GB2552202A

GB2552202A - Indication of transmission of electrical energy through cable connecting assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2552202A
Application number: GB1612201.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gan Richard
Original assignee: Connexion Electrical Ltd
Current assignee: Connexion Electrical Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-13
Filing date: 2016-07-13
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Also published as: GB201612201D0

Abstract

A cable connecting assembly 100 that comprises: a handle portion 110 with an electric socket 140 which receives a cable end; and, an indicating light source arrangement 130 which illuminates to indicate transmission of electrical energy or the application of an electrical potential. The socket 140 may comprise a covering 150. The cable 120 may be suitable for use with mains voltages (110V to 240V). The handle portion may comprise gripping arrangements 112. There may be another unit at the opposite end of the cable, potentially with an indicating light and in the form of an electrical plug (Fig. 4). The light source arrangement can include: an LED, potentially with a ballast resistor and a rectifier; a temperature detection means; and/or, different colours of light to indicate a particular operating status.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Indication of transmission of electrical energy through cable connecting assembly Abstract Title: A cable connecting assembly comprising an indicating light source (57) A cable connecting assembly 100 that comprises: a handle portion 110 with an electric socket 140 which receives a cable end; and, an indicating light source arrangement 130 which illuminates to indicate transmission of electrical energy or the application of an electrical potential. The socket 140 may comprise a covering 150. The cable 120 may be suitable for use with mains voltages (110V to 240V). The handle portion may comprise gripping arrangements 112. There may be another unit at the opposite end of the cable, potentially with an indicating light and in the form of an electrical plug (Fig. 4). The light source arrangement can include: an LED, potentially with a ballast resistor and a rectifier; a temperature detection means; and/or, different colours of light to indicate a particular operating status.

FIG. 1

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FIG. 1

FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

FIG. 4

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FIG. 5

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FIG. 6

INDICATION OF TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY THROUGH CABLE CONNECTING ASSEMBLY [001] The present disclosure generally relates to a cable connecting assembly, and more particularly to a cable connecting assembly for indicating a transmission of electrical energy therethrough and a method for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through a cable connecting assembly.

BACKGROUND [002] Conventionally, electric cable connectors are used for acquiring electrical power or transferring electric power. Often these electric cable connectors are not provided with a means for indicating the flow of electricity through them. Further, the users of electronic appliances using electric cable connectors to power the appliances, are of the dilemma if the cable connectors used is functioning properly.

[003] Furthermore, referring to a patent document, US20110189885 Al, provides connector assembly which includes a socket connector with a transformer circuit and a plug connector that is releasably fit to the socket connector. The plug connector includes a slidable power switch which controls the power supply. Further, the plug connector may comprise an ON/OFF indicator, which may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED), whereby when power is set on, the ON/OFF indicator lights up, otherwise the indicator is shut down. Similarly, the socket connector is also provided with a power indicator, which comprises an LED, whereby when the plug connector and the socket connector mate and engage each other, the indicator lights otherwise set off.

[004] Moreover, referring to a patent document, DE 202014101601 Ul, provides a connector for mounting in an electronic component. The connectors for installation in an electronic component are provided on the built-in connectors which has an interface for connection to an electrical power supply and I or at least one signal line. Characterized in that in a housing of the connector, at least one control element is integrated in order to influence at least one switching and I or operating state of the electronic component. Further, an operating element with a light-transmissive on the outside of the housing surface is provided so that a display element is incorporated herein. The light of a luminous means, such as an LED incorporated in the connector, the housing can thus radiate to be visible through the transparent surface of the operating element, to inform a user of a specific switching and I or operating condition visually.

[005] However, in the above explained, the light indicating means, for example the ON/OFF indicator or the display element are connected to a power switch or control element. Thus, the power switch or the control element may control the operation of the light indicating means.

[006] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, it is desirable to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional ways of conducting electricity through electric cable connectors. Further, there is a need to indicate its users of its proper operation of these devices without human intervention.

SUMMARY [007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cable connecting assembly for indicating a transmission of electrical energy therethrough or an electrical potential applied thereto. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through or application of an electrical potential to a cable connecting assembly. Specifically, the present disclosure is aimed to indicate flow of electricity through a coupler and/or a plug of an electrical cable connecting assembly.

