A modular electrical outlet

Abstract

A modular electrical outlet (figure 1, 50) is adapted to receive a displaceable terminal cassette 200, the modular electrical outlet comprises an outlet body 100 with at least one electrical output; a

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular electrical outlet, in particular a modular electrical socket, a modular electrical fused spur or a modular electrical isolator switch with a displaceable terminal block, referred to as a cassette. Background When connecting a cable to an outlet it can often be difficult to insert the cable to an outlet and then connect the wires or fibres to the outlet because these must be inserted at a particular orientation and access may be restricted due to location. Also the desire to not have excess cable means that the connection of the wires to the outlet must be completed close to a surface, typically via a rear face of an outlet. The present invention provides a modular outlet to assist installation by making it easier and quicker to make and test a safe electrical connection. Prior Art GB2586216 (SAVAGE) discloses an intermediate electrical socket assembly for installation into a pattress box. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular electrical outlet adapted to receive a displaceable terminal cassette, the modular electrical outlet comprises an outlet body with at least one electrical output; and a connection mechanism for engaging the displaceable terminal cassette with respect to the outlet body, wherein the displaceable terminal cassette has at least one first electrical contact that engages with at least one second corresponding electrical contact located on the outlet body, whereby the connection mechanism causes the displaceable terminal cassette to engage with the outlet body to form an electrical connection, the displaceable terminal cassette has at least one connector that receives wires and / or fibres from a cable, the at least one connector connects with a corresponding first electrical contact that engages with the at least one second corresponding contact located on the outlet body; and wherein the connection mechanism is on the outlet body and comprises an opening to a cavity for receiving the displaceable terminal cassette so that when the displaceable terminal cassette is engaged the at least first electrical contact connects to the at least one second corresponding electrical contact. The displaceable terminal cassette (cassette) receives a cable. It is appreciated that the cable may include electrically conductive wires such as a copper wire and / or fibres. In some embodiments the displaceable terminal cassette has an aperture that defines a conduit to each connector. For example, there may be a separate conduit for each connector. In this way the displaceable terminal cassette or cassette can be removed to connect a cable to the cassette. Once the cable is connected, the cassette can be connected to the outlet body (body) by means of the connection mechanism to form a physical and electrical connection so that the electrical output(s) on the outlet body are active, for example so that a socket is connected to a power supply by means of the cable so that the socket is live. Advantageously this can make forming the cable connection much easier as an installer is less restricted by the orientation of the electrical outlet which typically requires wiring to a rear face that is adjacent to the surface to which it is fitted, such as to a wall. The outlet body is typically a substantially planar structure for being received to a pattress box / backbox in or on the wall for a wall mounted electrical outlet. In a preferred embodiment the outlet body is rectangular. It is appreciated that the body may be provided in various different shapes, for example the body may be round, oval, square or hexagonal or other multi-sided shape. A front face of the outlet body is preferably adapted to receive a cover that is externally facing and the presented surface of the modular electrical outlet in use and the surface on which plugs are received or a fuse is located and / or where a switch is located. The cover typically also includes apertures for receiving fixings to connect the cover and modular electrical outlet to the wall or to the backbox. The cover for a socket has openings that correspond to the socket(s) on the body. The cover is electrically insulated so that contact with an external surface of the cover does not electrically connect to the live wiring inside the pattress box / backbox in or on the wall. The cover for a socket or an isolator switch includes the actuator for the switch. For example, in some preferred embodiments the body has a switch associated with each electrical output to provide the ability to turn on or off the electrical output (between active and non-active states). Typically a switch control is provided on the cover to enable a user to toggle between the two states. The number of electrical outputs provided on the outlet body may vary. The electrical outputs may include but are not limited to sockets and / or switches. In a preferred embodiment in which the modular electrical outlet is a modular electrical socket the outlet body may accommodate one electrical output that is a socket (1 -gang) or two sockets (2-gang). It is appreciated that an outlet body with more than two electrical outputs such as sockets and / or switches may be provided. The cover is adapted to the number and type of electrical outputs, for example the cover may have openings to correspond to the number of sockets on the body. The cover for a fused spur includes a recess for a fuse and typically a cover plate to enclose the fuse. Preferably the cassette is substantially rectangular having one face with one or more first contacts. The outlet body is part of the modular electrical outlet to which components such as tracks, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a module may be attached. The displaceable terminal cassette has at least one connector for receiving wires and / fibres from a cable to form a connection. In a preferred embodiment the displaceable terminal cassette has an aperture through which each wire is received that leads to each connector. In this way a cable can be readily connected to the displaceable terminal cassette. The connector may be a screw fit connector, a push fit connector, a lever locking connector such as a WAGO connector (RTM), or any other connector than enables a wire to be received and connected to the first