multi-patch electric dimmer with multi-position switch.

Abstract

A multi-patch power distribution system allows for the sequential powering of electrical circuits without the need to rewire dimmers before each performance. The system uses switches to distribute power sequentially, allowing only one circuit to be powered at a time. This sequencing can be programmed or controlled by the system itself, ensuring that each circuit receives power at a specific time and in a predetermined order. This allows for controlled power management of the circuits and eliminates the need to manually rewire dimmers before each performance, as the system automatically activates them in the desired sequence.

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-patch electric dimmer with multi-position switch.

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-patch by switch with manual and / or electronic activation (based on the dmx protocol) ensuring an optimal connection between an electric dimmer and multi-pairs.

[0002] The usual use of dimmers in a performance hall is to connect a number of multi-pairs to the different dimmed circuits to meet the lighting needs of each performance.

[0003] When there are several shows following one another during the same day, as is often the case at festivals or in performance halls with a consecutive program, it is necessary to make the connections necessary for each show by systematically disconnecting the multi-pair sockets which are no longer necessary, in order to be able to connect those which are needed, and so on until the last show.

[0004] Patching dimmers is a recurring task that takes time and requires significant physical effort, as the multi-pairs are heavy. In addition, by constantly plugging and unplugging the male plugs of the dimmers, the electrical wires become tangled and form a difficult to manage tangle. This can lead to physical damage to the male and female plugs, as well as connection errors that are detrimental to the smooth running of shows. In addition, the presence of all these cables waiting in the dimmer area creates confusion, clutters the space and increases the risk of fire. (The presence of a CO2 fire extinguisher near the dimmers is mandatory).

[0005] The device according to the invention makes it possible to overcome these drawbacks. It consists of several connected connection blocks, each of which is connected to a switch. Each block is directly connected to a dimmer circuit and includes several female electrical sockets (2P+T) allowing several devices to be connected without power to be supplied later. The switch can be activated manually or electronically via the DMX protocol. This device thus makes it possible to make all the necessary connections upstream for easier operation and ensures overall electrical consistency.

[0006] According to particular embodiments: 1. A male plug (2P+T) is connected to each circuit of the dimmer. 2. Each graduated circuit has a dedicated connection block, made up of several female sockets (2P+T). 3. Each connection block is associated with an electrical switch allowing the selected female socket to be powered. 4. A 3-pole cable with a minimum cross-section of 1.5mm2 provides the electrical connection between the male socket mentioned above and each block of female sockets (2P+T).

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

[0008] [Fig-1] represents in section, the device of the invention with switch mechanical.

[0009] [Fig.2] shows in section, a variant of this device with a switch digital via DMX link.

[0010] [Fig.3] shows in section, a variant of this device with a switch digital in an overall vision distributed over 6 graduated circuits.

[0011] History.

[0012] At the time of writing, an electrical prototype was produced by me as part of my duties as technical director on July 3, 2023 at the Essaïon Theater in Avignon (33 rue de la Carreterie, 84000 Avignon). I have set up for the duration of the 2023 festival, a double electrical patch system which allows, through an arrangement of power strips and switches, to assign graduated circuits (dimmers) to different multi-pairs in turn. After successful implementation and testing, it turns out that this innovation works and greatly facilitates set changes when several shows follow one another. Thus, it is no longer necessary to patch the multi-pairs to the dimmers between each show, but simply to activate the switches dedicated to the upcoming show.

[0013] Electrically, power strips are directly connected to each dimmer circuit. On these power strips, several switched outlets are added. When a socket is in the "On" position, it becomes active and conversely in its "Off" position it becomes inactive. Thus, with this double patch system, you can easily connect all the electrical needs of different shows and only have to activate and deactivate the switches as needed.

[0014] [Fig.4] Photo of the prototype.

[0015] [Fig.5] Photo of the prototype.

Claims

Claims

1.

1. independent claim: An electrical redistribution device by switch comprising, for each graduated circuit: a) a multi-position switch; b) 2P+T female sockets associated with the different positions of the switch; c) one 2P+T male socket per graduated circuit; d) a 3-pole electrical cable (phase, neutral and earth) connecting the male socket to the different female sockets; e) shuttle wires ensuring the electrical connection between each position of the switch and each female socket dedicated to the phase. dependent claims:

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a) a digital switch with DMX protocol; b) a DMX input (3 or 5 points); c) a DMX output (3 or 5 points); d) a digital screen for displaying the addressing of the switches.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the multi-patch is integrated directly into the dimmer and comprises: a) a set of 2P+T female sockets at the dimmer output; b) a switch integrated into each dimmer circuit; c) an integrated patch allowing switching from one desired socket to another on several DMX universes.

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