[008] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cable connecting assembly for indicating a transmission of electrical energy therethrough or an electrical potential applied thereto, wherein the assembly comprises at least one unit comprising a handle portion that is operable to receive a cable end, wherein the handle portion comprises an indicating light source arrangement, and an electric socket coupled to the handle portion, wherein the electric socket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cable end; and wherein the indicating light source arrangement is operable to illuminate to indicate the transmission of electrical energy therethrough or the electrical potential applied thereto.

[009] Optionally, the indicating light source arrangement includes one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

[0010] Optionally, wherein the unit further comprises a cap coupled with the unit for covering the electric socket.

[0011] Optionally, the cable is high voltage power cable.

[0012] Optionally, the handle portion further comprises gripping arrangements.

[0013] Optionally, there are included at least two units for use with the cable, wherein each end of the cable is provided with its corresponding unit.

[0014] Optionally, the indicating light source arrangement includes a rectifier arrangement, a ballast resistor arrangement and at least one LED, wherein the ballast resistor arrangement is operable to control illuminating current flowing through the at least one LED to control light emission from the LED, and the ballast resistor arrangement is operable to change in resistance as a function of at least one of: a voltage potential developed across the ballast resistor arrangement in operation, an operating temperature of the unit, a current flowing through the unit, and wherein the rectifier arrangement is operable to ensure that direct current is provided through the LED to illuminate the LED.

[0015] Optionally, the indicating light source arrangement is operable to emit radiation having a colour indicative of an operating condition of the unit, wherein the operating condition relates to applied voltage, power transferred through the cable connection assembly and/or a temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly.

[0016] Optionally, the cable connecting assembly further comprises another unit comprising a handle portion operable to receive another cable end, wherein the handle portion comprises an indicating light source arrangement, and an electrical plug coupled to the handle portion, wherein the electrical plug comprises at least one opening for receiving the another cable end.

[0017] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through or application of an electrical potential to a cable connecting assembly, the method comprises:

allowing the transmission of electrical energy through or the application of the electrical potential to the cable connecting assembly; and indicating the transmission of electrical energy through or the application of the electrical potential by emitting radiation from an indicating light source arrangement of the cable connecting assembly.

[0018] Optionally, the indication is further based on temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and provide a cable connecting assembly for indicating a transmission of electrical energy. Furthermore, the assembly provides a secure and safe means for indicating electric transmission through cables. Moreover, LED used in the indication of transmission of electrical energy avoids generation of heat in the electrical socket during consumption of electric energy.

[0020] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0021] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of a unit of a cable connecting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the unit of FIG. 1 with a cap of the unit removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of an indicating light source arrangement of the unit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate schematic front and side views of another unit of the cable connecting assembly, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates steps of a method for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through or application of an electrical potential to a cable connecting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0025] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, have, is used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of a unit 102 of a cable connecting assembly 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The cable connecting assembly 100 is operable to indicate a transmission of electrical energy therethrough or an electrical potential applied thereto. The cable connecting assembly 100 includes at least one unit, such as the unit 102, and a cable 104.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the unit 102 includes a handle portion 110 that is operable to receive a cable end 120. The handle portion 110 includes an indicating light source arrangement 130 (best explained in conjunction with FIG. 3, herein later). Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a light emitting diode (LED) of the indicating light source arrangement 130. The unit 102 also includes an electrical socket 140 coupled to the handle portion 110. The electric socket 140 comprises at least one opening (not shown) for receiving the cable end 120.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the cable 104 may be a high voltage power cable. Specifically, the assembly 100 is associated with a 110 volts power cable and the unit 102 is associated with a power socket of such 110 volts power cable. Alternatively, the assembly 100 may be associated with a 240 volts power cable and the unit 102 may be associated with a power socket of such 240 volts power cable. The unit 102 may accordingly act as a power outlet providing electrical power supply or distribution. Further, the unit 102 may be a portable power outlet or a permanently fixed power outlet (i.e. wall-mounted power socket). The unit 102 may allow an electrically operated equipment to be connected to electricity power source (primary alternating current (AC) power supply).