contact. The connection mechanism connects the cassette to the outlet body both electrically by means of the contacts and physically. In this way the cassette is connected to the outlet body to form a single part that enables the electrical connection between the cassette and body to be safe and reliable. The displaceable terminal cassette has at least one first contact that engages with at least one second corresponding contact located on the outlet body to form an electrical connection when the displaceable terminal cassette is engaged within the outlet body. In this way the action of connecting the cassette to the outlet body by means of the connection mechanism forms an electrical connection. It is appreciated that the cassette may be engaged with the outlet body in various different ways. For example, the cassette may be slid along a channel, pushed fitted to a face of the body or may pivot into place. The connection mechanism comprises an opening to a cavity on the outlet body for receiving the displaceable terminal cassette so that the first and second contacts are connected. In a preferred embodiment the opening and cavity define a channel into which the displaceable terminal cassette is received. For example the cassette may be slid along the channel until the first contact(s) on the cassette engage with the second contact(s) on the outlet body. In some preferred embodiments the opening and / or cavity has a guide means to assist with locating the displaceable terminal cassette. For example the opening and cavity may have grooves that receive a node or rail on the cassette (or vice-versa) to guide the cassette into the cavity. In this embodiment the displaceable terminal cassette has at least one first contact that engages with at least one second corresponding contact located in the cavity to form an electrical connection when the displaceable terminal cassette is engaged within the cavity. In this way the action of inserting the cassette into the cavity forms the electrical connection. Preferably the displaceable terminal cassette that is received through an opening to a cavity has a distal end with curved edges to aid with insertion through the opening to the cavity. In a preferred version of this embodiment the cavity is provided on a rear face of the outlet body and the opening to the cavity allows the cassette is visible when inserted and also allowing the outlet body to be lighter weight and reduced thickness. In some embodiments the cassette has wings to locate the cassette in the cavity and prevent removal through the opening (open region) of the cavity. In some embodiments the displaceable terminal cassette has a finger pull that extends from the cassette to assist with insertion, engagement and removal of the displaceable terminal cassette. Typically the finger pull may extend through the open region of the cavity on the rear face of the outlet body. In another embodiment the connection mechanism includes a mount region on the outlet body to which the displaceable terminal cassette is received and pivots about a pivot point to engage the displaceable terminal cassette with the outlet body so that the first and second contacts are connected when the cassette is pivoted into a fully engaged position. For example the cassette may have a member on opposed sides that is received to the mount region so that the members enter the pivot points and can rotate about the pivot points between a first position in which part of the cassette is ajar from the outlet body to a second position (fully engaged position) in which the cassette is adjacent to the outlet body, typically parallel to the outlet body. Some embodiments of the connection mechanism include a plug (pin) and socket (recess) configuration in which pins on the cassette or outlet body are received by corresponding recesses on the outlet body or cassette. In this way the cassette can be plugged into the outlet body, or the outlet body is plugged into the cassette to form a physical connection. The first and second contacts are arranged so that when the cassette and outlet body are connected, the contacts are connected to form the electrical connection. In some embodiments the first and second contacts may be the pin and recess of the connection mechanism. Advantageously this form of connection mechanism (pin / recess) enables the cassette to be received to any face of the body with minimal modification to the body. For example the cassette may be plugged into a cavity on a rear face of the body and the body then positioned in a backbox. In a preferred embodiment the modular electrical outlet that is adapted to receive a displaceable terminal cassette has at least one locking mechanism for locking the displaceable terminal cassette to the outlet body. Advantageously this prevents unintended dislodgment which may break a connection. In this way once the displaceable terminal cassette (cassette) has been received to the outlet body (body), it is locked in place by one or more locking mechanism. This ensures that the connection between the first and second contacts remains intact despite movement / vibration etc. It is appreciated that various different locking mechanisms may be used to prevent unintended removal of the cassette. In a preferred embodiment the locking mechanism is a sliding switch provided on the body that prevents removal of the displaceable terminal cassette from the body. The sliding switch is movable between two positions a first unlocked state in which the switch is set away from the cassette and a second locked state in which the switch is slid towards and over at least part of the cassette and prevent its movement. In a preferred embodiment the displaceable terminal cassette has a projection that engages with the sliding switch to prevent removal. In this way the sliding switch is moved from a first position, that allows displacement of the cassette, to a second position in which the switch slides to engage with the projection on the cassette to thereby hold the cassette in place on the body. In some embodiments the sliding switch is sprung by a spring mechanism so as to be biased. Preferably the sliding switch is biased to a locked position that thereby requires force to be applied by a user to displace the sliding switch so that the cassette can be removed, thereby preventing unintentional dislodgment. In some embodiments the locking mechanism may comprise a catch on an external face of the displaceable terminal cassette for engaging with a surface on the outlet body (or vice-versa) to