. The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 further comprises a controller power supply control means 80 electrically connected between one of the two connection terminals 30, 32 and one of the two power input terminals 52, 54 of the controller 50.

[0044] The controller power supply control means 80 is configured to interrupt the power supply of the controller 50 by selectively disconnecting the respective connection terminal 30, 32 from the corresponding power input terminal 52, 54 of the controller 50 when the plug detection means 60 detects the absence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the absence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in the electrical contact 42, 44.

[0045] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 according to the present invention has a reduced energy consumption compared to the controllable power outlet assemblies known form prior art. The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 according to the present invention allows to easily reduce the energy consumption when the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly is not in use.

[0046] As depicted in the figures, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 according to the exemplary embodiments can be of the type CEE 7 / 5 (so called "French Type") with a projecting earth pin 43. However, the invention is applicable to any type of socket.

[0047] The alternating current electrical circuit is typically an electrical wiring of a domestic power distribution network, for instance the electrical installation of a single family home or a multi-family residential building.

[0048] According to both embodiments, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 may comprise a printed circuit board 56 preferably arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom wall 24 and / or at a bottom portion 41 of the socket assembly 40. The controller 50 is preferably supported by the printed circuit board 56.

[0049] As depicted in figures 1, 2, 11 and 12, according to the two embodiments, the controller power supply control means 80 is, on the one hand, connected to the neutral connection terminal 32 and, on the other hand, connected to the first power input terminal 52. The second power input terminal 54 is connected to the phase connection terminal 30. In particular, the second power input terminal 54 may be connected to the phase connection terminal 30 via the second electrical contact 44.

[0050] In its intended use, the fact of detecting the absence or the presence of at least one pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in one of the electrical contacts 42, 44 corresponds to detecting the absence or the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and vice versa.

[0051] According to the first embodiment depicted in figures 1 to 10, the controller power supply control means 80 comprises a switching element 82 which is electrically connected between the one of the two connection terminals 30, 32 and the one of the two power input terminals 52, 54 of the controller 50. Preferably, the switching element 82 is a microswitch. In particular, the switching element is, on the one hand, connected to the neutral connection terminal 32 and, on the other hand, connected to the first power input terminal 52.

[0052] The switching element 82 interrupts the power supply of the controller 50 when opened and establishes the power supply of the controller 50 when closed.

[0053] The switching element 82 may be tripped by two different mechanisms. The first mechanism comprises a protective cover 26 which forms part of the housing 20 of wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 and is configured to: cap the receptacle 22 when the receptacle 22 is devoid of the plug 100 and be displaced to rest against the bottom wall 24 of the receptacle 22 when the plug 100 is inserted into the receptacle 22.

[0054] The position of the protective cover 26 can hence be used as an indicator indicating the absence or the presence of the at least one pin 102, 104 in one of the electrical contacts 42, and / or indicating the absence or the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22.

[0055] The switching element 82 is configured to be closed when the protective cover 26 rests against the bottom wall 24 of the receptacle 22, i.e. when the position of the protective cover 26 indicates the presence of the pin 102, 104 in the electrical contact 42, and the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22.

[0056] For this purpose, the protective cover 26 may comprise a protrusion 27 which comes into contact with the switching element 82 when the protective cover rest against the bottom wall 24 of the receptacle 22 to trip the switching element 82.

[0057] The protective cover 26 usually serves to reduce the intrusion of dust into the receptacle in the absence of the plug 100 and / or is usually displaced in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 24 to be made to rest against the bottom wall 24.

[0058] The housing 20 may further comprise a spring element 25 urging the protective cover 26 into the position where it caps the receptacle 22.

[0059] A wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 having such a protective cover 26 is depicted in the figures 3 to 6.

[0060] The second mechanism to trip the switching element 82 comprises a shutter mechanism 28 forming part of the socket assembly 40. The shutter mechanism 28 is configured to : obturate the at least two openings 21 when the receptacle 22 is devoid of the plug 100 and / or when the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 are devoid of a pin 102, 104 of the plug 100, to unclog the opening 21, when the receptacle 22 receives the plug 100 and / or when the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 each receive the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100, and to trip the switching element 82 when the opening 21 is unclogged.

[0061] Such shutter mechanisms 28 are usually used as a form of child protection to reduce the risk of inadvertently coming into contact with the electrical contacts of the socket assembly.

[0062] The housing 20 may further comprise a spring element 29 urging the shutter mechanism 28 into the position where the openings 21 are obturated.

