Electrical plate

Abstract

An electrical plate An electrical plate for mounting to a wall. The electrical plate comprises: a 5 wireless charging region for wirelessly charging a device and magnetic connection means. The magnetic connection means is configured to engage with a corresponding magnetic part on the device to be charged.

Description

[0001] Electrical Plate

[0002] This invention relates to an electrical plate for wirelessly charging a device. The present invention has been designed primarily for charging smart phones and will be described with a particular emphasis on such use, but it will be appreciated that the device to be charged may be any battery-operated device which supports wireless charging, including smart watches, tablets, earphones etc.

[0003] Wireless charging is a method of transferring energy from a power source to a device without the need of a cable. This avoids the clutter of hanging cables and the hassle of having to plug and unplug the charger from the device to be charged. Due to its convenience and ease of use, wireless charging has increased in popularity over recent years. There are various wireless chargers available, and these tend to fall within two categories; those which are portable, often referred to as “power banks”, and those that require connection to a main power source. In the latter case, a cable is generally required to connect the wireless charger to the power source.

[0004] It is a principle aim of the present invention to provide an alternative wireless charger which at least attempts to overcome drawbacks associated with existing wireless chargers.

[0005] According to this invention, there is provided an electrical plate for mounting to a wall, the electrical plate comprising: a wireless charging region for wirelessly charging a device; and magnetic connection means, configured to engage with a corresponding magnetic part of the device so that the device can be charged.

[0006] The device must be configured for wireless charging and must also have a magnet to enable the device to engage with the magnetic connection means of the electrical plate. The magnetic connection means must be located within the vicinity of the charging region so that a device can be securely held against the charging region. The magnetic connection means may be adjacent the charging region. The magnetic connection means may surround the charging region entirely or partly. Alternatively, the magnetic connection means may coincide at least partly with the charging region. An electrical plate (sometimes referred to as a wall plate or switch plate) is typically configured to overlay electrical outlets, switches and other electrical cables. The electrical plate may be configured for electrical connection to a backbox provided in or on the wall. The backbox may be recessed within or surface mounted to the wall to which the electrical plate is mounted. Normally cabling would extend to the backbox to connect to a building’s electrical system. An important aspect of the present invention is that it is designed to mount to a wall, preferably a substantially vertical wall.

[0007] When mounted, the visible part of the electrical plate may conform to the size of the backbox to which it is connected or may extend beyond the periphery of the backbox to create a larger surface for a device to be charged.

[0008] Preferably, the electrical plate comprises circuitry configured to deliver current to the wireless charging and optionally to the magnetic connection means. The present invention avoids the need for cables and / or provides a permanent fixture for charging a device. The connection of the electrical plate to a wall ensures that a device can be charged without causing any flat surface obstruction. The magnetic connection means may use permanent magnets and / or electromagnets to connect the device.

[0009] The electrical plate may comprise more than one charging region for charging more than one device at the same time. The electrical plate may comprise more than one magnetic connection means for connecting more than one device.

[0010] Various charging technologies are available with differing ranges and operational efficiencies. The most suitable technologies will depend largely on the device being charged and cost considerations. The majority of smartphones are configured for electromagnetic inductive charging and thus it is preferred that the wireless charging region of the electrical plate comprises an inductive charger.

[0011] The electrical plate may comprise an electrical switch. This may be a one gang switch. Alternatively, or additionally the electrical plate may comprise a multiple way electrical switch. More than one electrical switch may be provided. The, or each, switch may independently comprise a button, a rocker switch or any other form of switch. One or more switch may have a dimmer function.

[0012] One or more electrical switch may comprise a light switch. The electrical plate may be configured to replace an existing light switch face plate. The provision of a light switch and phone charger combination may provide convenient location to charge the device with good access to the light control. For example, the electrical plate may be mounted to a wall adjacent a bed to facilitate phone access, charging and light control in a tidy and efficient way.

[0013] The light switch may be provided adjacent the wireless charging region and magnetic region so that it can be accessed when a device is connected thereto. Alternatively, for the purpose of maintaining a minimalistic, compact arrangement, the light switch may be co-located with the charging region. This may be particularly advantageous where the electrical plate is intended to replace an existing compact light switch face plate. If co-located the device may cover the swich when connected to the plate.

[0014] One or more electrical switch may comprise a power switch. One or more power switch may be configured to control operation of the wireless charger of the electrical plate. One or more power switch may be configured to control other items electrically connected thereto.

[0015] The electrical plate may further comprise one or more electrical socket (power socket) for receiving a plug of a device to be powered. The one or more electrical socket will be configured to cooperate with the corresponding plug of an item requiring power therefrom and thus may need to differ depending upon the territory in which the electrical plate is to be installed. For example, the standard plug for the UK is the three pin G-type plug, whereas the standard for the EU is the two parallel rounded pin C-type plug and the standard for the US is typically the two parallel flat pin A-type plug. One or more power switch may be configured to control operation of the one or more electrical socket.

[0016] The electrical plate may be configured to replace an existing faceplate for a power socket. The provision of a power socket and phone charger together may provide a useful combination. For example, the electrical plate may be mounted to a wall in a kitchen with the phone being charged whilst a kitchen accessory is also plugged in (whether being powered or not).

[0017] The power socket may be provided adjacent the wireless charging region and magnetic connection means so that an item can be powered by the power socket simultaneously when a device is magnetically connected thereto. Alternatively, for the purpose of maintaining a minimalistic, compact arrangement, the power socket may be co-located with the charging region. This may be particularly advantageous where the electrical plate is intended to replace an existing compact power socket face plate.