[0029] In one embodiment, the handle portion 110 may include a frustoconical shape, otherwise may include a cubical or a cylindrical shape. Further, the handle portion 110 may be composed of an insulator material, for example, plastic, rubber, glass and the like. The handle portion 110 may include an opening (not shown) at one end thereof to receive the cable end 120.

[0030] In one embodiment, the handle portion 110 may comprise a gripping mechanism 112 for providing a strong grip to hold onto the handle portion 110. The gripping mechanism 112 may be provided using concentric grooves on a body of the handle portion 110. In another embodiment, the handle portion 110 may include a tab 114, perpendicularly extending from the body of the handle portion 110. The tab 114 may provide strengthened gripping of the unit 102 while sliding the unit 102 in and out with respect to a corresponding power unit.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the electric socket 140 may include a cylindrical shape, otherwise the electric socket 140 may include a cubical shape. The electric socket 140 may include general electrical components, such as neutral bus, hot bus, ground frame, screw connection or stab-in connection, capacitor, resistance, and the like.

[0032] In one embodiment, the unit 102 may further include a cap 150 coupled with the unit 102 for covering the electric socket 140. The cap 150 may be preferably mounted on the unit 102 in a moveable manner using a hinge 152. The cap 150 therefore may be moved away from the electric socket 140 and does not obstruct plugging of another corresponding unit with the electric socket 140. The cap 150 may be composed of an insulator material, for example plastic, rubber, glass and the like.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the unit 102 of FIG. 1 with the cap 150 (shown in FIG. 1) of the unit 102 removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates the electric socket 140, which may include at least one hole, such as holes 202, for providing electric connections with a corresponding unit. According to an embodiment, the holes 202 may include various shapes and sizes.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of an indicating light source arrangement 130 of the unit of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The indicating light source arrangement 130 includes a rectifier arrangement 302, a ballast resistor arrangement 304 and at least one LED 306.

[0035] The rectifier arrangement 302, the ballast resistor arrangement 304 and the at least one LED 306 are coupled in series with a voltage source 308. In an example, the rectifier arrangement 302 may be a Silicon rectifier (IN4007) and the ballast resistor 304 may be a series ballast resistor.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the indicating light source arrangement 130 may include one or more LEDs. As shown, in one embodiment, the indicating light source arrangement 130 includes a single LED 306 (as a light source). The LED 306 may extend through a perforation associated with the body of handle portion 110 of the unit 102 (as shown in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the indicating light source 130 may include plurality of LEDs extending through multiple perforations associated with the body of handle portion 110 of the unit

102. In one embodiment, the LED 306 may be a coloured LED and may include a length of 5 millimetres. Otherwise, the LED may be a surface mount LED, bi-color and multicolor LED, flashing LED, organic LED, high brightness LED and the like.

[0037] The indicating light source arrangement 130 is operable to illuminate to indicate the transmission of electrical energy through or the electrical potential applied to the cable connecting assembly 100 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0038] According to an embodiment, the ballast resistor arrangement 304 is operable to control illuminating current flowing through the at least one LED 306 to control light emission from the LED. In one embodiment, different illumination intensities may be obtained from the LED 306.

[0039] Therefore, the indicating light source arrangement 130 may be operable to emit radiation having a colour indicative of an operating condition of the unit. According to one embodiment, the operating condition relates to applied voltage, power transferred through the cable connection assembly 100 and/or a temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly 100. The ballast resistor arrangement 304 may be operable to change in resistance as a function of at least one of: a voltage potential developed across the ballast resistor arrangement in operation, an operating temperature of the unit and a current flowing through the unit. The rectifier arrangement 302 is operable to ensure that direct current is provided through the LED 306 to illuminate the LED.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the circuit for the indicating light source arrangement 130 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) operatively associated with the LED 306. The temperature sensor may enable in indicating issues with heat or increased temperature in the cable connecting assembly 100. For example, the io ballast resistor arrangement 304 may be implemented as a thermistor for such instances. Therefore, when the thermistor temperature exceeds the threshold its resistance dropped dramatically and allows increased current to drive the LED 306 and increase brightness.

[0041] In one embodiment, the circuit for the indicating light source arrangement 130 may be modified such that the LED 306 may operate at different levels or brightness of light depending on the Voltage or Power consumed (if there is a risk of overloading the unit 102). For example, zener-diodes may be added for selectively indicating different voltages. Specifically, for different power/current consumption a current sensing resistor may be used such that the voltage across the current sensing resistor controls the brightness of the LED 306.