[0063] In both aforementioned configurations of the socket assembly 40, the protective cover 26 or the shutter mechanism 28, together with the switching element 82 form the plug detection means 60. The insertion of the plug 100 into the receptacle 22 produces a movement of either the protective cover 26 or the shutter mechanism 28, which in turn trips the switching element 82. The state of the switching element 82 is hence indicative of the presence or the absence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22. Preferably, a closed switching element 82 indicates the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle whereas an opened switching element 82 indicated the absence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22.

[0064] Further, in both aforementioned configurations of the socket assembly 40, the power supply control means 80 is formed by the switching element 82. When the switching element 82 is opened, which also reflects the absence of the plug 100 in the receptacle and / or the absence of the at least one pin 102, 104 in one of the electrical contacts 42, the power supply of the controller 50 is interrupted. When the switching element 82 is closed, which also reflects the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle and / or the presence of the at least one pin 102, 104 in one of the electrical contacts 42, the power supply of the controller 50 is established.

[0065] Preferably, as depicted in figures 3 to 6, the switching element 82 may be arranged on and / or soldered to the printed circuit board 56. Alternatively, as depicted in figures 7 to 10, the switching element 82 may be arranged on and / or affixed to the housing 20.

[0066] According to all embodiments, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 comprises a rectifier 70 having two input terminals 72, 74 and two output terminals 76, 78, the rectifier 70 being preferably electrically connected between the controller 50 and the controller power supply control means 80.

[0067] The rectifier 70 transforms an alternating current applied to the input terminals 72, 74 into a direct current supplied to the controller 50.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the rectifier 70 consists of at least one diode.

[0069] Preferably, the rectifier 70 consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration.

[0070] As an alternative to the rectifier 70 consisting of four diodes in a bridge configuration, the rectifier 70 may also consist of a single diode configured to perform a half rectification.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the four diodes in a bridge configuration are contained in a single integrated circuit (not depicted in the figures). The integrate circuit is mounted on the printed circuit board 56.

[0072] The rectifier 70 is depicted in figures 1, 2, 11, and 12.

[0073] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 may comprise a socket power supply control means 90 electrically connected between one of the at least two connection terminals 30, 32 and one of the electrical contacts 42, 44 and configured to selectively disconnect the respective connection terminal 30, 32 from the corresponding electrical contact 42, 44 and / or to selectively connect the respective connection terminal 30, 32 to the corresponding electrical contact 42, 44 based on a control command of the controller 50.

[0074] Preferably, the socket power supply control means 90 consists of a single pole, single throw switch configured to be controlled based on the control command of the controller 50.

[0075] The socket power supply control means 90 is depicted in figures 2 and 12.

[0076] The socket power supply control means 90 may function as a power switch for the electrical equipment connected to the socket assembly 40 through the plug 100 controlled by the controller 50. The controller 50 may in particular be configured to trip the power supply control means 90 upon reception of a radio wave signal emitted by a remote control (not depicted in the figures). This configuration allows a user to turn on an / or turn off the electrical equipment connected to the socket assembly 40 through the plug 100.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, the controller power supply control means 80 comprises two contact members 84, 86, namely a first contact member 84 and a second contact member 86, the two contact members 84, 86 being configured to be electrically connected to one another by means of one of the pins 102, 104 of the plug 100. In the second embodiment, the function that is implemented by the switching element 82 in the first embodiment is achieved by the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104. In the second embodiment, the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104 act together like a switch and form both the plug detection means 60 and the power supply control means 80. The switch formed by the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104 is configured to interrupt the power supply of the controller 50 when the plug 100 is absent from the receptacle 22 and / or the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 are devoid of the pin 102, 104. The switch formed by the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104 is further configured to establish the power supply of the controller 50 when the plug 100 is present in the receptacle 22 and / or the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 receive a pin 102, 104.

[0078] When the plug 100 is absent from the receptacle 22 and consequently, the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 are devoid of a pin 102, 104 of the plug 100, the two contact members 84, 86 are electrically separated; the switch formed by the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104 is opened. When the plug 100 is present in the receptacle 22 and consequently, the electrical contacts 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 are receiving a pin 102, 104 of the plug 100, the two contact members 84, 86 are electrically connected; the switch formed by the two contact members 84, 86 and the pin of the plug 102, 104 is closed.

[0079] In accordance with the first and second variant of the second embodiment, preferably, one of the electrical contacts 42, 44 comprises a first contact element 46 forming the first contact member 84.