[0018] Control of the functions on the electrical plate may be manual and / or wireless. The electrical plate may be configured for connection to Wi-Fi. A software application may be provided to facilitate remote control for lighting and / or charging. The electrical plate may be configured for Bluetooth connection to facilitate remote device switching. The electrical plate may be configured for control by any IOT (internet of things) connection or NFC (near field communication) connection.

[0019] A device being wirelessly charged by the electrical plate may incorporate a screen, having data displayed thereon. For example, where the device comprises a smartphone, the screen may display a clock and / or weather information etc. Such devices often enter standby mode when not being used in order to conserve battery life, thereby causing the display to be turned off. A screen may be provided on the electrical plate for displaying data. This could be useful when the device to be charged is not connected to the electrical plate or if the device does not provide such functionality. This could display the time, a clock or other relevant information. To achieve this the electrical plate may further comprise a wireless transceiver. Where a clock is provided on the electrical plate it may further comprise a programmable alarm.

[0020] To provide additional functionality the electrical plate may include one or more USB ports, such as USB-C and USB-A. This provides an additional option of charging using a cable.

[0021] The electrical plate may further comprise an alert configured to indicate when the device to be charged and the wireless charging region are suitably aligned and functioning. The alert may be a visual and / or audial indication. The alert may be configured to generate an indication of a charging status.

[0022] The electrical plate may further comprise a motion detector, such as a passive infra-red detector or other presence detection components to detect movement.

[0023] The electrical plate of the present invention is versatile and can be mounted on any suitable wall to provide convenient charging when required. The invention finds utility in all settings including both domestic and industrial, as well as in hospitality settings.

[0024] By way of example only, embodiments of this invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:-

[0025] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an electrical plate according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a front view of the electrical plate of Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 is a front view of an electrical plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is a front view of an electrical plate according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a front view of an electrical plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] Figure 6 is the electrical plate of Figure 4 with a device connected thereto;

[0031] Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an electrical plate 10 which is configured for electrical connection to a backbox 12. The backbox 12 is designed to be recessed within an opening in a wall 14. The electrical plate 10 has a substantially square shaped face 13. On the face there is provided a generally circular wireless charging region 16 for wirelessly charging a device. An annular magnetic region 18 borders the charging region 16, the charging and magnetic regions 16, 18 being centrally disposed on the electrical plate 10. A switch 20 is provided adjacent to the magnetic region 18 for controlling operation of the charging region 16. The wireless charging region 16 of the electrical plate 10 comprises an inductive charger 22. A PCB 24 is provided with various components which serve to facilitate the supply of power to the inductive charger 22.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of electrical plate 10. This embodiment is substantially the same as the first except that the light switch 20 is co-located with the charging region 18. This may be aesthetically more pleasing and serves to maintain a minimalistic, compact arrangement.

[0033] An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 4 and 6. The electrical plate 40 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular face 43. As with the first and second embodiments a wireless charging region 46 is provided for wirelessly charging a device 26 and an annular magnetic region 48 borders the charging region 46. The charging and magnetic regions 46, 48 are provided in one half of the rectangular plate 40. Adjacent the other end, in the other half of the plate 40 there is provided an electrical socket 28 for receiving a plug 30 of an electrical item to be powered. A power switch 32 is also provided to control operation of the electrical socket 28. As best seen in Figure 6, the power socket 28 is provided adjacent the wireless charging region 46 and magnetic region 48 so that an item can be powered simultaneously when a device 26 is connected thereto.

[0034] Another embodiment is shown in Figure 5. This is similar to that of Figure 4, except that this electrical plate 50 includes two power sockets 58 and each is co-located with a charging region 56. This plate 50 also has a rectangular face 52 and is designed to enable two devices to be charged simultaneously, with the choice of wireless charging or direct mains power socket 58 connection. In this arrangement the two charging regions 56 each have an annular magnetic region 54 therearound for connecting a device to be charged. In this embodiment a switch 53 is provided for each power socket 58.

[0035] Whilst not shown, the electrical plate 10, 30, 50 may be decorative to give aesthetic appeal. For example, the plate may be finished in chrome, satin chrome, matt black, matte white etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An electrical plate for mounting to a wall, the electrical plate comprising: a wireless charging region for wirelessly charging a device; and magnetic connection means configured to engage with a corresponding magnetic part of the device so that the device can be charged.

2. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 1 , configured for electrical connection to a backbox provided in the wall.

3. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising circuitry configured to deliver current to the wireless charging and / or magnetic regions.

4. An electrical plate as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the wireless charging region comprises an inductive charger.

5. An electrical plate as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one electrical switch.

6. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one electrical switch is a light switch.

7. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 6 wherein the light switch is a rocker switch or a push-button switch.

8. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 6 wherein the light switch has a dimmer function.

9. An electrical flat plate as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the light switch is co-located with the charging region.

10. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one electrical switch is a power switch.

11. An electrical plate as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrical socket for receiving a plug of a device to be powered.

12. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the electrical socket is co-located with the charging region.

13. An electrical plate as claimed in any of the preceding claims further comprising a clock provided on the plate.

14. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 13, wherein the clock comprises a programmable alarm.

15. An electrical plate as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an alert configured to indicate when the device to be charged the wireless charging region are electrically connected.

16. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 15 wherein the alert is a visual or audio indication.

17. An electrical plate as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the alert is configured to generate an indication of a charging status.

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