[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate schematic front and side views of another unit 400 for a cable connecting assembly (such as cable connecting assembly 100 of FIG. 1), respectively, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment, the cable connecting assembly includes at least two units for use with the cable, and each end of the cable is provided with its corresponding unit. As shown in FIG. 4, another unit 400 having a handle portion 402 operable to receive another cable end (such as another cable end of the cable 104 of the FIG. 1). The handle portion 402 may be similar to the handle portion 110 of the FIG. 1. The handle portion includes an indicating light source arrangement 404 (such as light source arrangement 130, explained herein above). The unit 400 also includes an electrical plug 406 coupled to the handle portion 402. The electrical plug 406 includes at least one opening (not shown) for receiving another cable end.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the unit 400 includes three electric terminals 502 which extend from the handle portion 402. The three electric terminals 502 may include projections various shapes and sizes. According to an embodiment, the unit 400 may be a plugging unit which may slide into an electric socket. Specifically, the unit 400 may be a power connector for electrically operated equipment to connect the equipment to electric power source. For example, the unit 400 may be a plug of a high voltage cable, such as the cable 104 of FIG. 1, coupled to another end of the high voltage cable. Moreover, the unit 102 may be coupled to other end of the high voltage cable.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates steps of a method 600 for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through or application of an electrical potential to a cable connecting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art would recognize that the method 600 illustrates steps involved in the operation of the cable connecting assembly 100, explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1-5.

[0045] At step 602, the transmission of electrical energy through or the application of the electrical potential to the cable connecting assembly is allowed.

[0046] At step 604, the transmission of electrical energy through or the application of the electrical potential is indicated by emitting radiation from an indicating light source arrangement of the cable connecting assembly.

[0047] The steps 602 and 604 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the indication of step 604 may be further based on temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly.

Claims

1. A cable connecting assembly for indicating a transmission of electrical energy therethrough or an electrical potential applied thereto, wherein the assembly comprises at least one unit comprising a handle portion that is operable to receive a cable end, wherein the handle portion comprises an indicating light source arrangement, and an electric socket coupled to the handle portion, wherein the electric socket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cable end; and wherein the indicating light source arrangement is operable to illuminate to indicate the transmission of electrical energy therethrough or the electrical potential applied thereto.

2. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the indicating light source arrangement includes one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

3. A cable connecting assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the unit further comprises a cap coupled with the unit for covering the electric socket.

4. A cable connecting assembly according to any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the cable is high voltage power cable.

5. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion further comprises gripping arrangements.

6. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein there are included at least two units for use with the cable, wherein each end ofthe cable is provided with its corresponding unit.

7. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the indicating light source arrangement includes a rectifier arrangement, a ballast resistor arrangement and at least one LED, wherein the ballast resistor arrangement is operable to control illuminating current flowing through the at least one LED to control light emission from the LED, and the ballast resistor arrangement is operable to change in resistance as a function of at least one of: a voltage potential developed across the ballast resistor arrangement in operation, an operating temperature of the unit, a current flowing through the unit, and wherein the rectifier arrangement is operable to ensure that direct current is provided through the LED to illuminate the LED.

8. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the indicating light source arrangement is operable to emit radiation having a colour indicative of an operating condition of the unit, wherein the operating condition relates to applied voltage, power transferred through the cable connection assembly and/or a temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly.

9. A cable connecting assembly according to claim 6, 7 or 8, further comprising another unit comprising a handle portion operable to receive another cable end, wherein the handle portion comprises an indicating light source arrangement, and an electrical plug coupled to the handle portion, wherein the electrical plug comprises at least one opening for receiving the another cable end.

10. A method for indicating a transmission of electrical energy through or application of an electrical potential to a cable connecting assembly, the method comprising:

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the cable connecting assembly comprises at least one unit comprising a handle portion that is operable to receive a cable end, wherein the handle portion comprises the indicating light source arrangement, and an electric socket coupled to the handle portion, wherein the electric socket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cable end.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the indication is further based on temperature of operation of the cable connecting assembly.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1612201.2

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