[0080] According to the first variant of the second embodiment, as depicted in figures 13 to 20, the electrical contact 42, 44 comprising the first contact element 46 further comprises a second contact element 48 forming the second contact member 86.

[0081] The first contact element 46 and the second contact element 48 are electrically isolated from one another. They are usually made of a bent metal sheet having an a base part 45, a bent portion 47 and an incurved contact portion 47a configured to nestle against the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 to get into electrically conducting contact with the pin 102, 104. The base part 45 together with the bent portion 47 form a leaf spring which pushes the incurved contact portion 47a against the pin 102, 104.

[0082] Alternatively, as in the second variant of the second embodiment depicted in figures 21 to 24, the socket assembly 40 further comprises a contact pin 49 forming the second contact member 86, the contact pin 49 preferably being arranged at the bottom portion 41 of the socket assembly 40. The contact pin 49 may be soldered to the printed circuit board 56.

[0083] The wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 according to all embodiments may be operated by a method characterized by the following steps: a. Detecting the absence of a plug 100 in the receptacle 22 of the housing 20 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 and / or the absence of a pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in an electrical contact 42, 44 of the socket assembly 40 of the power outlet assembly 10 by means of a plug detection means 60 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10; and b. When the absence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the absence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in the electrical contact 42, 44 is detected, interrupting the power supply of a controller 50 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 by means of a controller power supply control means 80 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10.

[0084] According to the first embodiment, the absence of the plug 100 from the receptacle 22 and / or the absence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 from the electrical contact 42, 44 may be indirectly detected by assessing that the switching element 82 is opened. At the same time, the fact that the switching element 82 is opened when the plug 100 is absent from the receptacle and / or when the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 is absent from the electrical contact 42, 44 may interrupt the power supply of the controller 50.

[0085] According to the second embodiment, the absence of the plug 100 from the receptacle 22 and / or the absence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 from the electrical contact 42, 44 may be indirectly detected by assessing that two contact members 84, 86 are electrically separated. At the same time, the fact that two contact members 84, 86 are electrically separated when the plug 100 is absent from the receptacle and / or when the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 is absent from the electrical contact 42, 44 may interrupt the power supply of the controller 50.

[0086] The method may comprise the following additional steps: c. Detecting the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the presence of the pin 102, 104 in the electrical contact 42, 44 by means of the plug detection means 60; and d. When the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the presence of the pin 102, 104 in the electrical contact 42, 44 is detected, providing the power supply of the controller 50 by means of the controller power supply control means 80.

[0087] According to the first embodiment, the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the presence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in the electrical contact 42, 44 may be indirectly detected by assessing that the switching element 82 is closed. At the same time, the fact that the switching element 82 is closed when the plug 100 is present in the receptacle and / or when the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 is present in the electrical contact 42, 44 may establish the power supply of the controller 50.

[0088] According to the second embodiment, the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the presence of the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 in the electrical contact 42, 44 may be indirectly detected by assessing that two contact members 84, 86 are electrically connected. At the same time, the fact that two contact members 84, 86 are electrically connected when the plug 100 is present in the receptacle and / or when the pin 102, 104 of the plug 100 is present in the electrical contact 42, 44 may interrupt the power supply of the controller 50.

[0089] Additionally, the method may comprise the following additional steps: e. When the presence of the plug 100 in the receptacle 22 and / or the presence of the pin 102, 104 in the electrical contact 42, 44 is detected, selectively disconnect a connection terminal 30, 32 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10 from the electrical contact 42, 44 and / or selectively connect the connection terminal 30, 32 to the electrical contact 42, 44 based on a control command of the controller 50 by means of a socket power supply control means 90 of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly 10.

[0090] Preferably, the controller 50 may generate said control command upon reception of a radio wave signal emitted by a remote control.

Claims

1. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly, comprising a housing (20) having a receptacle (22) configured to receive a plug (100), at least two connection terminals (30, 32), namely a phase connection terminal (30) for connecting to a phase power line of an alternating current electrical circuit and a neutral connection terminal (32) for connecting to a neutral power line of the alternating current electrical circuit, a socket assembly (40) arranged within the housing (20) and comprising at least two electrical contacts (42, 44) each configured to receive one of at least two pins (102, 104) of the plug (100) when the plug (100) is received in the receptacle (22), and a controller (50) having two power input terminals (52, 54), the receptacle (22) comprising a bottom wall (24) provided with at least two openings (21) each aligned with one the electrical contacts (42, 44), characterized in that the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) further comprises a plug detection means (60) configured to detect the absence and / or the presence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or to detect the absence and / or the presence of at least one pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in one of the electrical contacts (42, 44), and a controller power supply control means (80) electrically connected between one of the two connection terminals (30, 32) and one of the two power input terminals (52, 54) of the controller (50), the controller power supply control means (80) further being configured to selectively disconnect the respective connection terminal (30, 32) from the corresponding power input terminal (52, 54) of the controller (50) when the plug detection means (60) detects the absence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the absence of the pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in the electrical contact (42, 44).

2. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 1, characterized by a rectifier (70) having two input terminals (72, 74) and two output terminals (76, 78), the rectifier (70) being preferably electrically connected between the controller (50) and the controller power supply control means (80).

3. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the rectifier (70) consists of at least one diode.

4. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by a socket power supply control means (90) electrically connected between one of the at least two connection terminals (30, 32) and one of the electrical contacts (42, 44) and configured to selectively disconnect the respective connection terminal (30, 32) from the corresponding electrical contact (42, 44) and / or to selectively connect the respective connection terminal (30, 32) to the corresponding electrical contact (42, 44) based on a control command of the controller (50).

5. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the socket power supply control means (90) consists of a single pole, single throw switch configured to be controlled based on the control command of the controller (50).

6. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the controller power supply control means (80) comprises a switching element (82) electrically connected between the one of the two connection terminals (30, 32) and the one of the two power input terminals (52, 54) of the controller (50), the switching element (82) preferably being a microswitch.

7. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (20) further comprises a protective cover (26) configured to cap the receptacle (22) when the receptacle (22) is devoid of the plug (100) and configured to be displaced to rest against the bottom wall (24) of the receptacle (22) when the plug (100) is inserted into the receptacle (22), the switching element (82) being configured to be closed when the protective cover (26) rests against the bottom wall (24) of the receptacle (22).

8. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the socket assembly (40) comprises a shutter mechanism (28) configured to obturate the at least two openings (21) when the receptacle (22) is devoid of the plug (100) and / or when the electrical contacts (42, 44) of the socket assembly (40) are devoid of a pin (102, 104) of the plug (100), and configured to unclog the opening (21), when the receptacle (22) receives the plug (100) and / or when the electrical contacts (42, 44) of the socket assembly (40) each receive the pin (102, 104) of the plug (100), the switching element (82) being configured to be closed when the opening (21) is unclogged by the shutter mechanism (28).

9. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the controller power supply control means (80) comprises two contact members (84, 86), namely a first contact member (84) and a second contact member (86), the two contact members (84, 86) being configured to be electrically connected to one another by means of one of the pins (102, 104) of the plug (100).

10. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that one of the electrical contacts (42, 44) comprises a first contact element (46) forming the first contact member (84).

11. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrical contact (42, 44) comprising the first contact element (46) further comprises a second contact element (48) forming the second contact member (86).

12. Wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the socket assembly (40) further comprises a contact pin (49) forming the second contact member (86), the contact pin (49) preferably being arranged at a bottom portion (41) of the socket assembly (40).

13. Method for operating a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized by the following steps: a. Detecting the absence of a plug (100) in a receptacle (22) of a housing (20) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) and / or the absence of a pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in an electrical contact (42, 44) of a socket assembly (40) of the power outlet assembly (10) by means of a plug detection means (60) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10); and b. When the absence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the absence of the pin (102, 104) of the plug (100) in the electrical contact (42, 44) is detected, interrupting the power supply of a controller (50) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) by means of a controller power supply control means (80) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10).

14. Method for operating a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized by the following additional steps: c. Detecting the presence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the presence of the pin (102, 104) in the electrical contact (42, 44) by means of the plug detection means (60); and d. When the presence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the presence of the pin (102, 104) in the electrical contact (42, 44) is detected, providing the power supply of the controller (50) by means of the controller power supply control means (80).

15. Method for operating a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) according to claim 14, the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) being a wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) according to any one of the claims 4 to 12, characterized by the following additional steps: e. When the presence of the plug (100) in the receptacle (22) and / or the presence of the pin (102, 104) in the electrical contact (42, 44) is detected, selectively disconnect a connection terminal (30, 32) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10) from the electrical contact (42, 44) and / or selectively connect the connection terminal (30, 32) to the electrical contact (42, 44) based on a control command of the controller (50) by means of a socket power supply control means (90) of the wall-mounted controllable power outlet assembly (10).

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