assist with locating the displaceable terminal cassette so that the connection mechanism is engaged. For example the cassette may have resiliently deformable fingers that function as a catch to engage with a groove on the outlet body to locate the cassette in the cavity in which the first and second contacts are fully engaged. Preferably the resiliently deformable finger on either the cassette or the outlet body has a ridge that engages with a groove. Advantageously this locking mechanism may also provide positive feedback to the user, such as a click, to indicate when the cassette is fully engaged. It is appreciated that there can be more than one locking mechanism for securing the cassette to the outlet body. For example, an embodiment of the modular electrical outlet may include a sliding switch on the outlet body that engages with a projection on the cassette, and a catch on the cassette that engages with a surface on the outlet body. This may be advantageous for applications where the modular electrical outlet is subject to more movement or vibration such as on a train or in a room or building with large machinery operating. In a preferred embodiment the modular electrical outlet is a traditional electrical socket, fused spur or isolation switch and has a displaceable terminal cassette with connectors to receive live, neutral and earth wires that each connect with corresponding first contacts. In this way the cassette can be used when wiring electrical accessories / wiring devices that receive an electrical cable with conductive wires. It is appreciated that the type of first and second contacts used may depend on the connection being formed. In an embodiment that is intended to be traditional UK electrical socket, the first contact on the cassette may be a recess that receive an electrical pin (second contact) on the body. For example a modular electrical outlet that has a connection mechanism with an opening to a cavity may have second contacts that are pins extending from the cavity towards the opening for engagement with corresponding first contacts (recesses) on the displaceable terminal cassette that are on a distal end with respect to the orientation of insertion. In this way the first contact (recess) receives the second contact (electrical pin) to form the electrical connection that enables the power supply from the modular electrical outlet to be live, for example for sockets on the socket body to be active. As mentioned above, in some embodiments the connection mechanism is the at least one first contact(s) that is a projecting pin on the displaceable terminal cassette that is received by a corresponding recess on the outlet body (or vice-versa) so that the first and second contacts are connected in a plug and socket configuration to form a physical connection (connection mechanism) and an electrical connection. In this way the cassette may be fitted to any face of the body requiring minimal alternation to the body. The second contact(s) on the socket body are connected to tracks on the outlet body that are associated with the socket(s). In this way, once the cassette is received the circuit is complete and the electrical accessory which may be a socket, fused spur or isolation switch is active when the cable is associated with the displaceable terminal cassette. According to a second aspect of the invention the outlet body is adapted to receive a displaceable module corresponding to the at least one electrical output. In this way the outlet body can be repaired or modified by replacing the module. The module typically includes a printed circuit board (PCB) related to the electrical output provided. For example, the module may be a USB module to provide a USB socket, or a Wi-Fi module to act as a Wi-Fi extender. As the module is displaceable, the module can be easily removed, changed and / or replaced as required. In a preferred embodiment the outlet body has a recess with a cover plate, and the module is received to the recess and encased by replacing the cover plate. By having access via the cover plate, the module can be removed and replaced, without damaging the outlet body. This is advantageous to the user by allowing the modular electrical outlet to be repaired if a module or its components fail or reach the end of life. The modular electrical outlet may include components in addition to the electrical outputs such as an audible module for integrated door chimes, an integrated antennae for transmitting / receiving signals. It is appreciated that these components may also be modular so that they can be added and removed as required. In this way the outlet body serves as a base for a user to selectively add and remove components depending on the required use. In some embodiments the outlet body and displaceable terminal cassette can be retrofitted to an existing electrical outlet. In this way the fitted backbox, pattress box or surface mounted casing may remain in place and the outlet body and cassette be fitted with an appropriate cover plate. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an electrical socket with a displaceable terminal cassette and a cover with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an electrical socket with a displaceable terminal cassette and a cover with the locking mechanism in the locked position; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the displaceable terminal cassette separated from the body and cover and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the displaceable terminal cassette separated from the body and cover and the locking mechanism in the locked position. Figure 5A shows a top view of the electrical socket with the locking mechanism in the open position; Figure 5B shows a top view of the electrical socket with the locking mechanism in the locked position; Figure 6A shows a front view of the socket body with the sprung sliding switch retracted to the open position; Figure 6B shows a front view of the socket body with the sprung sliding switch released to the closed position; and Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E show different views of the displaceable terminal cassette. Detailed Description of Figures Figures 1 to 5 show different views of an example of a two-gang socket body 100 with a displaceable terminal cassette 200 for installation into a pattress box / backbox (not shown). The pictured embodiment of the modular socket 50 (modular electrical outlet) is a modification of a traditional electrical socket. The socket body 100 is shown connected to a cover 300 that is the external face of the modular socket 50. It is appreciated that the pictured embodiment of the modular socket 50 the socket body 100, cassette 200 and cover 300 are connected to form a single part that is received into a pattress box (not shown). The socket body 100 is adapted to receive a displaceable terminal cassette 200. The socket body 100 has two sockets 110 for receiving a plug (not shown). Each socket in the pictured embodiment is for a three pin plug (traditional UK socket plate) and the cover 300 includes three pin apertures (not visible in pictured views). Other socket layouts may be used in other embodiments to suit different regions of the world. The pictured embodiments 50 have a connection mechanism that is an opening 120 leading to a cavity 125 for receiving the displaceable terminal cassette 200. The cassette 200 is slid through the opening 120 into the cavity 125. The cover 300 defines part of the cavity 125 and acts to guide the cassette 200. The cavity 125 is partially open on a rear face C of the socket body 100. The socket body 100 and cover 300 are shaped, dimensioned and positioned together to define a cavity 125 that corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the cassette 200. The pictured cassette 200 has wings 230 that slide through a channel on a front face D of the socket body. This prevents the cassette 200 being removed from the rear face C. The displaceable terminal cassette 200 has three first contacts 210A, 210B, 210C (see in particular Figures 7A to 7E) provided at a distal end A that engage with three corresponding second contacts MOA, MOB, 140C located in the cavity 125 to form an electrical connection when the displaceable terminal cassette 200 is engaged within the cavity 125. The three first contacts 210A, 21 OB, 21OC are accessed through recesses 211 which include sprung electrical clips for engaging with the second contacts MOA, MOB, 140C that are electrical pins which connect to live, neutral and earth tracks 150 on the socket body 100 to the sockets 110. A proximal end B of the cassette 200 has three apertures 240A, 240B, 240C for separately receiving a neutral wire, an earth wire, and a live wire from an electrical cable (not shown). The apertures 240A, 240B, 240C include electrical connectors 241 that receive and hold the wires in place. Figure 7E shows a cross section of the cassette 200 revealing the three connectors 241 that are metal clips that are reached by the pins 140 passing through the recesses 211. The cassette 200 has curved distal comers 225 that aid with insertion to the cavity 125 through the opening 120. An outward facing surface C of the cassette 200 is exposed as this side of the cavity 125 is open. The outward face of the cassette 200 has fins 201 to help guide the cassette 200 to the body 100. The rear surface of the cassette 200 has a finger pull lip 250 to aid with removal of the cassette 200 from the cavity. The finger pull 250 is accessible as it extends from the open region of the cavity (rear face of the socket body). The lip 250 allows a user to apply fingertip pressure to the lip to lift the cassette 200 from the cavity 125. The socket body 100 has a first locking mechanism 130 for locking the displaceable terminal cassette 200 when it is inserted in the opening 120 to the cavity 125. The locking mechanism 130 is a sliding switch provided on the socket body 100 that acts to prevent removal of the displaceable terminal cassette 200 from the opening 120 when the sliding switch 130 engages with the projection 215 on an outward facing surface C of the cassette 200 (rear face of the body). The switch 130 and the projection 215 abut to prevent upward movement (away from surface B) of the cassette 200. In Figures 1, 3 and 5A the sliding switch is in the open position. In Figures 2, 4 and 5B the sliding switch 130 is in the closed position. The sliding switch 130 is provided on a rear face C of the socket body 100 which in use is the face received into the pattress box (not shown). The front face D of the socket body 100 receives the plugs (not shown). The socket body 100 has a cutaway region 140 on an upper surface to provide a visual indication of the sliding switch 130 position when the sliding switch itself is not fully visible (see Figures 5A and 5B). The visual indication may be colour, text, or an image. The sliding switch 130 has a spring 131 to bias the switch to the closed position in which the cassette 200 is held in the cavity 125 (see Figures 6A and 6B). The cassette 200 has a second locking mechanism 220 to locate the cassette 200 in the cavity 125. The second locking mechanism 220 is a pair of opposed resiliently deformable fingers on the cassette 200. Each finger 220 has a ridge 221 that engages with a corresponding groove 126 in the wall of cavity 125. The second locking mechanism 220 is a bump fit feature to provide positive feedback to a user to indicate when the cassette is correctly in place. Between the sockets 110 there is void 160 for receiving a USB module (not shown). The void 160 is covered by a cover plate 165. In this way a USB socket can be provided for charging USB devices without requiring a USB adaptor for an electrical socket. The cover will be adapted to correspond to the sockets provided on the body. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A modular electrical outlet is adapted to receive a displaceable terminal cassette, the modular electrical outlet comprising an outlet body with at least one electrical output; and a connection mechanism for engaging the displaceable terminal cassette with respect to the outlet body, wherein the displaceable terminal cassette has at least one first electrical contact that engages with at least one second corresponding electrical contact located on the outlet body, whereby the connection mechanism causes the displaceable terminal cassette to engage with the outlet body to form an electrical connection, the displaceable terminal cassette has at least one connector that receives wires and / or fibres from a cable, the at least one connector connects with a corresponding first electrical contact that engages with the at least one second corresponding contact located on the outlet body; and wherein the connection mechanism is on the outlet body and comprises an opening to a cavity for receiving the displaceable terminal cassette so that when the displaceable terminal cassette is engaged the at least first electrical contact connects to the at least one second corresponding electrical contact.

2. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 1 including at least one locking mechanism for locking the displaceable terminal cassette to the outlet body.

3. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet body is rectangular.

4. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the outlet body is round.

5. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim including a separate aperture in the displaceable terminal cassette that defines a conduit to each connector.

6. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable terminal cassette has connectors to receive live, neutral and earth wires that each connect with the corresponding first electrical contact that engages with the at least one second corresponding contact located on the outlet body.

7. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein a distal end of the displaceable terminal cassette has curved edges to assist insertion through the opening.

8. A modular electrical outlet according to according to any preceding claim wherein a rear face of the cavity has an open region.

9. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 8 wherein the cassette has wings to locate the cassette in the cavity and prevent removal through the open region of the cavity.

10. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable terminal cassette has a finger pull to assist with insertion, engagement and / or removal of the displaceable terminal cassette.

11. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the connection mechanism includes a mount region to which at least one member on the displaceable terminal cassette is received and pivots about a pivot point to engage the displaceable terminal cassette with the outlet body so that the first and second contacts are connected.

12. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the connection mechanism includes a pin and recess configuration.

13. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 2 to 12 wherein the locking mechanism is a sliding switch provided on the outlet body that prevents removal of the displaceable terminal cassette from the outlet body.

14. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 13 wherein the sliding switch includes a spring mechanism.

15. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the displaceable terminal cassette has a projection that engages with the sliding switch to prevent removal.

16. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 2 to 15 wherein the locking mechanism is at least one resiliently deformable finger on the cassette with at least one ridge that engages with at least one groove on the outlet body to locate the displaceable terminal cassette on the outlet body.

17. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 16 wherein the at least one groove is in the cavity of the outlet body.

18. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 2 to 15 wherein the locking mechanism is at least one resiliently deformable finger on the outlet body with at least one ridge that engages with at least one groove on the cassette to locate the displaceable terminal cassette on the outlet body.

19. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 18 wherein the at least one resiliently deformable finger is in the cavity of the outlet body.

20. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 2 to 15 wherein the locking mechanism is a pair of resiliently deformable fingers on the cassette each with at least one ridge that engages with a groove on the cavity to locate the displaceable terminal cassette on the outlet body.21 .A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one first contact is a recess that receives a second contact that is a pin.

22. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one first contact is a pin for insertion in a second contact, that is a recess.

23. A modular electrical outlet according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the connection mechanism comprises at least one pin (first or second contact) received by a corresponding recess (first or second contact) so that the first and second contacts are connected in a plug and socket configuration to connect physically and to connect electrically the displaceable terminal cassette to the outlet body.

24. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim including a displaceable module corresponding to the at least one electrical output.

25. A modular electrical outlet according to any preceding claim that is a modular electrical socket.

26. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 1 to 24 that is a modular fused spur.

27. A modular electrical outlet according to any of claims 1 to 24 that is a modular electrical isolation switch.A

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